The KitchenAid ice maker is a stand alone ice maker that is hooked up to a water source and can create a large amount of ice. As with most appliances, the ice maker will sometimes run into problems with normal operation. By troubleshooting your machine, you can often fix many of the common problems that occur with the ice maker yourself.
Ice Maker Does Not Operate
The KitchenAid ice maker may not operate as intended for several reasons. First, make sure the power cord is plugged into a working outlet and that the power switch is set to ON. Check if the power outlet is working by plugging a different device into the outlet to ensure it is live.
Next, check that the room temperature is greater than 55 degrees. The KitchenAid ice maker has a thermostat that shuts the machine down if the room temperature is 55 degrees or lower, even if the machine is not full of ice. Once this safety feature is enabled, the ice maker will not power on until the room temperature is above 55 degrees.
Little Ice Production
Consider several reasons why the KitchenAid ice maker produces a small amount of ice under normal operating conditions. First, check that the room temperature is below 90 degrees. When the temperature is above 90 degrees, ice production may slow down.
Next, check the air condenser for dirt buildup. Air flow through the condenser could be limited by dirt or other particles, which will reduce the ice production. To clean the condenser, unplug the power cord, and remove the screws in the lower access panel and the grille on the bottom of the machine. Then remove the lower access panel to expose the condenser. Clean off the dirt and debris on the condenser using the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Once finished, replace the access panel and secure it with the screws.
Finally, make sure the drain cap is in place and secure. The drain cap prevents water from running out of the water pan. If it is not in place or if it is loose, the machine will not produce ice or will produce thin ice.
Ice Cubes Have a Taste
When the ice has a taste, check if any food items are being stored in the machine. Food should not be stored in the ice machine as it may taint the ice cubes. In addition, check that all packing materials were removed from the inside of the machine prior to operation. Any leftover materials should be removed as they could create a foul taste in the ice.
Another potential cause is for the bad taste is a water supply with high mineral content. This can be determined by having a water service company test the water. If the mineral content is high, add filters or water softeners to the water line prior to it reaching the ice machine.
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