Updated Oct 19, 2026· 12 min read

Key takeaways

  • Measure the path in. A 36-inch refrigerator at 35.75 inches wide leaves very little room through a 36-inch doorway; remove doors if needed.
  • Check the water line. Confirm there is a cold-water supply with a shutoff valve within reach, and leave a loop of tubing for pulling the refrigerator out.
  • Confirm the outlet. The Café lists a 120-volt, 15-amp requirement; use a grounded outlet, not an extension cord.
  • Plan for door swing. Use the open-door depth in the spec sheet, not just the cabinet depth.
  • Flush the first batches. Throw away the first few batches of ice and run several gallons of water through the dispenser so the new filter flushes out carbon fines.
  • Allow time to start. A new unit may take 12 to 24 hours to begin producing ice, so do not assume it is faulty on day one.

The best French door refrigerator with an ice maker for most households is the LG LRFXC2606S, a 36-inch counter-depth model with dual ice makers, while the Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ is the pick for a standard-depth model with an in-door ice and water dispenser at a gentler budget. If you want a spherical slow-melt ice option, look at the LG LRMVS3006S; for smart-home features and a beverage center, the Samsung Bespoke RF29BB8900AC; and for a counter-depth look with an internal dispenser, the Café CWE23SP2MS1.

Ice makers are the part of a modern refrigerator that most often generates service calls, so this guide looks beyond capacity and finish. It compares seven real models by cubic feet, depth and cutout, number and type of ice makers, dispenser style, and the ownership realities that matter after the warranty ends. Specifications come from manufacturer and retailer listings, which sometimes differ on depth and height; always check the installation guide for your exact model before measuring a kitchen.

Quick comparison of the seven picks

Pick Best for Total capacity Ice maker setup Width Depth (with handles) Dispenser
LG LRFXC2606S Best overall, counter-depth 25.5 cu ft Dual: door plus freezer 35.75 in 31.63 in External ice and water
LG LRMVS3006S Best large capacity, craft ice 29.5 cu ft Dual, with Craft Ice spheres 35.75 in 39.13 in External
Samsung RF29BB8900AC Best smart features 28.6 cu ft Dual: cubed and Ice Bites 35.75 in About 34.25 in Beverage Center
Café CWE23SP2MS1 Best counter-depth style 23.1 cu ft Single, factory-installed 35.75 in 31.25 in Internal water
GE Profile PFE28KYNFS Best for entertaining 27.7 cu ft In-door; second maker optional 35.75 in 36.25 in External, AutoFill
Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ Best value standard-depth 24.5 cu ft Single, in refrigerator section 35.63 in 34.63 in External ice and water
Samsung RF27CG5010S9 Best budget dual-ice counter-depth About 27 cu ft Dual auto ice maker 36 in class Counter-depth No through-door water

Prices span from the mid-range for the Whirlpool and Samsung RF27CG5010S9 to the premium tier for the LG LRMVS3006S and the Samsung Bespoke, with the others in between. Retailer prices move often with promotions, so this guide uses tiers rather than fixed figures.

Best overall: LG LRFXC2606S counter-depth MAX

LG markets this 36-inch refrigerator as 26 cubic feet, with a listed total of 25.5 cubic feet: 16.9 for the refrigerator and 8.6 for the freezer. The standout is the dual ice maker system: one maker in the door dispenses cubed and crushed ice, and a second sits in the freezer compartment. The Slim SpacePlus design tucks the in-door ice system into the door, freeing shelf and door-bin space, and the spec sheet lists 3 pounds of in-door ice storage. It is ENERGY STAR qualified at 699 kilowatt-hours a year and includes Wi-Fi, a Smart Inverter compressor and Door Cooling+.

Dimensions matter for counter-depth fits: width is 35.75 inches, height to the top of the case is 68.88 inches and to the top of the hinge 70.25 inches, and depth is 29.13 inches without handles or 31.63 inches with handles. Recommended clearances are 1/8 inch at the sides, 1 inch at the top and 2 inches at the back, and the unit weighs about 291 pounds. Door-swing depth is about 43.63 inches.

Who it suits: households that want a built-in look without a built-in budget and that use ice heavily. Main trade-off: counter-depth means less interior volume than a standard-depth unit, and the dual ice makers add two components that may eventually need service.

