Replacing a Refrigerator Ice Maker

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

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?

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

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.

qvcaddition · ‎03-10-2010

@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.

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

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.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@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.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

shoekitty · ‎03-10-2010

@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.

“sometimes you have to bite your upper lip and put sunglasses on”….Bob Dylan

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

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.

Q-Checker · ‎05-09-2010

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.

Teddie · ‎03-10-2010

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.

We rescue cats · ‎01-25-2023

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.)