A KitchenAid refrigerator shelf is vital to the appliance’s effectiveness. Therefore, knowing how to use it and fix possible problems is crucial for how well you use the refrigerator.
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How to Put Shelves Back in a KitchenAid Refrigerator
There are different types of shelves in a KitchenAid refrigerator. To put the normal shelf back into the appliance, bend it slightly to the one side and slide it into the space for it. Next, straighten it and ensure it properly sits on the rails. Then, gently push it in until it reaches the back of the refrigerator.
Some shelves slide straight out of the refrigerator, such as those on top of the crisper or deli drawer. And you can put them back in the same way; slide them straight into the refrigerator. However, you must remove them carefully; ensure you fully open the refrigerator door before attempting to take them out or put them into the unit. The shelf supports must be tight before putting the shelves back in place for all shelf types. Otherwise, they may slide out, damaging them, especially if they are glass shelves.
You must slide the shelves back onto the support rail for some models. Then, gently push it in as you guide the shelf’s front onto the support rail and ensure you push it until it meets the back of the refrigerator. A few models are slightly more complicated than others when it comes to putting the shelves back into the refrigerator.
You will have to guide the rear hooks of the shelves into the supports on the wall. Next, slightly tilt the shelves’ front up to drop the hooks at the back into the shelf supports on the wall. When the hooks are securely in place, drop the shelves’ front and balance the shelves in their proper position.
How to Adjust KitchenAid Refrigerator Shelves
Adjusting the infinity slide shelves in a KitchenAid refrigerator when you need more room for tall items may mean tucking the shelves away. Tucking them away means retracting the shelves’ front section and pushing their adjustable portion as far as they will go to the back of the refrigerator. If you need to adjust the shelves back in place, pull the shelves’ retracted portion out until they fully extend.
You can also adjust the height of the shelves if you have Infinity shelves. To do this, lift the infinity shelf off the mounts and rotate the flipper to your desired orientation. Once you have the shelf in the position you want, do the same for the rest of the shelves until you create the required space. Ensure you put some gentle pressure on the shelves’ top to get them properly seated on the mounts. Otherwise, they may slide off and break.
How to Remove KitchenAid Refrigerator Shelves
Clear the items on the shelves and keep them aside. You may want to turn off the refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall outlet or powering the breaker off. Next, slide the shelf out until you can safely pull it out. You can pull the shelves straight out on some models while the shelves slide out to a predesigned stop on others. Then, you lift the back up to move it past the stop and take it out completely.
Some other models require you to lift the shelves’ front up and past the stop before sliding it out. Sometimes, you have to lift the shelves straight out of the supports on the wall after lifting the front up. Your refrigerator model determines the removal method for the shelves, so consult the guide for further instructions.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Glass Shelf Replacement
Ensure you have the correct glass shelf replacement for your specific KitchenAid refrigerator model. You can contact the manufacturer for product supply or use an independent but credible replacement parts vendor.
Next, disconnect the refrigerator from the electric power and open the refrigerator door. Pull the shelf you want to replace out of the refrigerator as far as it will go, and lift the front up before removing it. In some models, you may have to tilt the shelf to one side before completely removing it. This step applies if you have not already removed the old shelf.
Otherwise, get the new glass shelf and insert it onto the shelf supports; ensure it sits properly by tilting it to one side before inserting and balancing it on the supports. Slide it all the way into the refrigerator until it hits the back. Move the shelf back and forth a few times to ensure you correctly installed and balanced it. Then, reconnect the refrigerator back to electric power and ensure the cooling function is running.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Shelves Are Upside Down – Quick Fix
KitchenAid refrigerators come with shelves correctly installed in the right order. If you find the shelves upside down, you may have incorrectly installed them after removal or during initial home installation. Follow the instructions in the user manual or the guide in the section for removing and replacing the shelves in this article to fix the problem.
Note that you must carefully remove the shelves, especially if they are glass, turn them on the right side up, and slide them into the refrigerator. Otherwise, let a qualified person fix the shelf issue to avoid damaging the shelves or voiding your new installation warranty.
