8 Best Freezer With Ice Maker Under $500 in 2026

Are you looking for a freezer with an ice maker that fits your budget? You are not alone. Thousands of shoppers search for the best freezer with ice maker under $500 every month.

The good news is that 2026 has brought some excellent options to the market. You no longer need to spend a fortune to get a quality freezer that also makes ice on demand.

This guide covers the top freezers with ice makers (or ice maker compatibility) priced under $500. We tested, researched, and compared the most popular models available on Amazon right now.

Key Takeaways

• Most freezers under $500 support optional or built-in ice makers rather than including them as standard features. Models from Frigidaire, BLACK+DECKER, and Upstreman offer ice maker compatibility or convertible designs that pair well with standalone ice makers.
• Upright freezers offer better organization than chest freezers. They have shelves, drawers, and door bins that make it easy to find and access food. Most models in this price range offer between 5 and 21 cubic feet of storage.
• Convertible freezer/refrigerator combos are a hot trend in 2026. Brands like BLACK+DECKER and Frigidaire now sell units that switch between freezer and fridge mode with a single button. This flexibility adds huge value under the $500 mark.
• Chest freezers remain the most affordable option for bulk storage. The Midea 7.0 Cu. Ft. chest freezer often sells for under $250 and provides reliable temperature control. Pair it with a countertop ice maker for a complete setup.
• Energy Star certification matters. Freezers run 24/7, so an Energy Star rated unit can save you $30 to $50 per year on electricity bills. Most of our picks carry this certification.
• Garage ready models handle extreme temperatures. If you plan to place your freezer in a garage or basement, look for “garage ready” on the label. Frigidaire and BLACK+DECKER offer garage ready models under $500 that perform well in temperatures from 0°F to 110°F.

BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator

The BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer is one of the best values you can find in 2026. This unit works as both a freezer and a refrigerator. You switch between modes with a simple control panel. It features glass shelves, frost free operation, and an Energy Star rating.

The 17 cubic feet of space holds weeks of frozen food for a family of four. The reversible door lets you install it in tight spaces. It also runs quietly, which makes it a good fit for kitchens and basements.

This model does not include a built-in ice maker. However, it pairs perfectly with a countertop ice maker for a complete ice and freeze solution under $500 total.

Pros:

• 17 cu. ft. large capacity holds a lot of frozen food
• Converts between freezer and refrigerator mode
• Energy Star certified saves electricity costs
• Frost free design eliminates manual defrosting
• Glass shelves are easy to clean and organize
• Reversible door fits different room layouts

Cons:

• No built-in ice maker included
• May be too tall for some low ceiling spaces
• White finish only at this price point
• Manual temperature dial lacks digital precision

Frigidaire 20 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Upright Freezer

The Frigidaire FFUE2022AW is a garage ready powerhouse. It offers 20 cubic feet of storage and supports an optional ice maker kit (sold separately). Frigidaire is one of the few brands that sells freezer compatible ice maker kits for their upright models.

This freezer uses EvenTemp cooling technology. This system keeps every shelf at a consistent temperature. The power outage assurance feature keeps food frozen for up to two full days if the electricity goes out.

The auto close door, bright LED interior light, and adjustable shelving make this a premium feeling unit at a near-$500 price. It is also Energy Star certified and built to handle garage temperature swings.

Pros:

• Massive 20 cu. ft. capacity for large families
• Supports optional Frigidaire ice maker kit
• EvenTemp cooling maintains consistent freezing
• Power outage assurance keeps food safe for 48 hours
• Garage ready for extreme temperature environments
• Energy Star certified for lower electric bills

Cons:

• Price sits at the top of the $500 budget
• Ice maker kit costs extra and needs water line connection
• Large footprint requires significant floor space
• Only available in white color

Frigidaire 10 Cu. Ft. Upright Convertible Fridge/Freezer

This Frigidaire 10 Cu. Ft. convertible model is perfect for smaller households. You can use it as a freezer or switch it to refrigerator mode. The platinum finish gives it a modern, sleek appearance that fits well in kitchens or offices.

The removable glass shelves create a flexible interior. You can adjust them to store tall items or bulky packages. The reversible door adds another layer of installation convenience.

At around $350, this freezer leaves room in your budget for a separate countertop ice maker. The combo gives you both freezer storage and ice production well under $500.

