Not every household wants a built-in ice maker. Skipping it avoids a water line, cuts down on parts that can leak or clog, and leaves more room in the freezer for food. Plenty of buyers use trays or a countertop ice maker and prefer a refrigerator that is simple, quiet and easy to repair. A plain freezer can be an advantage.
The six refrigerators below are sold without a built-in ice maker, across top freezer and bottom freezer layouts. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm that the exact listing is the no-ice version, because some lines offer both options. Also confirm the size and door swing before you order. Without a water line, installation is simpler, which suits rentals and older homes.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| No water line | Installation is simpler and there is less to leak |
| Freezer space | Without an ice bin you get more room for food |
| Ice-ready option | Some models can add a kit later if you change your mind |
| Frost-free | Automatic defrosting saves chores |
Specs at a Glance
| Refrigerator | Layout | Ice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Top-Freezer | Top freezer | None | Classic layout |
| Hotpoint Top-Freezer | Top freezer | None | Simple GE-family brand |
| LG Top-Freezer | Top freezer | None | Modern styling |
| Beko Bottom-Freezer | Bottom freezer | None | Slimmer European-style |
| Fisher and Paykel ActiveSmart | Bottom freezer | None on many versions | Check the listing |
| Kenmore Bottom-Freezer | Bottom freezer | None on some versions | Familiar brand |
The 6 Best Refrigerators Without Ice Makers
1. Frigidaire Top-Freezer Refrigerator
A classic top-freezer from Frigidaire, with a full-width fresh food section and a straightforward freezer above. Many versions are sold without an ice maker.
Suits: practical kitchens. Strengths: simple and roomy. Weaknesses: bending for low shelves. Skip it if you like an eye-level fridge.
View Frigidaire Top-Freezer Refrigerator on Amazon
2. Hotpoint Top-Freezer Refrigerator
A no-frills top-freezer from Hotpoint, a brand in the GE family. It focuses on basic cooling with few extra features.
Suits: rentals and basements. Strengths: a plain design. Weaknesses: few extras. Skip it if you want smart features.
View Hotpoint Top-Freezer Refrigerator on Amazon
3. LG Top-Freezer Refrigerator
A top-freezer from LG, with a more modern look than many basic models. It brings the brand’s finish choices to a simple layout.
Suits: style-aware buyers. Strengths: clean styling. Weaknesses: versions vary. Skip it if you want a more basic unit.
View LG Top-Freezer Refrigerator on Amazon
4. Beko Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
A bottom-freezer from a European-style brand that sells slimmer models for tight spaces. The fridge sits at eye level, with a freezer drawer below.
Suits: narrow kitchens. Strengths: a slimmer shape. Weaknesses: modest capacity. Skip it if you need lots of freezer room.
View Beko Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator on Amazon
5. Fisher and Paykel ActiveSmart Bottom-Freezer
A bottom-freezer from a design-focused brand, with a reputation for quiet, thoughtful engineering. Check each listing for ice options.
Suits: design-minded buyers. Strengths: quiet and tidy. Weaknesses: versions differ. Skip it if you want a basic brand.
View Fisher and Paykel ActiveSmart Bottom-Freezer on Amazon
6. Kenmore Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
A bottom-freezer from Kenmore, with the fridge at eye level and a freezer drawer below. Some versions are sold without an ice maker.
Suits: traditional kitchens. Strengths: a familiar brand. Weaknesses: check the ice option. Skip it if you want a French door.
View Kenmore Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Keep a few ice trays or a countertop ice maker on hand.
- Wipe the freezer interior now and then to prevent odors.
- Leave air space around the unit.
- Level the feet and check the door seals.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a model has no ice maker without checking.
- Ordering the ice-ready version when you do not need it.
- Forgetting a plan for ice, such as trays.
- Ignoring door swing.
No Ice Maker Refrigerator FAQ
Why skip the ice maker?
It saves space and avoids leaks, plus there is no water line to install or maintain.
Can I add one later?
Some models accept a kit, but not all do. Check compatibility on the listing.
What about ice for parties?
Silicone trays, bagged ice or a small countertop ice maker work well.
Is it easier to repair?
Often yes, since there are fewer moving parts and no water valve.
Does a no-ice model save energy?
It can, since there is no heater or motor for an ice maker, but the difference is usually small. Compare the energy information on each listing.
What if I change my mind?
Pick a model that is ice-maker-ready if you might add one. Otherwise, a countertop ice maker is an easy later upgrade without touching the refrigerator.
How should I store ice trays?
Use covered silicone trays on a flat freezer shelf and transfer cubes to a lidded bin, which keeps them from absorbing freezer odors.
Do I need a drain or special outlet?
No. A no-ice refrigerator plugs into a standard grounded outlet and needs no plumbing, which is why it works well in apartments and older kitchens.
The Short Version
For a classic layout, the Frigidaire. For a no-frills unit, the Hotpoint. For modern styling, the LG. For a slim shape, the Beko. For quiet design, the Fisher and Paykel. For a familiar brand, the Kenmore.