The Whirlpool Automatic Icemaker Kit: Review

The Whirlpool Automatic Icemaker Kit is a great way to supplement any freezer that doesn't come with a built-in icemaker. The unit is easy to install and doesn't require a whole lot of complicated assembly. Unlike many external icemakers that jam when the icebox gets too full, this icemaker has an auto-lever than knows when it's full and won't continue to try and make ice. This feature is pretty much standard on mega-freezers that you buy in stores, but it's not so common on smaller, external icemakers.

The storage capacity of the unit is a definite positive and allows for large amounts of ice to made at a time. If you're having a party or need to fill your cooler with ice before you run to the beach or the lake, then this machine should provide you with enough ice in one run. The sizes of the ice cubes that come out are about average. You want to make sure that your freezer setting is set to the coldest, that way you won't have to pull out any small, or semi-melting cubes from the machine.

The Whirlpool Automatic Icemaker Kit has very simple controls making it quick and easy for you to turn it on and start making ice. The controls are also very intuitive. The only drawback is that the controls are made of plastic and if you tweak them really often that you might find that the controls start to come loose. If you keep the adjustments to a minimum then this won't be a big deal. The unit has only three mounting screws that help to make it a simple install process. If you're thinking of purchasing this item because your factory installed ice machine in your freezer died, then you may not need many of the parts that come with the kit (the solenoid, fill tubes, etc.). This makes the install process even easier.

This unit comes with a single solenoid water inlet, so make sure that this matches what your freezer requires. If your freezer has a double solenoid valve than this kit won't work for you, unless you replace the valves in your freezer, which is not cost effective.

The most attractive Whirlpool Automatic Icemaker Kit feature is the price. It's priced at just under $50 retail which is a great deal for what this thing does. Additionally, the kit is surprisingly durable and you shouldn't have to replace it for a long time. Again, if you are constantly adjusting the settings, then the plastic might come loose, forcing you to replace the unit sooner than you might like.

All in all the Whirlpool Automatic Icemaker Kit is a quality unit that is a great value buy. Just make sure to match the specs of your current freezer to that of the icemaker kit.