As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions never affect our picks. Read our affiliate disclaimer.
The best refrigerator without ice maker gives you more freezer space, no water line to install and one less part that can leak or fail. It is a smart choice for renters, garages, homes without a nearby water supply and anyone who uses ice trays.
We compared refrigerators on Amazon whose listings show no factory ice maker, or list the ice maker as optional or sold separately.
Quick Answer: The Best Refrigerator Without Ice Maker
- Best OverallKenmore 18.1 Top Mount Steel
- Best French DoorAvanti 17.5 30" French Door
- Best Garage ReadyFrigidaire 18.3 Garage Ready
- Most EfficientVerona 18.1 Top Freezer
- Best Bottom FreezerWhirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer
- Best Upgrade OptionKenmore 20.5 33" Top Mount
Kenmore 18.1 is the best refrigerator without ice maker for most homes: a simple ENERGY STAR top freezer with edge-to-edge glass shelves. Avanti 17.5 is an efficient French door that is ice-maker ready, Frigidaire 18.3 is garage ready, Verona 18.1 lists 366 kWh, Whirlpool 18.5 is a bottom freezer and Kenmore 20.5 has an optional ice maker.
Best Refrigerator Without Ice Maker Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 18.1 Top Mount Steel | Best Overall | 30-inch top freezer | No ice maker, ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| Avanti 17.5 30" French Door | Best French Door | 30-inch French door, bottom freezer | Ice maker sold separately | Check Price |
| Frigidaire 18.3 Garage Ready | Best Garage Ready | 30-inch top freezer, garage ready | Ice maker ready | Check Price |
| Verona 18.1 Top Freezer | Most Efficient | 30-inch top freezer | 366 kWh/year | Check Price |
| Whirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer | Best Bottom Freezer | 30-inch bottom freezer | 18.5 cu ft | Check Price |
| Kenmore 20.5 33" Top Mount | Best Upgrade Option | 33-inch top freezer | Optional ice maker | Check Price |
The 6 Refrigerators We Recommend
Measure the opening width, height and depth, plus the door swing and the path through your entry doors, before you order a full-size refrigerator. Specs below come from each Amazon listing.
1. Kenmore 18.1 Cu. Ft. 30" Top-Mount Refrigerator, Fingerprint-Resistant Metallic Steel
1. Kenmore is simple.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most-reviewed top freezer here
- Fingerprint-resistant
- Gallon bin
- Humidity crispers
Cons
- No ice maker
- Standard depth
- Metallic steel is not stainless
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.1 cu ft
- Dimensions: 29.72" W x 30.12" D x 66.14" H (listed)
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant metallic steel
- Shelves: Edge-to-edge glass
- Crispers: Humidity-controlled
- Ratings: 318 on Amazon
Kenmore’s 18.1 cubic foot top mount in fingerprint-resistant metallic steel is the most-reviewed full-size top freezer we found.
Glass shelves.
2. Avanti FFFDS175L3S 17.5 Cu. Ft. 30" French Door Refrigerator, Frost Free
2. Avanti is efficient.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ENERGY STAR
- No dispenser to maintain
- 30-inch width
- Low listed energy
Cons
- Ice maker not included
- Basic features
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.5 cu ft (12.4 fridge + 5.1 freezer)
- Dimensions: 29" W x 29.5" D x 69" H (listed)
- Energy: 327 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Ice: Ice maker ready (sold separately)
- Shelves: 3 adjustable glass shelves
- Crispers: 2 clear crispers
Avanti’s 30-inch French door is a simple, ENERGY STAR model with no water dispenser and an ice maker kit option.
327 kWh.
3. Frigidaire FFHT1835VS 18.3 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator, Stainless, Garage Ready
3. Frigidaire handles garages.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Garage ready per listing
- EvenTemp cooling
- Gallon door bins
- Stainless finish
Cons
- Ice maker not included
- Few reviews
- Standard depth
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.3 cu ft (13.4 fridge + 4.9 freezer)
- Dimensions: 30" W x 30.37" D x 66.37" H (listed)
- Cooling: EvenTemp
- Ice: Ice maker ready
- Crispers: Humidity-controlled
- Use: Garage ready (listed)
Frigidaire’s FFHT1835VS is a stainless 18.3 cubic foot top freezer listed as garage ready.
EvenTemp.
