How Does the Dispenser on a Fridge Work?

Ice Maker

• To understand how the dispenser on a fridge works, it is first necessary to understand how the ice maker works. Ice makers are located in the freezer and are connected to a permanent water line. To make ice, the ice maker triggers the release of a valve that allows water to fill the ice tray. It usually takes between seven and 10 seconds to fill the tray, according to the Repair Clinic website. When the tray is filled, the valve is closed, and the water freezes. A thermostat monitors the temperature of the water.

Releasing the Ice

• The first step in the journey of ice to the dispenser is when it is released from the ice tray. After the water reaches a temperature of around 12 F, the ice cubes are released from the tray into a bin below. To release the ice, the tray actually heats up a bit. In some models, rods inside each ice cube heat up — this forms the distinctive cubes with the hollowed-out centers. In other models, a heater rotates beneath the ice tray to loosen the ice. Then, the ice drops into the bin, where it remains frozen until it travels down the dispenser. A full bin triggers a wire that prevents the ice maker from filling with water until more ice is needed.

Ice Is Dispensed

• The ice bin contains an auger, which is a rotating arm that sweeps the ice into a chute. This arm is similar to those in traditional top-loading washing machines. When the button on the ice dispenser is pressed, or the lever is pushed, this triggers the auger to rotate, moving ice through the bottom of a bin, down a chute and out the exit of the dispenser.

Water Is Dispensed

• When the button or lever for water is pushed, it triggers the release of the same valve that allows water to flow into the ice maker in the freezer. This water, however, is redirected into a different container where it is chilled. As new water flows in, the already cooled water flows out, through the dispenser and into your cup.

Troubleshooting Dispensers

• Some refrigerators have lock buttons that allow you to disable the dispenser's controls, preventing little fingers from touching them. Check the lock if your dispenser is not releasing ice or water. Other issues could be a jam in the ice chute, a loss of power to the ice maker or a blocked or frozen auger. In rare cases, the tubes that transport water to the dispenser might be frozen.