Dual Ice Maker Vs. Single: What Are The Major Differences?

Ice makers are a critical component of refrigerators that provide convenience and offer cost savings, depending on the amount of ice your family consumes.

But when it comes time to decide on a refrigerator for your home, you’ll come across the option of a dual ice maker vs. single. How do you know which to pick between the two?

When choosing between a dual ice maker vs. single, the best option for you will depend on the amount of ice production you require. Dual ice makers can produce up to six pounds of ice daily, nearly double that of a single. Added production means added costs, though, and this benefit can cost you almost $1,000 more than a single ice maker.

The primary difference you’ll find between a dual and single ice maker is the location of the ice. A single ice maker refrigerator is just that, one individual ice maker that dispenses ice. In these models, there will be a recess for you to put your glass into the fridge door without having to open it to access the ice maker.

Alternatively, in a dual ice maker model, you’ll find that there is both an ice maker that dispenses ice from the door of your fridge as well as an ice maker in the freezer compartment to collect ice.

In comparing the two options in terms of location, a dual ice maker is likely to reign superior. While both a dual ice maker and a single will provide ice from the door of your fridge, having the added convenience of access to ice within the freezer is a bonus.

Another consideration worth mentioning is the amount of ice production each unit will have. Depending on the needs of your family, this could be a high priority on the list.

Not surprisingly, a dual ice maker will produce significantly more ice than a single ice maker. The average single ice maker can produce around three pounds of ice per day. In comparison, a dual ice maker fridge will produce nearly six pounds of ice per day. So, if you know your ice needs will be high, a dual ice maker will be the best option.

Yet another high-priority factor when deciding between a dual or single ice maker is going to be your budget. While having a machine that can pump out the most significant quantity of ice in a day might be ideal, the price tag attached to it might not be.

While you can find refrigerators of all different types of models out there with a wide range of prices, you can expect to pay somewhere less than $1,500 for a single ice maker fridge.

As you can imagine, you will have to pay for the added convenience and ice production of a dual ice maker. A fridge with a dual ice maker from the same manufacturer will cost you closer to $2,500, an increase of nearly $1,000 for that second ice-making capacity. When it comes to price, it’s clear that a single ice maker will be the cheapest option.

Suppose you’re dishing out the money to pay for a fancy refrigerator with the convenience of an ice maker, whether dual or single. In that case, you want to get an idea of what type of maintenance costs will be associated with it.

Since a dual ice maker has more components to it, it’s clear that the potential for mechanical issues will be doubled in comparison to a single ice maker.

That being said, if you have a single ice maker that stops working, for whatever reason, you will be out of luck with ice until you can get it fixed. With a dual ice maker, since the two components work independently, if one fails, you will still have a backup alternative until you can get the element fixed.

Whether it be a dual or single ice maker, if you’re having issues with one currently, you can check out some possible causes and fixes here based on the manufacturer:

The most significant benefit to having a dual ice maker is the amount of ice you will produce. Not only will you have the convenience of the in-door ice dispenser, but you also gain the ability to access a bulk amount of ice, perfect for coolers or large place settings.

Another benefit to having a dual ice maker is that the two ice-making components work independently. If you have issues with one part, you do not have to go entirely ice-free until you can get it fixed. This is a great perk if you are someone who regularly requires ice.

While having a dual ice maker might sound like a dream, it comes with a cost. The added ice-making component can cost up to $1,000 more than a refrigerator model from the same manufacturer with a single ice maker.

Also, as the dual-component can benefit in terms of malfunctions, it means you have two potential areas that run the risk of problems. More potential issues essentially equate to the possibility of more money spent on your refrigerator in the long run. Additionally, your water consumption, specifically from your refrigerator, will also double as you double your daily ice production.

Having the convenience of accessing ice directly from the exterior door of your refrigerator is the best benefit of a single ice maker. You don’t have to worry about getting into your freezer to get a few ice cubes for a refreshing drink.

Another one of the benefits of a single ice maker is the cost, especially in comparison to a dual ice maker. You can find a high-quality refrigerator with a single ice maker easily under $1,500. Also, because there are fewer complicated components, a single ice maker refrigerator is likely going to have fewer issues in the long run, costing you less over time as well.

Having an ice maker component in your refrigerator, whether single or double, comes at an added cost. While a single ice maker will be significantly cheaper than a dual, it is still going to be costlier than alternatives without. You can also anticipate your annual operating costs to be more expensive than a traditional refrigerator as well. You’ll still have to pay for replacement water filters and added electricity to power your unit.

Comparing a single and dual ice maker, one area the single falls short of relies on the one ice-making component. Should any complications with this ice maker arise, you will potentially have no ice until you can fix it, if able. Sometimes, repairs for ice makers can be incredibly costly, and you might end up with a refrigerator with no ice-making component whatsoever.

Choosing which is the better between a dual ice maker vs. single, will ultimately come down to what it is exactly you’re looking for in an ice maker.

When it comes to production, there’s no denying that a dual ice maker will be the optimal choice. Producing nearly double the amount of ice in a day, if you know you need large quantities of ice regularly, it might be the added cost.

But, if you’re on a budget, a single ice maker is still an excellent option to have quick and easy access to ice regularly. Finding a single ice maker refrigerator can save you nearly $1,000 without having to compromise the convenience of having an ice maker component.

Are you interested in shopping around for some dual or single ice maker refrigerators? Take a look at Kenmore vs. Whirlpool to see if either of these manufacturers stack up to what you might be looking for in your kitchen.