How to Glue the Metal Part Back to the Glass Shelf in My KitchenAid Refrigerator
To glue the broken metal part back on the shelf in your KitchenAid refrigerator, you must first clean the part. Use warm soapy water to remove any dirt or glue residue from the metal part. Doing this makes it easier for the new glue to adhere to it and stick to the shelf.
Next, get a two-part epoxy glue and cut off the syringe’s tip to create enough openings for the liquid content. Now, apply some glue to the metal piece and some to the shelf part where the piece goes. Carefully place the metal on the shelf, ensuring that the sides with the glue stick together.
Apply gentle pressure on the metal piece for half a minute to ensure it sticks to the shelf. Better still, hold it for one minute for proper adherence. Afterward, leave the shelf out so the glue can dry before putting it back into the refrigerator.
Check out these other articles…
KitchenAid Refrigerator Making Noise [Proven Solutions]
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KitchenAid Refrigerator Wattage [In-depth Guide]
KitchenAid Refrigerator Light [How to, Problems & Solutions]
KitchenAid Refrigerator Flashing/Blinking/Flickering [Proven Solutions]
KitchenAid Refrigerator Crisper Glass Shelf Frame Is Stuck – Solutions
Improper installation can cause the frame on the glass shelf to stick. Consequently, you will have a hard time moving it. The refrigerator’s user manual has installation and removal instructions for the glass shelf, so follow them to remove it without causing any damage. Do not try to force it out, as it may crack the glass or break it.
Another possibility is that there is an obstruction in the shelf tracks. A tiny object or a refrigerator content may imperceptibly wedge the frame. If the installation is not the problem, carefully inspect the frame to see if there is anything in the way. Move or rearrange refrigerator contents to give room for moving the shelf, and clean the shelf supports if they are dirty.
If sticky liquids or foods are on the tracks, it may explain why the glass shelf frame is stuck. In such a case, turn off the refrigerator and apply some warm soapy water to the tracks to loosen the stains. The water should release the frame from the sticky stains so you can remove the glass shelf frame. Ensure you clean the refrigerator after emptying it to prevent a future occurrence.
However, you may need professional assistance if nothing else seems to work and you cannot move the shelf. Contact the KitchenAid Service Center to report the issue and request service. Alternatively, use the services of an independent technician for further assistance.
How to Fix the Door Shelf from a KitchenAid Fridge
Fixing the door shelf into a KitchenAid fridge is straightforward. You may want to turn off the fridge before fixing the door shelf in place, but it is not absolutely necessary. Open the fridge door and position the shelf on the track and gently snap it into place. Do the same for all the door bins if you are fixing more than one.
However, if you are looking for how to replace the door shelf trim in a KitchenAid refrigerator, release the locking tabs on the side of the frame and pull the shelf out of the fridge. Next, set aside the old frame and install a new one in its place. Ensure you properly align the frame with the shelf supports before snapping the shelf into place. You must check to see that the shelf sits securely in the door before closing the fridge. Reconnect it to electric power if you disconnected it for the repair.
KitchenAid 5-door Refrigerator Shelves Don’t Fit – Solved
If you find that the shelves for your KitchenAid 5-door refrigerator do not fit in it, it may be a design problem. The problem may also be the wrong installation or the wrong shelves for the model. Before deciding whether to contact the manufacturer to report design issues, check to see if you wrongly installed the shelves. This is especially true if you did the installation yourself.
Different refrigerator models have specific shelf installation steps, and you must consult the user manual to determine how to install yours. Position the shelf on the support rails for the normal crisper drawer shelf installation. You may have to tilt it a little to make the installation easier. Once in, balance it on the supports and slide it into place.
A few models are slightly more complicated than others when it comes to putting the shelves back into the refrigerator. You will have to guide the rear hooks of the shelves into the supports on the wall. Next, slightly tilt the shelves’ front up to drop the hooks at the back into the shelf supports on the wall. When the hooks are securely in place, drop the shelves’ front and balance the shelves in their proper position.
