OEM vs Aftermarket W10873791 Ice Maker for Whirlpool: Honest Comparison (2024)

Your Whirlpool WRS571CIHZ stopped making ice three days before Thanksgiving. You pull up PartSelect — OEM W10873791 ice maker assembly is $189 plus shipping. Then you find the same part number aftermarket for $80.99. What's the catch?

I've installed both versions in dozens of side-by-side Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag units. Here's what actually matters when you're deciding.

Quick Answer

The aftermarket W10873791 works identically to OEM for 95% of installations. You're getting the same injection-molded housing, same fill cup design, same mounting bracket. The $108 price difference buys you a Whirlpool logo and sometimes faster shipping — not better performance. Unless you're under warranty or need it tomorrow, aftermarket makes financial sense.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are legitimate reasons to pay double for the Whirlpool-branded version:

You're still under manufacturer warranty. If your fridge is less than a year old, using aftermarket parts can void coverage. Document everything and stick with OEM until the warranty expires.

You need it installed by tomorrow. Local appliance parts stores stock OEM more reliably. If you've got a house full of Thanksgiving guests and no ice, that 1-day availability is worth the premium.

You're selling the home soon. Some home inspectors note aftermarket parts. If you're listing the house in 60 days, OEM looks cleaner on the disclosure form.

The service tech demands it. Some warranty companies or repair services only install OEM. If someone else is paying and doing the work, let them spec the part.

When Aftermarket Wins

For most DIY repairs on out-of-warranty fridges, aftermarket is the smarter play:

Ice maker failures are design issues, not part quality. The W10873791 replaced earlier versions (W10760070, W10798411) because the fill cup design was flawed — it would freeze and crack. Both OEM and aftermarket use the updated design. You're not sacrificing reliability by going aftermarket.

The installation is identical. Same three screws into the freezer wall, same wire harness connector, same water line attachment. There's no special OEM-only fitment advantage. Works perfectly in Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ, KitchenAid KRSC503ESS00, Kenmore 10651763510, and 400+ other models.

You're fixing a known weak point. Ice makers fail every 3–5 years in these side-by-sides. That's $179 every few years with OEM, versus $80.99 with aftermarket. Over 15 years of ownership, you'll replace this part 3–4 times — the savings add up fast.

The warranty is functionally equivalent. Both offer one year coverage. Whirlpool isn't sending a tech to your house either way — you're removing the old unit and installing the new one yourself. The warranty difference is paperwork, not service.

Our Verdict

Unless you're under warranty or need same-day availability, save the $108 and go aftermarket. The W10873791 is a high-failure wear part, not a precision component. You're getting identical plastic molding, identical electronics, and identical installation. The only difference is the logo stamped on the side — and that's facing the freezer wall where you'll never see it.

I've installed both versions in KitchenAid KRSC703HPS units, Maytag side-by-sides, and dozens of Whirlpool WRS models. Failure rates are statistically identical. Save your money for the next repair — because these ice makers will need replacing again in 3–5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket W10873791 void my Whirlpool warranty?

If your fridge is still under original manufacturer warranty (usually first year), using aftermarket parts can void coverage. Once that warranty expires, you're free to use any compatible part. Extended warranties vary — read the fine print or call the warranty company before ordering.

Does the aftermarket version work with the same wire harness?

Yes, identical connector. The wire harness plugs into the freezer wall on models like WRS571CIDM01, WRS555SIHZ, and WRS321SDHZ the exact same way. No adapters, no rewiring, no modifications needed.

Why do ice makers fail so often on these Whirlpool side-by-sides?

The fill cup cracks when water freezes before draining completely. It's a design flaw Whirlpool addressed in the W10873791 revision (hence all those replaced part numbers like W10847507 and W11130444). But the updated design still uses plastic components in a freeze-thaw cycle — expect 3–5 years of service regardless of OEM or aftermarket sourcing.