KitchenAid Excessive Frost – Air Infiltration or Defrost Failure

Excessive frost or ice buildup on the freezer walls, shelves, and food.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Door gasket not sealing, Door frequently left open, Defrost heater not working, Defrost thermostat stuck open

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before manual defrosting or accessing defrost components.

  • Step 1 – Check door usage: Reduce door openings and ensure the door is fully closed after each use.
  • Step 2 – Inspect gasket: Look for tears or gaps in the door gasket. Clean it and reshape minor warps with a hair dryer on low.
  • Step 3 – Manual defrost: Remove food to a cooler, unplug the freezer, and allow all frost to melt with the door open. Place towels to catch water.
  • Step 4 – Restart and monitor: After defrosting, plug the unit back in and monitor frost buildup over several days.

If heavy frost quickly returns, the automatic defrost system (heater, thermostat, or control) may be faulty and should be diagnosed by a technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Freezer Door Gasket
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