However, if the installation is not the problem, contact the KitchenAid Center to report the issue and request an immediate parts replacement. This problem only arises if the refrigerator is new, so your warranty is intact and covers this problem. Do not try to force the shelves into the refrigerator as it may cause damage and void your warranty for the entire appliance.
Why Does Food Freeze in the Back of the Shelf in My KitchenAid Refrigerator?
You may have placed the food too close to the vents at the back wall. Typically, cold air comes from the vents or damper from the freezer to cool the refrigerator. So, if the food at the back freezes, the cold air may be too much for it. Rearrange the food to move it a little away from the vents to reduce the cold airflow to the foods on the shelf. It is crucial to keep water-rich foods and dairies away from the vents.
Another thing to check is the air damper. The damper is a small door or flap that opens to allow enough cold air to flow from the freezer into the refrigerator. It is controlled electronically so that too much cold air does not enter the refrigerator to cause freezing. So, if food is freezing at the back of the shelf, it may mean that the damper is stuck open. Check to see if ice pieces are obstructing the flap and remove them. But if not, the damper may be broken, and you need to replace it.
Furthermore, the refrigerator may not have enough items to absorb the amount of cold air flowing from the freezer. Typically, the refrigerator and freezer should be at least half full to hold the cold air and prevent cooling or freezing problems. If you do not have enough food items to store in the refrigerator or freezer to absorb the cold air, you may want to increase the set temperature by one or two degrees. Alternatively, fill empty bottles with water and put them in the refrigerator. They will help absorb the cold air and prevent further freezing issues.
Additionally, you may want to check the set temperature. The temperature setting may be too low if the food content is not the issue. A refrigerator should be set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not go lower than 33 degrees if you must reduce the setting. The freezer should be set at 0 degrees for the best cooling results.
But if these settings are colder than recommended, food in the refrigerator will freeze. While this may sound like it cannot be the problem, it actually is one of the commonest causes of food freezing in the refrigerator, whether or not it is on the back of the shelf. Therefore, check the setting and make the necessary adjustments if applicable.
However, if none of the above applies, your refrigerator may have a cooling problem causing the compressor to run overtime to maintain a cool temperature. The most probable reason is a dirty condenser. The condenser comprises the coils that condense the refrigerant during the cooling process and help to dissipate the absorbed heat from the system. But if the coils because too dirty, they cannot dissipate the heat, causing it to remain trapped and compromise the cooling function.
Dirt blankets the coils and makes heat transfer to the atmosphere difficult. So, turn off the refrigerator by unplugging it before you can access the coils. Your user manual should have instructions on locating and cleaning the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner or a condenser coil cleaning brush for the job, and clean it every six or twelve months.
Note: Schedule regular service for your KitchenAid refrigerator every one to two months to keep the appliance in optimum condition. Doing this will help it last longer than usual.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Top Shelf Getting Wet – How to Fix
A refrigerator is a cooling appliance that involves some moisture inside it. It is not strange to find the shelves or racks wet due to how it works. However, if there is excessive wetness on the shelves, there may be a condensation issue, which means the refrigerator has a compromised cooling system letting in warm air to replace the cold air. The vents may also be blocked with ice if the appliance’s top shelf is the wettest part.
The first step is to eliminate normal refrigerator condensation. As mentioned, some moisture on the shelves is normal, especially if the weather is highly humid. You can help to reduce the wetness by keeping the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Minimize the number of times you open it daily and rearrange the refrigerator contents for better cold air circulation.
However, if you eliminate normal condensation, you may have a worn door gasket or frequent refrigerator usage. There may also be a vent obstruction problem, especially if the refrigerator is overstocked. So, inspect the gasket for signs of wear; there may be a small gap between the frame and the gasket. If you are unsure, use the dollar bill trick to determine if there is a sealing problem.
Get a dollar bill, put it between the gasket and door frame, and close the refrigerator door. Try to pull the money out without opening the door. The gasket is weak and needs a replacement if you successfully pull the money out. It may also be dirty, so ensure dirt is not keeping the gasket from properly sealing before replacing it.
