When your Samsung ice maker stops functioning properly, it can cause a bit of a hassle. When it stops producing ice or if the ice bucket is stuck, this usually means that your Samsung ice maker needs to be defrosted. Worry not; this is a simple fix, which we will get to later in this article.
Samsung ice makers can have unnecessary ice build-up, which leads to the ice maker not producing ice or reducing its chilling capabilities. It can malfunction even with the power running, However, this is not an issue to fret over, as there are simple, tried, and tested fixes to this.
In this article, I will explain in detail how to defrost your Samsung ice maker at home without having to call a professional. I will also describe the Tabletop Model and Water Dispenser Model’s defrosting methods if you have these specific ice makers.
Let’s get into the article!
How to defrost Samsung ice maker
This is one of the most common issues one can encounter when owning an ice maker. When your ice maker stops producing ice or you notice a change in its chilling capabilities, you know it’s time to defrost the machine.
If you don’t mind waiting a couple of hours for the ice maker to defrost, proceed with this method.
Also, prepare a towel underneath the unit and empty the ice bucket and freezer. This prevents water from spilling from the melted ice and frost.
Here are the nine steps to help you defrost your Samsung ice maker:
#1 Unplug the appliance
Since Samsung ice makers don’t have a defrost function, you will have to do it yourself manually. The first step is to unplug the appliance and leave the fridge door open to melt all the ice build-up.
If you cannot access the refrigerator plug, locate its circuit breaker and toggle the switch OFF.
Since this can take up to 2-4 hours, depending on the amount of ice build-up, ensure that you don’t have any food in the fridge that will go bad.
#2 Leave the fridge door open
After unplugging your fridge, leave its door open. This will help warm air enter the unit and melt the ice build-ups in the freezer and ice maker.
The warmth of the air and the cool fridge air will create moisture, which helps melt the unnecessary ice build-up. Note that this step alone can defrost your ice maker, but to speed up the process, move on to step #3.
#3 Use either a fan, boiling water bowls, or a hair dryer
Keep an electric fan in front of the refrigerator, positioning it in front of your ice maker.
Or, you can place bowls of boiling water on the shelves close to the walls. When you’re following this method, remember to close the fridge door and replace the bowls of hot water every 10 minutes. Also, place towels under the bowls, so they don’t damage the shelves.
You can also use a hair dryer, but be careful while doing this, as too-hot air can damage the unit.
You can leave your Samsung fridge as is for a few hours until all the ice melts.
However, if this manual defrosting method takes too long, you can force defrost your appliance. The following steps will help you do this.
#4 Press and hold 2 control buttons
Note: Make sure the refrigerator is ON for this process.
Depending on the model of your Samsung appliance, the two control buttons on the display panel will vary. In some fridge models, you must press and hold the Fridge and Energy Saver buttons for 8-12 seconds or until the display panel goes blank and you hear a chime. This sound indicates that the appliance is in Test Mode.
If these are not the control buttons for your particular Samsung fridge model, you will have to look through its product manual.
Here are some examples of what these buttons could be:
- Lighting + Freezer
- Fridge + Power Saver
- Freezer + Cool Select
- Flex Zone + Fridge
- Control Lock + Fridge
Once you hear the chime, let go of the buttons.
#5 Press any button on the display
Press any button on the display panel once. It can also be one of the buttons you pressed earlier.
The screen will show a series of options: Samsung’s Forced Model System. The Fd (Forced Defrost) option should be on the list.
#6 Press the same button 2 to 3 times
To navigate through the options, press the same button till you’ve selected the Fd option.
If the same button does not work, press one of the other buttons used earlier.
Once you’ve selected the Fd option, the appliance will let out a long beep. This means that the fridge is undergoing forced defrosting. This takes up to 5 minutes.
Note: Repeat steps #4 to #6 till the ice and frost build-up are in the ice maker and its fan.
#7 Reset the fridge
Reset your fridge once the beeping has stopped and the ice is melted. This helps run its condenser and compressor and resets the ice maker system.
To reset your Samsung fridge:
- Unplug your appliance
- Wait for 5 minutes
Before turning it back on, make sure to empty the ice maker. This remaining water won’t affect your unit but can affect the quality of your ice cubes.
#8 Clean the ice maker
Clean and dry your Samsung ice maker through the following steps:
- Press the ice maker’s release tab
- Pull out the ice bucket
- Wipe and dry it using a clean cotton towel
- Inspect the gaps in the ice maker and its dispenser
- Return the ice bucket
#9 Turn ON your appliance
Replug your fridge.
Make sure that:
- The fridge’s interior light is ON
- All the LED backlights work
- The compressor, fan motor, and condenser are running
- All the control buttons are functional
- The vents are releasing cool air
How to force defrost Samsung ice maker
Now that we’ve looked at how to manually and force defrost your ice maker in your Samsung fridge let’s have a quick look at how to force defrost an ice maker in the Tabletop and Water Dispenser models.
Tabletop Model
The steps to defrosting a Tabletop model of your Samsung ice maker are similar to that of the ice maker in your refrigerator. It is only a 2-step process to force defrost your Tabletop model ice maker.
Let’s take a look.
#1 Enter the ice maker’s interface
Press and hold the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds. When you hear a beep, and the screen goes black, release the buttons.
#2 Force defrost
When you see the FD option, press the Lighting button to cycle through the other options. The ice in the ice maker compartment will melt, and your appliance will function optimally again.
Water Dispenser Model
The steps for force defrosting your Water Dispenser model ice maker are similar to that of the Tabletop model, except for the control buttons you have to press down on.
#1 Enter the ice maker’s interface
Press and hold the Freezer and Lighting buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds. When you hear a beep, and the screen goes black, release the buttons.
#2 Force defrost
When the FD option appears, press the Lighting button till you reach this option. The ice in the ice maker compartment will melt, and your appliance will function optimally again.
How long does it take to defrost the Samsung ice maker?
It takes around 20 minutes to force defrost your appliance since the machine will do the work for you. It is relatively hassle-free, and you don’t have to worry about doing anything extra to help with the process.
On the other hand, the manual method can take up to 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of ice build-up in your Samsung ice maker. It also takes a lot more effort on your part since the appliance is turned off and is not assisting in the defrosting process.
Why does my Samsung refrigerator ice maker freeze up?
Broken door seals often cause ice build-up in Samsung refrigerator ice makers. These inadequate door seals lets outside air interact with the refrigerator air, causing ice formation.
Where is the reset button on a Samsung Ice Maker?
The reset button on the Tabletop and Water Dispenser models is on the top right corner of the appliance. The Samsung refrigerator’s reset button is a rectangular button near the ice maker, either on the side or bottom.
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