Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Makers Compared: Which Replacement Fits Your Fridge?
6 models comparedOctober 28, 20269 min read
Specs below are quoted from each Amazon listing. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback. Nothing on this page was handled or measured by us.
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
When a whirlpool refrigerator ice maker stops cycling or fails to fill with water, replacing the modular mechanical unit is usually the quickest way to restore dependable ice production. Modern refrigerators rely on integrated ice maker assemblies that coordinate water intake, internal mold freezing, and cube ejection into the storage bucket. When internal gears, thermostats, or drive motors wear out from daily use, swapping in a matching replacement assembly resolves the underlying problem.
This whirlpool refrigerator ice maker comparison examines six distinct replacement assemblies, spanning factory OEM units, aftermarket direct replacements, optical-sensor models, and modern low-wattage assemblies. Because mounting brackets, wire harness connections, and shutoff mechanisms vary widely across refrigerator series, choosing the correct assembly requires matching your appliance model number and existing part cross-references. Understanding these differences will help you pinpoint which whirlpool ice maker to buy without guessing compatibility.
Which Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Makers Should You Buy
For older standard top-mount and side-by-side freezers needing a bare modular core: Bare Ice Maker Fits Whirlpool WPW10190965. see 1 of 6
For DIY repairs where you want a complete head cover and bail arm but can reuse your original wiring cord: W10300022 WPW10300022 Refrigerator Ice Maker Replaces. see 2 of 6
For modern side-by-side refrigerators with in-door dispensers requiring factory-certified original hardware: Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator. see 3 of 6
For side-by-side freezer setups that rely on optical sensor boards rather than mechanical shutoff arms: 2198597 Ice Maker. see 4 of 6
For in-door bucket configurations requiring an integrated ice deflector stripper and a fused four-pin harness: New Refrigerator Icemaker Ice Maker. see 5 of 6
For recent refrigerator platforms seeking a low-wattage frost-resistant polymer assembly: W11546935 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly. see 6 of 6
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Replacing bare mechanical freezer ice makers
Pros
Standard 115-volt operation
Metal and plastic mold build
Extensive replacement part cross-reference
Cons
Does not include wiring harness
Bare mechanical core requires hardware transfer
The Bare Ice Maker Fits Whirlpool WPW10190965 provides a straightforward mechanical core produced by ClimaTek for domestic refrigeration systems. Operating on a standard 115-volt household connection, this replacement unit receives water directly from the refrigerator water inlet valve and holds it inside the internal mold until it solidifies. Once frozen solid, the internal ejector automatically harvests the ice cubes and triggers a fresh water refill, repeating until the ice storage container is full.
This replacement core is designed for homeowners who have functional wiring harnesses, mounting brackets, and shutoff arms on their existing refrigerator setup. The listing highlights compatibility with Whirlpool, Roper, Estate, and related models, serving as a direct replacement for part numbers D7824706Q, 4317943, 1129313, 61005508, and 10549201. Because this listing supplies a bare core assembly, purchasers will need to transfer their existing harness and mounting accessories during installation.
Operates on standard 115-volt electrical current
Durable metal and plastic mold construction
Replaces legacy part numbers including D7824706Q and 4317943
Automated water intake, ice ejection, and refill cycling
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Freezers where existing power cord is reusable
Pros
Includes head cover and bail arm
Direct swap for WPW10300022 units
Stainless steel construction material
Cons
Power cord not included in box
The W10300022 WPW10300022 Refrigerator Ice Maker Replaces unit from Mintu delivers a mechanical replacement assembly for residential freezer compartments. Built with stainless steel structural materials, this assembly includes the primary ice maker head cover, wire bail shutoff arm, water trough, and installation instructions. It functions as a direct swap for part numbers WPW10300022, W10300022, AP6019085, W10122556, and W10377190, supporting Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Jenn Air, KitchenAid, Magic Chef, and Roper refrigerators.
