An External Water and Ice Dispenser Vs. an Internal Water & Ice Dispenser Refrigerators

Energy Savings

• Choose a refrigerator with an external water and ice dispenser if you want to save energy on your appliance usage. Every time you open and close a refrigerator with an internal water and ice dispenser, your refrigerator uses electricity to bring the internal temperature back to its original setting. With an external water and ice dispenser, you don't need to open the refrigerator to get a glass of water or a cup of ice. Excessive use of an internal dispenser can also compromise the temperature of perishables in your refrigerator.

Appearance

• Opt for an internal water and ice dispenser if you want a clean, simple exterior on your refrigerator. Most external water and ice dispensers have visible levers, adjustable controls and overflow trays. These exterior features can detract from streamline doors and uniform surfaces on a refrigerator. An internal water and ice dispenser on the interior panel of a refrigerator and is not visible from the outside.

Children

• Purchase a refrigerator with an internal water and ice dispenser if you have young children who might play with an external dispenser. Visible levers and adjustable controls are easy targets for curious children who like to explore. You could wind up with water splatters and ice cubes all over the floor. Opt for an internal dispenser that is not readily visible to young children and requires strength to open the refrigerator door.

Dispenser Disadvantages

• Choose a refrigerator without an internal or an external dispenser if you want to avoid repairs and maximize refrigerator space. According to Consumer Reports, surveys showed that refrigerators with external or internal water and ice dispensers, "required considerably more repairs than those without dispensers." In general, refrigerators with dispensers also had higher price tags and higher energy costs that those without dispensers. Both internal and external dispensers require space for housing electronics, hardware and tubing necessary for releasing water and ice. The additional features reduce the available space for food storage.