Key takeaways
- Pros: Lowest price in this group; pre-assembled mold and heater save time.
- Pros: Broad cross-reference list covers several older part numbers.
- Con: Aftermarket build; some owners report the plastic arm flexing faster than OEM equivalents.
What's inside
A failed ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator is one of those problems that starts small — a missing handful of cubes at dinner — and ends with an expensive service call or a half-empty freezer tray you keep meaning to deal with. The good news is that the replacement part itself is straightforward to source and install. The less good news is that the market is crowded with aftermarket assemblies, genuine OEM units, and everything in between, each claiming compatibility with your specific model. Choosing the wrong one means a second trip to the hardware store or a return shipping label you did not budget for.
What separates a reliable replacement from a frustrating one comes down to three things: whether the part actually matches your refrigerator’s model number, whether it uses the correct mounting and wiring configuration for your cabinet type (top-mount freezer, side-by-side, or French-door), and whether the build quality of the plastic mold and harvest heater will hold up beyond the first year. This roundup compares eight ice makers sold for Whirlpool-compatible refrigerators in 2026, using published specifications, cross-reference part numbers, and aggregated owner feedback to help you narrow the field before you open your wallet.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Ice Maker (WPW10190965) | DIYers who want the lowest-cost OEM-compatible part | $49.92 |
| W10300022 Aftermarket | Side-by-side owners on a mid-range budget | $79.99 |
| W11546935 Compatible Assembly | Multi-brand households with Whirlpool, Maytag, or Amana units | $75.45 |
| WPW10190965 Genuine OEM | Owners who trust OEM and want FSP packaging | $62.84 |
| WPW10300022 Genuine OEM SxS | Side-by-side models where factory fit matters most | $141.25 |
| W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS | Newer side-by-side units superseding older part numbers | $66.88 |
| W11700250 Assembly Replacement | Refrigerators that originally used W11546935 or AP7219248 | $99.99 |
| 2198597/2198598 Aftermarket | Older Whirlpool, Kenmore, or KitchenAid top-mount models | $51.95 |
How We Picked
We evaluated these eight products on four criteria: cross-reference accuracy (does the listing confirm compatibility with your model number), OEM versus aftermarket build (genuine parts carry Whirlpool’s material tolerances, while aftermarket quality varies), installation scope (some assemblies ship with the mold, heater, and arm integrated; others require reusing brackets from your old unit), and owner-reported longevity (the most consistent theme in reviews is whether the ice maker survives its second summer without a harvest failure). Price was considered as a secondary filter, not a ranking driver.
The 8 Best Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker in 2026
Bare Ice Maker Fits Whirlpool WPW10190965 D7824706Q 4317943 W10190965 1129313
This is the entry-level option for owners who need a drop-in replacement for the WPW10190965 and its superseded numbers without paying for branded packaging. It fits top-mount and French-door Whirlpool refrigerators that accept the W10190965 form factor. Owners praise the straightforward swap — the mold, heater, and fill cup are pre-assembled, and most report completing the job in under twenty minutes with a quarter-inch driver.
- Pros: Lowest price in this group; pre-assembled mold and heater save time.
- Pros: Broad cross-reference list covers several older part numbers.
- Con: Aftermarket build; some owners report the plastic arm flexing faster than OEM equivalents.
Skip this if your refrigerator is a side-by-side model that uses the W10300022 series — the physical footprint and wiring are different.
W10300022 WPW10300022 Refrigerator Ice Maker Replaces AP6019085, W10122556, W10300022, W10377190
Designed for side-by-side Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Amana refrigerators, this aftermarket assembly replaces four superseded part numbers. Owners who chose it over the OEM version consistently mention the price difference as the deciding factor. The unit arrives with the bail arm, fill cup, and harvest heater already mounted, so installation is a bolt-and-connect process. Several long-term reviews note dependable ice production past the eighteen-month mark.
- Pros: Wide compatibility across three major brand families.
- Pros: Complete assembly means no salvaging parts from the old unit.
- Con: Finish quality on the plastic housing is noticeably rougher than the genuine Whirlpool equivalent at nearly double the price.
