Why Is My Fridge's Icemaker Making Hollow Cubes?

Hollow ice cubes might sound like an aesthetic choice for drinks in a high-end restaurant. However, if you just want to enjoy an ice-cold soda at home, you're probably not looking for hollow cubes that will melt faster. Plus, if you're getting hollow ice cubes from your icemaker, there's probably water waste going on, because refrigerator ice machines are usually designed to make solid cubes.

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Below, you can explore reasons your icemaker might be churning out hollow cubes and get some tips on icemaker troubleshooting to fix the issue.

What Causes My Refrigerator's Icemaker to Make Hollow Ice Cubes?

Low water flow or a failure to free properly are the main culprits behind these icemaker issues. Here are some specific reasons for hollow ice cubes:

• Low water pressure. When water doesn't flow well through your icemaker water lines, the tray or mold in the machine might not fill completely. This can lead to hollow ice cubes, but it might also cause ice cubes that are smaller or thinner than expected.

• Clogged lines. A water line that's clogged with dirt or debris can restrict water flow to the icemaker even if water pressure is fine.

• Frozen lines. It's possible for the water line to become frozen somewhere, blocking full flow into the icemaker.

• A dirty filter. If you have a filter for your ice machine, it might get dirty, leading to reduced water flow.

• A faulty water inlet valve. If the water inlet valve doesn't open fully, it can restrict how much water flows into the unit.

• Timing issues. In some cases, the icemaker releases cubes too early. The water inside doesn't have time to freeze completely, leading to hollow cubes when the inside water eventually leaks out.

• Problems with freezer temperature. If the freezer's temperature is off, ice may not freeze as expected, leading to malformed ice cubes.

• A malfunctioning icemaker. Oddly shaped ice cubes, including hollow ice cubes, could indicate that your icemaker isn't working right.

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How to Fix This Issue

In most cases, addressing hollow ice cubes is not a major appliance repair. You can help ensure better ice quality with basic refrigerator maintenance and icemaker troubleshooting. Here are some things you might try:

• Check the water pressure. In most homes, water pressure should be set to 20 psi to 40 psi. If your main water pressure is lower than that, you might want to increase it.

• Check for line problems. Get a look at the lines that carry water to your icemaker. If the lines appear frozen, you can defrost them by unplugging your fridge. Note that this will defrost the freezer too, so have a plan for your perishable food in the meantime.

• Replace your water filter. If your refrigerator has a water filter, you should replace it every 6 months or as indicated by your manufacturer. Replace your filter if you haven't in a while and see if that helps with ice formation.

• Check the water inlet valve. Look at the valve that controls water flowing into your fridge or icemaker. If it looks like it's clogged, carefully clean it. If it doesn't seem to be working correctly, you may need to replace it or have it replaced.

• Reset your icemaker. The old "Have you turned it off and back on again" works for more than computers. If your icemaker has a reset button, press it and see if it makes a difference in ice production.

• Change the freezer temperature. If your temp setting is super cold, bring it up just a bit. A freezer set below 10 degrees F may cause issues with icemaker functionality.

If you do all of the above and your icemaker is still acting up, you might want to seek professional appliance repair. A refrigerator repair person can help you understand freezer temperature problems or address issues related to slow ice production.

Hollow ice cubes are certainly not an emergency, and even more serious icemaker issues may take a back seat to other maintenance in your home. However, because an icemaker problem could turn into a bigger issue, like a water line leak, you do need to address them at some point.