Imagine this: you’re hosting a party, and your drinks are perfectly chilled. But then you reach for the ice, and it’s those tiny, sad cubes. They melt too fast, watering down your delicious beverages. Don’t you wish you could have those big, slow-melting spheres that look so fancy? That’s where craft ice refrigerators come in.
Choosing the right craft ice refrigerator can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and features to consider! You want one that makes great ice, fits your kitchen, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s a big decision, and we understand why it can be tricky.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the must-have features, compare popular models, and help you find the perfect craft ice refrigerator for your home. Get ready to impress your friends and elevate your drink game!
Our Top 5 Craft Ice Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Craft Ice Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.4/10
This 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a huge amount of space to store all your groceries. The smart features make managing your fridge contents easier than ever. Plus, the InstaView door lets you peek inside without opening it, saving energy and keeping your food fresh. And who doesn’t love perfectly round craft ice for their drinks? The PrintProof Stainless Steel finish looks super sleek and resists fingerprints, keeping your kitchen looking tidy.
What We Like:
- Massive 27 cu. ft. storage capacity holds lots of food.
- InstaView door lets you see inside with a quick double-tap.
- Craft Ice maker creates fun, slow-melting spheres for drinks.
- Smart features connect to your phone for inventory and temperature control.
- PrintProof Stainless Steel finish is easy to clean and looks great.
- Side-by-side design offers convenient access to both fridge and freezer.
- Excellent value for the features offered; great tools at a great price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart features might require some setup time for less tech-savvy users.
- While the Craft Ice is cool, the ice maker might be a bit slower than a standard one.
- The price, though competitive for its features, is still a significant investment.
This refrigerator truly delivers on its promise of advanced features and excellent value. It’s a smart choice for families who want a stylish and functional appliance.
2. LG LRFLC2706S 27 Cu. Ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.7/10
The LG LRFLC2706S 27 Cu. Ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator in Stainless Steel brings modern style and smart features to your kitchen. Its sleek, minimalist design looks fantastic in any home. You’ll love having easy access to fresh, filtered water right from the door. Plus, this refrigerator is designed to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for up to twice as long, meaning less waste and more savings.
What We Like:
- The sleek, minimalist design adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
- Enjoy convenient access to crisp, filtered water whenever you need it.
- Special technology helps keep your produce fresh for up to twice as long, reducing food spoilage.
- The large 27 cu. ft. capacity offers plenty of space for all your groceries.
- Smart features add convenience and modern functionality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart features, while helpful, might require a learning curve for some users.
- As a larger appliance, installation might require professional assistance.
This LG French Door refrigerator is a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen, offering both style and practical benefits. It’s a smart investment for keeping your food fresh and your family happy.
3. Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Two Freezer Drawers
Rating: 9.3/10
The Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator is a great addition to any kitchen. This stainless steel beauty offers a generous 17.9 cubic feet of space. It features French doors for easy access and two freezer drawers to keep your frozen goods organized. Its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far, giving your kitchen a sleeker look. This fridge is designed to keep your food fresh and help you find it easily.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity of 17.9 cubic feet. This is great for families.
- The French doors make it easy to see and reach your food.
- It has a separate freezer compartment to keep food well-frozen.
- You can control the temperature with a thermostat to keep food fresh longer.
- The adjustable feet let you set the height easily.
- You can change or remove shelves for a personalized layout.
- A built-in lamp helps you find your food quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s full-size, some might need even more freezer space.
- The stainless steel finish can show fingerprints.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers smart features and ample space for busy households. It’s a practical choice for keeping your food organized and fresh.
4. LG LRRXC2606S 26 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth French Door Smart Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
The LG LRRXC2606S is a sleek and smart refrigerator that makes keeping your food fresh and your drinks cool a breeze. Its counter-depth design fits perfectly into your kitchen, and the stainless steel finish looks super stylish. Plus, it has smart features to make your life easier.
What We Like:
- It has two ice makers, so you’ll never run out of ice for your drinks. One makes regular ice, and the other makes slow-melting craft ice for fancy cocktails or just enjoying your iced tea longer.
- Door Cooling+ technology keeps the temperature inside the fridge nice and even, even when you open the door a lot. This means your food stays fresher for longer.
- The craft ice maker is a really cool feature. It makes big, round ice cubes that melt slowly, keeping your drinks perfectly chilled without watering them down.
- It’s a smart refrigerator, meaning you can connect it to your phone or other devices for extra convenience.
- The French door design makes it easy to see and reach everything inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the craft ice is a neat perk, it might take a little longer to make compared to regular ice.
- As with many smart appliances, there can be a learning curve to get the most out of all the connected features.
This LG refrigerator offers a great combination of style, smart technology, and practical features. It’s a fantastic upgrade for any modern kitchen.
5. Kenmore 36″ French Door Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.8/10
The Kenmore 36″ French Door Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and smart addition to any modern kitchen. Its sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and counter-depth design create a seamless, built-in look. Inside, you’ll find plenty of space for all your groceries, with smart features to keep your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- Its counter-depth design gives your kitchen a clean, built-in look.
- Accela Chill quickly cools down fresh groceries, and the Inverter Compressor keeps temperatures steady and quiet.
- The pantry drawer is perfect for larger items like platters.
- Adjustable shelves and humidity-controlled crispers let you customize storage for different foods.