Pros:

• Converts between freezer and refrigerator mode
• Attractive platinum finish looks modern
• Removable glass shelves allow flexible storage
• Compact footprint fits small spaces
• Reversible door for left or right opening
• Affordable price leaves budget for an ice maker

Cons:

• 10 cu. ft. capacity may be small for large families
• No built-in ice maker
• Manual defrost required in some modes
• Not garage ready for extreme temperatures

Hamilton Beach 11 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

The Hamilton Beach HBFRF1100 offers solid mid-range performance. Its 11 cubic feet of space provides enough room for a couple or small family. The unit includes seven shelves and drawer compartments for organized storage.

Temperature control is simple. A mechanical dial on the front lets you adjust the cold level. The reversible door works for any room setup. Hamilton Beach designed this model to be garage, basement, and dorm friendly.

This freezer earns praise from Consumer Reports and Amazon reviewers alike. It is reliable, quiet, and priced well under $400. Add a countertop ice maker, and you get ice production plus freezer storage on a tight budget.

Pros:

• Seven shelves and drawers keep food organized
• 11 cu. ft. capacity suits small to mid-size households
• Mechanical temperature control is easy to use
• Reversible door fits left or right swing
• Quiet operation is great for living spaces
• Budget friendly price well under $400

Cons:

• No frost free option requires manual defrost
• No built-in ice maker available
• Basic design lacks digital controls
• Interior light could be brighter

Midea 7.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

The Midea MERC07C4BAWW is the best budget chest freezer on this list. It costs well under $300 and delivers reliable freezing performance. The interior LED light makes it easy to find food inside, and the removable basket keeps small items accessible.

Chest freezers are naturally more energy efficient than upright models. The top opening design retains cold air better because cold air sinks. This Midea unit has an adjustable thermostat that lets you set the temperature between -12°F and -28°F.

You can pair this chest freezer with a portable countertop ice maker to create a complete freezing and ice making station. The total cost stays well under $500.

Pros:

• Very affordable price under $300
• Interior LED light improves visibility
• Removable basket for small item organization
• Adjustable thermostat for precise temperature
• Energy efficient chest design
• Compact footprint fits tight spaces

Cons:

• No ice maker built in or compatible
• Chest design makes deep items harder to reach
• Manual defrost required periodically
• No shelves inside limits organization options

Commercial Cool 5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

The Commercial Cool 5 Cu. Ft. upright freezer is ideal for apartments, dorms, and small offices. It provides a compact storage solution without eating up floor space. The reversible door makes it flexible for any room configuration.

This freezer features adjustable temperature control and multiple wire shelves inside. It runs quietly and uses minimal electricity. The price often sits around $200 to $250, which makes it one of the cheapest upright freezers available.

While it does not have an ice maker, its low price means you can easily afford a countertop ice maker alongside it. Together they form a practical, budget-conscious duo.

Pros:

• Ultra compact size fits small living spaces
• Price under $250 is very budget friendly
• Reversible door adds installation flexibility
• Multiple wire shelves for organized storage
• Quiet operation for bedrooms and offices
• Lightweight and easy to move

Cons:

• 5 cu. ft. capacity is limited for families
• No frost free technology
• No ice maker built in
• Basic build quality compared to premium brands
• Manual defrost required regularly

Upstreman 21.2 Cu. Ft. Convertible Upright Freezer

The Upstreman UF212 is the largest capacity freezer on this list. At 21.2 cubic feet, it holds massive amounts of frozen food. The digital touch control panel gives you precise temperature management.

This unit converts between freezer and refrigerator modes. It is Energy Star certified and frost free. The stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that fits well in modern kitchens and garages.

Upstreman often offers a $150 coupon on Amazon, which can bring this freezer within the $500 range. Check the product page for current promotions.

Pros:

• Huge 21.2 cu. ft. capacity for bulk storage
• Digital touch control panel for precise settings
• Converts between freezer and refrigerator mode
• Frost free design eliminates manual defrosting
• Energy Star certified for energy savings
• Stainless steel finish looks premium

Cons:

• Regular price may exceed $500 without coupon
• Large footprint requires significant space
• No built-in ice maker
• Newer brand with less long-term reliability data

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker

If you already own a freezer and just need an ice maker to complete your setup, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the gold standard. This countertop unit produces 38 pounds of nugget ice per day. It connects to WiFi for smart home control.

Nugget ice is the soft, chewable kind you find at restaurants and sonic drive-ins. The Opal 2.0 includes a side tank that increases water capacity and a scale inhibiting filter that extends the machine’s life.

Pair this ice maker with any of the budget freezers listed above. The combination gives you both deep freeze storage and premium ice production for under $500 total.

