If your Subcold Barcool fridge is not cooling as expected, follow the checks below before contacting Customer Service.
Cooling performance can be affected by the thermostat setting, power supply, ventilation, room temperature, door openings, and the placement of the appliance.
Check the Thermostat Setting
The thermostat is located within the LED light fitting inside the fridge.
The settings operate as follows:
0 — the appliance remains powered on, but cooling is switched off
1 — the warmest cooling setting
2 — medium cooling
3 — the coldest cooling setting
If the fridge is not cooling, first check that the thermostat is not set to 0.
For troubleshooting, set the thermostat to 3 and allow the appliance several hours to respond before checking the temperature again.
Do not assess the cooling performance immediately after changing the setting, as the fridge will need time to stabilise.
Check the Power Supply
Make sure the appliance is receiving a consistent power supply.
Check that:
The plug is securely connected.
The wall socket is switched on.
The socket works with another appliance.
The electrical circuit is not overloaded.
The plug fuse is intact.
The power cable is not trapped or damaged.
Trying another suitable wall socket can help determine whether the issue is with the appliance or the original power supply.
If the fridge shows no signs of power, inspect the plug and fuse before proceeding.
Allow Adequate Ventilation
The fridge requires sufficient airflow around it so heat can escape.
Maintain a minimum clearance of approximately:
5 cm on each side
5 cm above the appliance
2 cm at the rear
Always follow the model-specific installation guidance in the user manual where available.
Do not:
Push the fridge tightly against a wall.
Cover any ventilation openings.
Enclose the appliance inside a cupboard.
Place objects against the sides or rear.
Install the fridge in a confined space without adequate airflow.
Restricted ventilation can reduce cooling performance and cause the appliance to run for longer periods.
Check the Fridge Location
Position the appliance in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated indoor area.
Keep it away from:
Direct sunlight
Radiators
Cookers and ovens
Boilers
Other heat-producing appliances
Enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
External heat can make it more difficult for the fridge to reach and maintain the selected temperature.
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations
Small changes in internal temperature are normal during operation.
The air temperature inside the fridge may rise temporarily when:
The door is opened.
The door is left open for an extended period.
Room-temperature items are added.
A large number of products are loaded at once.
The room temperature increases.
Liquids change temperature more slowly than the surrounding air. A temporary increase in the air temperature does not necessarily mean that stored drinks are no longer cold.
Measure the Temperature Correctly
For a more accurate temperature reading:
Place a suitable fridge thermometer near the back of the middle shelf.
Keep the door closed as much as possible.
Allow the thermometer several hours to stabilise.
Avoid checking immediately after opening the door.
Avoid measuring immediately after adding room-temperature items.
For faster cooling, use pre-chilled drinks where possible.
Check the Door and Seal
Make sure the door closes fully and seals evenly against the fridge frame.
Check that:
Bottles or shelves are not obstructing the door.
The door seal is clean.
No packaging remains around the door.
The appliance is standing level.
There are no visible gaps around the seal.
Warm air entering through a poor door seal can reduce cooling performance and increase running times.
Normal Operating Sounds
The Barcool fridge is designed to operate quietly, but some sound during operation is normal.
You may hear:
A brief hum when the appliance starts
Clicking as the cooling system switches on or off
Gentle refrigerant movement
Light vibration
Slightly louder operation when the fridge is working under a higher cooling load
The appliance may work harder when:
It has recently been switched on.
Warm items have been added.
The room temperature is high.
The door has been opened frequently.
The thermostat is set to the coldest position.
These sounds do not necessarily indicate a fault.
Check for Frost or Ice Buildup
Excessive frost inside the fridge can reduce cooling efficiency.
If a heavy layer of ice is present:
Switch off and unplug the appliance.
Remove all contents.
Place towels inside to collect melting water.
Leave the door open.
Allow the fridge to defrost naturally.
Do not use sharp objects to remove the ice.
Wipe the interior completely dry.
Restart the appliance and set the thermostat to a suitable cooling position.
Allow the fridge several hours to cool before restocking it.
Test the Appliance
After completing the checks:
Set the thermostat to 3.
Make sure the fridge is empty or contains only a few pre-chilled items.
Close the door securely.
Avoid opening the door during the test.
Allow the fridge several hours to cool.
Measure the temperature at the back of the middle shelf.
If the appliance begins cooling, the issue may have been caused by the thermostat setting, ventilation, location, or loading conditions.
Important Safety Warning
Do not touch the condenser or other components at the rear of the appliance while it is operating.
These parts may become hot during normal use.
Also switch off and unplug the appliance if you notice:
A burning smell
Smoke
Visible electrical damage
A damaged plug or cable
Excessive heat from the socket
Loud grinding or repeated abnormal clicking
When to Contact Support
Contact Subcold Customer Service if:
The fridge does not cool after the thermostat is set above 0.
The appliance has no power.
The temperature remains too high after several hours.
The thermostat does not appear to affect cooling.
The fridge is correctly ventilated but still does not cool.
The door does not close or seal correctly.
The appliance produces unusual grinding, scraping, or repeated clicking.
The problem continues after trying another wall socket.
When contacting support, please provide:
The fridge model
The serial number
Your order number or proof of purchase
The thermostat setting
The measured internal temperature
The approximate room temperature
Details of the available ventilation space
A photograph of the appliance installation
Confirmation that the power socket has been tested
This information will help the support team determine whether the issue relates to the thermostat, power supply, ventilation, door seal, installation, or cooling system.