Internal Vs. External Refrigerator Water Dispensers

One of the considerations when buying a refrigerator is whether or not to have an ice or water dispenser. Water dispensers can be internal or external, and external dispensers generally include an ice dispenser.

Internal

Internal water dispensers are often found in the French door-style refrigerators with an ice maker in the bottom freezer drawer. People who choose the internal dispensers generally do so because of aesthetics. They prefer the sleek look of a smooth refrigerator door without breaking it up with an ice and water dispenser. The disadvantage to an internal dispenser is the energy loss as the refrigerator is opened each time someone wants water.

External

External dispensers generally dispense water or ice, and operate through the freezer or refrigerator door. The primary advantages of an external dispenser are convenience and energy savings. External dispensers are easy to use, since they do not require any additional effort in opening doors or flipping switches. Controls generally allow adults to lock the dispensers so small children cannot use it improperly, and fewer opened doors mean less energy loss.

Considerations

Both internal and external dispensers have high rates of repair. Dispensers leak, freeze up and stop working regularly, making them the most common repair for refrigerators. Under sink filtered water dispensers are another option for cool water.

References

• Consumer Search: French Door Refrigerators
• My Sears: Is an Internal Water Dispenser Worth The Price?
• My Sears: Samsung Refrigerator