A refrigerator is the most essential electric product which is used to keep food fresh for a longer time by limiting dangerous germ attacks. It runs 24 hours a day and we store almost every food item in it. Starting from vegetables, meat, dairy products & frozen products to ready-made food within a specific temperature for longer life. It’s a necessary appliance for every kitchen.
Nowadays, modern brands have introduced digital refrigerators with some advanced features to provide a multi-functional appliance experience within one purchase. The idea of an ice maker and water dispenser attached to a refrigerator can surely be tempting for many people. However, these features take up a lot of space inside the refrigerator. This is why traditional models without ice makers and water dispensers are best for storage space.
Thus, we bring you this detailed guide on the best refrigerators without icemakers and water dispensers in the market available today.
| Model | Essential Attributes |
|---|---|
| SMETA Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator | 1. Outstanding fridge and freezer capacity 2. LED lighting for easy visibility 3. 5 shelves of a compartment 4. Tempered glass & finger resistant |
| Kenmore 30″ Top–Freezer Refrigerator | 1. Sufficient fridge and freezer capacity 2. LED lighting 3. Gallon door bins 4. Bottom plastic drawers for humidity control |
| Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator | 1. 4 door design, 2 crisper drawers, 2 pull out freezer drawers and 4 pull out freezer bins 2. Adjustable glass shelves 3. LED lighting 4. Access Control Panel |
| Haier 15 cu.ft French Door Refrigerator | 1. Capacity of 15 cubic feet 2. Touch electronic temperature operator 3. LED interior light 4. Instant cooling feature |
| Samsung RF261BEAESR | 1. Moderate fridge and freezer capacity 2. Twin Cooling System 3. Multi Airflow 4. Highly efficient LED |
The 5 Best Refrigerators Without Ice Makers of 2024
Now that we have established our top contenders for refrigerators without ice makers and water dispensers, let us peek inside each of the wonderful products in depth. Read on.
1. SMETA Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator: Best Overall
By far the best on our list is the SMETA Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. This one gigantic refrigerator offers ample storage space as well as extra freezer capacity. Weighing approximately 293 pounds and dimensions of 35.8L x 30.8W x 69.9H inches, this unit includes a stainless steel finish and a sleek design that is bound to catch your attention. This is a French door refrigerator featuring an enormous 20.7 cubic feet capacity. We believe this capacity is more than enough to store food items in an easy and reliable manner. SMETA is equipped with an inverter compressor inside which aids in ensuring that the food stored stays cooled at the designated temperature. The upper part of the compartment regulates the temperatures of 36°F – 46°F which helps keep foods, fruits, vegetables, drinks, and seasonings fresh and well organized. The bottom part is actually a freezer that preserves frozen products. SMETA also features adjustable shelves and LED lighting ensures vivid visibility. The LED touch display takes accurate readings that maintain the temperature of an item. The outer body is stainless with a finely polished touch that protects it while simultaneously preventing the upfront heating of the product.
It is vital to mention this product is capable of making ice cubes by simply including water. However, it is devoid of water dispensers. But ice production is slow. If an individual is using ice throughout the day, the refrigerator cannot keep up. Since this is not only one of the best refrigerators without water dispensers in the market but also one of the most reviewed refrigerators, we have kept this as the best overall for our list. If you are in need of the best refrigerator without water dispensers and this has a technically useless automated icemaker, just go with SMETA Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. The features along with the warranty period more than ensuring the price paid to be deserving of the product.
