Bosch 12028493 Ice Maker Review — OEM Refrigerator Replacement

Intro

The Bosch 12028493 is billed as a direct replacement ice maker for Bosch refrigerators. The listing describes it as a genuine Bosch part and gives the basic electrical and size specs you'd need to check before swapping it into a freezer or refrigerator. Owner feedback on this part, albeit limited, points to one clear pattern: for people whose original ice maker failed, this unit "works" — owners say it restored ice production where the OEM unit wasn't working. This review walks through the first look, how it performs in ordinary household settings, material notes the listing provides, safety considerations you should not ignore, who should buy (and who should skip), plus a verdict with a short "check before you buy" checklist.

What it is / first look

At its core the 12028493 is an OEM replacement assembly described in the listing as a genuine Bosch Ice Maker. The listing's product facts and description lay out the mechanical function: the unit receives water from the refrigerator's water inlet valve, holds the water in the ice mold until it freezes solid, then automatically ejects the ice and refills to repeat the cycle until the ice storage bin is full. The listing reiterates that this part fits Bosch refrigerators.

Key specs the listing provides

• Manufacturer / Brand: Bosch
• Model / Part number: 12028493 (listed as both Model Number and Part Number)
• Item dimensions (D x W x H): 11" D x 6" W x 5" H
• Wattage: 40 watts
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Material type: listed as "Multi-Material"
• Included components: Single Bosch 12028493 Refrigerator Ice Maker
• Installation note in listing: the Ice Maker please also order # 00342180 tool to perform the installation
• Availability note: the listing shows only 3 left in stock (time-limited listing detail)

From a visual/fit standpoint the listing doesn't give a color or finish callout; images exist but the product facts list the material type only as "Multi-Material." If color or finish matters for cosmetic integration with an exposed freezer bin, the listing doesn't specify and should be verified with the seller or in your appliance parts manual.

In daily use

The listing explains the intended function: receive water from the inlet, freeze in the mold, eject cubes and refill until the bin is full. That’s the expected automatic cycle for a refrigerator ice maker assembly, and the owner feedback we have aligns with that basic operation: buyers who replaced a non-working factory ice maker report that this unit restores ice production.

Fit and function — what owners are telling us

The dominant owner theme in the internal research notes is simple and meaningful: "Works — The OEM one never worked. This works so good!" That pattern is valuable when your factory ice maker is dead or not cycling. The listing itself insists on validating the part number for your appliance and, sensibly, recommends referring to the appliance service manual or contacting the appliance manufacturer or a service professional before purchase.

Installation and real-world caveats

The listing explicitly calls out the separate installation tool (#00342180) that you'll need to order to perform the installation. That’s an important detail—buyers should not assume the replacement arrives with every specialty tool required. The listing also advises confirming the correct part number for your appliance and suggests contacting the manufacturer or a service pro if there’s any doubt. Where an installation involves disconnecting the fridge, moving panels, or working near water and mains wiring, that is standard caution and the listing points buyers toward professional help if uncertain.

Materials & build quality

The product facts list the material type as "Multi-Material." The listing does not break that down further into specific plastics, metals, or coatings, nor does it claim food-contact certifications for any component. The included component field shows a single Bosch 12028493 Refrigerator Ice Maker is shipped, and the listing describes the part as a genuine Bosch unit.

Because detailed material breakdowns are not provided in the public listing, treat the material notes as limited: the manufacturer lists the item as "Multi-Material," and beyond that the listing doesn't specify whether particular internal components are metal, polymer, or rubber. If you need material-level assurances (for example, specifics about plastics that contact water), the listing recommends referring to your appliance service manual or contacting the manufacturer. The safest approach is to verify material and compatibility details against your fridge's service documentation before purchase.

Safety considerations

This is an electrical appliance component that operates on 120 volts and 40 watts per the listing specifications; any work on refrigerator wiring, water lines, or internal mounting should be approached with the same care as other mains-connected appliance repairs. The listing explicitly recommends consulting your appliance service manual, contacting the appliance manufacturer, or hiring a service professional to validate the needed part number before purchasing. That recommendation is both a fit check and a safety precaution.