Pass on this if you already own the W10873791 assembly — the newer OEM version offers a more precise fit for post-2018 side-by-side cabinets.
W11546935 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly for Whirlpool Kenmore Amana Maytag
This assembly serves as a budget-friendly crossover for households that run multiple brand-family refrigerators. It is the direct aftermarket alternative to the genuine W11546935 and covers Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, and Maytag units sharing that platform. Owners highlight the integrated fill tube and the fact that the mold sits flush against the evaporator cover without shimming. Ice cube size and harvest cycle match factory specifications according to reviews.
- Pros: Fits four brand families under one part number.
- Pros: Mid-range price undercuts the OEM option while maintaining reported fit accuracy.
- Con: No included mounting hardware; you will reuse screws and brackets from the old assembly.
If your refrigerator originally shipped with the newer W11700250, the W11546935 is being phased out — check your model tag before ordering.
Whirlpool WPW10190965 Refrigerator Ice Maker (Replaces W10190965, W11381372) Genuine OEM + FSP Part
This is the factory-sourced version of the popular W10190965 platform, sold in FSP (Full Service Parts) packaging that confirms direct Whirlpool distribution. For owners who distrust aftermarket tolerances on the harvest heater, this is the peace-of-mind purchase. The mold geometry, heater wattage, and bail arm tension match what left the factory. Installation reviews describe a clean swap with no adjustment needed to the fill cup alignment.
- Pros: Genuine OEM materials and manufacturing tolerances.
- Pros: FSP packaging provides traceability and a shorter return window if compatibility is in question.
- Con: Costs slightly more than the bare aftermarket version, though the difference is modest at $62.84.
Skip this if your unit is a side-by-side model — you need the W10300022 or W10873791 family instead.
Whirlpool WPW10300022 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Part
At $141.25, this is the most expensive option in the roundup, and it carries the premium of being the sole factory-authored ice maker for side-by-side Whirlpool refrigerators that use the W10300022 platform. Owners who previously tried aftermarket units and experienced early harvest failure report that the OEM version restored reliable cycle times within the first week. The bail arm mechanism and heater assembly are noticeably sturdier in hand than aftermarket alternatives.
- Pros: Exact factory specifications; no guesswork on compatibility.
- Pros: Strongest owner feedback on multi-year reliability among all eight products here.
- Con: Price is nearly double the aftermarket W10300022 equivalent, which several owners say they would pay again after a failed budget part.
Not worth the premium if your refrigerator is an older top-mount model that uses the W10190965 form factor.
Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Part
This newer OEM assembly supersedes several earlier side-by-side part numbers including W10760070, W10798411, W10847507, and W11130444. It is the correct choice for Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators manufactured after the mid-2010s redesign. Owners note that the electrical connector and water inlet position differ from the older W10300022, so it is not a universal replacement across the entire side-by-side line — check your existing part number first. At $66.88, it offers OEM quality at a price closer to aftermarket competitors.
- Pros: Genuine Whirlpool engineering with modern connector design.
- Pros: Among the best price-to-quality ratios in this group for side-by-side owners.
- Con: Not backward-compatible with earlier W10300022 cabinets; the mounting geometry is specific to newer models.
Pass if your refrigerator predates the W10873791 supersession list — you likely need the W10300022 form factor instead.
W11700250 W11359448 Ice Maker Assembly Replacement
This assembly is the current-generation replacement for refrigerators that originally used the W11546935 platform. It covers Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, and Maytag models and supersedes AP7219248, AP7019172, and PS17216974. Owners upgrading from the older W11546935 report improved fill-cup sealing and fewer instances of ice jamming at the discharge chute. The $99.99 price reflects its status as a newer-design part with fewer aftermarket knockoffs.
- Pros: Current-generation compatibility for multi-brand refrigerators sharing the W11546935 lineage.
- Pros: Owner feedback highlights better seal quality than the older W11546935 aftermarket alternatives.
- Con: Higher price than the W11546935 it replaces, and some older refrigerator cabinets may need a wiring adapter.
Skip this if your model number is explicitly listed under the W11546935 cross-reference — the older part still fits and costs less.
