Bosch Fridge Freezer – very hot between fridge and freezer

[TheAbbot]

Hi,

I have a Bosch KGV35424GB/02, which is probably 3-4 years old.

Recently (last few months), I’ve been aware that the division between the fridge and freezer seems warm to the touch. I’ve no idea whether it’s been like this all the time or whether this is a recent development.

However, today (and we’ve been having a small heat-wave here in the UK), if I touch the front of the unit between the two compartments (i.e. with the fridge and freezer doors open), the metal is actually too hot to keep my fingers on. I’m thinking this can’t be right…

The fridge and freezer both appear to be working okay, except that the lower shelf in the door (just above the hot area) is not very cold at all and the normal light frosting on the back of the fridge isn’t present. The floor of the fridge definitely gets warmer towards the front of the unit. The bits and pieces in the top of the freezer are all cold (and there is still ice in the freezer on the element at the top). The heat is definitely coming from whatever is between the two compartments and apparently the front of this space.

I’d be very grateful if anyone could hazard a guess at whether:

a) This is normal (which seems unlikely)
b) This is a known problem and I can fix it myself
c) I need an engineer
d) I need a new fridge

Thanks in advance for any help!

[RocketMan]

Re: Bosch Fridge Freezer – very hot between fridge and freez

Hi TheAbbot,

It is normal manufacturers to route pipe work around the door areas. The idea being that the heat will prevent condensation from forming.

You may not notice it during normal temerature periods. It might be particularly pronounced at the moment.

exmple. We have a Leibherr freezer and I have hardly noticed it on ours until recently because the freezer is now in our extention. This extention is very well insulated and doesn’t cool as quickly as the older part of the house did.

Whilst I’m not the most experienced refrigeration engineer, I have not come accross a situation where it affects any of the compartments.

It might be worth while ensuring better ventillation at the back and also ensure the condensor (black grill) is clean and free of debris and dust build up.

Other than that, some other engineers might have some better suggstions.

Hope that helps.

[TheAbbot]

Thanks RocketMan, I had wondered what might be in that part of the unit and what you say about condensation and pipework makes sense.

I’ve just discovered a milk bottle at the bottom of the door full of white sludge. I was using the milk this morning and it was fine (it’s still well in-date). Now I have cheese.

If I wasn’t sure before, it seems certain this is a real problem rather than just the warmer edge of the operating range.

What could be causing this pipework to heat up so much? I’ll certainly check the things you suggest, but I think I’ll have to try to find a local engineer tomorrow.

[Author]

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