A key consideration with this model is that a power cord is not included in the box. The manufacturer specifies that the existing wiring harness should be unclipped from your original ice maker and transferred over, with video guidance available online to assist with assembly. Much like servicing cross-compatible hardware on a kenmore ice maker, verifying that your current wire harness is intact allows for a quick installation without cutting or splicing wires.
Includes modular head cover, wire bail arm, and water fill trough
Constructed with stainless steel material components
Replaces part numbers WPW10300022, W10122556, and AP6019085
Direct fit for Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and Sears Kenmore models
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Modern side by side in-door dispensers
Pros
Factory genuine OEM assembly
One-year manufacturer warranty
Full ten-cube ice mold included
Cons
Requires basic disassembly for installation
The Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator assembly is an authentic factory replacement part manufactured directly by Whirlpool. Crafted to match original factory engineering standards, this complete housing assembly weighs 1.43 pounds and measures 7.44 by 14.44 by 7.38 inches. It provides a ten-cube replacement ice maker mold and directly replaces factory part numbers W10760070, W10798411, W10847507, W11130444, and W11646278.
This genuine OEM part is engineered specifically for side-by-side refrigerator models featuring in-door ice and water dispensers, including model numbers WRS571CIHZ, WRS588FIHZ, WRS555SIHZ, KRSC703HPS, and WRS588FIHV. Because it comes backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty, it offers assurance for homeowners seeking exact factory specifications. Installing this complete assembly requires basic hand tools, minor refrigerator disassembly, and novice repair experience after disconnecting appliance power.
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Freezers with built-in optical ice sensors
Pros
Produces eight cubes per cycle
Food-grade construction materials
One hundred eighty-five watt fast harvest
Cons
Lacks mechanical shutoff bail arm
The 2198597 Ice Maker from Nurfosttek is an aftermarket replacement assembly designed for side-by-side refrigerators using optical sensor systems. Operating at 185 watts on standard 115-volt 60 Hz alternating current, this assembly produces eight ice cubes per freezing cycle. It measures 4.59 inches deep, 11.42 inches wide, and 4.78 inches high, featuring a rated one-liter capacity and R600a refrigerant compatibility.
Manufactured using food-grade materials, this assembly directly resolves common freezer complaints such as failed ice cycling, abnormal cube formations, water leaks, and motor operating noise. It replaces part numbers 2198597, W10122502, 626663, 1016069, and 2198678 across Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Roper refrigerators. Note that this unit does not come with a lifting bail arm; it is intended exclusively for freezer compartments that utilize built-in electronic emitter sensors to monitor ice levels.
Eight-cube production batch with 185-watt operating power
Manufactured from safe, food-grade contact materials
Replaces part numbers 2198597, W10122502, and 626663
Designed specifically for sensor-based optical shutoff systems
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for In-door bins needing fused wiring harness
Pros
Integrated ice stripper for door bins
Includes ten-and-a-half-inch fused harness
Works with emitter board sensors
Cons
Heavier modular replacement body
The New Refrigerator Icemaker Ice Maker, produced under Supco model number IM597, is a specialized modular replacement for side-by-side refrigerators with door-mounted ice buckets. Operating at 115 volts with a 3.6-pound rated capacity, this 2.8-pound modular unit features a specialized ice stripper rake designed to guide newly harvested ice cubes directly down into the freezer door bucket without jamming.
This replacement unit serves appliances across Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn Air, Magic Chef, Maytag, and Roper brands, replacing part numbers 2198597, 2198598, 626663, AP3182733, and W10122502. Designed to work with refrigerators using a printed circuit board emitter sensor rather than a mechanical shutoff arm, it includes a 10.5-inch flat rectangular four-pin wiring connection featuring an integrated protective fuse. Understanding door-bin dispenser geometry is just as important here as when troubleshooting a ge side by side refrigerator.
