Fridge and Freezer Thermostats

Fridge Thermostats: Buyer's Guide

The thermostat is the part that keeps your fridge or freezer at the right temperature. It senses the temperature inside and switches the compressor on when it gets too warm and off when it is cold enough. When a thermostat fails, the usual signs are a fridge that runs too warm, food that freezes in the fridge, a compressor that never switches off, or a temperature dial that makes no difference. We stock replacement thermostats for fridges, fridge freezers, freezers, bar fridges and chest freezers, including Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Samsung, Haier, Simpson, Elba, Electrolux, Everdure and Smeg.

Check these first

Several common faults cause the same symptoms as a failed thermostat, so rule these out before you order a part:

• Check the temperature dial or setting first, as it may have been knocked or turned up or down by mistake.
• A worn or loose door seal lets warm air in and keeps the compressor running. See our fridge and freezer door seals.
• Dust on the condenser coils, usually at the back or underneath, or blocked vents can stop the fridge cooling properly.
• Overfilled shelves can block airflow inside the fridge or freezer.
• If the compressor hums or clicks but does not start, a start relay or the compressor itself is more likely at fault than the thermostat.

How to find the right thermostat for your fridge or freezer

Start with your model number. It is usually on a rating label inside the fridge or freezer compartment, often on a side wall or the ceiling, or on the back of the appliance. Match it against the compatible models listed in each product title. The original part number printed on your old thermostat is also a reliable way to match it.

Check three more details before you order. First, make sure the thermostat is for the right type of appliance, as fridge, freezer, bar fridge and chest freezer thermostats are not interchangeable. Second, some listings state the number of spade terminals (2, 3 or 4), so compare this with the terminals on your old thermostat. Third, some thermostats come in older and newer versions, so check which one matches yours.

Common symptoms of a faulty fridge thermostat

These symptoms can have other causes. If you are not sure whether the thermostat is at fault, contact us with your model number and describe what the fridge is doing.

Fitting tips

• Turn the appliance off and unplug it at the wall before you touch anything, and leave it unplugged until the job is finished.
• Move food into a cooler or another fridge so it stays safe while the appliance is off.
• Take photos of the wiring and terminals before you disconnect anything, so you can reconnect the new thermostat the same way.
• If your thermostat has a thin sensing tube or bulb, refit it in the same position as the old one so it reads the temperature correctly.
• After refitting, give the fridge several hours to cool down and check it with a thermometer. The fridge should be below 5 degrees C and the freezer at minus 18 degrees C.

Thermostats are wired to mains power, so use a licensed electrician or qualified appliance technician if you are not confident. The compressor and sealed refrigerant system should only ever be worked on by a qualified refrigeration technician.

Related parts

If your fridge is still not cooling properly after a new thermostat, you may also need new fridge and freezer door seals or fridge lights and lamps, and you can browse all refrigerator and freezer parts. You can also shop by brand, including Fisher and Paykel parts, Samsung parts and Westinghouse parts. Not sure which thermostat you need? Contact our team with your model number and we will help you find the right one.