Key Takeaways:
- Freezer capacity 6 cu feet, fridge capacity 14.7 cu feet & overall capacity 20 cubic feet
- Weight 293 pounds
- Dimensions of 35.8 x 30.8 x 69.9 inches
- Minimal noise of 45 dB due to inverter compressor
- 3D LED lighting
- 5 shelves of a compartment
- Automated ice maker
- Tempered glass & finger resistant
- Stainless outer body
Pros:
- Highly efficient
- The bottom two-compartment provides wider storage
- The upper compartment has enough for food items and vegetables
- Spacious counter depth shelves
- Defrost, auto freeze, open door alarm, and other settings
- Easy to wipe
- The warranty period of a 1 year
Cons:
- Ice maker is not reliable
- No prior installation service
2. Kenmore 30″ Top-Freezer Refrigerator: Best Budget
If you seek a budget alternative but sacrifice much space for the room, Kenmore is at your service. Particularly, the Kenmore 30″ Top-Freezer Refrigerator makes for an excellent choice. This refrigerator, rocking a stainless steel finish type, has a moderate opening and spacious interior. We think it provides sufficient space for storing foods, groceries, meat, and other items. The form factor and configuration of this unit is a freezer on top. It can accommodate a fresh food capacity of 13.2 cubic feet of premium refrigeration space in a smooth, basic structure. The upwards compartment is the freezer and it has a capacity of 5.07 cubic feet. Moreover, the top mount freezer refrigerator, housing a capacity of 18 cubic feet, provides ample storage for fresh and frozen items which is suitable for an entire family. The Kenmore 30-inch top-door refrigerator consists of adjustable split shelves for customizable food storage. This also ensures simple access and effortless withdrawal of food items. Probably the best aspect of the refrigerator is the convenient storage. Here, the gallon door bins provide space for taller and wider food as well beverage items, whereas the utility bin offers access to other foods. The frost-free freezer feature prevents a build-up of ice in the interior walls and helps to alleviate freezer burn. A humidity controller inside the bins helps to keep the vegetables and fruits fresh. Long-lasting LED lighting grants maximum visibility to let the user find what they are looking for quickly. Other features include easy-to-grip handles and garage-ready construction which allows you to put the refrigerator in a place that is as cool as 39 degrees Fahrenheit without the need for any additional adapters.
Finally, rest assured that this is a highly dispensable, proficient, and durable electronic product. Not to mention, it is our budget pick as it harbors excellent user-friendly traits. Hence, it is in our second selection of the best refrigerators without ice makers and water dispensers.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimensions – 32.4 x 29.76 x 65.98 inches
- Weight 183 pounds
- The capacity of 18 Cubic Feet, fridge capacity of 13.12 cubic feet, and freezer 5.07 cubic feet.
- High humidity controller in the shelves and bins
- Operates at 110 Volts
- Stainless steel finish
- Long-lasting LED lighting
Pros:
- Convenient storage
- The bottom freezer has a large compartment
- Adjustable split shelves for more storage
- Gallon sized door bins for easy access
- Prevents ice build-up and freeze burn
- LED lighting ensures maximum visibility
- The active finish interior is durable
- Fingerprint-resistant
- Easy to wipe clean
- One year warranty period
Cons:
- No inverter compressor
3. Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator: Best Premium
Looking for a premium refrigerator that does not have ice makers and water dispensers in them? Enter the Frigidaire 4 Door Refrigerator. As the name suggests, the front of this French Door refrigerator is a 4 door design enabling you to easily store and arrange fresh and frozen foods. Weighing in 240 pounds, this 17.4 cubic feet capacity refrigerator, fridge capacity of 11.9 cubic feet, and a freezer capacity of 5.5 cubic feet, features adjustable freezer storage. Bottom bin space is no concern as there are 4 pull-out freezer bins as well 2 pull freezer drawers. Also adjustable are glass shelves. Users can customize this refrigerator with 2 Spacewise adjustable glass shelves. There are 2 crisper drawers that are suitable to keep your vegetables and fruits inside.2 gallon-size bins further help to store beverages and other liquid foods. Frigidaire has developed TwinTech dual evaporators which help to conserve frozen foods. There are a few extra features. It is easy to adjust refrigerator and freezer settings by conveniently using the exterior door of the refrigerator. Another is the LED lighting for clarity when taking out food.
The thing we like most about Frigidaire is the prior installation service. The service provider will not only provide all the essential heavy-lifting chores but also ensure the unboxing and installation of the product in the room of your choice.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimension – 25.75 x 32.81 x 70 inches
- Weight 240 lbs
- Capacity 17.4 cubic feet, food capacity 11.9 cubic feet, and freezer capacity 5.5 cubic feet
- Form Factor – French Door
- The front has 4 door design
- Brushed steel finish
- 2 crisper drawers, 2 pull out freezer drawers and 4 pull out freezer bins
- LED lighting
- TwinTech Dual Evaporators
- Access Control Panel
- Operates at 115 Volts
Pros:
- 2 crisper drawers help preserve the freshness of vegetables and fruits
- 4 freezer bins and 2 freezer drawers ensure adjustable freezer storage
- Digital display in the exterior
- Variety of refrigerator settings
- Adjustable glass shelves
- Designed to accommodate small spaces
- LED lighting ensures vivid visibility
- One year warranty period
- Prior installation service
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Somewhat odd are the 2 shelves
- Lack of compartment indicates foods need to be stored upon one another
- No light at the bottom freezer
4. Haier HRF15N3AGS French-door Refrigerator: Best For a Small Family
The Haier HRF15N3AGS French-door Refrigerator is one of the best options for a family of 3-4 people who also seek one of the best refrigerators without ice makers and water dispensers. This french door refrigerator has a storage capacity of 15 cubic feet ensuring users have sufficient storage to store vegetables, fruits, and other perishable foods. Moreover, it has two separate refrigeration systems. One compartment is used to store chilled food like milk and juice whereas the other store’s food such as meat and fish. Both units function independently of each other. This allows users to store a variety of foods at ideal temperatures which are achieved by the touch control panel on the front door. The temperature can only be controlled using one-degree increments. This is done in order to keep foods and vegetables at their ideal temperature. The primary storage area maintains an average temperature of 36.55°F at the top, 36.62°F in the middle, and 38.31°F down by the crisper. Many full-sized refrigerators almost never achieve such numbers. The glass shelves and gliding drawers are adjustable and mobile by nature.
