Owning a refrigerator with an ice maker means an added responsibility of taking care of multiple parts. You might have replaced the water filter on your refrigerator a few times which makes you wonder, do refrigerator ice maker also have filters?
While most of the modern refrigerators have built in water and ice dispensers, some are not equipped with built in filters for the ice makers. This can vary from different brands of refrigerators whether they have built in filters or not. But not to worry, there are ways to make sure that your refrigerator’s ice maker can have a filter.
How can you figure out whether or not your ice maker comes with a built-in filter? Or you could be possibly thinking, if mine doesn’t come with a filter built in how do I install one? Below we will be discussing all the ins and outs that come with filtration to have fresh ice from your fridge’s ice maker.
Read my ultimate guide on refrigerator filters.
Table of Contents
What Do Ice Maker Filters Do?
We’ve had water filtration systems around for a long time, in many different varieties for different appliances. Ice Maker filters have the exact same function as to what they do to the water before it freezes into ice.
Having a filter for your ice maker makes sure that your ice is made with clean water. Filters make sure to get rid of any chlorine that could be in the water feeding into the ice machine. It will also make sure to trap any debris or minerals that may be in the water that can leave the ice tasting not so good or gritty.
How to Check if Your Fridge has a Built-In Filter
All refrigerators that dispense water from it, do indeed have water filters. But how do you find the filter for the ice maker? One of the best places to first check is your Owner’s Manual, if you still have it on hand especially with a newly purchased refrigerator.
Placement of water filters will differ between makes and models, as well as brands. First, it’s best to check the four corners of your refrigerator, as these are the easiest places for companies to place filters at. If you are unable to find a filter in any of these corners, some companies will place the filter in the top center between the fridge and freezer for easier flow.
Still having issues locating the possible filter? There are a few more spots that could possibly contain your filtration systems. Most refrigerators have a kick-plate or vent towards the bottom of the refrigerator itself. These vents are often installed with a few screws, so you may need a screwdriver in order to check this compartment.
What You Can Do if Your Refrigerator Doesn’t Have a Filter
So, you’ve probably already checked your refrigerator and have now seen that, your ice maker definitely does not have a built-in filter. While a filter is not crucial for an ice maker to run it can affect the taste and quality of the ice. But there are ways to add a filter into your ice making system.
A lot of the modern refrigerators that have ice dispensers will have a space in any of the spaces listed above, just for an ice maker filter. Often these will be next to the regular water filters, but the one for ice makers goes directly for the ice making water source.
Some refrigerators don’t have these spaces, and so there is another filtration system you could use. These filters are called In-Line Filtration Systems. Which is a filter that is placed on the door or inner part of the fridge. The filter is linked to some tubing that helps filter the water into the intake water source for making ice. This is a more complex filtration system, but these often come with easy step by step instructions. If you are having issues installing an In-Line Filter, then you can always call a specialist that would be able to assemble it with ease.
What Companies Make Filters for Ice Makers
There are a few companies that have made filters for ice makers. Some companies require specific filters for their refrigerators these include
Depending on the size and speculations of these filters, you may be able to find the off brand that will work similarly to the name brand products. But you will get better longevity with these products if they are developed by the same company, as they have developed them precisely for that exact refrigerator.
Replacing a Filter
With having a filter for your ice maker, you eventually will have to replace the filter. Any filter has a limit on space, regardless of the type. Eventually you will notice your ice quality will deteriorate and start to taste different. This is a good indicator that it is time to replace the filter. This taste is often described as sour or metallic tasting.
Most water or ice filters will have to be replaced every 6 to 9 months, but some can last much longer. With built-in filters, you can simply remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. With an in-line filter, you may have to disconnect the tubes and replace the main filter of the system.
How Long to Wait After Replacing a Filter
You have finally replaced the filter for your ice maker, now the question is How long to wait before getting Ice out of your Ice maker? After replacing your filter, the initial ice may have little black specs in it. This is carbon that comes straight from the filter, this is completely normal. It can take 6-12 hours for the ice maker to begin making ice normally again.
To avoid these pesky little black specs, some filters you are able to flush out with 3-5 gallons of water. But if you aren’t able to flush out the filter, you may be able to use the waterspout in your refrigerator to empty the excess carbon out. Either of these methods can expedite clean quality ice to be made.
Conclusion
Although it is not required, having a filter in your refrigerator for your ice can be beneficial. Finding out what filter your refrigerator requires will make this process easy and replacing it regularly will ensure quality ice being made. Having a filter is the best way to ensure clean, fresh ice for your enjoyment.