4. Verona VEFTF3018RSL 30" Top Freezer Refrigerator 18.1 Cu Ft
4. Verona saves energy.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low listed energy use
- Recessed handles
- Under 67 in. tall
- Gallon door storage
Cons
- Few reviews
- Stainless look, not steel
- No ice maker
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.1 cu ft (13.8 fresh + 4.3 freezer)
- Dimensions: 29.5" W x 31.1" D x 66.6" H (listed)
- Energy: 366 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Defrost: Total no frost
- Storage: Gallon door bins, humidity crispers
- Handle: Recessed
Verona’s 18.1 cubic foot top freezer lists 366 kWh a year and ENERGY STAR, with recessed handles and gallon door bins.
Recessed handles.
5. Whirlpool WRB329DMBM 18.5 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Stainless
5. Whirlpool keeps food at eye level.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- FreshFlow produce preserver
- SpillGuard shelves
- ENERGY STAR
- Whirlpool service network
Cons
- Standard depth
- No ice maker listed
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.5 cu ft
- Dimensions: 29.63" W x 33.35" D x 67" H (listed)
- Shelves: SpillGuard glass
- Produce: FreshFlow produce preserver
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
- Finish: Stainless steel
Whirlpool’s WRB329DMBM uses a FreshFlow produce preserver and SpillGuard shelves in a 30-inch bottom-freezer design.
SpillGuard.
6. Kenmore 20.5 Cu. Ft. 33" Top-Mount Refrigerator, Black, ENERGY STAR
6. Kenmore lets you add ice later.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ice maker option
- Humidity crispers
- ENERGY STAR
- Good review count
Cons
- Needs 33-inch opening
- Ice maker sold separately
- Black shows dust
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 20.5 cu ft
- Dimensions: 32.68" W x 30.75" D x 66.38" H (listed)
- Ice: Optional ice maker
- Crispers: 2 humidity-controlled, dairy drawer
- Lighting: LED
- Ratings: 165 on Amazon
Kenmore’s 33-inch top mount offers 20.5 cubic feet, humidity crispers and an optional ice maker.
33 in.
How We Chose the Best Refrigerator Without Ice Maker
To choose the best refrigerator without ice maker, we compared full-size refrigerators sold on Amazon in the U.S. on total capacity, outside width, depth and height, door layout, freezer location, ice and water features, listed energy use, ENERGY STAR status and warranty. We checked whether each model is standard depth or counter depth, whether the ice maker and water dispenser are inside or on the door, and how much clearance the doors need. We read owner reviews for recurring problems such as ice maker failures, uneven cooling, noisy fans and delivery damage, and we left out listings whose specifications contradicted themselves.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Refrigerator Without Ice Maker
More freezer space
No ice maker frees a shelf.
No water line
Easier installation.
Fewer repairs
Ice makers and valves are common repair parts.
Ice-maker ready
Lets you add one later.
Measure the path, not just the opening
Check doorways, hallways and turns on the delivery route. Many full-size refrigerators are about 30 to 36 inches deep with doors, and removing doors or handles may be needed to get through narrow entries.
Leave room for air and hinges
Manufacturers usually ask for a small gap at the top, sides and back for airflow, plus extra space on the hinge side so doors can open far enough for crisper drawers to slide out.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Use silicone ice trays. Easy release.
- Store ice in a bin. Keeps it fresh.
- Check if a kit fits. For later upgrades.
- Keep the freezer at 0°F. Food safety.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best refrigerator without ice maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best refrigerator without ice maker?
Kenmore 18.1 for most homes and Avanti 17.5 for a French door.
Why buy a fridge without an ice maker?
More space, no water line and fewer repairs.
Can I add an ice maker later?
If the fridge is ice-maker ready.
Do fridges without ice makers use less energy?
Often a little less.
Is a no-ice-maker fridge good for garages?
Yes, especially garage-ready models.
How much clearance does a refrigerator need?
Follow the installation guide for your model; many ask for about an inch at the top and back and enough room on the hinge side for the doors to open fully.
How long should a new refrigerator run before I add food?
Many manufacturers suggest waiting several hours, and some up to 24 hours, for the fridge and freezer to reach set temperature before loading groceries.
Final Verdict
Kenmore 18.1 is the best refrigerator without ice maker for most homes, with Avanti 17.5 for a French door and Frigidaire 18.3 for garages. Skip the water line with the best refrigerator without ice maker.
Related Guides
More refrigerator research from Best Refrigerator Deals:
Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
