Key takeaways
- When a Whirlpool ice maker stops producing cubes, the frustration is immediate: the freezer compartment fills with warm water, the dispenser clogs, and every household member feels the loss. The root cause varies — a failed mold heater, a cracked…
What's inside
When a Whirlpool ice maker stops producing cubes, the frustration is immediate: the freezer compartment fills with warm water, the dispenser clogs, and every household member feels the loss. The root cause varies — a failed mold heater, a cracked water inlet valve, or a seized ejector arm — but the practical solution for most homeowners is replacing the faulty assembly with a compatible part that matches the original specifications. The eight products in this roundup address the most common failure modes across Whirlpool side-by-side and french-door refrigerators, and the differences between them matter more than buyers typically expect.
What separates a worthwhile replacement from a money-loser comes down to fitment accuracy, component durability, and whether the part matches your exact refrigerator model. A generic assembly that shares similar dimensions but uses a weaker compressor or thinner plastic housing will fail within months, while a genuine OEM unit designed for your specific model number delivers the same service life as the factory-installed part. Owner feedback consistently highlights these distinctions: buyers who matched their model number to the replacement report years of reliable operation, while those who relied on vague compatibility lists end up returning the part or paying for a second repair.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Ice Maker WPW10190965 | DIY repair with existing harness | $49.92 |
| Nurfosttek 2198597 Ice Maker | Whirlpool and Maytag dual-brand fit | $53.99 |
| W10873791 Ice Maker Assembly | Budget-compatible replacement | $46.99 |
| Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM | Exact factory fit, side-by-side | $66.88 |
| Whirlpool WPW10190965 OEM + FSP | Genuine part with food safety packaging | $62.84 |
| Supco RIM943 Modular Kit | Multi-brand refrigerators | $56.95 |
| W11546935 Compatible Assembly | Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, Maytag | $75.45 |
| Whirlpool WPW10300022 OEM | Newer side-by-side models | $141.25 |
How We Picked
We evaluated these ice maker replacements against four criteria that owner reviews and published specs consistently flag as decisive: exact model-number compatibility (does the part list your refrigerator’s model or a confirmed cross-reference), build quality signals such as genuine OEM versus aftermarket designation, completeness of the assembly (mold, ejector arm, and harness included versus bare unit only), and real-world longevity reported by buyers who used the replacement for at least six months. Price was considered only as a relative factor — a cheaper part that fails early costs more than a pricier unit that lasts for years.
The 8 Best Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working in 2026
Bare Ice Maker Fits Whirlpool WPW10190965 D7824706Q 4317943 W10190965 1129313
This is the bare-bones option for a homeowner whose existing ice maker assembly has a salvageable wiring harness and connector but a failed mold or ejector mechanism. Because it ships without the full harness, it costs noticeably less than the OEM alternatives on this list. Owners appreciate that it drops directly into the mounting slots of older Whirlpool units that reference WPW10190965 or W10190965. The tradeoff is that you need to transfer your original wiring, which adds ten minutes to the job and requires care around the electrical pins. Skip it if your existing harness shows corrosion or fraying — the savings disappear once you buy a replacement connector separately.
Nurfosttek 2198597 Ice Maker, 185W 115V 60Hz
Targeted at owners of both Whirlpool and Maytag refrigerators that use the 2198597 part number, this assembly includes published electrical specs (185 watts, 115 volts, 60 hertz) that let buyers verify compatibility before ordering. That transparency is rare in aftermarket ice makers and reduces return rates. The unit arrives as a complete assembly with mold, ejector, and water fill tube. One concern from owner feedback is that the plastic water inlet fitting is noticeably thinner than the OEM version, which can crack during installation if forced. Pass on this if your refrigerator sits in a location where the ice maker is frequently jostled during grocery loading.
W10873791 Ice Maker Assembly, Compatible with Whirlpool Refrigerators
At $46.99, this is the lowest-priced entry here and appeals to buyers whose refrigerator uses the W10873791 designation and who want a functional replacement without the OEM price premium. It covers a reasonable range of Whirlpool side-by-side models and includes the full assembly. Owner reviews note that cycle timing is slightly longer than factory units — the first batch of ice may take an extra two to three hours to form. If you need the same production speed the original delivered, consider the genuine OEM version below instead.
Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Part
This is the factory-designated replacement for side-by-side Whirlpool refrigerators that originally shipped with W10873791, and it carries the most extensive cross-reference list in this group: W10760070, W10798411, W10847507, W11130444, and additional numbers. Buyers with ambiguous model plates benefit from this breadth. The construction matches original specifications, so cycle time, cube size, and water fill volume replicate the factory performance exactly. The premium over aftermarket equivalents is roughly $20, which owners consider justified by the longer service life. Skip this if your budget is tight and your refrigerator is already near end-of-life; the aftermarket version above handles two more years of use.
Whirlpool WPW10190965 Refrigerator Ice Maker Genuine OEM + FSP Part
Genuine OEM with Food Safety Packaging designation, this unit serves Whirlpool refrigerators that reference WPW10190965 or its successor W11381372. The FSP label indicates the part was packaged to meet food-contact material standards, which matters for components that hold water in direct contact with ice. Owners installing into a household with children or immunocompromised members specifically call out this detail. At $62.84, it sits between the bare aftermarket option and the full-featured W10873791 OEM unit. It is worth passing over if your existing part number is W10190965 without the P prefix, since the connector geometry differs slightly and may not seat flush.
