Refrigerators can come with all sorts of bells and whistles, but the most popular is a built-in ice maker. The idea of having ice on demand to add to drinks, make smoothies, blanch vegetables, or fill up a cooler is appealing, especially if it means never having to fill another ice tray ever again. Ice makers also typically include water dispensers, giving you quick access to cold, clean drinking water at any time.
But buying a refrigerator with an ice maker also means dealing with more components and parts that could break down, potentially resulting in pricey repairs. What’s more, the ice-making mechanism can take up precious space in the fridge, which could lead to a cramped crisper. And there’s another potential issue.
Because water dispenser attachments need a direct connection to the home’s water supply, not all kitchens will be set up for easy installation. While on the hunt for the best refrigerators , you may wonder if it’s worth buying a fridge with a built-in ice maker, given those added costs and tradeoffs. We talked to Shirley Hood, appliance specialist at Abt , a national retailer of electronics and appliances, to better understand the pros and cons of these appliances.
1. Convenience Upgrading your refrigerator with one that has a built-in ice maker won’t change your life, but it can save you time, especially if you’re fed up with continually refilling ice trays and drinking unfiltered tap water. Automatic ice makers continually make new cubes that .