The water filter compartment is located in the right-hand side of the ice maker controls.
The short answer is not necessarily. An ice machine will operate without a filter, but will quickly start having problems will scale buildup, especially in a city where the water is considered “hard”.
You can run the ice maker without a water filter.
In other cases, it can cause your icemaker to completely stop working if it becomes clogged. As such, you will want to change the filter at least every six months or so. While you can use this as a rule of thumb, you will want to do it either less or more often, depending on what the water's like in your area.
Many contaminants are tasteless. A family of four who uses their water dispenser and ice machine often should get a new filter every six months. On the other hand, a couple without children may only need to replace it once a year.
The water filter compartment is located in the right-hand side of the ice maker controls. Push in on the door to release the latch, and then lower the door.
Begin by removing the filter from the ice maker. Prepare a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Submerge the filter in this solution and hand wash it gently to remove any dirt or grime. After thoroughly cleaning, rinse the filter with clean water.
It is recommended that the water filter be replaced every nine months, with 2000 gallons of water used, when the indicator light comes on, or as needed. A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter will reduce the water flow to the ice maker, which could result in low or no ice production.
Ensure that the ice maker is turned on and not paused. Check to make sure the water supply line is connected and the shut-off valve is open. Ensure the ice maker's arm is in the "down" position. Check your owner's manual for guidance with your specific model.
Disconnect the refrigerator once more and turn on the water supply valve to let water out of the cold water pipe. If the water won't come out of the pipe, could be the result of a blockage inside the pipe. If your home has hard water, a calcified lump inside the pipe could be blocking the flow.
Most filters are either in the back upper-right corner of the fridge interior or behind the front grille at the fridge base. You will know you found the water filter when you see a button or knob that you can use to remove the filter, which is a tube about as wide as your palm.
As ice melts and refreezes, it can become stale and absorb flavors from the freezer or the ice bin. To keep your ice tasting fresh, regularly discard old ice and produce a new batch. Using your ice maker more frequently can help prevent ice from becoming stale and ensure a consistent supply of clean, fresh-tasting ice.
A: yes, but I highly recommend you use a bottled water instead... I used "smart water"...it is cleaner and has no additives that the local water company uses.
Kitchenaid® recommends you change your water filter every six months.
Rinse filter under running water until most soils are removed. If you have hard-to-remove soils or calcium deposits from hard water, a soft brush may be required. Reinstall the filter.
Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside your refrigerator. Gently lift the filter door up. Pull the filter straight out and discard it.
No - filters are not always used on models that have icemakers. Filters are less common on top- and bottom-freezer models, and more common on side-by-side and French-door models.
Filter Clogs
Anything that regulates water flows to the ice maker can stop it from creating ice, especially if it becomes clogged.
Not all ice makers use filtered water to make ice. Furthermore, not all fridges with ice makers come with fridge filters; it depends on the specific model. However, most modern refrigerators come with an in-built filter to ensure you get the best ice quality from your machine.
Over time, your countertop ice maker accumulates mineral residue from your home's water. It also can be home to mold and bacterial growth. As your ice cubes melt in your cup, these elements are released into your beverage.