What Ice Plus Does on Your LG Refrigerator and When to Use It

Ice Plus is a freezer boost that makes ice faster by running the compressor harder

Ice Plus is a feature on LG refrigerators that temporarily lowers the freezer temperature below its normal setting. When you turn it on, the compressor works longer and more intensely to pull heat out of the freezer compartment. This faster cooling speeds up ice production in your ice maker and also freezes items more quickly if you need to chill something in a hurry.

The feature is not meant to run all the time. It uses extra electricity and generates more heat that your refrigerator has to work harder to manage. LG designed it as a tool for specific situations—when you are hosting a gathering and need extra ice, or when you want to freeze something fast—not as a permanent setting.

On most LG models, Ice Plus appears as a button or toggle on the control panel, sometimes labeled "Ice Plus" or "Turbo Ice" depending on the model year. When activated, it typically runs for a set period (often 24 hours) before automatically shutting off, though some models let you turn it off manually whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

• Ice Plus lowers freezer temperature temporarily to speed up ice production and freeze items faster.
• The feature runs the compressor harder and uses more electricity, so it should only be on when you actually need extra ice or fast freezing.
• Most models automatically turn Ice Plus off after 24 hours, but you can switch it off sooner if you do not need it anymore.
• Leaving Ice Plus on continuously will increase your electricity bill and may shorten the lifespan of your compressor.
• Check your model's manual to find the exact button location and whether your version has a timer or manual shutoff.

When to turn Ice Plus on

Turn Ice Plus on when you know you will need more ice than your ice maker normally produces in a day or two. Common situations include preparing for a party, stocking up before a holiday weekend, or filling coolers for a camping trip. If you are expecting guests and your ice bin is already half-empty, turning it on the night before gives you a full supply by the time they arrive.

You might also use it if you want to freeze fresh food quickly—say, you bought a large batch of berries or meat and want to get them into the freezer at a lower temperature right away. The colder environment speeds the process and can help preserve texture and quality better than normal freezing.

Some people turn it on after a power outage, when the freezer has warmed up and needs to get back to safe temperatures fast. In that case, Ice Plus helps the compressor catch up more quickly than waiting for the normal cycle.

Why you should not leave Ice Plus on all the time

Running Ice Plus continuously costs you money. The compressor runs longer and more often, which increases your electricity consumption. Over a month, leaving it on when you do not need it can add noticeably to your power bill—the exact amount depends on your local electricity rates and how often your compressor cycles, but the effect is real.

Constant high-intensity operation also puts extra strain on the compressor, the most expensive component in your refrigerator. Compressors are built to handle normal cycling, not continuous heavy load. Running Ice Plus all the time can shorten its working life, and a compressor replacement typically costs several hundred dollars.

There is also no benefit to keeping it on. Your ice maker produces a steady supply under normal conditions. Unless you are in a situation where you genuinely need more ice than usual, the normal setting does the job fine and costs less to run.

How to find and use the Ice Plus button on your LG model

The location of the Ice Plus button varies by model. On many newer LG refrigerators, it is on the front control panel near the ice maker settings, sometimes grouped with other freezer options. On some models it appears on a digital display screen; on others it is a physical button you press. Check the area around your ice dispenser or on the inside wall of the fridge near the top.

If you cannot find it, open your refrigerator manual and search for "Ice Plus" or "Turbo Ice." The manual will show you the exact location for your model and explain whether your version has a timer or requires manual shutoff. You can usually find the manual online by searching for your model number (printed on a sticker inside the fridge, often on the back wall or under a shelf) plus the word "manual."

Once you locate the button, press it to turn Ice Plus on. Most models will show a light or icon to confirm it is active. Set a reminder on your phone for 24 hours later if your model does not auto-shutoff, so you remember to turn it off and stop wasting electricity.