Next, check the air vents; their location depends on the KitchenAid refrigerator model. Ensure nothing obstructs them and there is no ice accumulation on them. These can slow the cold airflow and cause moisture to accumulate on the top shelf and other parts. If that is the case, rearrange the refrigerator to improve the airflow or turn it off so that the ice can melt. You may also want to check the evaporator coils for frost and manually defrost them, especially if you notice a problem with cooling.
KitchenAid Double-Door Refrigerator Makes Rattling Noise on Top Shelf – Quick Fix
Several things can cause the top shelf in your KitchenAid double-door refrigerator to rattle. The same applies to all KitchenAid refrigerator models. The first thing is the evaporator fan. The fan blows cold air from the evaporator coils into the freezer. A faulty evaporator fan rattles, and because it is close to the top shelf, you may assume the shelf is making the noise.
Also, improper leveling can cause rattling inside the appliance, and if the top shelf is not correctly installed on the supports, it will rattle as the refrigerator cycles on and off. Additionally, keeping items on top of the appliance can cause a rattling noise, mimicking a rattling shelf. Find helpful resources in this article on a KitchenAid double-door refrigerator top shelf making a rattling noise to fix the problem.
How to Remove the Glass from a KitchenAid Refrigerator Shelf
The steps to remove the glass from a KitchenAid refrigerator shelf depend on the specific shelf. All you have to do for a platter shelf is pull the shelf forward and gently lift the glass from under to remove it. The frame only balances it inside the refrigerator but does not secure it. Therefore, you do not need to loosen the frame before removing the glass.
For some shelves, separating the glass from the frame may not be possible. But you can consult the user manual or hire an appliance technician to remove the glass from the shelf frame. Do not try to force the glass removal, as it may damage the entire shelf.
My KitchenAid Refrigerator Lower Freezer Forms Ice on the Bottom Shelf – Fixed
The defrost drain may be clogged with dirt, causing the defrost water to go back into the freezer. Over time, the water freezes on the bottom and forms ice. If you notice ice on the bottom shelf, check the drain and unclog it if water does not flow out of it. You can do this by pouring warm water over the drain if there is ice on it or using water and bleach to clear the pipe. Once done, the drain should flow freely, and the ice problem on the bottom shelf should stop.
Another possibility is that the refrigerator is not correctly leveled. If that is the case, it will be difficult for the defrost water to flow out of the unit, causing it to freeze as the refrigerator continues to run. Use a level to check whether or not the appliance is level and adjust it if necessary. Also, check the floor for unevenness; you may have to use shims to balance the refrigerator if the floor is uneven.
High humidity can also cause the refrigerator to build condensation more than usual. It happens because the warm air enters the refrigerator when you open the door, replacing the cold air. The moisture in it condenses on the cold areas inside the appliance, including the evaporator coils and helves.
The bottom of the freezer is the coldest part because cold air drops, making it more likely to build frost. Therefore, keep the freezer and refrigerator doors shut as much as possible on humid days to reduce ice formation in the freezer. Also, avoid stocking the freezer to full capacity to encourage cold air circulation.
However, if none of the above applies, check the freezer door hinge and gasket. Warm air may seep into the freezer if the hinge is loose or the gasket is weak. It is easy to check the gasket; close the door on a dollar bill and try pulling it out. The gasket is weak or dirty if you can pull the money out. Clean it with warm water and mild dishwashing soap, or replace it entirely.
The hinge may require professional help to check and replace if loose or broken. If the gasket is in order, inspect the hinge; it may cause the door to hang loose and allow warm air to enter the freezer, causing freezing. Consider hiring a service technician to repair the door to ensure a professional finish.
Ice Maker Issues
Your freezer may form ice on the bottom shelf because of the ice maker functions. First, check to see if the machine is on and filling with water. If the ice maker runs without water, it lowers the freezer’s temperature, causing excessive freezing. Since cold air is heavy, it drops and is likely to freeze the bottom part of the freezer.
Therefore, to prevent this issue, turn off the ice maker if it is not connected to water. Follow the instructions in the user manual to turn the machine off or use the wire arm to disable its functions. Alternatively, connect it to the house’s main water supply through its water line to ensure it produces ice without causing excessive freezing.
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