OEM vs Aftermarket Dispenser Overflow Grille for Whirlpool: Honest Comparison (2206670B)

You're staring at that cracked white grille above your ice dispenser, wondering if you really need to spend $40+ on the official Whirlpool part. It's a piece of plastic — how different could the aftermarket version really be?

I've replaced dozens of these dispenser overflow grilles on everything from KitchenAid KSRG25FVMT refrigerators to Whirlpool GC5SHAXVQ models. Let me walk you through what actually matters.

Quick Answer

For this specific part, aftermarket wins nearly every time. The dispenser overflow grille (part 2206670B) is a non-mechanical, cosmetic component with simple snap-in installation. You're paying 3-4x more for OEM branding on a part where fit and function are identical across quality aftermarket suppliers.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

Honestly? For this particular part, there are only two scenarios where I'd recommend OEM:

You're under warranty. If your fridge is still covered, your claim might require genuine Whirlpool parts. Check your policy — some extended warranties accept quality aftermarket parts, but factory warranty repairs usually don't.

You need it today and only the dealer has stock. If your local appliance parts store carries WP2206670B and you absolutely can't wait for shipping, the convenience premium might be worth it. But that's about urgency, not quality.

Here's what doesn't matter for this grille: it's not a wear component, it doesn't involve electronics or seals, and it doesn't affect refrigerator performance. It's a cosmetic cover that snaps over the dispenser overflow tray.

When Aftermarket Wins

This is where aftermarket really shines. You're looking at identical functionality for less than a third of the OEM cost.

The grille fits models across Whirlpool, KitchenAid (like the KSRG25FVMT series), Kenmore, and Maytag refrigerators. The mounting clips line up exactly with the factory holes — there's no modification needed.

I've installed the aftermarket version on models GC3SHEXNT01, GC5SHAXVS00, and 6GD5SHGXSS00 without any fit issues. The white ABS plastic matches the dispenser housing, and the vents are identical in size and spacing to OEM.

The part numbers tell you everything: 2206670B replaces WP2206670B, AP6006547, W10171993, and W10189532. That's Whirlpool's own supersession trail — they've revised this part multiple times, and each version came from a contract manufacturer anyway.

Our Verdict

Go aftermarket unless warranty requires OEM. Save $30+ on a part where there's zero functional difference. This isn't a compressor or control board — it's a snap-in plastic grille. Spend the money you save on actual maintenance like replacing your water filter or cleaning condenser coils.

The installation takes under two minutes. You pop out the old cracked grille (it has four clips), snap in the new one, and you're done. No tools, no disassembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket grille match my white fridge exactly?

Appliance white isn't a single standard — even OEM parts vary slightly between production runs. The aftermarket 2206670B uses the same base ABS white that Whirlpool specs. If your fridge is 10+ years old and hasn't been cleaned regularly, any new white plastic will look slightly brighter. That's true for OEM too.

Why did my original grille crack in the first place?

Two main causes: impact (someone loading the freezer smacked it with a frozen pizza box) or ice buildup stress. If the dispenser overflow tray underneath fills with ice from a defrost drain clog, it can push up and stress the grille clips. Before installing the new grille, check that the overflow tray drains properly and the defrost system is working.

Do I need to order anything else with this grille?

Not usually. The grille is a complete assembly. However, if the overflow tray underneath (part WP2198634) is also cracked or warped, you'll want to replace both together. They're separate parts that work as a system to catch dispenser meltwater.