topic Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker in Among Friends

Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

rockygems123 — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:10:11 GMT

My 8 year old Samsung french door refrigerator ice maker has stopped working.

There are fixes online as in Force Defrost that worked for a few years now nothing.

I've got to take a deep breath and plunge into the home appliance repair world ha. Have started researching but I'm thinking a house call would most likely be about $500 almost regardless of what they do.

Thinking if it is that amount or even more wondering if replacement is a better option.

Sad to think an 8 year old large appliance may be at the end of its usefulness.

Anyone replace their ice maker?

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

Sooner — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:23:12 GMT

I don't know how much it would cost, and I think the type of fridge and where the ice maker is located would matter--I'm sure you can see one done on You tube.

If it were me, I would possible replace it because of its age and because things won't get cheaper. And look for a great deal!!! Good luck!!!! These things are hard.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

qvcaddition — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:32:01 GMT

@rockygems123

@rockygems123 wrote:
My 8 year old Samsung french door refrigerator ice maker has stopped working.

There are fixes online as in Force Defrost that worked for a few years now nothing.

I've got to take a deep breath and plunge into the home appliance repair world ha. Have started researching but I'm thinking a house call would most likely be about $500 almost regardless of what they do.

Thinking if it is that amount or even more wondering if replacement is a better option.

Sad to think an 8 year old large appliance may be at the end of its usefulness.

Anyone replace their ice maker?

My is old so I just make ice cubes with the ice trays. I fill up a container with them in the freezer. I don't use much ice, so for me its OK.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

PinkyPetunia — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:33:05 GMT

I would call around to get some estimates to see how costly a fix would be. If it's too expensive, can you just live without the ice making feature?

My ice maker developed a leak somewhere years ago. I shut off the ice maker and don't miss it much. I make my own ice using ice trays. I live alone so I don't use a lot.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

jlkz — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:32:18 GMT

@rockygems123

In every home and condo we have ever had, DH removes the ice maker to make more room in the freezer. We use ice cube trays or create a large bowl size cube and crack it into pieces.

our Sub Zero started to act up soon after we got it almost 30 years ago. We spent about $2000 on repairs from them but called it quits. The refrigerator and freezer work perfectly otherwise.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

shoekitty — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:35:19 GMT

@rockygems123 I it were me I would find a diamond certified, or a reliable and recommended appliance repair person. Have him check out fridge, and give estimate for repair. I might have him check out the fridge as well. If fridge works well, and the ice maker is important to you,I would hire him do it. New refrigerators cost wayyyyy more than 8 years ago for sure. Most current one work like crud too. Not only is shopping for new one a hassle, it's getting rid of old one. Cleaning out old one yikes, I'm tired all There is no guarentee on old one. But even if it lasted another 2-3 years it would be worth the hassle to fix it to me. New refrigerators aren't made to last more than 9 years or so. Sometimes we luck of the draw and they chug on forever...or not. . Let us know what you decide.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

rockygems123 — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:45:28 GMT

You all have given me such food for thought, really appreciate it!

@Sooner So true things have gone way up since 8 years ago!

And @shoekitty I like that suggestion about finding a diamond certified appliance repair person, if I fix it I want it fixed right

@jlkz I love the idea of using a large bowl and breaking up the ice. Think I will try that for now.

Also @PinkyPetunia & @qvcaddition I'm using a small tray with those large cubes which look very cool ha so I may make more room, get rid of some food in the freezer and have fun with some trays.

Thank you all! Think I'll start by making some room in the freezer by using some of the food I'll shop my freezer ha.

Then with summer coming, will see how long I can survive on trays. Will give me some time to research appliance repair people.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

Q-Checker — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:47:25 GMT

I have an Amana from the 90's and it is still running just fine. They don't make them that way anymore! When I get a new frig, an icemaker will be a very low priority as it is little trouble to fill up an ice tray. If entertaining where large quantities of ice are needed, it is also easy to purchase a bag of ice cubes.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

Teddie — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:48:55 GMT

I have a Whirlpool Gold. My ice maker is on the door in the freezer. I was having problems with the tube where the water would come out freezing and then not making ice. I’d get my hair dryer out and had to stand there blowing hot air onto that part. My son did some investigating and ordered a part from Amazon. He pulled the fridge out and replaced a part back there and so far, so good. Very thankful he was able to do that. Plus he saved me a lot of money.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

We rescue cats — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:51:15 GMT

We had a Samsung French Door with water and ice thru the door. That icemaker was replace 5 times (we had insurance). When it broke the 6th time the company (Home Depot) sent us a check for what we paid for the friedge less the insurance. We now have a Whirlpool, with an icemaker but not thru the door. (and my fingers are crossed.)

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

shoekitty — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:12:40 GMT

I had one like this ice maker years ago. Might have got from QVC, Cuisenart? It was fast, easy and really make good ice When we got new fridge finally 5 years ago I gave it to daughter, and she still uses it for parties.QVC has many nice ones, from 89.00-600.00). deluxe to everyday. This one is on Amazon for 89 bux. 11,000 5 star review Get it tomorrow, lol but the Q has one similar too

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

Teddie — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:03:29 GMT

My daughter and son-in-law bought an ice maker similar to what @shoekitty showed. It sits on their counter and is a pretty mint green. When the ice is made they pour it into the ice dispenser in the freezer. They want all their water and ice made with reverse osmosis and weren’t able to attach it over to that. But it works very nicely!

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

shoekitty — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:04:57 GMT

@rockygems123 they also have portable ice makers like the one I showed you that make 2 kinds of ice, some make super fast, different options. What I like was I could use spring water, or osmosis water we had in separate tap. The one I had an option for that ice with hole in it, I LOVED that kind of ice!!!

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

shoekitty — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:09:52 GMT

@Teddie just saw your post after I posted last post. Yes, we couldnt trip the hoses to osmosis water either. Mine was a nice cuisenart deep red matched my stand mixer. I tell you that appliance worked like a well oiled machine. Never a bit of trouble. My daughter always has parties, bbqs. They have outside kitchen and use this. They have had worst luck with fridges and ice makers. No kidding. They paid top dollar for highly rated ones, and managed to get lemon. They have a sub zero now, and still have issues with ice maker. Go figure. But the little ice maker keeps on chugging away!

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

Teddie — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:15:51 GMT

@shoekitty, sometimes I think the more gadgets and parts on something — the more to break down. And deep red, I bet that was pretty.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

CelticCrafter — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:28:06 GMT

The more bells and whistles on an appliance, the more bells and whistles there are to break.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

kaydee50 — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:34:22 GMT

We had a side by side refrigerator (hated it!!) that had an ice maker and water dispenser in the door. Couldn't wait for it to die and it finally did at approximately 12 years (it was here when we bought our condo). Replaced it with a top freezer, no frills fridge. We use very little ice and the trays work fine for us.

@rockygems123 Good luck getting it repaired!!

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

Shelbelle — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:43:03 GMT

My fridge is 25 years old but the ice maker died long ago, we just ignore it, and use ice trays, and just very grateful everything else is still working just fine.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

bargainsgirl — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:48:55 GMT

Our fridge is just 10 years old and the ice maker quit a year ago. We just use ice cube trays now...too costly to have fixed with parts and all...my "Mr. Fixit" hub can fix anything but he took a pass on this.

Re: Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

beach-mom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:56:08 GMT

@rockygems123 - We didn't replace ours when it gave out a few years ago. DH HAS to have ice. We bought a countertop model here. I had to give up counter space, but he makes ice and puts it back in the freezer bin. The front door still dispenses cubes and crushed.