Key takeaways
- Pro: Guaranteed compatibility with models that originally shipped this part, eliminating fitment guesswork
- Pro: OEM-grade materials and quality control that aftermarket alternatives cannot always match
- Con: Price sits well above comparable aftermarket options, making it a tough sell for an older fridge
What's inside
When an LG ice maker stops producing ice, homeowners face a frustrating fork in the road. Some units simply need a replacement assembly — the same component that failed — while others are better served by a standalone countertop unit that sidesteps the refrigerator’s aging system entirely. The search for “lg ice maker not working” solutions often leads to a confusing mix of OEM parts, aftermarket kits, and completely independent machines, each suited to a different situation.
What separates a worthwhile purchase from a waste of money in this category comes down to compatibility, build quality, and whether the solution addresses the root cause. A genuine OEM part is the safe bet for a refrigerator still under warranty or one where the owner wants factory-spec performance. An upgraded aftermarket assembly can save significant money when the original part is no longer manufactured or priced too high. And a countertop unit makes sense when the fridge itself is near the end of its useful life or the owner simply wants ice on demand without opening the freezer door. This roundup for 2026 covers all three paths.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| LG AEQ73110205 OEM Ice Maker Assembly | Factory-spec replacement | $167.95 |
| Upgraded AEQ72909603/02 Assembly | Budget repair | $75.99 |
| LG LK60C Installation Kit | First-time DIY install | $119 |
| LG AEQ73110205 Assembly Kit | Bundled replacement | $169.95 |
| EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker | Portable bullet ice | $69.97 |
| Kenmore Elite LG AEQ36756919 OEM | Kenmore Elite fridge owners | $275 |
| EUHOMY Countertop (Black) | Budget countertop option | $69.78 |
| EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker | Soft chewable ice | $169.96 |
How We Picked
We evaluated these eight products against four criteria that matter most when an LG ice maker has failed. First, compatibility: does the part or unit actually fit the refrigerator model in question, or does it serve as a standalone solution? Second, build quality signals: OEM designation, part number matching, and material specifications that suggest longevity. Third, value relative to price, comparing replacement cost against the likely expense of a new refrigerator or professional repair. Fourth, ease of installation, since the difference between a thirty-minute DIY fix and a multi-hour struggle with water line fittings can determine whether an owner completes the job or abandons it.
The 8 Best Lg Ice Maker Not Working in 2026
LG AEQ73110205 Genuine OEM Ice Maker Assembly
This is the part a service technician would pull from a parts bin when diagnosing a failed factory ice maker in a compatible LG refrigerator. It is the same assembly LG installs at the factory, meaning water inlet fittings, mold geometry, and electrical connections match the existing harness without adaptation.
- Pro: Guaranteed compatibility with models that originally shipped this part, eliminating fitment guesswork
- Pro: OEM-grade materials and quality control that aftermarket alternatives cannot always match
- Con: Price sits well above comparable aftermarket options, making it a tough sell for an older fridge
Skip this if your refrigerator is more than seven or eight years old. The investment is hard to justify when the compressor or control board may fail next. It is the right call for newer units still under warranty coverage or for owners who value factory-spec reliability over savings.
Upgraded AEQ72909603/02 Ice Maker Assembly
This aftermarket assembly claims compatibility with models that used the AEQ72909603 or AEQ72909602 part numbers, marketed as an upgraded version that addresses known failure points in the original design. At roughly half the price of the OEM AEQ73110205, it represents the best value play in the repair-parts group.
- Pro: Costs dramatically less than the genuine LG assembly while targeting the same form factor
- Pro: “Upgraded” designation suggests modifications to common weak points like the mold or gear assembly
- Con: Aftermarket part quality is inconsistent across production batches, and no warranty from LG covers it
Skip this if your fridge is under manufacturer warranty, as an aftermarket part could void remaining coverage. It suits owners of older LG units who want to spend under a hundred dollars on a repair rather than accept that the ice maker is done.
LG LK60C Automatic Icemaker Installation Kit
The LK60C is not an ice maker assembly itself but the hardware needed to plumb and mount one into a refrigerator that did not originally include an ice maker. At 8.4 inches and a 2.2-pound capacity per cycle, it is designed for LG fridges with a factory ice maker plug that was left disconnected at the factory.
- Pro: Everything needed for installation in one box — water line tubing, fittings, valve, and hardware
- Pro: Engineered specifically for LG dimensions, so the mount points and clearance match without modification
- Con: Only useful for adding an ice maker to a fridge that never had one; it is not a repair part
Skip this if your existing ice maker failed and you simply need a replacement assembly. It is for owners who want to activate a feature their fridge supports but never came installed with.
LG AEQ73110205 Ice Maker Assembly Kit
This listing bundles the AEQ73110205 assembly with additional mounting hardware or water supply components, positioning it as a complete solution for replacing a failed ice maker in one purchase. The price sits just above the bare assembly, suggesting a convenience premium for the included extras.
- Pro: Eliminates the need to source fittings and brackets separately, which is where many DIY installs stall
- Pro: Genuine LG part ensures the same performance envelope as factory installation
- Con: The two-dollar premium over the bare assembly is minimal but the added components may duplicate what your fridge already has
Skip this if you already have the installation hardware from a previous ice maker. Buy it when you want one box on your doorstep with everything needed to complete the job without a second trip to the hardware store.
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker
This standalone machine produces nine bullet-shaped cubes in six minutes and pulls up to 26 pounds per day, making it a viable alternative for anyone whose LG fridge ice maker is beyond repair and whose fridge is too old to justify buying an OEM replacement. Self-cleaning and a built-in carry handle add practical convenience.