Best large capacity with craft ice: LG LRMVS3006S

The LRMVS3006S is a 4-door French door refrigerator with InstaView and Door-in-Door, rated at 29.5 cubic feet: 17 cubic feet refrigerator and 8.9 cubic feet freezer. Its dual ice makers supply regular ice plus slow-melting Craft Ice spheres, and the dispenser is tall enough for oversized tumblers. Other listed features include Measured Fill, Slim SpacePlus ice, an inverter linear compressor and ENERGY STAR qualification, at about 799 kilowatt-hours per year.

LG Canada lists the overall size as 35 3/4 inches wide, 70 1/4 inches high and 39 1/8 inches deep with the handle, and weight is about 404 pounds. It is a standard-depth model, so plan for it to project beyond adjacent counters, and allow about 51 inches of depth with the door open 90 degrees.

Who it suits: cocktail enthusiasts and large families that want slow-melting spheres and big capacity. Main trade-off: the cost, the weight, and the extra depth, which can crowd smaller kitchens.

Best smart features: Samsung Bespoke RF29BB8900AC

This Bespoke 4-door model is listed at 28.6 cubic feet total, 16.5 refrigerator and 9 freezer, with a convertible FlexZone compartment of 3.1 cubic feet. It has a Dual Ice Maker producing cubed ice and Ice Bites (a nugget-style ice), a Beverage Center with an AutoFill Water Pitcher, Wi-Fi and Twin Cooling Plus. Total ice storage is listed at 9.9 pounds, and the unit is ENERGY STAR certified. Dimensions are 35 3/4 inches wide, 34 1/4 inches deep and 70 inches high, with a 29 3/8 inch depth without the door.

The model number is the older BB-series; Samsung’s newer DB-series versions are about 73 inches tall and 35.88 inches wide, so do not mix the two sets of specs when measuring. The RF29BB8900AC is panel-ready with a Charcoal Glass Family Hub panel; other panels are sold separately.

Who it suits: tech-oriented households that like nugget-style Ice Bites and a built-in beverage center. Main trade-off: complexity. More software and more components mean more things to update and potentially repair.

Best counter-depth style: Café CWE23SP2MS1

The Café CWE23SP2MS1 is a 36-inch counter-depth French door refrigerator at 23.1 cubic feet total: 15.9 refrigerator and 7.2 freezer. It has a factory-installed ice maker and an internal water dispenser, with no external dispenser, which keeps the door face clean and reduces a common leak point. Features include TwinChill evaporators, a temperature-controlled drawer, Wi-Fi Connect, Sabbath Mode, the RPWFE filtration system and ENERGY STAR qualification.

Dimensions are 35.75 inches wide and 31.25 inches deep with handles (28.75 inches without), with height of about 69 to 70.5 inches depending on the measurement point. The net weight is 333 pounds, the electrical requirement is 120 volts and 15 amps, and installation clearances are 2 inches at the back, 1 inch at the top and 1/8 inch at each side.

Who it suits: kitchens that need a flush, designer look and do not require a through-door ice dispenser. Main trade-off: you open the door to get ice and water, and the capacity is smaller than the standard-depth models here.

Best for entertaining: GE Profile PFE28KYNFS

At 27.7 cubic feet (18.5 refrigerator, 9.17 freezer), the PFE28KYNFS is a standard-depth French door model with a door-mounted ice maker that dispenses cubed or crushed ice and a hands-free AutoFill water dispenser. A second ice maker, model IM5D, is an optional factory accessory that installs in the freezer for more capacity, which makes this model a rare example where you can buy more ice output later. Dimensions are 35 3/4 inches wide, 36 1/4 inches deep and about 70 1/2 inches high; weight is about 370 pounds. It includes TwinChill evaporators, a temperature-controlled drawer, ADA compliance and ENERGY STAR certification.

A manual summary quotes the stock ice maker at around 100 to 130 cubes per 24 hours and notes that a newly installed unit may take 12 to 24 hours to begin making ice; check GE’s official manual for the exact figures.

Who it suits: larger households that entertain and want the option of doubling ice output. Main trade-off: depth. At 36 inches, it projects well beyond standard counters.