Supco RIM943 Modular Ice Maker Replacement Kit
Supco’s modular kit is designed for technicians who repair multiple refrigerator brands and want a single stock item that adapts across platforms. The RIM943 fits a wider range than most dedicated Whirlpool replacements, covering select Sub-Zero, Dacor, and Whirlpool models. It arrives complete with all mounting hardware and a pre-installed ejector motor. The kit approach means you receive parts you may not need if your original unit only required a mold replacement. For the average homeowner repairing one refrigerator, this adds cost and clutter. Choose the Supco only if you are servicing multiple units or want spare components on the shelf for future jobs.
W11546935 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly for Whirlpool Kenmore Amana Maytag
This assembly covers the broadest brand range in the group — Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, and Maytag — all of which share parent-company manufacturing. The W11546935 designation applies to newer side-by-side and french-door models where the ice maker sits lower in the freezer compartment. At $75.45, it is the second-highest-priced item here, reflecting its fitment across four brands and the inclusion of updated mounting brackets that match the revised compartment geometry. Owners report that the water fill tube connector requires the supplied adapter to mate with older Maytag plumbing. Skip this if your model predates the W11546935 transition, as the bracket spacing will not align.
Whirlpool WPW10300022 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Part
The highest-priced item at $141.25, this genuine OEM part serves newer Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators that use W10122556, W10300022, or W10377190. The price reflects a redesigned mold system that produces denser, slower-melting cubes and a reinforced ejector arm that resists the flex common in earlier iterations. Owners of refrigerators less than five years old tend to prefer this unit because it preserves the factory ice quality those models originally delivered. The steep premium means it is not the logical choice for an older refrigerator where you would not recover the investment through remaining service life.
Buying Guide
Match the Part Number, Not the Brand
Whirlpool ice makers are designated by part numbers like WPW10190965 or W10873791, and these numbers are the single most reliable way to confirm fitment. Your refrigerator’s model plate identifies the installed part, and the replacement must carry the same number or a documented successor reference. Manufacturer compatibility lists that say “fits Whirlpool” without a specific part number carry a higher return rate. Check your existing assembly for a printed number or photograph the mounting bracket and connector before ordering.
Understand What “Complete Assembly” Includes
Not all ice maker replacements ship with the same component set. A bare mold unit costs less but requires you to reuse your original ejector motor, heater, and wiring harness. A complete assembly includes all three, plus the water fill tube and mounting brackets. If your failure is limited to the mold, the bare option saves money. If the ejector arm is cracked or the harness pins are corroded, the extra cost of a complete assembly is justified because you avoid a second repair visit.
Evaluate OEM Versus Aftermarket on Longevity
Aftermarket ice makers typically cost $10 to $20 less than their OEM counterparts, and the difference appears in material thickness and cycle timing rather than initial performance. Over six to twelve months, owner reviews show that aftermarket units accumulate more complaints about warped molds and premature motor burnout. OEM parts are not guaranteed to last longer, but they use the same tooling and quality checks as factory-installed units, which reduces variance. If your refrigerator has more than five years of expected life remaining, the OEM premium pays for itself through fewer replacements.
Our Verdict
The Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly is the top pick for most buyers. Its extensive cross-reference list covers the widest range of currently installed Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators, the construction matches factory specifications exactly, and owner feedback reports multi-year service without cycle degradation. For buyers who want the lowest functional price without sacrificing complete-assembly convenience, the W10873791 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly at $46.99 delivers reliable performance for the shortest remaining life of an aging refrigerator. The Nurfosttek 2198597 becomes the winner when your refrigerator is a Maytag rather than a Whirlpool, since its published dual-brand fitment eliminates the guesswork that other aftermarket parts require.
FAQ
Why does my Whirlpool ice maker stop working suddenly?
The most common causes are a failed mold heater that prevents ice release, a frozen water fill tube that blocks flow to the mold, or a seized ejector motor that stalls mid-cycle. A clogged water filter can also reduce fill pressure below the threshold needed to complete a cycle, producing no cubes at all.
Can I replace the ice maker assembly myself?
Most Whirlpool refrigerator ice makers are designed for DIY replacement. You typically need a nut driver or socket wrench, a towel to catch residual water, and ten to twenty minutes of time. The unit unclips from mounting brackets, disconnects a single plug-in harness, and pulls free without soldering or specialized tools.
How long does a replacement ice maker last?
Owner reports suggest genuine OEM replacements average four to six years of daily use, while aftermarket assemblies typically deliver two to three years before a component failure requires another replacement. Usage frequency, water hardness, and ambient freezer temperature all influence actual service life.
Do I need to wait before the new ice maker starts producing?
After installation, most units require eight to twelve hours to complete a first cycle, depending on freezer temperature and water line pressure. Some owners see cubes within six hours if the freezer was already at optimal temperature. Do not adjust the mold position to speed things up, as this can damage the new heater element.
