Some Subcold fridges are not completely frost-free. During normal operation, a layer of frost or ice may occasionally form on the evaporator or cooling plate inside the fridge.
This is particularly common in drinks fridges and does not necessarily indicate a fault with the appliance.
Why Does Frost Form?
Frost develops when warm, moisture-filled air enters the fridge and comes into contact with the cold evaporator surface.
The amount and speed of frost buildup can vary depending on several factors, including:
How frequently the fridge door is opened
How long the door is left open
The temperature and humidity of the room
The selected thermostat setting
The amount of ventilation around the appliance
Whether the door seal is closing correctly
The number and temperature of items placed inside the fridge
A small amount of frost is normal. However, if the ice becomes thick or begins to affect the fridge’s performance, the appliance should be fully defrosted.
How to Fully Defrost the Fridge
Follow these steps to safely defrost the appliance:
Switch off and unplug the fridge
Disconnect the appliance from the mains power socket before beginning.Remove all contents
Take out all food, drinks, shelves, and removable accessories where appropriate.Prepare for the defrost water
Place an absorbent towel or a suitable container beneath the ice to collect the water as it melts.Leave the door open for 24 hours
Allow the fridge to defrost naturally with the door fully open.Do not forcibly remove the ice
Never use knives, screwdrivers, or other sharp objects to chip or scrape away frost. This could puncture the evaporator and cause permanent damage to the appliance.Dry the interior thoroughly
Once all the ice has melted, wipe away any remaining water using a soft cloth or towel.Check the evaporator is completely clear
Make sure all frost and ice have melted from both the front and rear of the evaporator or cooling plate.Reconnect the fridge
Plug the appliance back into the mains power supply.
Restarting the Fridge
After reconnecting the fridge, set the thermostat to the middle setting.
A mid-range thermostat setting generally provides efficient cooling while helping to reduce excessive frost buildup and unnecessary energy use.
Leave the fridge door closed and allow it to cool for approximately 2 to 4 hours before placing items back inside.
How to Reduce Future Frost Buildup
To help prevent frost from building up too quickly:
Keep door openings to a minimum.
Avoid leaving the door open for extended periods.
Make sure the door seal is clean and undamaged.
Check that the door closes fully against the fridge frame.
Ensure bottles or other items are not preventing the door from closing.
Allow adequate ventilation around the appliance.
Avoid setting the thermostat colder than necessary.
Allow warm items to cool before placing them inside.
Do not overload the fridge or block internal airflow.
Check the Door Seal
A damaged, dirty, or poorly positioned door seal can allow warm air to enter the fridge continuously, leading to increased frost buildup.
Clean the seal using warm water and a soft cloth, then check that it sits evenly against the fridge frame when the door is closed.
A simple way to test the seal is to close the door on a sheet of paper. If the paper pulls out very easily at any point around the door, the seal may not be making proper contact.
When to Contact Support
Contact the retailer or manufacturer if:
Heavy frost returns shortly after a full 24-hour defrost.
The door does not close or seal correctly.
The fridge is no longer cooling properly.
Ice forms outside the normal evaporator area.
There is visible damage to the evaporator or cooling plate.
Water continues to collect inside the fridge after defrosting.
The compressor appears to run continuously.
Providing photographs of the frost buildup, thermostat setting, door seal, and ventilation space around the fridge can help the support team identify the likely cause.