Ice Makers

Small, thin, hollow or cloudy cubes

Small or thin cubes usually mean not enough water: low pressure, a clogged filter or inlet screen, or water leaking out of the pan (loose drain cap, check valve leak-by). Cloudy ice usually means scale. In bins that are insulated but not refrigerated, cubes naturally shrink and clump over time.

Cross-checked ~45 min moderateBrands: All

Before you start

  • Unplug before removing panels.

Diagnostic steps

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

More ice makers guides

Guide · Ice Maker

Countertop ice maker shows 'Add Water' with water in the reservoir

These units detect water with a float, probe or wire sensor in the reservoir and a small pump that lifts water to the tray. Scale on the sensor, a blocked reservoir screen, a stuck float, very pure water or a weak pump can all trigger a false Add Water.

4 steps ~30 mineasy
Guide · Ice Maker

Undercounter ice maker: ice slab will not release or sticks on the cutting grid

Grid-cutter (slab) ice makers freeze a sheet, release it during harvest and let a heated wire grid cut it into cubes. Most release problems come from an unlevel cabinet, scale on the evaporator plate, or a cutting grid that is unplugged or not heating. Harvest switches and probes are next.

5 steps ~60 minmoderate
Guide · Ice Maker

Undercounter ice maker not making ice

Check power, water supply and pressure, drain (pump models stop when they cannot drain), bin sensor, cleaning status, condenser and room temperature. Scale is the most common cause on older machines.

7 steps ~60 minmoderate
Small, thin, hollow or cloudy cubes · OnCall Tech