The Haier HRF15N3AGS French-door Refrigerator has an extra cooling boost feature when a user opens and shuts down the fridge door. This activation happens instantly to keep both the fridge and freezer instantly cool. A bright LED lighting illuminates groceries and the clean white walls. The Haier is compact and the internal storage space is well. There are various settings such as an automatic defrost cycle which keeps things running smoothly throughout the year. This appliance is also user-friendly with adjustable glass shelves and gliding drawers. These shelves and drawers may be moved around. They may simply be glided according to the user’s preference. Wide shelves in the fridge are padded by the lone crisper drawer, as well as six bucket shelves on the doors. However, most of that space is pretty much stuck where it is. The main caveat here is that none of the shelves can hold gallon containers. Users will either have to purchase half-gallon jugs or store full gallon bins inside the main section. Also, many users have reported the crisper does not retain much humidity. Since it is fairly small, you won’t be able to store much here anyway.
You cannot go wrong with the Haier HRF15N3AGS French-door Refrigerator. This is a very affordable counter depth, the 4-door designed form factor of French-door with a stainless finish. Coming across such a product at a very decent price is sort of rare.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimensions are 26.5 x 28 x 71 inches
- Weight is 201 lbs
- The capacity of 15 cubic feet
- Touch electronic temperature operator
- Adjustable glass shelves and drawers
- LED interior light
- Instant cooling feature
- Stainless steel body that serves as a protective barrier
Pros:
- 15 cubic feet capacity is sufficient for a family of 3–4 people
- The freezer has two compartments providing extra space
- Adjustable glass shelves for flexibility
- Instant cooling to retain temperature
- The frontal touch control board
- ACCU-CHILL maintains the ideal temperature inside the fridge
- Automated defrost cycle
- LED lighting ensures bright visibility
- Stainless steel for protection
- Certified as energy efficient
- One year of warranty
Cons:
- Capacity is not sufficient for a family of over 4 people
- Bucket shelves are not wide enough to hold gallon jugs
- Crisper cannot hold on to ideal humidity
5. Samsung RF261BEAESR French Door Refrigerator: Best Budget Alternative
The Samsung RF261BEAESR French Door Refrigerator is a budget-friendly alternative. It is an 18 cubic feet counter depth refrigerator that is not only sleek in design but comes with a stainless finish for scratch-free protection. This electronic appliance has separate compartments both for the fridge and the freezer. The freezer is located at the bottom which is reliable for frozen food items. The fridge capacity is 11.7 cubic feet while the freezer has 5.72 cubic feet of storage. Moreover, there are sliding doors for convenience. Users can just open the door and slide it back into place for adjustability. There are hefty tonnes of features for the Samsung RF261BEAESR refrigerator. For starters, it has a twin cooling plus system. This enables the fridge and the freezer to operate at different temperatures. The fridge is kept at a higher humidity level in order to help preserve food and vegetables and also prevent them from spoiling. However, inside the freezer, the temperature is kept at a lower humidity level for less freezer burn and to ensure the frozen food components are well maintained. The next feature is highly efficient LED lighting. This is radiant enough to lighten up the interior and the corners. Users can quickly spot and pick their desired food items. This refrigerator is incredibly efficient. The storage capacity is 18 cubic feet which are perfectly suitable to store and preserve food items easily and conveniently. Like most refrigeration appliances out there, it comes equipped with adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers. These enable the cleanup more efficiently and effectively. The user can easily accommodate and make room for a large number of groceries with the help of these adjusting shelves. The drawers can be auto pulled out and slided for easy access.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimensions – 75 x 38 x 36 inches
- Weight of 291 pounds
- The capacity of 26 cubic feet, the storage capacity of 18 cubic feet
- French door refrigerator
- Twin Cooling System
- Highly efficient LED light
- Robust counter-depth design
- Multi Airflow
- Stainless Steel
Pros:
- Very good capacity for storage for a family of 5-6 people
- Separate compartments for both the fridge and the freezer
- Adjustable glass shelves, drawers as well as sliding bins
- Easy to clean and accommodate items
- Frozen items can separately be kept with ease at the required temperature
- Twin Cooling System for setting different temperatures
- Certified as energy efficient
- One year warranty period
Cons:
- Design is kind of poor
- Noise can be rather loud
Advantages of Water Dispenser
There are two notable merits to buying a refrigerator consisting of a water dispenser. To be frank, these are big advantages as well.
