Common Reasons For A KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Defrosting

KitchenAid, an American home appliances brand, is well-known for its premium-quality, reliable and high-performance refrigerators. However, despite their leading technology and robust design, KitchenAid refrigerator users may face an issue where their appliance does not defrost properly. Various factors including a breakdown in parts or improper usage can contribute to this problem. To maintain the optimal performance of your KitchenAid refrigerator, it is essential to understand the common reasons why your appliance might fail to defrost. The defrosting function in a refrigerator is crucial for its efficient performance. Excessive accumulation of ice may cause obstruction in the refrigerator's cooling system. It may also lead to an increase in electric consumption and may cause potential damage to the refrigerator in the long run. Having your refrigerator not defrost can cause significant inconveniences and hinder your daily activities. This article provides an overview of key reasons why a KitchenAid refrigerator might not defrost and guide you through potential solutions to rectify the problem. 1. Faulty Defrost Thermostat The defrost thermostat is an essential component that triggers the defrost heater to melt any frost build-up in the evaporator coil. This part can break or dysfunction due to wear and tear over time. When the thermostat sensor fails, it is unable to detect when the refrigerator is cold enough and will not activate the defrost heater. As a result, the frost will continue to build up. A professional technician can perform a multimeter test to verify this issue. 2. Defective Defrost Timer The defrost timer plays a vital role in turning on the defrost cycle in your refrigerator. If it malfunctions, the timer might fail to advance to the defrost cycle, and the accumulated frost does not melt. The issue can be diagnosed by manually advancing the timer to defrost mode. If the defrost cycle does not kick in, you might be dealing with a faulty defrost timer. 3. Broken Defrost Heater The defrost heater is the component responsible for melting the ice and frost from the refrigerator's evaporator coils. If the defrost heater is faulty or broken, it won't melt the ice, leading to persistent frost inside your appliance. A damaged defrost heater can be detected using a multimeter to check the continuity of electricity to the heater. A replacement is necessary in such a situation. 4. Malfunctioning Defrost Control Board The defrost control board manages the defrost cycle of your KitchenAid refrigerator. If this component is not functioning correctly, it can lead to an accumulation of frost. The testing of the control board should involve all defrost system components as it is a complicated part to diagnose. 5. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor The role of the evaporation fan motor is to draw air over the evaporator coils when the compressor is working. This helps in defrosting the appliance. If the evaporator fan motor is faulty, it won't distribute warm air, compromising the defrost cycle. A motor that's not running or making unusual noises may need replacement. 6. Improper Door Seals Though it may seem insignificant, damaged or dirty seals around the refrigerator doors can prevent your KitchenAid appliance from defrosting correctly. Ideally, cold air should stay inside your refrigerator and warm air outside. If the seals are broken or dirty, warm air can leak into the refrigerator. This causes condensation and ice build-up, which may interrupt the defrost cycle. This issue can be resolved by cleaning the seals or replacing them if needed. In conclusion, the failure of your KitchenAid refrigerator to defrost might be due to any one or a combination of the reasons mentioned above. A malfunction in one part of the defrosting system can lead to a domino effect on the rest of the components. While some minor issues can be resolved by cleaning or replacing small parts like door seals, malfunctioning in intricate components like the defrost thermostat, timer, heater, control board, or the evaporator fan motor will require professional intervention. Regular inspection and maintenance of your KitchenAid refrigerator will help prolong its lifespan and avoid any unexpected malfunctioning, such as failure to defrost. Remember that it's critical to respond promptly to any signs of malfunction to prevent minor issues from escalating into significant problems.