What happens to your freezer temperature when Ice Plus is on

Your freezer normally runs at around 0°F (−18°C) to keep food safely frozen. When Ice Plus activates, the thermostat tells the compressor to cool the freezer down to roughly −8°F (−22°C) or lower, depending on your model. That extra 8 to 10 degrees makes a real difference in how fast ice freezes and how quickly other items reach a solid frozen state.

You will notice the freezer feels colder to the touch, and you may hear the compressor running more frequently or for longer stretches. This is normal and expected. The refrigerator section (where you keep milk, vegetables, and leftovers) is usually not affected because it has its own temperature control, though some models may cool slightly colder overall while Ice Plus is running.

Once Ice Plus shuts off or you turn it off manually, the freezer returns to its normal temperature setting within a few hours as the compressor returns to its regular cycle.

Ice Plus versus normal ice production

Under normal operation, your LG ice maker produces a set amount of ice per day—typically enough to fill the bin once every 24 to 48 hours, depending on the model and how often you open the freezer door. This is designed to meet the needs of an average household without wasting energy.

With Ice Plus on, the same ice maker produces ice faster because the freezer is colder. Water freezes more quickly at lower temperatures, so each cycle completes sooner. You can go from an empty bin to a full one in 12 to 18 hours instead of 24 to 48. The trade-off is the extra electricity cost during that time.

If you find yourself turning Ice Plus on every week because you always run out of ice, the real solution is to check whether your ice maker is working properly. A slow ice maker might indicate a clogged water line, a faulty inlet valve, or a thermostat that is not reading correctly. If it is producing ice at the normal rate but you simply use more ice than the machine makes, Ice Plus is the right tool—just use it when you actually need it, not as a permanent fix.

Troubleshooting Ice Plus if it is not working

If you press the Ice Plus button and nothing happens, first check that your ice maker is turned on. Many LG models have a separate on/off switch for the ice maker itself, usually a toggle on the side of the ice bin or on the control panel. If the ice maker is off, Ice Plus cannot work.

Next, verify that your freezer is actually cold enough to make ice in the first place. If the freezer temperature is above 10°F (−12°C), the ice maker will not produce ice regardless of Ice Plus status. Check the temperature display on your control panel or use a thermometer inside the freezer. If it is too warm, the compressor may not be running properly, or the thermostat may need adjustment.

If the button lights up but the freezer does not get noticeably colder, the compressor itself might be failing, or there could be a refrigerant leak. These are not problems you can fix at home. Contact an LG service technician or a local refrigerator repair shop to diagnose the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ice Plus damage my refrigerator?

No, using Ice Plus occasionally does not damage your refrigerator. It is a feature LG built into the machine for this purpose. However, running it continuously for weeks or months puts unnecessary strain on the compressor and shortens its lifespan. Use it when you need it, then turn it off.

Will Ice Plus freeze my food solid if I leave it on too long?

Ice Plus only affects the freezer compartment, not the refrigerator section. Your frozen food will not become damaged from being colder for a day or two. However, if you leave Ice Plus on for weeks, the extreme cold can cause freezer burn on items not designed for that temperature, so turn it off once you have the ice you need.

How much extra does Ice Plus cost to run?

The cost depends on your local electricity rates and how long you run it. A compressor working at high intensity for 24 hours might add 50 cents to a few dollars to your monthly bill, depending on your rates. Leaving it on continuously for a month could add $10 to $30 or more, so it is worth turning off when you do not need it.

Can I turn Ice Plus off before 24 hours if I do not need it anymore?

Yes, on most LG models you can press the Ice Plus button again to turn it off immediately. Some older models have a timer you cannot override, but most current refrigerators let you control it manually. Check your manual to confirm your model's behavior.

Why is my ice maker slow even with Ice Plus on?

If Ice Plus is on and the freezer is cold but ice production is still slow, the problem is likely a clogged water line, a stuck inlet valve, or a faulty ice maker motor. These are mechanical issues that Ice Plus cannot fix. You will need a repair technician to inspect the water supply and ice maker assembly.