Is Fridge Ice Filtered the Same Way as the Water?

When you grab ice from your refrigerator, you expect it to be just as clean and refreshing as the water from the dispenser. But many people wonder: is fridge ice filtered the same way as the water? The answer is yes.

If your refrigerator has a built-in water filter, both the water from the dispenser and the water that makes your ice pass through the same filter. That means the quality of your ice depends directly on the condition of your fridge filter.

How Fridge Filters Work

Refrigerators use activated carbon filters to improve water quality. As tap water flows into your fridge, it passes through this filter before reaching the dispenser or the ice maker.

Depending on the certification, filters can:

• Reduce chlorine for better taste and smell
  

• Remove sediment like rust, dirt, or sand
  

• Reduce heavy metals or VOCs (if NSF/ANSI 53 certified)
  

So when you replace your fridge filter, you’re not just improving drinking water—you’re also improving the quality of every ice cube.

Why Filtered Ice Tastes Better

If you’ve ever noticed ice cubes that taste stale, musty, or like your fridge, the filter may be overdue for replacement. When chlorine and impurities are removed, ice tastes clean and refreshing, which makes a difference in drinks, smoothies, and even cooking.

When Ice Quality Declines

Here are signs that your ice might not be as clean as it should be:

• Ice has a cloudy appearance
  

• Ice cubes taste metallic, musty, or bitter
  

• Your ice maker is slow or producing smaller cubes
  

• Ice absorbs odors from nearby foods in the freezer
  

In most cases, these are signs that the filter is clogged or expired.

How Often Should You Replace the Filter?

To keep both water and ice fresh, replace your fridge filter every 300 gallons or every 6 months, whichever comes first. An expired filter can no longer capture contaminants effectively, which impacts both taste and safety.

Choosing the Right Filter

When shopping for a replacement, here’s what to consider:

• Compatibility – Filters are brand- and model-specific. Always check your fridge model before purchasing.
  

• Standard NSF/ANSI certifications – Look for 42 (tested for chlorine, taste, odor) and 53 (tested for health-related contaminants like lead). Independent organizations such as IAPMO, CSA, and WQA verify these claims.
  

• Trusted retailer – Avoid ultra-cheap filters from discount sites. Many are counterfeit, with no guarantee of what’s inside or how well they filter. Buy from reliable sellers like fridgefilters.com.

Recommended Fridge Filters

Here are three excellent certified options that will improve both your water and your ice:

• LG LT700P Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement by Tier1 – A Tier1 replacement for LG refrigerators, built to reduce chlorine and improve taste in both water and ice.
  

• Whirlpool EDR6D1 / EveryDrop 4396701 Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement by Tier1 – A Tier1 option for Whirlpool refrigerators, tested to deliver cleaner, fresher-tasting water and ice.
  

• LG LT800P Comparable Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement by USWF – A USWF replacement for LG fridges, providing dependable chlorine reduction for crisp water and clear ice cubes.
  
  

The Bottom Line

So, is fridge ice filtered? Yes. If your refrigerator has a water filter, it cleans both the water you drink and the water that makes your ice. By choosing a certified filter and replacing it every six months, you’ll enjoy fresh, clean water and ice that tastes just as it should.