Ice has Odor or Off Taste

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Possible Solutions

How is the water quality?

The quality of your ice and water will be only as good as that of the water supplied to your ice maker or water dispenser. Avoid connecting the ice maker to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals (such as salt) can damage parts of the ice maker and lead to poor-quality ice. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided, ensure the water softener is operating properly and well-maintained.

Is food properly stored?

Check for properly wrapped food. Ice and water absorb odors.
Use airtight, moisture-proof packaging to help avoid odor transfer from stored food.
If the ice cubes have an odd taste or odor, throw them away. Allow 24 hours for the ice maker to produce more ice.

Is the water filter installed correctly?

If the water filter is incorrectly installed, it can reduce the water flow to the ice maker, which will cause small ice cubes or low ice production.

CLICK HERE for additional information on how to install your water filter.

Is the correct water supply line installed?

New plumbing connections, such as PVC pipes and fittings, can cause discolored or off-flavored ice. Discard the first three batches of ice and flush additional water through the water dispenser.

Verify that you are using one of the recommended water supply lines:

Copper Water Supply Line
A Water Supply Line approved by KitchenAid

Depending on the household water supply properties and the type of supply line used, properties in the water may cause different types of supply lines to react in different ways; this has the potential to result in bad odor or taste in the refrigeration water and ice systems.

Was the water filter flushed?

Once the filter has been replaced, it is important to flush the water system. This process removes excess air, prepares the filter for use, and removes excess carbon. The air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser, small/hollow ice cubes, or a cloudy appearance in the water quality.

Use a sturdy container to depress, hold the water dispenser lever for 5 seconds, and then release it for 5 seconds. As air is removed, water may spurt from the dispenser.
Repeat the process until water starts to flow at a steady pass and all the air is out of the water line.
Continue this process (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) until at least 1 gallon of water has been dispensed.

After flushing the water system, allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to cool and chill the water. Then, dispense enough water every week to maintain a fresh supply.

Do more with fresh, filtered water.

Our convenient water filters reduce contaminants to provide refreshing hydration and limitless inspiration—right from your refrigerator. To purchase an

EveryDrop® water filter, visit your local retailer or visit EveryDrop® online.