Can a Crushed Ice Maker Be Added to a Refrigerator?

The Water Line

• One of the first things you should look at before buying an ice maker is the water line in your home. Many homes feature a small nozzle or knob in the kitchen wall, which runs into the water supply. If you have such a knob, you simply attach a rubber tube to the knob and attach the opposite end to the refrigerator. Ice makers come with instruction manuals that explain how you properly attach the ice maker to the freezer and connect the water line to the device. If your home lacks the knob, you must cut into the wall and attach a saddle valve to the line, which is a difficult task.

Considerations

• Not all ice makers come with the option to make crushed ice. Most units that fit inside your refrigerator make only cubes. The crushed units typically come on refrigerators with ice makers on the front. You cannot add a front unit to an older refrigerator or any refrigerator without a hookup for a front ice maker. The units have multiple settings, which let you create crushed ice or ice cubes with the touch of a button.

Other Options

• If you want crushed ice, but cannot use a maker on your refrigerator, choose a freestanding or portable unit. A portable unit plugs into an electrical outlet and, when you add water, it creates fresh ice cubes. According to Home Depot, the machines can produce 29 pounds in a day. The lightweight design lets you carry the ice maker to sporting events and outdoor activities. A freestanding unit is heavier and more durable. The unit sits in your kitchen or dining room and creates ice when you add water. Look for a freestanding unit designed for crushed ice.

Warning

• Be careful about adding an ice maker to your refrigerator, unless it contains the necessary hole for running a water line. Drilling your own holes into the appliance is dangerous because you risk damaging an electrical wire or another component of the refrigerator. The damage might stop the refrigerator from working and could void your warranty.