KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Getting Cold? Here’s Why

KitchenAid produces premium refrigerators that are both stylish and deliver exceptional performance. They are reliable and durable, but like all appliances, issues can sometimes occur. Occasionally, people may experience trouble with their KitchenAid refrigerator not cooling.

If your KitchenAid refrigerator is no longer getting cold, this guide will help you understand why. We’ll cover the 10 most common issues that might be preventing your refrigerator from cooling, along with practical tips on how to resolve them.

Why Your KitchenAid Refrigerator Is Not Getting Cold

Here are the most likely reasons why your KitchenAid refrigerator is not cooling properly.

1. The Door Gaskets Are Dirty or Damaged

The door gaskets are rubber strips that run along the edge of your refrigerator doors, creating an airtight seal when the doors are closed. This seal prevents warm air from entering the refrigerator and cold air from escaping, ensuring more efficient operation.

However, if the gasket is dirty or damaged, it may not seal properly, leaving gaps that allow air to flow in and out of the interior, resulting in a refrigerator that doesn’t get as cold anymore.

Follow these steps to check the gaskets:

1. Open the doors and examine the gaskets, looking closely for dirt, cracks, wear, or visible damage.
2. To detect any gaps around the door gasket, place a flashlight inside the fridge, dim the lights in the kitchen, and observe whether light seeps out.
3. If the gasket is dirty, clean it with dish soap, water, and a sponge.
4. If the gasket is damaged, replace it with a new one.

2. The Door Is Being Opened Too Often

Just as faulty gaskets can allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter the refrigerator, frequently opening the door or leaving it open for extended periods can have the same effect. Try keeping the doors shut for several hours to see if the temperature improves.

3. The Temperature Settings Are Incorrect

Your refrigerator should be set between 33°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C), and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C). It’s possible that the temperature is set incorrectly, which might be why your refrigerator is not getting cold.

You can check and adjust the temperature settings on your KitchenAid refrigerator using the digital control panel. However, some older models may have a temperature dial.

4. The Refrigerator Is Overstocked

An overstocked refrigerator can impede airflow if food items block vents or are packed tightly together, preventing air from circulating between them. To maintain optimal efficiency and performance, aim to keep your refrigerator about two-thirds full.

5. Hot Food Was Stored in the Refrigerator

A still-piping-hot casserole dish or pot of stew placed inside the refrigerator will significantly increase the refrigerator’s temperature, as well as the temperature of all the other items inside.

Hot items placed in the fridge can take several hours to cool. Therefore, it’s better to allow food to cool to near room temperature before placing it inside the refrigerator.

6. Is the Refrigerator Located Somewhere Hot?

If the refrigerator is located next to a heat source, such as an oven or radiator, it may not cool properly. Similarly, placing the refrigerator in a very hot room or opposite a window with direct sunlight can have the same effect. At the very least, these factors will cause your refrigerator to work harder to maintain the correct temperature, driving up your energy bills.

7. Not Enough Space Around Your Refrigerator

For optimal performance, refrigerators need to have enough space around them to release heat. If placed too close to walls, cabinets, or other appliances, they may not cool efficiently.

Ensure there’s at least 1 inch of clearance at the back and ½ inch on the sides, or check your refrigerator’s installation manual for exact recommendations.

8. The Condenser Coils Are Dirty

Over time, the condenser coils can accumulate hair and dust, preventing them from performing their job effectively, which is to release heat from the refrigerator. As a result, the refrigerator may stop getting as cold.

However, cleaning the condenser coils with a vacuum and a soft brush can help. You will typically find the condenser coils located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, often behind a panel.

9. One of the Fans Is Broken

If either the condenser fan or evaporator fan is broken, your refrigerator may no longer cool properly. The condenser fan cools the compressor and condenser coils, while the evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator.

Follow these steps to check the fans:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
3. Remove the back panel.
4. Inspect the condenser fan near the condenser coils. Remove any obstructions, ensure it spins freely, and replace it if damaged. Temporarily plug the refrigerator back in to verify that the fan spins.
5. Open the refrigerator door and remove the interior cover panel.
6. Inspect the evaporator fan. Remove any obstructions, ensure it spins freely, and replace it if damaged. Temporarily plug the refrigerator back in to verify that the fan spins.

10. The Control Board Is Faulty

The main control board is the brain of the appliance, managing everything from temperature regulation to the operation of the compressor, fans, lights, and more. If the control board is faulty, it could cause the appliance to not cool properly.

Unfortunately, diagnosing a faulty control board is very complex due to the many relays and wire connections, and it requires the expert knowledge of an appliance technician. If you’re concerned that a faulty control board might be the issue, contact a professional to have your KitchenAid refrigerator serviced.