- Pro: Makes ice on demand without any connection to plumbing or a freezer
- Pro: Two cube sizes and self-cleaning reduce maintenance effort to near zero
- Con: Takes up counter space and requires a nearby outlet and manual water refills
Skip this if you want ice integrated into your refrigerator’s water dispenser or if counter space is extremely limited. It is ideal for apartments with no ice maker in the fridge or as a temporary solution while waiting for a replacement part.
Kenmore Elite LG AEQ36756919 OEM Assembly
Kenmore Elite refrigerators built on LG platforms share many internal components, and this assembly is the genuine OEM ice maker for those models. At the highest price in this group, it reflects both the part’s specificity and the premium positioning of the Kenmore Elite line.
- Pro: Exact factory match for Kenmore Elite models using the AEQ36756919 number, with no adaptation required
- Pro: Built to the tighter tolerances expected in a premium appliance line
- Con: The price is nearly triple the aftermarket alternative, which is hard to accept on a ten-year-old fridge
Skip this if your Kenmore Elite refrigerator is out of warranty and approaching the end of its service life. A countertop unit at a fraction of the cost may serve better than a $275 internal repair. It is the correct choice for a newer unit or one covered under a service contract.
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker, Black
Functionally equivalent to the first EUHOMY model in specifications — 26 pounds daily, nine cubes in six minutes, auto-cleaning — this version is distinguished mainly by its black finish and a slightly lower price. The difference of a few cents makes it marginally the cheapest option in the entire roundup.
- Pro: Lowest price point in the group, making it the most accessible solution for anyone whose ice maker has failed
- Pro: Compact and portable, with a handle that makes it easy to move between kitchen and RV or camping setup
- Con: No advantage over the first EUHOMY model except color; the build and performance are effectively identical
Skip this if white appliances dominate your kitchen and the black housing will clash. It is the same machine with a different shell, so choose based on aesthetics rather than features.
EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
This machine produces nugget-style ice at up to 35 pounds daily, delivering a softer, chewable texture that bullet cubes cannot match. It occupies more counter space than the bullet models and costs more, but for households that prefer nugget ice it solves the problem with a single appliance purchase.
- Pro: Nugget ice is preferred by many for beverages and chewing, and it is rarely produced by refrigerator ice makers
- Pro: Highest daily output in this roundup at 35 pounds, suitable for entertaining or large households
- Con: Larger footprint and higher price than the bullet cube models, with more noise during operation
Skip this if you only need standard clear cubes for ice trays and water glasses. It is the right pick for households that actively seek the texture and density of nugget ice for drinks or smoothies.
Buying Guide
OEM Versus Aftermarket: When Does the Price Difference Matter?
The gap between the genuine LG AEQ73110205 at $167.95 and the aftermarket AEQ72909603/02 at $75.99 is nearly ninety dollars. That difference becomes relevant or irrelevant based on the age of your refrigerator. A unit less than five years old has enough remaining service life to amortize the OEM cost. A unit older than ten years does not. The aftermarket option also makes sense when the original part number is discontinued and the only genuine alternative carries a scarcity premium.
Compatibility Checking: The Single Most Important Step
Before ordering any assembly, pull the model number from the sticker inside your refrigerator’s compartment and match it against the part number in the listing. An ice maker that physically fits but connects to the wrong water valve or electrical harness will not produce ice regardless of how well it is built. The LK60C installation kit only works on fridges with a factory-installed but unused ice maker port. Verify this with your owner’s manual before purchasing.
Countertop Units: Where They Actually Beat a Built-in Repair
A countertop ice maker costs less than half of the cheapest OEM assembly in this group. If your refrigerator’s ice maker has failed twice — or if you rent and the landlord will not approve a built-in repair — a countertop unit solves the problem immediately with no plumbing, no disassembly, and no warranty concerns. The tradeoff is counter space and daily water refills, which for many people is a minor inconvenience compared to a kitchen without ice.
Our Verdict
The top pick for most LG refrigerator owners is the genuine AEQ73110205 at $167.95 — it is the part that will work the first time with no surprises. The budget pick is the Upgraded AEQ72909603/02 at $75.99, which costs roughly half as much and targets the same installation space. The condition under which a different product wins outright is when your refrigerator is more than eight years old or you rent and cannot make plumbing modifications. In that case, the EUHOMY Countertop at $69.78 delivers ice within minutes of unboxing and costs less than any internal repair.
FAQ
Why did my LG ice maker stop working?
The most common causes are a failed water inlet valve, a frozen or broken fill tube, a worn gear assembly inside the maker, or a faulty thermostat that cannot detect the mold temperature correctly. Diagnosing which one has failed determines whether you need a full assembly replacement or a smaller component fix.
Can I repair an LG ice maker without replacing the whole assembly?
In some cases yes. A frozen water line can be cleared with warm water or a hair dryer on low, and a failed thermostat can sometimes be replaced individually. However, if the mold or gear train is damaged, replacing the complete assembly is faster and more reliable than chasing individual parts.
Will a countertop ice maker solve my problem permanently?
It will solve your need for ice permanently, but it is not integrated into your refrigerator. You must refill water, empty the bin, and clean the unit periodically. For renters or owners of aging fridges, it is often the most practical long-term solution rather than a temporary workaround.
Are aftermarket LG ice maker assemblies reliable?
Owner feedback on aftermarket assemblies is mixed. Some report years of trouble-free use, while others note shorter lifespans compared to OEM parts, particularly in the gear and mold materials. The lower price reflects this uncertainty, and it is best treated as a cost-saving gamble on an older refrigerator rather than a risk to take on a newer one.
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