I Put a Frigidaire Ice Maker Fridge Kit in My Top Freezer
I remember the exact moment I hit my limit with plastic ice trays. It was 95 degrees in July, I had six people over for a BBQ, and I was standing over the sink banging a blue plastic tray against the counter like a caveman. I’d bought a basic frigidaire ice maker fridge setup—minus the actual ice maker—to save $200 upfront, thinking I could handle the manual labor. I was wrong.
Quick Takeaways
- Installation takes about 45-60 minutes if you have a screwdriver and a wrench.
- The kit usually costs under $100, saving you a bundle over factory-installed options.
- Ice production is steady but slow—expect about 2 to 3 lbs per 24 hours.
- Make sure you check your model number; Gallery kits are different from standard top-mount kits.
Why I Skipped the Factory-Installed Ice Maker
When you are appliance shopping, the sales floor is designed to make you feel like a peasant if you don't get the model with the through-the-door dispenser. But those dispensers are the first thing to break. I chose a stripped-down frigidaire refrigerator ice maker ready model because it was cheaper and had fewer points of failure. I figured I'd save the cash and just use trays.
The reality? Trays are a nightmare. They spill, they absorb that weird 'freezer smell,' and you always run out exactly when you need a cold drink. Adding a frigidaire ice maker for refrigerator after the fact allowed me to get the reliable, simple fridge I wanted without the manual labor of filling water slots every night. It is the 'Easy Ice' Frigidaire promise that actually pays off if you're willing to do a little turning of a wrench.
Decoding the Frigidaire Ice Maker Kit Part Numbers
Frigidaire loves their part numbers, and it can get confusing fast. If you have a standard top-freezer unit, you’re likely looking for the IM116000 or the frigidaire top mount refrigerator ice maker kit. However, if you have the fancier ice maker for frigidaire gallery refrigerator, the wiring harness is often different. Do not just buy the first one you see on a discount site.
Check the sticker inside your fridge door for the exact model number. Ordering a frigidaire ice maker white unit for a stainless steel fridge doesn't matter for the interior aesthetics, but getting the wrong pin connector on the wiring harness will stop your project before it starts. The frigidaire top freezer ice maker kits are generally universal for their 18 to 21 cubic foot models, but the Gallery series often requires a specific frigidaire ice maker kit with a different mounting bracket.
The DIY Install: Is It Actually Easy?
Most modern Frigidaire units are 'ice-ready.' This means the frigidaire in freezer ice maker just needs to be plugged into a pre-existing port hidden behind a small plastic tab. The hardest part isn't the frigidaire ice maker kit itself; it's the ice maker installation kit frigidaire, which is the water line that runs from your wall to the fridge. If you don't already have a water hookup, you'll be drilling a hole through your floor or cabinet.
Once the water is at the back of the fridge, you just screw in the inlet valve, plug in the wiring harness, and mount the tray with two or three screws. It’s satisfying work. If you finish and nothing happens for the first few hours, don't panic. My Frigidaire Ice Maker Not Getting Water Was Just a Frozen Line once during a particularly cold snap, and it taught me to ensure the fill tube is seated perfectly. Make sure you don't over-tighten the brass fittings, or you'll be dealing with a slow drip that ruins your hardwood floors.
Performance Test: Does It Keep Up With Demand?
This frigidaire ice maker for freezer isn't a high-speed beast. It makes about 8 crescent-shaped cubes every 90 minutes. In total, you'll get roughly 2 to 2.5 lbs of ice a day. That's fine for a family of four, but if you’re hosting a party, that bin will be empty by noon. The ice maker for frigidaire top freezer is designed for steady, daily use, not high-volume production.
If you are a heavy ice user—the kind of person who fills a 40oz tumbler three times a day—you might find the frigidaire top mount ice maker a bit sluggish. In those cases, a dedicated black ice maker on the counter will run circles around a built-in unit, producing a fresh batch of ice every 7 minutes. However, for the average person, the frigidaire ice maker for fridge is more than enough to keep the water glasses cold.
Should You Buy the Kit or a Countertop Unit?
The frigidaire built in refrigerator ice maker is all about convenience and saving counter space. It’s tucked away and automatic. But it does eat up about 20% of your top freezer's volume. If you live in a tiny apartment and every inch of freezer space is dedicated to frozen pizzas, that's a tough trade-off. You also have to consider the risk of leaks—any time you run water into an appliance, there's a non-zero chance of a puddle.
If you decide the ice maker kit for frigidaire refrigerator install is too much work, or if you're a renter who can't mess with the plumbing, just buying a standalone Ice Maker is the smarter move. But for me, the frigidaire refrigerator ice maker kit was the right choice. No more refilling reservoirs, no more counter clutter, and most importantly, no more banging plastic trays against my sink like a madman.
FAQ
How long does it take to make the first batch?
Usually about 24 hours. The freezer needs to reach the proper operating temperature (usually 0°F) before the thermostat tells the frigidaire ice maker for freezer to cycle. Don't expect ice in an hour.
Do I need a plumber to install the kit?
No. If you can use a wrench and follow a basic set of instructions, the frigidaire refrigerator ice maker kit is a standard DIY job. Just make sure you shut off the main water supply before you start cutting into lines.
Why is my ice tasting like plastic?
This is common with a brand new frigidaire ice maker kit. You need to throw away the first three full bins of ice to flush out the new water lines and the mold assembly. After that, it should taste clean.