At a Glance
Why Is Your Fridge Freezing Food?
How to Fix a Fridge Freezing Food
Factors to Consider When Buying a Refrigerator
Top Refrigerator Recommendations
Dealing with food freezing in the fridge can be a real headache, and it comes with some serious consequences for your food.
When items freeze up unexpectedly, they can lose their flavor, texture, and overall quality, making them less enjoyable to eat. Plus, the back-and-forth freezing and thawing of your fridge freezing food can mess with food safety, increasing the chances of getting sick from bacterial growth.
If things in the fridge are freezing and you don’t know why, this guide will walk you through common reasons why this might be happening and how you can troubleshoot on your own. We’ll also offer advice on when it’s time to call in a professional or replace your refrigerator.
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Elevate your kitchen with the latest refrigerator models available at Plaza Appliance Mart. Visit us today to discover how a new refrigerator can transform your kitchen experience.
Shop RefrigeratorsWhy Is Your Fridge Freezing Food?
It's incredibly annoying when your refrigerator unexpectedly freezes your food! If you're puzzled and asking yourself, "Why is my refrigerator freezing everything?" here are some common reasons why it might be happening:
- Incorrect Temperature: Sometimes, your fridge might get too cold, causing everything inside to freeze. Check your fridge's temperature settings to make sure they're not set too low. Your refrigerator temperature should be between 35° and 38°F.
- Blocked Air Vents: Air vents inside your fridge help circulate cold air properly. If they're blocked by food or containers, cold air can't flow freely, leading to uneven cooling and potential freezing.
- Faulty Defrost System: A fridge's defrost system prevents ice buildup. If it's not working correctly, ice can accumulate and cause your fridge to be colder than it should, resulting in frozen food.
- Leaky Door Seal: A weak or damaged door seal allows cold air to escape and warm air to seep in. This can cause your fridge to work harder than usual, making it too cold and freezing your food.
- Not Storing Enough Food: Surprisingly, an empty fridge can cause some areas to get too cold. The food inside helps absorb cold air and maintain a stable temperature. If there isn't enough food, the fridge might get colder than it needs to be.
→ Learn More: 10 Best French Door Refrigerators
How to Fix a Fridge Freezing Food
Some fridge fixes are within the realm of DIY, so before calling a professional, you can do some troubleshooting on your own for your fridge freezing food.
You should check the fridge temperature settings, identify problem areas, keep food away from vents, check the freezer settings, store more food, and contact the manufacturer. Here are some more in-depth tips for troubleshooting when your refrigerator is freezing food:
Adjust the Temperature Setting
First off, try adjusting the temperature setting. Make sure it's not set too low, as this can cause the fridge to become excessively cold. Gradually increase the temperature setting and monitor the temperature over the next 24 hours to see if it stabilizes.
If this still doesn’t work, you might need to replace your refrigerator temperature control thermostat or your refrigerator thermistor, which monitors the air temperature and sends the reading to the control board. According to the Repair Clinic, these are the two most common solutions to the complaint, “My fridge is freezing food.”
Unblock Air Vents
Next, unblock any air vents inside the fridge. These vents help circulate cold air evenly throughout the fridge. If they're blocked by food containers or items placed too close to them, it can disrupt the airflow and lead to uneven cooling. Rearrange items inside the fridge to ensure proper airflow and circulation.
Check the Defrost Drain
Check the defrost drain for any clogs or blockages. A clogged defrost drain can cause water to accumulate and freeze, leading to excessive coldness in the fridge compartment. Clear any debris or ice buildup from the defrost drain using a turkey baster or pipe cleaner.
Check the Door Seals
Additionally, inspect the door seal for any signs of damage or wear. A leaky door seal can allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter the fridge, causing it to work harder and become colder than necessary. If the seal is damaged, replace it to ensure a proper seal and prevent excessive cooling.
Clean Dirty Coils
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the coils at the back or underneath your fridge, hindering proper heat exchange and causing the compressor to work harder. This can result in the fridge becoming too cold and freezing food. To fix this, unplug the fridge and use a vacuum cleaner or a coil brush to carefully remove the dirt and debris from the coils. Make sure to clean both the condenser coils at the back and the evaporator coils underneath.
