A KitchenAid refrigerator is essential in any commercial kitchen, ensuring food stays fresh and safe by maintaining the right temperature. It can lead to food spoilage, health risks, and costly downtime when it fails to do so. Identifying the causes behind temperature fluctuations is crucial for quick resolution. This guide will dive into common issues with KitchenAid refrigerator parts, offering practical solutions to restore optimal performance. Whether you’re a restaurant owner or kitchen manager, this article will help you troubleshoot and fix the problem to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Common Causes and Fixes for a KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Maintaining Temperature
Here are the common causes and fixes for a KitchenAid refrigerator that’s not maintaining the right temperature.
1.Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are one of the most important components of the refrigerator cooling system. When these coils get dirty, dusty or greasy, they are unable to dissipate heat properly. Therefore, the compressor struggles to maintain the right temperature and it may cause fluctuations or even higher internal temperatures.
Fix:
To solve this problem, clean the condenser coils every 6-12 months (or more often if necessary). Turn off your refrigerator, look for the coils which are normally at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, and clean them using a vacuum cleaner or a coil brush. Cleaning these coils helps your refrigerator run efficiently and maintain the right temperature.
2.Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan is responsible for blowing cold air around the refrigerator so that the cold air is evenly distributed. If this fan motor fails, then cold air cannot circulate properly, leading to temperature fluctuations.
Fix:
To check the fan, open the fridge and listen to the sound it makes. If it is not running or making some unusual sounds, then the motor may be faulty. If you are comfortable with the process, you can either repair or replace the evaporator fan motor on your own; otherwise, you can contact a technician.
3.Defective Thermostat or Temperature Sensor
The thermostat is one of the most important KitchenAid refrigerator parts because it controls the temperature by activating the compressor when needed. If the thermostat or temperature sensor is faulty, your refrigerator will either become too warm or too cold.
Fix:
Check the functionality of the thermostat using a multimeter. If you find that the thermostat or temperature sensor is faulty, then you should replace it with a new one. Replacing these parts will help you to maintain the right temperature in your refrigerator.
4.Blocked Air Vents
The interior of the fridge has vents that enable the flow of air, which is essential for temperature regulation. If the vents are obstructed by food or ice, the air circulation will be limited and some parts of the refrigerator will be hotter than others.
Fix:
Ensure that there are no obstructions such as food items placed in front of the air vents inside the refrigerator. If ice has formed around the vents, then you may need to check the defrost system (see below). Proper circulation of air will help in the equal distribution of cool air in the refrigerator.
5.Malfunctioning Defrost System
A faulty defrost system results in ice formation in the freezer which in turn hinders the circulation of air from the evaporator fan. This can lead to some parts of the fridge to heat up since cold air cannot circulate properly.
Fix:
If you find that there is too much ice or the cooling is not enough, then the defrost system could be the problem. The defrost timer, heater, and thermostat should be checked to determine if they are the problem. If needed, replace any damaged parts to ensure correct defrosting and air circulation.
6.Faulty Start Relay or Compressor
The start relay is used to supply the initial power needed to start the compressor. If this component fails, the compressor will not turn on and this will lead to temperature issues. When the refrigerator does not cool at all, this is usually caused by a faulty compressor.
Fix:
If your refrigerator is making a clicking noise or if it does not start, then the start relay could be the problem. You can check the relay and replace it if it is faulty. However, if the problem is with the compressor, it is advisable to seek the services of a technician since this is a more expensive repair.
7.Low Refrigerant Levels (Freon Leak)
A refrigerant such as Freon is used to cool the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has a refrigerant leak, the system will lose its cooling ability and this will lead to temperature issues.
Fix:
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you should contact a professional technician. They will find the leak, repair it, and then add the refrigerant to the appropriate level. If you try to do it on your own, it may worsen the situation, so it is always advisable to seek the services of a refrigerant repairer.
8.Control Board Malfunction
The control board is responsible for controlling many of the refrigerator’s functions, including the defrost cycle, cooling process, and compressor activity. If the control board is faulty, it may lead to fluctuation in temperature or even complete failure of the fridge to cool.
Fix:
If you have ruled out other causes and think that the control board is the problem, you may have to replace it. Using a multimeter to test the control board is a good way to check for faults. If you are still in doubt, you can hire a repair technician to replace the board for you.
Maintaining the proper temperature in your KitchenAid refrigerator is crucial for food safety and kitchen efficiency. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will ensure your refrigerator continues to operate at its best, keeping your commercial kitchen running smoothly and safely.
Written by Allen Rode for PartsFe, your trusted source for a variety of high-quality commercial restaurant equipment, including ice machine and convection oven parts.
Works again after applying this fix.