Key takeaways
- Pros: Lowest price among OEM-numbered replacements; fits the WPW10190965 cross-reference list directly.
- Con: Ships without extra mounting hardware or wiring adapters, so you must reuse components from the failed unit.
What's inside
When a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker stops producing cubes, the frustration is immediate and practical. You are left hand-filling trays or abandoning the feature entirely, which defeats the purpose of a modern appliance. The replacement market is flooded with options ranging from bare OEM parts to modular kits, and choosing the wrong one means wasted money and a second trip to the freezer compartment.
What separates a worthwhile replacement from a mediocre one comes down to three things: exact part compatibility with your specific model, build quality that matches or approaches the original factory component, and price proportionate to the longevity you can reasonably expect. Owner feedback consistently highlights these same pain points — units that fail within months, assemblies that do not seat properly, and parts that do not match the model number printed on the old component. This roundup compares published specifications, current pricing, and aggregated owner commentary across eight replacement options to help you match the right part to your situation.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Ice Maker WPW10190965 | Direct OEM replacement on a budget | $49.92 |
| W10873791 Ice Maker Assembly (compatible) | Side-by-side owners seeking a lower-cost alternative | $46.99 |
| Nurfosttek 2198597 Ice Maker | Whirlpool and Maytag cross-compatibility | $53.99 |
| Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM | Owners prioritizing factory-certified fit | $66.88 |
| Whirlpool WPW10190965 Genuine OEM | Exact OEM match with FSP packaging | $62.80 |
| Supco Modular Ice Maker Kit RIM943 | Universal fit across multiple brands | $56.95 |
| Whirlpool WPW10300022 Genuine OEM | Larger side-by-side assemblies needing full replacement | $141.25 |
| W11546935 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly | Multi-brand coverage (Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, Maytag) | $75.45 |
How We Picked
We evaluated each option against four criteria that matter most in this category. First, cross-reference compatibility — does the part number list match common Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, and Amana model designations, and does it replace the numbers you actually see stamped on your failed unit? Second, OEM versus aftermarket designation — genuine Whirlpool parts carry a premium but eliminate uncertainty about dimensional fit and electrical tolerance. Third, price relative to replacement scope — a bare ice maker assembly costs less than a full kit, and that difference matters when you are deciding between DIY and a service call. Fourth, consistency of owner-reported longevity and fit satisfaction across retail listings, which reveals whether the part performs as marketed beyond the first few cycles.
The 8 Best Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working in 2026
Bare Ice Maker Fits Whirlpool WPW10190965
This is the no-frills option for owners who already confirmed their old unit carries one of the listed part numbers and simply need a mechanical replacement. It is a bare ice maker without additional harnesses or brackets, keeping the price under fifty dollars.
- Pros: Lowest price among OEM-numbered replacements; fits the WPW10190965 cross-reference list directly.
- Con: Ships without extra mounting hardware or wiring adapters, so you must reuse components from the failed unit.
Skip this if your old assembly has corroded connectors or broken mounting tabs, because you will need a fuller kit.
W10873791 Ice Maker Assembly, Compatible with Whirlpool Refrigerators
Positioned as the absolute budget pick, this compatible assembly targets side-by-side models that accept W10873791. It undercuts the genuine OEM version by roughly twenty dollars while matching the same form factor.
- Pros: Cheapest overall option in this group; compatible owners report straightforward swap-in installation.
- Con: Aftermarket build quality varies between production batches, so durability expectations should be tempered.
Skip if you require factory-certified reliability or plan to keep the refrigerator for many more years.
Nurfosttek 2198597 Ice Maker, 185W 115V 60Hz
Rated at 185W and designed for 115V/60Hz service, this Nurfosttek unit fits Whirlpool and Maytag models that use the 2198597 designation. It is a middle-priced aftermarket choice with published electrical specs.
- Pros: Clear wattage and voltage rating printed on the listing removes guesswork about electrical compatibility; dual-brand fit broadens its audience.
- Con: Nurfosttek is not a Whirlpool-recognized supplier, so warranty recourse depends on the retailer rather than the OEM.
Skip if you strongly prefer a name the manufacturer acknowledges in its own parts catalog.
Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly
This is the factory-certified version of the W10873791 and lists multiple superseded part numbers it replaces, including W10760070, W10798411, W10847507, and W11130444. It suits side-by-side owners who want guaranteed dimensional and electrical match.
- Pros: Genuine Whirlpool OEM with broad supersession list, covering many model years; eliminates fit uncertainty.
- Con: Costs roughly $20 more than the compatible version of the same part number.
Skip if budget is the primary constraint and your model already matches the compatible listing exactly.
Whirlpool WPW10190965 Refrigerator Ice Maker, Genuine OEM with FSP
Factory-sealed packaging (FSP) means this arrives in Whirlpool-branded retail packaging with the model-specific part number confirmed on the label. It replaces W10190965 and W11381372.
- Pros: FSP guarantees you are opening a factory-sealed unit, removing aftermarket batch variance; direct OEM pricing without middleman markup inflation.
