Both seem like they would be wasting a ton of electricity for ice to use a couple times a month. The ice maker certainly more so. I would just buy bags of ice when I really needed it.

@Lisa Years have passed - I am in the same boat and leaning toward a freezer and fridge and no ice maker. What did you end up getting?

We ended up getting the undercounter freezer with drawers as pictured above. When we know we are going to be entertaining I buy bags of ice and fill the drawers (and it actually fits several bags of ice). I have an ice scoop in the top drawer with the ice and it is fine. If I was doing my bar from scratch I would get an ice maker. But it really depends on how much you entertain or would use the ice. Lately I have been freezing my own ice cubes at my leisure and filling the drawers....the ice seems to stay in tact better than the bagged ice. The bagged ice seems to form into a big glob after being in there for more than a week.

I don’t know if I answered your question but either way sure beats having a small ice bucket that you have to keep refilling.

Thank you so much for answering Lisa. So glad you are happy with it. I was planning to move ice from my Fisher Paykel fridge to it for parties. I am being steered away from an ice maker by all my friends as well as negative reviews. So don't feel bad for not getting one. Most everyone's all broke in the first year. Constant repairs, cleaning the mold and mildew is not a favorite either. My friend now has to find one that fits her cabinet and most likely change the cabinetry. I think you made the best decision.

I could do a side by side Freezer like this and matching fridge if there is one out there.

Right now I am looking at the Fisher Paykel Multi Temp Chiller Drawer. It can be everything. Use the Freezer button for parties and fill with ice, or go back to fridge and store fridge items or Wine Chiller, Instant freeze and a couple other settings. It has a $2,800 price tag on it so I am trying to decide but no ice machine for sure. The chiller drawer has been around for 10 years and I have watched videos of it in the showroom so on the fence post.

Also do you recall the brand or model on this freezer? I really like that it looks like it has drawers to pull out???

It is Accucold. No shelves, all drawers. We have had no problems with it whatsoever.you would be surprised how much ice it holds.

This is pretty cool. I looked it up. They make these for labs - no wonder it has held up. The one you have I think is discontinued - trying to find one with the drawers that pull out like yours. I could get this and a fridge the same size so it is a set.

What kind of icemaker do you have? I need to keep that in mind for future reference.

Yes 2catsandtheirmom, I do recall it being for labs now that you mention it. I think it was the only one I could find at the time that was undercounter with all drawers and the correct width.

KR can you fill me in on how the ice maker works? I am under the impression that it is not a freezer so does not keep the ice until it’s used up, rather drains the water from the melting ice and keeps making new.

Lisa I am still trying to find one similar to yours. I like that the drawers pull out when you want ice.

Below Fisher Paykel chiller drawer is still my favorite in can be a fridge, or freezer - and has 5 modes.

https://www.fisherpaykel.com/us/cooling/refrigeration/integrated-refrigeration/integrated-cooldrawer-multi-temperature-drawer-rb36s25mkiw1-n-25281.html

It is a little pricy.

That looks nice! We have the dishwasher drawer in our bar by that same brand.

I have an Edgestar. https://www.edgestar.com/ib450ssp-edgestar-stainless-steel-undercounter-clear-ice-maker/IB450P.html

Correct, it continually makes ice and drains the old. That is why the ice is so good, it’s always fresh and not so “icy” as the ice from my freezer.