I HAVE KITCHENAID SIDE BY SIDE REF. THE OUTLET OF ICE BUCKET FROSTS OVER , NOT ICE.

When the KitchenAid Ice bucket is stuck, one reason is this: the motor shaft that inserts into the bottom of the bucket and spins the ice bucket agitator arm is frozen together. Both are metal - the (male) motor shaft and the (female) agitator socket on the bottom of the bucket. Moisture builds up on the metal surfaces and they freeze together. One method of freeing them is to spin the motor in opposite directions until it breaks the frozen metal connections. To do this; set the dispenser to "ice crush mode" and then press the dispenser to activate the motor a small amount. Then set the dispenser in "ice cube mode" and press the dispenser again, which activates the motor to spin a bit again. This works because the "ice crush mode" and "ice cube mode" spin the motor shaft in opposite directions. You may have to change the order, but this should help break the frozen metal gear-like connection and save you a lot of time and a huge mess from pouring tons of water all over the place as in other described thaw methods. You may still have to clear some ice first if you have a lot of ice build up. But you'l know its the metal frozen connection if the bucket seems to be stuck and rocking somewhat on something in the middle of the bottom of the bucket. I don't think the kitchenaid repairmen know about this because they ones who tried to fix mine the first 2 times always used the thaw and water methods. When the KitchenAid Ice bucket is stuck, one reason is this: the motor shaft that inserts into the bottom of the bucket and spins the ice bucket agitator arm is frozen together. Both are metal - the (male) motor shaft and the (female) agitator socket on the bottom of the bucket. Moisture builds up on the metal surfaces and they freeze together. One method of freeing them is to spin the motor in opposite directions until it breaks the frozen metal connections. To do this; set the dispenser to "ice crush mode" and then press the dispenser to activate the motor a small amount. Then set the dispenser in "ice cube mode" and press the dispenser again, which activates the motor to spin a bit again. This works because the "ice crush mode" and "ice cube mode" spin the motor shaft in opposite directions. You may have to change the order, but this should help break the frozen metal gear-like connection and save you a lot of time and a huge mess from pouring tons of water all over the place as in other described thaw methods. You may still have to clear some ice first if you have a lot of ice build up. But you'l know its the metal frozen connection if the bucket seems to be stuck and rocking somewhat on something in the middle of the bottom of the bucket. I don't think the kitchenaid repairmen know about this because they ones who tried to fix mine the first 2 times always used the thaw and water methods.

I have a Kitchenaid and hate it. It doesn't matter how low you set the temp on the freezer side it will still stop up in about two days. Andy you cant even think about using the crushed ice on it or it will stop up sooner. There is a design issue with the way it feeds or something as for me I will never own another kitchenaid. I have a Kitchenaid and hate it. It doesn't matter how low you set the temp on the freezer side it will still stop up in about two days. Andy you cant even think about using the crushed ice on it or it will stop up sooner. There is a design issue with the way it feeds or something as for me I will never own another kitchenaid.