Pros:

• Produces 38 lbs of premium nugget ice daily
• WiFi connected for smart home integration
• Side tank increases water capacity
• Scale inhibiting filter protects the machine
• Compact countertop design saves space
• Self-cleaning function reduces maintenance

Cons:

• Ice maker alone costs around $400 to $500
• Does not store frozen food like a freezer
• Requires regular filter replacement
• Nugget ice melts faster than traditional cubes

How to Choose the Right Freezer With Ice Maker Under $500

Choosing the right freezer depends on your specific needs. Start by measuring the space where you plan to put the freezer. Write down the height, width, and depth available. Then decide how much storage capacity your household needs.

A single person or couple can get by with 5 to 10 cubic feet. A family of four should look at 14 to 20 cubic feet. If you buy food in bulk or hunt and fish, go for the largest unit you can fit and afford.

Consider whether you want frost free or manual defrost. Frost free models cost a bit more but save you hours of maintenance each year. Also check for Energy Star certification to keep your electricity bills low.

Finally, decide if you need a built-in ice maker or a separate countertop unit. Most freezers under $500 do not include built-in ice makers. The best strategy is often to buy a quality freezer and add a portable ice maker.

Upright Freezer vs Chest Freezer: Which Is Better?

Upright freezers stand vertical like a refrigerator. They have shelves, drawers, and door storage. Food is easy to see and reach. They take up less floor space but have a larger vertical footprint.

Chest freezers open from the top. They are more energy efficient because cold air stays inside when you open the lid. They offer more raw storage space per dollar. However, finding items buried at the bottom can be frustrating.

For most homes, an upright freezer provides better everyday convenience. For bulk storage on a tight budget, a chest freezer wins. Both types can be paired with a countertop ice maker for a complete solution.

The choice comes down to your priorities: organization vs. cost savings. If you value easy access and neat shelves, go upright. If you want maximum storage at the lowest price, choose a chest model.

Tips for Pairing a Freezer With a Countertop Ice Maker

Many shoppers buy a standalone freezer and a countertop ice maker as a combo. This approach often gives you better results than a single unit with a built-in ice maker. Here is why.

Built-in ice makers in budget freezers tend to produce less ice and break down sooner. A dedicated countertop ice maker like the GE Profile Opal or a basic EUHOMY model produces more ice and offers features like self-cleaning and multiple ice sizes.

Place your countertop ice maker near a water source for easy refilling. Store the ice in your freezer to keep it from melting. This system works like having a commercial ice setup in your own kitchen.

Budget about $150 to $250 for a basic countertop ice maker and $200 to $400 for a quality freezer. The total stays under $500, and you get two dedicated appliances that each do their job well.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs to Consider

A freezer runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Energy efficiency directly affects your monthly electric bill. An Energy Star certified freezer uses about 10% to 15% less energy than a non-certified model.

Most upright freezers under $500 consume between 400 and 500 kWh per year. Chest freezers use even less, often around 200 to 300 kWh per year. At the national average electricity rate, this translates to roughly $30 to $60 per year in operating costs.

Frost free models use slightly more energy than manual defrost units. However, the convenience they provide often outweighs the small cost difference. Look at the EnergyGuide label on each product to compare estimated yearly operating costs before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any freezers under $500 come with a built-in ice maker?

Very few standalone freezers under $500 include a built-in ice maker. Some Frigidaire upright models support an optional ice maker kit that you purchase separately. Most budget shoppers find better value in buying a freezer and a separate countertop ice maker.

What size freezer do I need for a family of four?

A family of four typically needs 14 to 20 cubic feet of freezer space. This provides enough room for weekly groceries, bulk purchases, and frozen meals. If you cook and prep meals in advance, aim for the higher end of that range.

Are chest freezers better than upright freezers?

Chest freezers are more energy efficient and cheaper to buy. Upright freezers are easier to organize and access. Neither type is universally better. Your choice depends on your budget, available space, and how you prefer to organize your frozen food.

Can I put a freezer in my garage?

Yes, but you need a garage ready model. Standard freezers may struggle in extreme heat or cold. Garage ready freezers from brands like Frigidaire, BLACK+DECKER, and Upstreman are built to operate in temperatures ranging from 0°F to 110°F.

How much does it cost to run a freezer per month?

Most freezers under $500 cost between $3 and $6 per month to run. Chest freezers sit on the lower end of that range. Upright and frost free models cost slightly more. Energy Star certified units always cost less to operate than non-certified models.

Is it worth buying a separate ice maker instead of a freezer with one built in?

Yes, for most budget shoppers it is. Standalone countertop ice makers produce more ice, offer better features, and are easier to repair or replace. You also get more flexibility because you can move the ice maker to different rooms or take it outdoors for parties.