HOW DOES A REFRIGERATOR ICE MAKER REALLY WORK?
Before the invention of the ice maker, you had to fill ice trays with water, place them in the freezer and wait for your ice cubes to be ready. Refrigerator ice makers have made this chore a thing of the past. With modern technology, refrigerators can produce fresh, ready-to-use ice on their own. Read on to learn more about how your refrigerator ice maker works.
HOW DO FRIDGES MAKE ICE?
The process of making ice begins as water fills the ice molds, gradually freezing into shape. After freezing, a heating element softens the edges of the cubes before a motor gently moves them to the storage bin. The process repeats itself if the shut-off arm is not touching ice, indicating a need for a refill. Note that the exact process may vary by model.
HOW OFTEN DOES A REFRIGERATOR ICE MAKER MAKE ICE?
Ice makers will generally create a new batch of ice every 3 hours. The cycle will continue to repeat until the bin is full and the shut-off arm is lifted by ice reaching the top of the bin. When the shut-off arm is not lifted by any ice in the bin, the ice-making cycle repeats itself.
WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF A REFRIGERATOR ICE MAKER?
Refrigerator ice makers have your back when it comes to keeping refreshing ice on hand. Several parts work together to make sure you never have to settle for room temperature drinks. A few parts of a refrigerator icemaker include a water valve, motor, thermistor, ice mold, collection bin, heating coil and a shut-off arm.
Learn more about the other parts that make up your refrigerator.
HOW DO I USE A REFRIGERATOR ICE MAKER?
To get your refrigerator ready to make ice, make sure it is connected to a water supply during installation. When it’s up and running, place the ice bin below the ice maker and push it back as far as it will go. Then check that the control arm is set to “on”, usually in a lowered position. After the ice bin is filled, scoop the ice or use the front dispenser, depending on your fridge model. Consult your owner’s manual for more details.
DO I HAVE TO PUT WATER IN THE FRIDGE FOR THE ICE MAKER?
In order for your ice maker to work, it should be connected to a working water line. If you do not have a water line connected to your refrigerator, you will need to have one installed.
WHAT SHOULD I CHECK IF MY FRIDGE ICE MAKER STOPPED WORKING?
If your ice maker is not working properly, it could be a simple issue, such as the ice maker may be paused or turned off, the dispenser may be blocked or the temperature may be set too low. You can troubleshoot your ice maker to try to narrow down and correct the problem yourself. Learn more about how to fix an ice maker that’s leaking.
SHOP MAYTAG® REFRIGERATORS
Your refrigerator works hard in your kitchen. You can trust Maytag brand to keep your food cold and your ice fresh and at the ready. Shop select models with features like PowerCold® and a soft freeze bin, so your favorite ice cream stays at the perfect, scoopable temperature. Maytag® refrigerators come in a variety of finishes and styles and are built to last.
