It shouldn’t hurt anything. The icemaker and water dispenser won’t be able to function, but the sealed system will still be okay, and it will still get cold inside.
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Refrigerators with icemakers and water and ice dispensers are popular, but those features are also consistently the source of the biggest complaints owners have about their refrigerators, according to Consumer Reports’ surveys.
In the most recent surveys, covering more than 80,336 refrigerators that members bought new between 2013 and 2023, we learned that 15 percent of models had trouble making ice, and 14 percent of models with a dispenser had problems dispensing water or ice.
The most obvious way to avoid these pitfalls is simply to choose a refrigerator from our ratings without either feature. That can be difficult because most refrigerators on the market, particularly wider ones, have at least an icemaker. But such a move does have another advantage.
CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of the best refrigerators without either a water dispenser or an icemaker from our tests—two top-freezers, two bottom-freezers, two side-by-sides, and two French-doors—from Haier, Ikea, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool. To learn more about different refrigerator configurations, check out our refrigerator buying guide.
Using an ICE MAKER in your Freezer without a water line
FAQ
Is it OK to turn off ice maker in fridge?
Do I really need an ice maker?
Do you have to hook up the ice maker on a refrigerator?
Can I remove ice maker from fridge?
Do I need an ice maker if I have a refrigerator?
You only need it if the refrigerator has a water dispenser or an ice maker that you plan to use. No need to purchase if you buy a Refrigerator without an Icemaker or one that does not dispense Cold water. No, but look for a switch in the refridgerator to turn it off. I’ve heard the lines can get moldy and need cleaned out a couple times a year.
Do refrigerators need ice makers and water dispensers?
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.
What is the best refrigerator without ice maker & water dispenser?
Hence, it is in our second selection of the best refrigerators without ice makers and water dispensers. The capacity of 18 Cubic Feet, fridge capacity of 13.12 cubic feet, and freezer 5.07 cubic feet. 3. Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator: Best Premium
Can you buy a ice maker without a water dispenser?
Ones without water dispensers are readily available. It may be hard to find one without an ice maker. You don’t need to connect the ice maker (and water dispenser) water line, and lack of water won’t hurt anything. Ice makers can be shut off by just positioning the ice sensor bar in the up position.