- Con: Only two superseded numbers listed, so compatibility breadth is narrower than other entries here.
Skip if your model number does not appear in its limited cross-reference list.
Supco Modular Ice Maker Replacement Kit, Part No. RIM943
Supco is a long-established HVAC and refrigeration parts supplier, and the RIM943 is marketed as a modular kit rather than a bare assembly. It includes more mounting and connection hardware, reducing the chance you will need to cannibalize the old unit.
- Pros: Kit format means fewer surprises during installation; Supco carries institutional credibility in the refrigeration parts space.
- Con: Modular design may not seat identically to the original assembly, and some owners report minor trimming needed for a snug fit.
Skip if your model specifically requires the factory-molded housing geometry of an OEM part.
Whirlpool WPW10300022 Genuine OEM SxS Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly
The premium option at $141.25, this full assembly replaces W10122556, W10300022, and W10377190. It is intended for larger side-by-side models where the complete ice maker housing, ejector, and electrical assembly need simultaneous replacement.
- Pros: Covers the entire assembly rather than just the internal mechanism, solving multi-point failure scenarios in one purchase; genuine OEM build.
- Con: Price is more than double the budget options, and it is overkill for a simple ice maker failure.
Skip unless your current unit shows wear across multiple sub-components or the full housing is cracked.
W11546935 Compatible Ice Maker Assembly for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, Maytag
Four brands on one listing makes this the broadest compatibility play in the group. Priced at $75.45, it sits between the genuine OEM mid-tier and the Supco kit.
- Pros: Multi-brand coverage means fewer model-lookup headaches; compatible with newer Kenmore designations that share Whirlpool internals.
- Con: At $75.45 it exceeds the price of the genuine Whirlpool W10873791, which may feel like poor value for a non-OEM part.
Skip if your model is already covered by a cheaper genuine OEM option with the same fitment.
Buying Guide
Matching the Correct Part Number
Every Whirlpool ice maker has a primary number and often two to five superseded numbers. Pull the old unit from the freezer compartment, locate the stamped or printed label, and cross-reference it against the replacement listing. If the number on your failed part does not appear on the new product, you risk dimensional mismatch, connector misalignment, or electrical rating incompatibility. A single character difference can mean the assembly will not seat or cycle properly.
OEM Versus Aftermarket: Knowing the Tradeoff
Genuine Whirlpool OEM parts are manufactured to the original tooling specifications, which means housing geometry, wire-gauge tolerances, and thermistor values match exactly. Aftermarket alternatives reverse-engineer these dimensions and can be within acceptable variance for one or two production runs, then drift in later batches. If you keep your refrigerator long-term or live in a climate that stresses the compressor, the few extra dollars for OEM packaging and labeling reduce the chance of premature failure.
Bare Unit Versus Full Assembly Kit
A bare ice maker replaces only the internal mold, ejector motor, and heater. A full assembly kit includes the mounting bracket, water inlet valve connection, electrical harness, and sometimes the control module. If your current failure is purely mechanical — cubes not releasing, water not filling — a bare unit may suffice. If you also see cracked housing, corroded terminals, or damaged mounting tabs, invest in the full assembly to avoid a second teardown.
Our Verdict
Top pick: Whirlpool W10873791 Genuine OEM. It balances factory-certified fit, a broad supersession list covering many model years, and a price that is only modestly above aftermarket options. For most side-by-side owners dealing with a whirpool refrigerator ice maker not working, this part will match and perform without compromise.
Budget pick: W10873791 Ice Maker Assembly (compatible) at $46.99. If your model already confirmed compatibility and you want the lowest entry price, this delivers the basic function for less than half the cost of the premium OEM assembly.
Another product wins if your failure spans multiple sub-components or the housing itself is damaged — in that scenario, the Whirlpool WPW10300022 Genuine OEM full assembly is the only choice that replaces everything in a single purchase.
FAQ
How do I confirm which part number my Whirlpool ice maker uses?
Remove the ice maker assembly from the freezer compartment and look for a label or stamp on the underside or back plate. The primary part number will be printed there, often alongside superseded numbers. Compare that against the cross-reference list on any replacement product before purchasing.
Will an aftermarket ice maker void my Whirlpool warranty?
If your refrigerator is still under a manufacturer warranty, installing a non-OEM part can complicate or void coverage for the ice maker system specifically. Verify your warranty status with Whirlpool before choosing an aftermarket option, especially if the appliance is fewer than three years old.
How long does a replacement ice maker typically last?
Genuine OEM units commonly deliver several years of reliable service under normal household use, while aftermarket parts receive more mixed owner feedback on longevity. Actual lifespan depends on water hardness, usage frequency, and whether the unit was installed with proper electrical and water connections.
Can I replace the ice maker myself without professional help?
Yes, most Whirlpool ice maker replacements require only a Phillips screwdriver and a nut driver or pliers to disconnect the water line and electrical plug. The process takes under an hour for a straightforward swap, and no specialized tools or refrigerant handling is involved since the ice maker is a sealed electrical and mechanical sub-assembly.