Best value standard-depth: Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ

The WRX735SDHZ is a 36-inch 4-door French door refrigerator with an external ice and water dispenser and a factory-installed ice maker in the refrigerator section that makes crushed or cubed ice. Total capacity is listed at 24.5 cubic feet, 17.78 refrigerator and 6.73 freezer. Width is 35.63 inches, depth is 32 1/8 inches without handles or 34 5/8 with handles, and height is 68.63 inches to the top of the cabinet. Gross weight is 332 pounds, and it is ENERGY STAR qualified. Features include EveryDrop filtration, measured fill and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.

Putting the ice maker in the refrigerator section instead of the freezer saves freezer space and shortens ice delivery, though it relies on a good door seal to prevent condensation.

Who it suits: buyers who want an external dispenser and a familiar brand without a premium price. Main trade-off: a smaller freezer than the 27 to 29 cubic foot models.

Best budget dual-ice counter-depth: Samsung RF27CG5010S9

The RF27CG5010S9 is a 27 cubic foot counter-depth model with a dual auto ice maker that makes two ice types. It has no through-the-door water dispenser, which simplifies the door and reduces leak risk. Because it is a more basic Samsung line, it lacks Family Hub and the Beverage Center of the Bespoke model.

Who it suits: shoppers who want counter-depth and two ice types without paying for smart features. Main trade-off: water must come from the filter pitcher or a separate source, and fewer premium features.

Spec and ownership comparison

Model Cubic feet Weight Energy (kWh/yr) Ice storage notes Counter-depth?
LG LRFXC2606S 25.5 291 lb 699 3 lb in-door plus freezer maker Yes
LG LRMVS3006S 29.5 404 lb 799 Regular plus Craft Ice No
Samsung RF29BB8900AC 28.6 Check sheet ENERGY STAR 9.9 lb total No
Café CWE23SP2MS1 23.1 333 lb ENERGY STAR Internal maker Yes
GE Profile PFE28KYNFS 27.7 370 lb ENERGY STAR Optional second maker No
Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ 24.5 332 lb gross ENERGY STAR Single maker, fridge section No

How to choose: ice-maker numbers that matter

Daily ice demand is easy to estimate. A household that uses one pound of ice per person per day, with four people, needs about 4 pounds, which any of these makers covers if the bin refills. The pinch comes during events: a 20-person gathering at 1.5 pounds each wants 30 pounds, which exceeds the 3 to 10 pounds of stored ice listed for these refrigerators. That is why dual ice makers and the GE’s optional second maker exist, and why many owners keep a bagged-ice backup.

A second consideration is the geometry of the door. A refrigerator needs about 2 inches of clearance at the back and room for the door to swing: the LG LRFXC2606S needs about 43.6 inches of depth with the door open, while the LRMVS3006S needs about 51 inches. Measure the aisle, not just the cabinet opening.

  1. Measure the opening width, height and depth, and subtract the clearances listed above.
  2. Decide on counter-depth or standard-depth based on kitchen flow.
  3. Choose dispenser style: external for convenience, internal for a clean door.
  4. Pick the ice type: cubed and crushed, craft spheres, or nugget-style bites.
  5. Confirm the water line, shutoff valve and filter replacement schedule.

Decision matrix by situation

Your situation Best choice Reason
Kitchen with limited depth LG LRFXC2606S or Café CWE23SP2MS1 Counter-depth, 31 in with handles
Heavy ice use LG LRFXC2606S, or GE PFE28KYNFS with optional second maker Two ice makers
Cocktails and slow-melting ice LG LRMVS3006S Craft Ice spheres
Likes nugget-style ice and smart tech Samsung RF29BB8900AC Ice Bites, Family Hub
Clean door, no dispenser leaks Café CWE23SP2MS1 Internal dispenser
Straightforward, lower budget Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ External dispenser, single maker

Ownership realities: where ice makers fail

Water filter and supply

A clogged filter or low water pressure is the commonest reason for slow or small ice. Replace the filter on schedule; most manufacturers recommend roughly every six months.

Freezer temperature

Ice makers need a freezer at about 0°F. Overloading the freezer or leaving a door ajar causes partial melting and clumping.

