Key takeaways
- Produces usable ice rapidly without any installation
- Compact footprint suits apartment kitchens and RVs
What's inside
The search for a kitchenaid ice maker usually splits into two distinct problems. Either your refrigerator’s built-in icemaker has failed and you need a compatible replacement part, or you want a standalone countertop unit because your fridge never had one. Both scenarios demand different solutions, yet both land on the same keyword because KitchenAid fridges share components with Whirlpool and Maytag models, and their stand mixer ecosystem opens a third path entirely toward frozen treat production.
The concrete difference between a good purchase and a wasted afternoon lies in compatibility verification, output capacity relative to your household size, and installation complexity. A replacement icemaker that fits the wrong model number will leave you eating room-temperature beverages for weeks. A countertop unit that produces less than 26 pounds daily may not keep up with a busy family. And an attachment that requires a specific stand mixer model adds cost you might not have planned. This roundup separates these categories and flags exactly where each product fits.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire 26 lbs/day Portable Compact | Homeowners needing a simple standalone unit | $99.99 |
| Nurfosttek 2198597 | Whirlpool and Maytag fridge owners replacing a failed part | $53.99 |
| EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter | Kitchens wanting high-volume built-in-style ice | $499.99 |
| W11557001 for KitchenAid | KitchenAid fridge owners with newer model numbers | $99.96 |
| Bare Ice Maker (WPW10190965) | Budget-focused DIY replacement in Whirlpool systems | $49.92 |
| New Refrigerator Icemaker (2198597) | Kenmore or KitchenAid owners cross-referencing multiple part numbers | $51.95 |
| KitchenAid KSMICM Ice Cream Maker | Stand mixer owners wanting frozen desserts | n/a |
| Frigidaire Countertop Black Stainless | Buyers prioritizing aesthetic match with dark appliance sets | $83.64 |
How We Picked
We evaluated each product against three criteria: precise compatibility with KitchenAid or shared-platform fridges, daily ice output matched to realistic household demand, and installation effort relative to the buyer’s likely skill level. Replacement parts were assessed on whether their part-number cross-references cover enough models to justify the purchase. Standalone units were judged on output, footprint, and drainage requirements. We also weighed owner-reported durability patterns, since a replacement that fails within six months costs more than a pricier unit that lasts years.
The 8 Best Kitchenaid Ice Maker in 2026
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker
This is the straightforward answer for anyone whose fridge lacks an icemaker entirely and who wants ice without plumbing. Owner feedback consistently praises how quickly it produces its first batch, often in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for entertaining. The medium bullet ice shape works well in standard glassware without the awkward size mismatch that some competitors create. The stainless finish resists fingerprints better than painted alternatives, a detail that matters on a countertop.
- Produces usable ice rapidly without any installation
- Compact footprint suits apartment kitchens and RVs
Con: The 26-pound daily ceiling means it may not sustain a large household through a summer weekend.
Skip it if you already have a functioning fridge icemaker or need more than medium bullet shapes for specialty drinks.
Nurfosttek 2198597 Ice Maker
For KitchenAid and Maytag fridge owners whose icemaker assembly has died, this aftermarket part delivers the specific 2198597 replacement without the OEM markup. The 185-watt motor and 115V/60Hz spec match factory requirements exactly, so wiring and mounting follow the original design. Owner reviews highlight successful swaps completed in under an hour with basic tools, making this a realistic DIY fix rather than a service-call expense.
- Direct-fit replacement covering multiple Whirlpool-platform models
- Significant cost savings over the dealer part
Con: Aftermarket tolerances mean the fill valve may need minor adjustment to prevent overflow, a step owners report adding ten minutes.
Skip it if your KitchenAid uses the newer W11557001 assembly, which is a different part entirely.
EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter Ice Maker
This unit targets households where the fridge icemaker was either absent or insufficient. Producing 90 pounds in 24 hours with a 24-pound storage bin, it delivers commercial-adjacent volume in a residential footprint. Gravity drainage means it can sit lower than its water source without a pump, simplifying placement under most counters. The stainless cabinet suits built-in installations where the unit front remains visible.
- High output with adequate storage bin for busy kitchens
- Gravity drainage reduces plumbing complexity
Con: At roughly five times the price of a countertop unit, it demands more counter space and a dedicated water line hookup.
Skip it if your fridge already makes sufficient ice or if you rent and cannot modify plumbing.
W11557001 for Whirlpool KitchenAid Ice Maker
Newer KitchenAid refrigerators use the W11557001 assembly, which supersedes earlier part numbers including W11026494 and W11115534. Owners with 2026-model KitchenAid fridges will find this the correct match, and the cross-references listed confirm which older units it replaces. Installation follows the same general pattern as prior versions but with updated connector clips that snap more securely.
- Covers the latest KitchenAid fridge generation with backward compatibility
- Precise fit avoids modification or adapter needs
Con: The price sits above competing aftermarket options, and availability through third-party sellers can be inconsistent.
Skip it if your model number predates this revision and matches the 2198597 or W10190965 families instead.