There is no denying that adding water dispensers as well as ice makers serve as a great added bonus when implemented inside a refrigerator. Just the mere thought of being able to fill up a glass with water or cubed ice is a plus for almost all people. Considering this simplistic and easy access may well just motivate your entire family to drink sufficient water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated. Nowadays, manufacturers design the water dispenser so that containers can be filled. Moreover, there is an automated ice maker meaning ice is being made automatically. Users no longer have to monitor the ice supply every two days to check if water needs to be refilled. Furthermore, in the most updated models, users have the option to add carbon dioxide to make sparkling water.
Next, as almost all refrigerators are now equipped with either an interior or exterior water filter, the ice and the drinking water often do taste better. In some ways, it is more healthy than the water from the kitchen sink. While it is not a great concern as many regions have drinking water coming out of the faucet that is quite good, however in other regions, this simple filter found in the refrigerator is all it takes to make water and ice taste much better. The filter systems are generally okay but not super sophisticated. Having said that, these refrigerator filters do generally capture some dangerous contaminants, such as lead and mercury, which can be a relief for many people.
Do you need a refrigerator with an automated ice maker and water dispenser?
Short answer – nope. There are lots of disadvantages that tag along when buying refrigerators with ice makers and water dispensers. Purchasing a new fridge is an enormous investment and typically done in the hope of relying on it for many years to come. Choosing the type of water dispenser and ice maker can be a daunting task. At the end of the day, choosing between interior and external dispensers is completely based on personal preference. However, be advised that automatic ice makers and water dispensers add at the bare least $200 to the cost of the appliance and in many instances, a lot more should you opt for sparkling or other hot water, cubed ice, or crushed can ice options. As a result, it yields a higher cost of operation. We are looking at the very least $25 per year for extra electricity. Furthermore, a $50 to $100 annually for the replacement of filters. A plumber may also be required to make water hookups because these refrigerators are harder for DIYers to install. In addition, refrigerators with ice makers and water dispensers require more user maintenance. The water and ice will eventually deteriorate in terms of taste and freshness unless you frequently change the filters. Also, it is reported that many users found that it is essential to shut down the refrigerator in order to thaw the water lines occasionally when they become frozen. All these can be a drag for a consumer. To add to the misery, refrigerators with ice makers and water dispensers do harbor the tendency to break down a lot. From time to time, you are more likely to pay for repair bills. Assuming that your water supply is not very good tasting and hence you want to opt for refrigerators with water dispensers. However, you could be very well disappointed at the little improvement that is brought forth by the barebones filtration system in a refrigerator. The basic single-stage filters inside these refrigerators don’t improve water as much as multi-staged filters.
Lastly, take note that the storage capacity is always reduced inside refrigerators that come equipped with ice and water dispensers since these mechanisms must be implemented inside.
Our Top Pick
Assuming after evaluation from reading about the merits and demerits of refrigerators with water dispensers and ice makers, you could be considering purchasing one without these features. In that case, look no further than our top pick – SMETA Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. Considering its overall market price, for some people it might be a huge expensive prospect. However, the features welcomed with this kitchen product, always ensure the price paid is worthy of the product.
Conclusion
Thus concludes our in-depth product details for the best refrigerators without ice makers and water dispensers. Based on our research, there are not that many refrigerator appliances without both ice makers and water dispensers. In many instances, it is found that even if a refrigerator may not have a water dispenser, it will have a built-in ice maker either at the front or inside. Thus selecting these products was a real challenge. If you don’t need an ice maker or water dispenser, our selection of products are an exceptional choice for your kitchen space, especially considering you are running on a tight budget. We are glad we could present you with the best refrigerators without ice makers and water dispensers.
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