- The built-in icemaker makes up to 4 lbs. of ice daily.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it’s energy-efficient and saves you money.
- The Even Cooling System circulates air well to keep food at the right temperature everywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- With 20.3 cu. ft. of space, it might be a bit small for very large families.
- The counter-depth design, while stylish, means slightly less storage space than a standard-depth fridge.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great blend of style, smart features, and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a modern and functional kitchen appliance.
Your Guide to the Coolest Kitchen Upgrade: Craft Ice Refrigerators
Tired of watery drinks? Imagine sipping your favorite beverage, perfectly chilled, with perfectly shaped ice spheres. That’s the promise of a craft ice refrigerator. These aren’t your grandma’s ice makers. They create unique, slow-melting ice shapes that elevate your drinks. Let’s dive into what makes a craft ice fridge the right choice for you.
Why Choose a Craft Ice Refrigerator?
Craft ice refrigerators offer a touch of luxury and a better drinking experience. The larger, slower-melting ice shapes chill your drinks without diluting them as quickly. This means your cocktails, iced coffee, or even just a glass of water stay flavorful and refreshing for longer. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Key Features to Look For
Ice Shape Variety
The most exciting feature is the ice shape itself. Many refrigerators offer classic spheres. Others might have cubes, diamonds, or even unique geometric shapes. Think about what kind of drinks you enjoy most. If you love whiskey on the rocks, spheres are ideal. For iced tea, cubes might be more practical.
Ice Production Speed and Capacity
How much ice can it make, and how fast? Some craft ice makers produce ice quickly, ensuring you always have enough on hand. Others might take a bit longer. Check the daily ice production rate to make sure it meets your household’s needs.
Storage Capacity
Where does the ice go? Some models have dedicated bins. Others might dispense directly. Consider how much ice you want to store. A larger bin means fewer trips to refill or less worry about running out.
Dispenser Type
Do you want ice dispensed directly from the door? Or would you prefer a built-in ice maker that fills a bin? Door dispensers are convenient for quick access. Built-in bins offer larger storage.
Smart Features
Some advanced models connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control settings, check ice levels, and even get alerts on your phone. This is a nice-to-have feature for tech-savvy users.
Important Materials
Ice Maker Components
Look for ice makers made from durable, food-grade plastics or stainless steel. These materials resist cracking and staining. They also help prevent unwanted flavors from transferring to your ice.
Refrigerator Build Quality
The refrigerator itself should be well-built. Stainless steel exteriors are popular for their sleek look and durability. Inside, sturdy shelves and drawers are important for holding food and ice bins.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Ice Maker Design
A well-designed ice maker is crucial. It should be easy to clean and maintain. Simple mechanisms tend to last longer. Complex designs can sometimes lead to more breakdowns.
Water Filtration System
Good water filtration improves ice quality. It removes impurities that can affect taste and clarity. Many refrigerators come with built-in filters. Regularly replacing these filters is key.
Insulation
Excellent insulation keeps your refrigerator cold and your ice frozen. This reduces energy consumption and ensures your ice stays solid.
Noise Level
Some ice makers can be noisy. If your kitchen is an open space, look for models known for quiet operation. Reviews often mention noise levels.
User Experience and Use Cases
Entertaining Guests
Craft ice refrigerators shine when you have guests. Impress your friends with beautifully crafted ice in their drinks. It adds a special touch to parties and gatherings.
Everyday Enjoyment
Even for daily use, craft ice enhances your beverages. Enjoy your morning iced coffee or a refreshing glass of water with perfectly formed ice. It makes simple drinks feel more luxurious.
Home Bar Enthusiasts
If you love making cocktails at home, this is a must-have. Craft ice elevates your mixology skills and makes your creations look professional.
Families
Kids often love the fun shapes of craft ice. It can make drinking water more appealing for younger ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is craft ice?
A: Craft ice is specially shaped ice, often spheres or cubes, made by certain refrigerators. It melts slower than regular ice, keeping drinks colder for longer without getting watered down.
Q: Are craft ice refrigerators expensive?
A: They can be more expensive than standard refrigerators. The advanced ice-making technology adds to the cost.
Q: Do craft ice refrigerators require special plumbing?
A: Most connect to your home’s water line, just like a regular ice maker. Some might have water reservoirs that need refilling.
Q: How do I clean the craft ice maker?
A: Cleaning instructions vary by model. Usually, you can wipe down components with a damp cloth. Some might have self-cleaning cycles.
Q: How long does craft ice take to make?
A: This depends on the model. Some make ice in a few hours, while others might take longer, typically overnight.
Q: Will craft ice melt faster in the freezer?
A: No, craft ice is designed to melt slower in your drink. It will stay frozen in the freezer like any other ice.
Q: Can I use filtered water for craft ice?
A: Yes, using filtered water is highly recommended. It improves the taste and clarity of the ice.
Q: What happens if the craft ice maker breaks?
A: If the ice maker breaks, the refrigerator will likely still function as a regular fridge. Check your warranty for repair or replacement options.
Q: How much storage space does craft ice take up?
A: The ice bin for craft ice can vary in size. Some models have a dedicated bin, while others might use a portion of the freezer space.
Q: Are craft ice refrigerators worth the investment?
A: For those who enjoy well-chilled drinks and appreciate the finer details, yes, they can be worth it. They offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.