New Refrigerator Icemaker for Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid 2198597 2198598, 626663, AP3182733, PS869316, W10190960 and W10122502
This aftermarket unit targets a different generation of refrigerators — older top-mount Whirlpool, Kenmore, and KitchenAid models that used the 2198597 and 2198598 part numbers. The cross-reference list is specific and does not overlap with the W10190965 or W10300022 families, making it essential to match your existing mold geometry before purchasing. At $51.95, owners call it a bargain for a discontinued platform, though the aftermarket plastic quality means it is best suited for a rental unit or a refrigerator you are not planning to keep another decade.
- Pros: One of the few available sources for these legacy part numbers.
- Pros: Price is accessible for older refrigerators where OEM stock is scarce or overpriced.
- Con: No owner-reported longevity data beyond two years; plastic arm and heater are lighter than original factory parts.
Do not order this as a substitute for any newer Whirlpool platform — the mounting points and electrical configuration are incompatible.
Buying Guide
Match the Part Number, Not Just the Brand
Whirlpool uses several distinct ice maker platforms across its refrigerator lines, and the physical dimensions, water inlet position, and electrical connector differ between them. The most common mistake is searching by brand name alone. Pull the part number stamped on the mold base or wiring harness of your existing unit, then compare it against the cross-reference list in each product title. If your refrigerator is under warranty or you want to avoid a second purchase, verify the supersession chain — Whirlpool updates part numbers frequently, and a listing that says “replaces” may be the only current option.
Understand OEM Versus Aftermarket Tolerances
Genuine Whirlpool OEM parts are manufactured to factory specifications for heater wattage, mold wall thickness, and bail arm spring tension. Aftermarket versions replicate the geometry but sometimes use thinner plastic or slightly different heater elements that alter harvest timing by a few seconds. In practice, this means aftermarket ice makers may produce smaller cubes or require more frequent manual defrosting of the mold. The price gap between a $49.92 aftermarket unit and a $141.25 OEM part reflects material sourcing and quality control, not just branding.
Check Your Cabinet Type Before You Order
Top-mount and French-door refrigerators typically use the W10190965 or W11546935 platform. Side-by-side models use the W10300022 or W10873791 family. The W11700250 bridges newer multi-brand units regardless of cabinet style. Installing the wrong platform type does not just mean a return — the mounting bracket positions, water valve orientation, and electrical plug differ, and forcing a fit can damage the evaporator fan or water line connector.
Our Verdict
The top pick is the Whirlpool WPW10300022 Genuine OEM for side-by-side owners who want the longest service life and the most consistent harvest performance. For top-mount and French-door refrigerators, the WPW10190965 Genuine OEM at $62.84 offers the best balance of factory quality and accessible pricing. If budget is the primary constraint and your refrigerator is a side-by-side model, the aftermarket W10300022 at $79.99 is the most commonly recommended value option among owner reviews. The one condition that changes this: if your side-by-side is a newer model that already carries the W10873791 part number, the older W10300022 will not fit correctly, and the W10873791 becomes the only sensible choice regardless of price.
FAQ
How long does a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker last?
Owner-reported service life ranges from three to seven years depending on usage frequency and water hardness. Aftermarket units trend toward the lower end of that range, while OEM parts more commonly reach five years or beyond before a harvest heater or bail arm fails.
Can I replace the ice maker myself without a technician?
Yes. Most Whirlpool ice maker assemblies use two or three screws and a single electrical connector. The process takes under thirty minutes with basic hand tools, and no refrigerant handling is involved since the ice maker sits inside the freezer cabinet.
Why does my new ice maker produce smaller cubes than the original?
Aftermarket mold designs sometimes have slightly thinner walls or a different water fill volume, resulting in smaller or hollow cubes. A genuine OEM part replicates the original fill level and freeze cycle, so cube size matches factory output.
Do I need to replace the water filter when installing a new ice maker?
Not strictly, but a clogged or overdue water filter reduces flow to the fill cup, which causes underfilled molds and hollow ice. If your filter has been in service for more than six months, replacing it alongside the ice maker eliminates the most common cause of poor harvest after a new install.