Complexity and repair

Industry commentary notes that ice makers and door dispensers are among the most failure-prone parts of French door refrigerators because they add motors, valves, heaters and water lines. Models with fewer door features, like the Café with an internal dispenser, reduce the number of moving parts, while models with two makers double the parts that can fail but provide redundancy. This is general commentary rather than a measured failure rate for any of these models.

Installation

Use a braided or copper supply line with a shutoff valve, and leave the clearances listed above. A refrigerator that is not level or sits too close to the wall can cause door-alignment and ice-chute problems.

Which ice type fits how you drink

Ice type Found on Strength Weakness
Cubed All models here Versatile, slow enough to melt for everyday drinks Can be small and hollow if water pressure is low
Crushed LG LRFXC2606S, GE Profile PFE28KYNFS, Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ Quick cooling, good for blended drinks and first aid Melts quickly and crushing wears the dispenser motor
Craft Ice spheres LG LRMVS3006S Slow melt, suits spirits and cocktails Output is slower, so the bin empties on busy nights
Ice Bites (nugget-style) Samsung RF29BB8900AC Soft, chewable, absorbs flavor Melts faster than a cube

If you pour spirits over ice at home, spheres or large cubes are worth a premium. If your household chews ice or makes iced coffee, a soft nugget-style product satisfies more often than a hard cube.

Worked cost-of-ownership example

Take the LG LRFXC2606S at 699 kilowatt-hours per year and the LG LRMVS3006S at 799 kilowatt-hours per year. The gap is 100 kilowatt-hours annually, which at a typical residential rate of 16 cents per kilowatt-hour is about 16 dollars a year, or roughly 160 dollars over ten years. The energy difference is small compared with the difference in capacity and ice type, so decide on features and fit first.

Filters are a more noticeable running cost. A household that replaces the water filter twice a year and sees a mid-priced replacement cartridge, plus an occasional replacement ice-maker module after the warranty, will spend more on maintenance than on the energy difference between two efficient models. Keep a spare filter on hand and write the replacement date on the inside wall of the fridge.

Installation checklist before delivery

  • Measure the path in. A 36-inch refrigerator at 35.75 inches wide leaves very little room through a 36-inch doorway; remove doors if needed.
  • Check the water line. Confirm there is a cold-water supply with a shutoff valve within reach, and leave a loop of tubing for pulling the refrigerator out.
  • Confirm the outlet. The Café lists a 120-volt, 15-amp requirement; use a grounded outlet, not an extension cord.
  • Plan for door swing. Use the open-door depth in the spec sheet, not just the cabinet depth.
  • Flush the first batches. Throw away the first few batches of ice and run several gallons of water through the dispenser so the new filter flushes out carbon fines.
  • Allow time to start. A new unit may take 12 to 24 hours to begin producing ice, so do not assume it is faulty on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which French door refrigerator has the best ice maker?

For volume, the LG LRFXC2606S and the LG LRMVS3006S use dual ice makers, with the latter adding slow-melting Craft Ice spheres. For nugget-style bites, the Samsung Bespoke RF29BB8900AC offers Ice Bites. For future expansion, the GE Profile PFE28KYNFS supports an optional second ice maker.

Is a counter-depth French door refrigerator worth it?

If your kitchen layout is tight, yes. Counter-depth models such as the LG LRFXC2606S and Café CWE23SP2MS1 sit nearly flush with the counters, at about 31 inches deep with handles. The trade-off is less interior volume than a standard-depth model.

Why does my refrigerator ice maker make small or hollow cubes?

Low water pressure, a clogged filter or a partially frozen fill line are the usual causes. Replace the filter, check the supply valve and confirm the freezer is near 0°F.

Do I need a water line for a refrigerator ice maker?

Yes. Every model here needs a cold-water connection, typically through a quarter-inch line with a shutoff valve, to feed the ice maker and any water dispenser.

How much ice does a refrigerator ice maker make?

Most produce a few pounds per day, far less than an undercounter machine. A manual summary for the GE Profile quotes about 100 to 130 cubes in 24 hours, and bin storage on these models ranges from about 3 to 10 pounds. For parties, supplement with bagged ice or a standalone ice maker.

Should I choose an external or internal dispenser?

External dispensers are convenient for filling glasses and bottles without opening the door. Internal dispensers keep the door smooth and reduce potential leak points, but you open the door each time. Choose on daily habits.

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