When to Call a Professional
Some food frozen in fridge issues can be complex and may necessitate professional assistance. Suppose you consistently find your food freezing despite your efforts to adjust temperature settings and ensure proper airflow. In that case, there might be an underlying problem with the thermostat or temperature control system that requires professional attention.
Additionally, excessive ice buildup in the freezer or around vents could signal issues with the defrost system or drainage, best addressed by a technician. Unusual noises, strange odors, visible damage to internal components, or consistent fluctuations in temperature are all signs that professional help may be necessary.
Electrical problems should especially prompt contacting a professional to avoid hazards. When encountering these signs, it may mean it’s time to seek the expertise of a qualified appliance repair technician.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Refrigerator
When considering a refrigerator replacement, it's important to evaluate several key factors to ensure you choose the best model for your needs.
Size and Capacity, typically measured in cubic feet, are essential considerations. Larger families or those who entertain frequently might opt for refrigerators with greater storage capacity, while smaller households may find compact models sufficient.
Energy Efficiency is another significant factor, with the blue ENERGY STAR label indicating appliances that meet or exceed energy efficiency standards. These models help reduce electricity consumption and save on utility bills over time, making them environmentally friendly choices.
Special Features add versatility and convenience to modern refrigerators. Smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen displays, allow for remote monitoring and control of the appliance, making it easier to manage temperature settings and receive alerts about maintenance issues.
The door configuration is another critical aspect to consider when selecting a refrigerator. Options include side-by-side refrigerators, bottom freezer refrigerators, French door refrigerators, top freezer refrigerators, built-in refrigerators, and counter-depth refrigerators. Each configuration offers unique advantages in terms of accessibility, storage organization, and space utilization.
Ultimately, the ideal refrigerator combines the right size and capacity, energy efficiency, and special features to suit your lifestyle and preferences. By carefully considering these factors and exploring various options, you can find a refrigerator that meets your needs and helps you create a modern kitchen.
→ Learn More: 5 Best LG Counter Depth Refrigerator Models by Price
Top Refrigerator Recommendations
If you’re truly stumped by the question, “Why is my refrigerator freezing?” or “Why is my fridge freezing food?” and you’re ready to replace your fridge, check out these 6 recommendations for refrigerators from Plaza Appliance Mart.
GE 36 in. 27.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop GE 27.0 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
This GE French door refrigerator is available in a variety of stylish finishes, including black, slate, white, and fingerprint resistant stainless steel. Two humidity-controlled drawers and a full-width drawer offer flexible storage solutions that should keep your produce fresh – not frozen.
If you have larger items, you can slide the Quick Space shelf out of the way or store them in the gallon door storage bins. In the freezer, two-level storage baskets allow you to organize your frozen items, so everything is within easy reach.
★ Featured GE GNE27JYMFS Review:
“I love my beautiful new GE refrigerator! I love the big shelves on the doors that allow for so much storage, I love the French door style with the freezer on the bottom, and I love how big and roomy it is. The finger proof stainless wipes off easily and is beautiful. I couldn't be happier with it.”
Whirlpool 33 in. 21.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop Whirlpool 21.0 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This sleek side-by-side Whirlpool refrigerator has a spot for everything – a can caddy for your favorite drinks, gallon door bins for milk and juice, and a deli drawer for your lunchtime staples.
If you’re looking for a reliable fridge, it’s worth noting that Whirlpool brand refrigerators have the lowest repair rate among side-by-side fridges.
★ Featured Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ Review:
“This unit fits beautifully in my small condo unit and yet has all the features that I want and need, such as an ice maker and filtered water. Plus, it is attractive and fits my decor beautifully.”
Frigidaire 30 in. 20.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop Frigidaire 20.0 Cu. Ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
This affordable Frigidaire refrigerator has an EvenTemp Cooling System designed to prevent food from freezing in your fridge and the humidity-controlled crisper drawers will keep your produce fresh.
It also has plenty of space for all your groceries, and you can rest easy knowing it went through a 42-point quality check to guarantee lasting performance.
★ Featured Frigidaire FFTR2045VS Review:
“After 30 years I finally have a new refrigerator, and I love it. Our space for a refrigerator is very restricted and this one fits perfectly. The look is beautiful, and the interior has 5 cubic feet more than my old refrigerator. I'm so happy and enjoying the amazing upgrade in my kitchen. Thank you so much.”