• Electrical: The listing specifies 120 volts and 40 watts. Disconnect power to the refrigerator before attempting service, and follow appliance-specific guidance from the service manual or a technician. The listing asks buyers to validate the needed part number and suggests professional contact if unsure.
• Water lines: The part receives water from the inlet valve; any replacement can involve working near the water supply. The listing does not provide step-by-step installation instructions or water-handling guidance — follow your fridge manual or a qualified technician’s procedures.
• Tools and access: The listing states you should also order tool #00342180 to perform the installation. Not having the right tool risks poor installation or damaged parts, so confirm tool needs before starting.
• Material/contact safety: Material type is listed as "Multi-Material," but the listing does not specify individual materials or offer independent food-contact certification details. If you require documented material safety claims, the listing suggests contacting the appliance manufacturer or checking service documentation.

There are no recall notices, flaking-coating reports, or widespread safety red flags in the available owner feedback; the single clear owner theme is that the replacement "works" where the prior part failed. Still, because this is a mains- and water-connected refrigerator component, the listing’s advice to check service documentation or use a professional is sensible and should be followed.

Who this is for / who should skip

Short version: this is intended for people who need a Bosch OEM-style replacement ice maker and who are able to confirm fit and install safely (or arrange professional installation).

Who this fits

• Owners of Bosch refrigerators who need a replacement ice maker and can confirm the part number 12028493 matches their appliance. The listing explicitly says the unit "fits the following brands of refrigerators: Bosch."
• Buyers who prefer genuine OEM replacement parts — the listing describes this unit as a genuine Bosch Ice Maker.
• People willing to order the separate installation tool (#00342180) if required and follow the fridge service manual or hire a technician.

Who should skip or pause

• If your refrigerator is not a Bosch model: the listing states the ice maker fits Bosch refrigerators; it does not list compatibility with other brands.
• If you cannot confirm the correct part number from your appliance service manual or you can't obtain the specialty tool #00342180, pause and consult Bosch or a service pro. The listing explicitly recommends validation prior to purchase.
• If you require detailed material or food-contact certifications and the listing’s "Multi-Material" designation is insufficient: the listing does not provide material-level certifications or specifics.

Verdict

The Bosch 12028493 is an OEM-style replacement ice maker with enough basic specification detail in the listing to be useful: model/part number, electrical ratings (40W, 120V), and physical dimensions (11" x 6" x 5"). The listing repeatedly advises buyers to validate compatibility with the appliance service manual or Bosch customer support and to consider professional installation. Owner feedback, though limited, signals a straightforward practical win: buyers who replaced a non-working factory ice maker report that this part restores ice production.

If you’re replacing a dead ice maker in a Bosch refrigerator and you confirm the part number, plan to acquire the separate installation tool (#00342180) if needed, and follow the service manual or hire a technician, this part appears to do the job buyers wanted it to do. The listing doesn’t provide detailed material or finish breakdowns nor does it offer step-by-step installation instructions, so those gaps should be handled by consulting official service documentation or a pro.

Check before you buy (short checklist)

• Confirm part number 12028493 is the correct replacement for your Bosch refrigerator using your appliance service manual or Bosch support.
• Measure the install space and compare to the listed dimensions: 11" D x 6" W x 5" H.
• Plan for electrical specifics: the unit is listed at 120 volts and 40 watts.
• Order the separate installation tool #00342180 if you’ll be doing the swap yourself; the listing explicitly calls this out.
• Decide whether you will perform the installation yourself or hire a service professional — the listing recommends contacting a service professional to validate the part and installation when in doubt.
• Note that the listing identifies the material type as "Multi-Material" but does not give a full materials breakdown or food-contact certification; verify material needs with Bosch if that’s a requirement for you.
• Availability note from the listing: only 3 units were shown in stock at the time the listing metadata was recorded; stock levels can change quickly.

Overall, for the right Bosch refrigerator and with the right preparation, the 12028493 looks like a straightforward OEM replacement that addresses failed ice makers. Owner commentary centers on the simple but powerful signal that it restores ice production when the original didn't — a compelling real-world outcome for buyers in that situation.

Colors & finish

The listing's product facts do not specify a color name or finish. Images exist for the listing, but the listing text lists material as "Multi-Material" without a color callout. Available colors may vary by seller and packaging. If exposed finish is important for you, verify with the seller or in the appliance parts documentation before ordering.

• Available colors may include: white, black, gray/stainless — listing doesn't specify.