The Samsung RF29BB8600 makes two kinds of ice, and the manual's Ice Maker button switches between them: Cubed Ice and Ice Bites, each with its own indicator. Smaller pieces than you expect often mean Ice Bites is selected, not a fault. If the ice is genuinely thin, the manual's water and ice rows point at water: weak water flow means pressure below 30 to 125 psi, a filter past six months or 300 gallons can restrict flow, and an unapproved third-party filter may leak or restrict. New installations need 1 to 2 days and the first buckets should be discarded.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung refrigerator makes small, hollow or misshapen ice”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Ice Bites is selected
What separates it The ice is smaller than cubes and the Ice Bites indicator is on
How to confirm Press the Ice Maker button to switch to Cubed Ice
- 2
Water pressure is too low
What separates it Water flow is weaker than normal and ice is small
How to confirm Make sure pressure is between 30 and 125 psi (206 to 861 kPa)
- 3
The water filter is old or unapproved
What separates it Small ice with weak flow or the filter indicator blinking
How to confirm Replace with a Samsung approved filter and reset
- 4
A new installation
What separates it Ice is inconsistent for the first day or two
How to confirm Let the ice maker run 1 to 2 days and discard the first 1 or 2 buckets
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which ice indicator is on: Cubed Ice or Ice Bites
- The age of the filter and the water pressure
- Whether the refrigerator was recently installed
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the ice mode
ReversibleThe Ice Maker button starts or stops Cubed Ice and Ice Bites; look at which indicator is lit.
Check water pressure
ReversibleWater flow weaker than normal suggests pressure below the required 30 to 125 psi (206 to 861 kPa). With reverse osmosis the supply must be 30 to 125 psi and the RO output at least 30 psi.
Replace the filter
ReversibleReplace an old filter with a Samsung-provided or approved one and reset the lifecycle, then run water for about 7 minutes.
Let a new unit settle
ReversibleAfter turning on the refrigerator let the ice maker make ice for 1 to 2 days and throw out the first 1 or 2 buckets.
Lower the freezer setting
ReversibleLower the freezer setting, and set the freezer below 0 F, or -18 C, so that the ice freezes solid.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Reverse osmosis notes
- The water pressure of the supply to a reverse osmosis system must be 30 to 125 psi, and the pressure from the RO system to the refrigerator's cold water line must be at least 30 psi. If pressure is below spec, check whether the sediment filter in the RO system is blocked and replace it, or refill the RO water tank, and contact a licensed plumber for servicing.
- Door alarm, lock and Sabbath
- If a door stays open more than 2 minutes an alarm sounds and its indicator blinks; the alarm is on by default and toggles with the Door Alarm button. Holding Door Alarm for 3 seconds locks the main panel to prevent accidental changes, and Lock re-engages after one minute of inactivity. Sabbath mode is turned on or off by holding Door Alarm and AutoFill Pitcher together for 5 seconds, stays active for 85 hours, switches off the buttons, display and internal lights while cooling continues, and stays on after a power failure until you deactivate it.
- Parts for this problem on the RF29BB8600 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- filter housing, part number DA61-15091A, at $49.88.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models RF30BB6600, RF32FMQDBSR, RF28R7551, RF27T5501, RF28T5001, RF23M8070, RS27T5200, RT18M6215.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If ice stays thin with Cubed Ice selected, good pressure and a fresh approved filter, contact a Samsung service center
- !If a reverse osmosis system is fitted, its pressure to the refrigerator must be at least 30 psi
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Samsung's own support page for the Bespoke 4-Door French Door refrigerator, listing the manual and revision.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my ice small?+
Ice Bites may be selected instead of Cubed Ice.
How do I switch ice type?+
Press the Ice Maker button to start or stop Cubed Ice or Ice Bites.
Can low pressure cause it?+
Weak water flow is linked to pressure under 30 psi in the manual.
How long for a new fridge?+
1 to 2 days, discarding the first 1 or 2 buckets.
What freezer temperature?+
The freezer should be set below 0 F, which is -18 C.
Does reverse osmosis matter?+
Yes. The RO output to the refrigerator must be at least 30 psi.
Will old ice change?+
Ice not used for a long time can jam; empty the bucket if you will be away.