KitchenAid 22.07 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop KitchenAid 22.07 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This stylish fridge looks like it belongs in a restaurant kitchen, and the ExtendFresh Temperature Management is top quality, so you don’t have to worry about your fridge freezing food.
For the avid organizer, the full-width pantry gives you plenty of room to store your favorite ingredients and the metal wine rack can hold up to 4 bottles of wine or 2-liter containers. Not only that but this KitchenAid refrigerator is also ENERGY STAR Qualified, which will save you money on your monthly utility bills.
★ Featured KitchenAid KRBL102ESS Review:
“The fridge works great. The space available is fantastic and adjustable door organizers and shelves can be customized to how you want to use the fridge. The crispers and meat drawer are spacious. The pullout freezer drawer is sizable.”
Maytag 20.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator
Shop Maytag 20.6 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator
Another sleek side-by-side option, this Maytag refrigerator is all about keeping your food at the right temperature.
When you bring your groceries home from the store and they’re not as cold as they should be, the PowerCold feature chills your food quickly. You’ll also enjoy this fridge’s filtered water and humidity-controlled crisper drawers to keep your water pure and your produce fresh.
★ Featured Maytag MSC21C6MFZ Review:
“Decided to go with a smaller counter depth fridge for the look and we have been very pleased. The fridge is quiet and shelving systems adjust to allow for various needs.”
Samsung Bespoke 11.4 Cu. Ft. White Glass Flex Column Refrigerator with Customizable Colors and Flexible Design
Shop Samsung Bespoke 11.4 Cu. Ft. Column Refrigerator
For a more flexible option, you can customize your layout with a Samsung column refrigerator or maximize storage space by combining 2 column refrigerators.
Truly, you’re in control with this fridge from customizing the color to easily converting between fridge and freezer temperatures, depending on what you need to store.
★ Featured Samsung RZ11T747435 Review:
"After using it for the past six months, I can say that it was a great purchase. It has a clean design and a very spacious refrigerator and freezer interior, so even if I loaded it with a lot of food, I could still find it when I opened the door. I highly recommend it if you are looking to buy a refrigerator."
Maintenance Tips for Preventing Freezing Issues
Maintaining your refrigerator properly ensures its longevity and efficiency. Here are some of our top tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning is crucial. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces with a mild detergent solution to remove spills, stains, and food residues. Pay attention to the condenser coils located either behind or underneath the fridge; vacuum or brush them periodically to prevent dust buildup, which can impede cooling efficiency.
- Monitoring Temperature: Monitoring temperature settings is critical for food safety and energy efficiency. Keep your fridge at around 37-40°F (3-4°C) and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify temperatures periodically and adjust as needed. This simple practice helps prevent food spoilage (and freezing!) and ensures optimal cooling performance.
- Checking Door Seals: Regularly check the door seals for any signs of wear or damage. Cracks, tears, or gaps in the seals allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter, forcing the refrigerator to work harder to maintain temperatures. Replace damaged seals promptly to maintain energy efficiency and prevent food from spoiling prematurely.
If your refrigerator is overcooling and freezing food, you might be able to fix it yourself. However, in some cases, it might be necessary to seek professional help or consider getting a new fridge.
If you’re looking for a new refrigerator, you can find a wide selection of different door configurations from top brands to suit your lifestyle and budget from Plaza Appliance Mart. Check out one of our North Carolina locations to compare fridges in person.
→ Learn More: Electrolux Refrigerator Review
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about refrigerators freezing food.
Why is my fridge icing up at the back?
Your fridge may be icing up at the back due to a buildup of moisture caused by a faulty door seal or a malfunctioning defrost system.
What number should my fridge be set at?
Your fridge should be set at around 37-40°F (3-4°C) to keep your food fresh while preventing freezing.
Do you turn your fridge up or down in hot weather?
In hot weather, you may need to turn your fridge down to a lower temperature setting to maintain consistent cooling and prevent food spoilage.
Why is my fridge suddenly freezing everything?
If your fridge is suddenly freezing everything, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat or temperature control system, requiring professional inspection and repair.
What should I do if my fridge is freezing food on lowest setting?
If your fridge is freezing food even on the lowest setting, check for obstructions in the airflow vents, ensure the door seals are intact, and consider contacting a technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you're remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will ensure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they'd say they're not just employees, they're family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together make for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Refrigerators at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop for refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best refrigerator for your kitchen — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.