How do I get my ice maker to make more ice?

Author: Dr. Finn Koss  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Some models are equipped with Quick Freeze feature – just press Quick Freeze on your display to temporarily increase the ice production rate. If your refrigerator is not properly making ice, the freezer temperature could be set too warm. Set the freezer control to a colder setting to improve ice production.

Why is my ice maker not producing a lot of ice?

First, make sure your water filter is up to date to help avoid clogs that reduce water flow. Next, double check that the fridge water line behind the refrigerator isn't kinked or twisted. Lastly, use a leveler to ensure that your refrigerator and ice maker are level so water distributes evenly throughout the ice tray.

What position should the ice maker arm be in?

To turn ON the icemaker, lower the feeler arm to the ON (down) position. To turn OFF the icemaker, raise the feeler arm to the STOP (up) position.

Why is the ice machine making less ice?

Low amounts of food inside your freezer can affect the temperature of your freezer. More food helps maintain cold temperatures. A clogged water filter may restrict water flow to your ice maker. A clogged or restricted waterline can cause slow ice production and smaller ice cubes.

Why is my portable ice maker not making enough ice?

Low ice production is another common portable ice maker issue. An ice maker makes little ice if there is a water leak in the reservoir, hose pipe, or freeze tray. If the water tank leaks, there will be little or no water flow to the freeze tray. If the water reservoir is not leaking and the water pump works properly.

Ice Maker Not Working? - Check these 6 Things first!

How to get an ice maker to make more ice?

Lower the Freezer Temperature: the water in the ice tray freezes quicker, triggering the tray thermostat to warm and release the ice, which starts the process all over again. The circle of life in the ice maker machine! To make your ice maker work faster, simply lower the freezer temperature by 3-5 degrees.

How do you unclog a portable ice maker?

Create a solution with vinegar in a 1:10 ratio to water. Wipe the interior of the machine with the solution. Work to dislodge any buildup and wipe clean. Rinse the entire interior of the machine with clean tap water.

How to fix a slow ice maker?

Check the water line for clogs or pressure issues.

If your slow ice maker also makes small ice cubes, there may be a problem with the water line. Pull the freezer away from the wall to check the water line leading to it from the wall. If there are kinks in the line or something is blocking it, reposition it.

Why is my ice maker only making half an ice?

Your Water Filter Might Be Clogged

If this happens, less water gets to the ice maker, which naturally leads to less ice being produced.

How do I reset my ice maker?

Step-by-Step Reset (power cycle without reset button):
  1. Turn off ice maker.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
  3. Wait at least 5 minutes.
  4. Plug the power cord back in.
  5. Turn on the ice maker.

Should bar be up or down for ice maker?

If your freezer has an arm lever, make sure it's pushed down. If the arm is up, your ice maker won't make any new ice.

Why does my ice maker work sometimes and not others?

Common reasons for ice maker issues include a jammed dispenser or ice maker, clogged water filter or water line, or a faulty water inlet valve.

Does unplugging a refrigerator reset the ice maker?

If you don't hear a chime, but you can see movement from the ice maker, then the ice maker was reset. If you don't hear a chime and there is no movement from the ice maker, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. Then, power it back up and try again.

How do you unclog the water line on an ice maker?

Fill a turkey baster with warm water and pour the water over the water line. Alternatively, you can defrost the water line with a hair dryer or by letting the refrigerator sit unplugged for upward of two hours. Restore power to the refrigerator and listen for the water supply to fill the ice mold.

How do I get my Whirlpool ice maker to make more ice?

If the refrigerator is too warm ice production can be impacted. Try adjusting the controls to a colder setting to aid in ice production. If you need to adjust the temperature, wait at least 24 hours between adjustments and then recheck the temperature.

Why isn't my ice maker making more ice?

A clogged water filter can restrict water flow to the ice maker and cause it not to make enough ice. Most refrigerator freezer water filters need to be changed approximately every six months. If you suspect the water filter may cause your ice maker to won't produce ice, replace it.

What can be a cause of low production of ice in the ice maker?

If the ice maker appears to not be making any or enough ice, low water pressure or a faulty water filter may be to blame.

How to get an ice machine to make more ice?

Some models are equipped with Quick Freeze feature – just press Quick Freeze on your display to temporarily increase the ice production rate. If your refrigerator is not properly making ice, the freezer temperature could be set too warm. Set the freezer control to a colder setting to improve ice production.

Will changing the water filter make an ice maker work?

If your ice maker is not working there are several potential reasons including a clogged or partially clogged water filter.

Why is my Whirlpool ice maker not producing enough ice?

Water Supply Issues. In other instances, your a Whirlpool ice maker not making ice may be due to insufficient water supply. A clogged water filter, kinked water line hose, or defective water inlet valve can restrict the water flowing to an ice maker. When this happens, ice production will be limited or completely stop.

How do I know if my ice maker is clogged?

If your ice maker isn't making ice or if the ice cubes are small or misshapen, the water fill tubes may be the problem. Check the fill cup and the tube at the back of the ice maker. If they are covered in ice, look for a blockage.

What can I run through my ice maker to clean it?

If mold is present, you can add 3 cups of vinegar to the water line with a funnel and turn on the ice maker so that the vinegar runs through the dispenser. Use a cup to catch the vinegar and use a toothbrush and rag to scrub the dispenser clean of any residue.

How do I reset my portable ice maker?

Unplug the machine and wait 10 seconds. Plug the machine back in and press the ON button. You should see a blue light appear, letting you know that the machine has been reset.

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