Service Tech's: Which companies have the best icemaker's used in Refrigerators?

Question

I was interested in which companies seem to have the most reliable icemakers and what the main failure modes of the icemakers were?

Answer 1

Whirlpool had the patent on the cressent shaped icemaker for about 50 years. So most companies used them. GE had their own and weren't as good.

While they may look a little different still most companies use a version of the Whirlpool. Several companies made their own cressent types after the patent went off but most except GE and Fridgidaire went back to the Whirlpool.

Icemakers in hot climates have to do a lot of work but the Whirlpools are probably the simplest device and most easily repaired. I won't say they are the "best" because the head, the module, I have replaced too often but that is a quick and easy job.

But some models of refrigerator have problems with the fill tube for the water freezing up but that is a function of the refrigerator OR poor or weak water supply.

I saw many more problems caused by a bad or plugged up tap valve that provides the water than I did see icemaker failures. And the customer often installed the water line tap valve. lol.

My advice would be to get a whirlpool type and learn to fix it. But I am a techie guy.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Most major brands used the same style of ice maker- a crescent cube type. They are pretty reliable-usually a 10yr life span

Answer 3

Maitowoc,Scottsman,Hoshizaki,and Ice -O -Matic are by far the most superior ice machines.Most run trouble free if properly cleaned 2 or 3 times a year and the water filter is changed.