Highly unlikely the unit will shut down if the filter isn't changed. :-)

Documentation for my GE SxS advises to change the water filter every 6 months. The indicator light is on a 12-month cycle. I typically change it yearly, more or less. No adverse effects thus far. However I advise against *never* changing it ... unless your unit specifically allows forgoing the filter with a bypass option.

Thermador claims it can cause life threatening illness if the filter isn't changed. We bought the dummy filter from them and installed that.

Scaremongering like that would steer me away from a manufacturer.

There is no harm in waiting to change the filter. Changing it every 6 months is too often for most people, they just say that to sell more filters. I would wait until you notice the flow slowing down.

Alternatively, if you have good water, I would just replace it with the bypass plug so you never have to bother with it again (those filters aren't cheap).

I tried that with my Miele (made by Thermador). After a while it just stopped making ice and was throwing error codes. The tech my wife talked to told me it was because of the filter. Doesn't make sense to me, but not worth the trouble of ignoring it.

It's definitely true that if the filter gets clogged enough, the icemaker will stop working. But the "change filter" light has nothing to do with whether the filter is actually clogged, it's just based on a timer.

That's what I thought too, but apparently they've got it programmed to cause problems when the timer is ignored.

It really doesn't cause problems if the timer is ignored. I installed the bypass filter 4 years ago. It still says change filter but makes perfect ice.

Probably just a stupid tech then.

There is a point on the Miele if you procrastinate changing the filter, well after when the indicator goes on, where it will stop the works and when you do replace it, you need a different code to reset the light. I find that code easier anyway, and usually use it instead of the one in the manual.

It is also true that if you don't change the filter eventually you could get something growing in it. It happens in all kinds of water equipment where the water is standing and warm long enough. That's why it's a good idea to change the filter even if you're not using it much. Extending the time before you change, however, shouldn't be a big deal. Usually, the water will taste bad long before it makes you sick.

It would make sense that the Thermador also has a bypass for if you don't want to use the filter. It's usually used if you have an RO system or other filtering before the water gets to the unit.

Thanks for all the responses and ideas everyone. I'll take a look at the dummy filter/bypass option, since I think our tap water is just fine and it sounds like the filter is merely for taste or clarity of the ice or something along those "aesthetics" lines rather than to protect the ice making equipment itself. That being the case, I'd just as soon not deal with the ongoing expense. Does the dummy/bypass reset the "FILTRCHG" message?

If it's like the Miele (they have the same roots), you have to put a code into the setup menu to do bypass, and that should turn off the message.

Another reason for the filter is so that gunk from the water doesn't clog up the lines and all. But that's not all that common a complaint on ice makers, from what I've heard, so unless the Therm is a delicate flower, it stands to reason that that's not a huge issue.

Thanks pillog, so one just leaves the "used" filter in place and turns off the filter change message, or is there an actual replacement part that lets water flow through without the filtering and potential clogging?

As has been said by others, if you want to forego the filters altogether, you should follow the process in your manual. The others said you need a "dummy" as well as setting the bypass selection. While the box is the same as my Miele, the controls are different, so your manual is the one to go by. If you don't have it, look on the Thermador website. It should be available as a PDF there. If you can't find it, try AJMadison. If you just want to leave a used filter in there longer than the timer thinks, I'd let the indicator light stay on, so when it stops working you'll remember it's because it needs a new filter.

I cannot figure out how to turn off the filter change warning (I have changed the filter); any help?

Robert--I know it's in the manual. I'm out of town or I'd check and let you know.

That would be great; I could not find it in the manual and have fiddled with it quite a bit without success.

You do NOT want to just leave a filter installed beyond its useful life. Those filters are GAC (granular activated carbon), which will become bacterial breeding grounds if left too long. Either install the spacer or change the filter on time. Thermador's assertion that leaving a filter too long could adversely affect your health is absolutely NOT fearmongering, as stated by a previous poster.

To reset the Filter warning, hold the Ice and Super button simultaneously for 3 seconds (this acc to Thermador - and it worked)

We put the dummy filter in our Thermador. We still have to periodically reset since the filter light comes on every 6 months.

My Thermador, sounds like the same one, Ice maker only, no water. I had installed the Dummy filter a few years ago, but yes, get the Filter Alarm periodically, pressing and holding Ice and Super buttons will clear the alarm. This time, the Ice Maker is no longer working. There is ice in the ice maker, I can feel it, but the mechanism to "Dump" the Ice is not turning. Any Suggestions?

Just an update for others - When we don't change our filter in a timely fashion, it starts to leak. We have hard water in our area.