Specialized ice stripper deflector engineered for door bins
Includes 10.5-inch flat rectangular four-pin fused wiring harness
Interfaces with electronic PC board emitter sensor systems
Replaces Whirlpool part numbers 2198597, 2198598, and W10122502
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for Low-power modular freezer replacements
Pros
Ultra-low nine-watt energy draw
Frost-resistant polymer construction
Plug-and-play direct swap installation
Cons
Plastic mold body rather than metal
The W11546935 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly from ZANBWGQD is a modern aftermarket replacement designed for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, and Maytag refrigerators. Operating at 115 volts and 60 Hz, this assembly runs at a remarkably low 9.2 watts with an ultra-low 0.08-amp current draw. It measures 3 inches deep, 11.7 inches wide, and 5.1 inches high, serving as a direct replacement for part numbers W11546935, W11700250, W11359448, and W11633658.
Constructed from frost-resistant polymer material, this unit is engineered to withstand long-term sub-zero temperatures and high freezer humidity without cracking or deforming. It provides a direct one-to-one swap that eliminates the need for wire cutting, splicing, or supplementary mounting adapters. Replacing a damaged unit with this assembly quickly restores quiet ice production, eliminating common issues like grinding gear noise, mechanical jams, and irregular batch sizes.
Low-draw 9.2-watt rating with 0.08-amp electrical demand
Constructed from frost-resistant polymer materials
One-to-one direct swap requiring no wire cutting or adapters
Replaces part numbers W11546935, W11700250, and W11359448
Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.
Buying Tips for Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Makers
When selecting a replacement ice maker, the most vital step is locating your refrigerator cabinet model number rather than relying on visual similarities. The model tag is typically printed on an interior sticker inside the fresh food compartment or behind the lower crisper drawer. Ice maker modules often share similar rectangular profiles, but their internal drive pinions, mounting tabs, and wiring harness plugs vary significantly across production years. Cross-referencing your refrigerator model ensures the replacement matches your electrical connector and mounting cavity.
Another critical consideration is choosing between a genuine OEM assembly and an aftermarket compatible unit. OEM assemblies provide factory assurance, standardized tolerances, and manufacturer warranty backing, making them ideal for complex in-door dispensing systems. Compatible aftermarket units offer dependable mechanical functionality for older appliances, provided you verify whether the kit includes a wire harness or requires reusing your existing electrical cord and shutoff arm.
Finally, identify whether your freezer relies on a physical wire bail arm or an electronic optical sensor beam. Traditional ice makers use a wire arm that raises as ice accumulates in the storage bin, opening an internal switch to stop harvesting when full. In contrast, many side-by-side models utilize infrared optical emitter boards built into the freezer walls. Installing an armless sensor module into a mechanical shutoff freezer, or vice versa, will cause the ice maker to stop cycling or overfill the freezer bucket.
FAQ
How do I confirm which replacement ice maker fits my Whirlpool refrigerator?
Locate the model number sticker inside your refrigerator cabinet, usually found on the upper interior wall or near the vegetable crispers. Match that appliance number against the replacement part cross-reference list provided by the ice maker manufacturer.
What is the difference between genuine OEM and compatible ice maker parts?
Genuine OEM parts are built directly by Whirlpool to original factory specifications and typically include a manufacturer warranty. Compatible parts are produced by third-party manufacturers to match factory dimensions and electrical ratings, offering functional replacements across multiple brands.
Why do some replacement ice makers not include a wire bail arm?
Some side-by-side refrigerators use infrared optical sensor boards mounted on the freezer walls to detect ice levels. Assemblies designed for these sensor-equipped freezers do not use a mechanical wire arm because the appliance control board automatically regulates the harvest cycle.
Can I reuse the wiring cord from my old refrigerator ice maker?
Yes, many compatible replacement assemblies are sold without a wiring harness specifically so homeowners can reuse their intact factory cord. If your old wiring harness and connector pins show no signs of heat damage or corrosion, it can be plugged directly into the replacement module.
How long does a replacement ice maker take to produce its first batch of ice?
After installation, the freezer must reach its normal operating temperature of approximately zero degrees Fahrenheit before the internal thermostat initiates water fill and freezing cycles. Most replacement ice makers will drop their first batch of ice within twelve to twenty-four hours.