Bare Ice Maker Fits Whirlpool WPW10190965
“Bare” means no housing or cover, just the icemaker assembly with its mold and fill components. This suits owners whose existing frame is intact and only the ice-forming mechanism has cracked or corroded. At the lowest price in this list, it represents the most economical path back to functioning ice for WPW10190965 and D7824706Q owners.
- Lowest cost replacement option available
- Uses your existing housing, reducing waste
Con: Requires confirming that your current frame and wiring harness are undamaged, which adds diagnostic time.
Skip it if your full assembly is compromised or if you prefer a complete bolt-on replacement without inspection steps.
New Refrigerator Icemaker for Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid 2198597
This part lists the broadest set of compatible model numbers in the group, covering 2198597, 2198598, 626663, AP3182733, PS869316, W10190960, and W10122502. That cross-reference depth makes it the safest pick when your fridge’s sticker shows an older or less common designation. At a price point comparable to other aftermarket options, it delivers value through coverage rather than features.
- Widest model compatibility among budget replacements
- Includes all wiring and mounting hardware
Con: Being a generic aftermarket part, long-term durability reports vary more than with OEM equivalents.
Skip it if you have a KitchenAid that specifically requires the W11557001 generation, as this part will not fit.
KitchenAid KSMICM Ice Cream Maker for Stand Mixers
This attachment repurposes a KitchenAid Stand Mixer into a frozen dessert machine, making it the only product here that does not produce ice at all. It fits select KitchenAid mixer models, so verifying compatibility with your specific mixer generation is essential before purchase. Owners report it handles gelato and soft-serve textures well, producing dense results in about 20 minutes per batch.
- Integrates with an appliance many KitchenAid owners already own
- Produces higher-quality frozen desserts than standalone machines
Con: Requires a compatible stand mixer, meaning the effective cost rises sharply if you need both.
Skip it if you need actual ice or do not own a compatible KitchenAid mixer.
Frigidaire Countertop Portable 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker (Black Stainless)
Functionally identical to the stainless version above in output and cycle time, this black stainless variant exists purely for visual coordination. Owners with dark appliance packages find it integrates more naturally than silver finishes. The same 26-pound-per-day production and bullet ice profile apply, along with the same compact footprint that suits small kitchens.
- Matches black stainless and matte black appliance aesthetics
- Lower price than the standard stainless model
Con: The painted or coated finish on black stainless models tends to show wear around handles and edges over time.
Skip it if you prefer the durability of bare stainless or need a finish that resists surface scratches.
Buying Guide
Matching Part Numbers to Your Fridge
KitchenAid refrigerators share platforms with Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore, but not all generations use the same icemaker. Check the model sticker inside your fridge or on the back panel before ordering. If your unit is older, it likely needs the 2198597 or W10190965 family. Newer models use W11557001. Ordering the wrong revision wastes days waiting for returns and leaves you without ice in the meantime.
Output Capacity Relative to Household Demand
A 26-pound-per-day countertop unit serves two to three people comfortably. A 90-pound under-counter machine with a 24-pound bin handles a family of five or a small bar. If your fridge icemaker produces roughly four pounds daily, replacing it restores that baseline but does not add capacity. Match the output tier to how much ice you actually consume, not to the largest number available.
Installation Complexity and Drainage
Standalone units require only a power outlet and manual water refills. Under-counter models need a water line connection and a drain path. Gravity drainage, as the EUHOMY uses, eliminates a pump but constrains placement height. Replacement fridge parts demand access behind the unit and basic tool work. If you rent, confirm your lease allows plumbing modifications before purchasing a permanent installation model.
Our Verdict
The Nurfosttek 2198597 stands as the top overall pick for KitchenAid fridge owners because it addresses the most common real problem in this keyword space with the best price-to-compatibility ratio. The Bare Ice Maker at $49.92 is the budget pick for owners whose existing housing is intact and who want the lowest possible cost to restore function. However, the EUHOMY under-counter unit wins outright for anyone whose fridge never had an icemaker and who needs high-volume ice without occupying countertop space.
FAQ
Will a KitchenAid replacement icemaker work in a Whirlpool fridge?
Yes in most cases, since KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Maytag, and several Kenmore models share the same internal platforms and part numbers. The cross-references listed on these parts confirm which specific models accept each assembly, so match your exact part number rather than assuming by brand alone.
Can I use a countertop ice maker as a permanent solution?
Yes, many owners run countertop units indefinitely because they cost less than a fridge upgrade and allow placement near seating areas. The tradeoff is manual water refilling and periodic cleaning, plus the 26-pound daily ceiling that may fall short during heavy-use periods.
What does a “bare” icemaker actually include?
A bare icemaker includes the mold tray, fill valve, and harvest mechanism but excludes the plastic housing, wiring harness cover, or mounting bracket that holds the assembly inside the freezer. You reuse those components from your existing unit, which saves cost but requires them to be undamaged.
Is the KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment worth buying?
It is worth considering only if you already own a compatible KitchenAid Stand Mixer and want frozen desserts regularly. As a product it does not produce ice, so it belongs in a different shopping decision than the rest of this list, but for mixer owners it outperforms standalone frozen treat machines on texture quality.
