Owners of modern household appliances are often faced with the need to service the unit, and the question of how to remove the tray in a Beko refrigerator arises quite often. Moisture accumulation, unpleasant odors, or the need for deep cleaning of the drainage system require access to the bottom of the device. In most brand models Beko this procedure does not require complex tools, but knowledge of the design features of a particular series greatly simplifies the process.
The design of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the type of defrosting system. If your device has a system No Frost, then the evaporator tray is usually hidden behind the back wall of the freezer, and in drip models it is located in a niche above the compressor. Understanding these differences is critical before beginning any manipulation to avoid damaging fragile plastic parts or tubing.
Before disassembling, it is necessary to ensure a safe working environment. Disconnect the device from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This is a standard safety requirement, ignoring which can lead to electric shock or a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged during dismantling.
Design features of Beko refrigerators
Turkish brand refrigerators Beko are distinguished by reliable assembly, but have their own nuances in the organization of the system moisture removal. In models with a full system No Frost the water formed during defrosting of the evaporator flows into a special tray located above the compressor, where it evaporates due to the heat of the running motor. Access to this element is often limited by decorative panels.
In simpler models with a drip defrosting system (“crying evaporator”), the tray can be a removable element inside the refrigeration chamber or located directly on the compressor. It is important to accurately determine the type of device you have, since the algorithm of actions will be radically different. Incorrect assessment of the design can lead to breakage of the latches or violation of the tightness of the system.
⚠️ Attention: In some modern models Beko with technology NeoFrost access to technical components may be limited by additional insulating materials. Be careful not to damage the insulation when removing panels.
You will need basic tools to complete the task successfully. Usually a Phillips head screwdriver and perhaps a pry bar will suffice to gently pry off the plastic clips. Do not use sharp objects that can cut through the plastic or damage the refrigerant pipes.
Preparation for removing the pallet
You should start work by completely emptying the internal space. Remove all shelves, crisper drawers and containers from the freezer. This will provide clear access to the rear wall and will prevent food from falling when tilting or moving the unit.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall enough to allow access to the rear. You need to see the compressor and the area around it. Make sure that the floor under the device is dry and clean so as not to stain the internal components when installing them on the floor if necessary.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
If there is ice in the refrigerator, let it melt completely. Attempting to remove the tray or panels when ice is present may result in the plastic chipping. The defrosting process can take from several hours to a day, depending on the amount of ice.
Prepare a water container and rags in advance. Even if the system is working properly, there may be water left in the drainage tubes and trays, which will spill out during dismantling. Having a rag on hand will allow you to quickly eliminate small leaks and keep the floor clean.
Removing the tray in No Frost models
In refrigerators with the system No Frost the main tray (evaporator) is located behind the rear panel of the freezer. To get to it, you first need to remove this panel. It is usually secured with plastic clips and possibly a few screws hidden under decorative plugs.
Carefully unscrew the visible screws and remove the plugs. Then, using a plastic spatula or just your hands, pull the panel evenly towards you. Operate without sudden jerks to avoid breaking the fasteners. Under the panel you will see an evaporator and a tray into which condensate drains.
| Element | Location | Mounting type | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear panel | Freezer compartment | Latches + screws | Phillips screwdriver |
| Evaporator tray | Under the evaporator | Grooves / Guides | Without tools |
| Drain tray | Above the compressor | Clamps | Flat screwdriver |
| Fan | Behind the panel | Screws | Phillips screwdriver |
The tray itself in the freezer is often made in the form of a curved plastic container. To remove it, you need to carefully lift its edges and pull it forward. In some models Beko it may be mounted on guides, then it needs to be slightly lifted and moved to the side.
After removing the tray from the freezer, do not forget to check the drainage hole. It is its clogging that most often causes water to appear on the floor. Clean the channel with a soft wire or a brush, rinse with warm water.
What to do if the panel cannot be removed?
If the back panel in the freezer does not budge, do not use force. Check for hidden screws under stickers or in recesses. The panel may also freeze with ice - in this case, you need to let the refrigerator stand unplugged longer. Forced tearing will lead to cracks in the plastic.
Removing the tray above the compressor
The second important element is the tray located above the motor-compressor in the lower rear part of the refrigerator. This is where the water from the drainage tube flows. In refrigerators Beko it is often attached directly to the compressor housing or to the frame of the unit.
To access this unit, it is sometimes necessary to remove the lower decorative panel (plinth) in the front of the refrigerator or the rear metal cover covering the compressor compartment. Remove the fastening elements and remove the protection.
The tray can be secured with latches or simply lie on the brackets. If it is installed on a compressor, be extremely careful: compressor it may be hot if the refrigerator has recently been operated, and sensitive to mechanical shock. Carefully remove the tray, trying not to spill the contents.
⚠️ Attention: The tray above the compressor in models Beko often has a specific shape that follows the contours of the motor. When installing it back, make sure that it fits into place smoothly, otherwise vibration during operation of the compressor will cause a lot of noise.
Rinse the tray thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent. Remove all accumulated slimy plaque, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and causes unpleasant odors. After washing, be sure to dry the element before installation.
Cleaning and maintaining the drainage system
Removing the pan is an ideal opportunity to inspect the entire drainage system. The water in the refrigerator Beko should flow freely through the tube into the tray. If this process is disrupted, water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the chambers or flow out.
Check the integrity of the drainage tube. It should not have cracks or kinks. If the tube is removable, it can be removed and washed under strong water pressure. In non-removable options, use a special brush or soft wire with a piece of fabric wound at the end.
- 🧼 Rinse the tray with hot water to remove grease deposits.
- 🔍 Inspect the drainage hole for debris or pieces of ice.
- 💨 Blow out the drainage tube with air (you can use a bulb or syringe without a needle).
- 🧪 Treat surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent mold.
A common problem is the formation of an “ice plug” in the drainage channel. This happens if the refrigerator is operating under high load or the door seal is broken. In this case, cleaning must be done especially carefully; you may need to pour warm (not boiling water!) water into the channel to dissolve the ice.
Assembly and performance testing
After successfully cleaning and drying all elements, you can begin assembly. Proceed in the reverse order of dismantling. Place the tray over the compressor, making sure it is securely seated. Replace the back panel of the freezer by snapping all the clips tightly into place.
Check that no wires or tubes are pinched by the panels. Improper installation of communications can lead to damage due to vibration or pinching, which will cause electronic malfunction or freon leakage.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it operate for several hours without loading food. Observe the process: water should flow freely into the tray and evaporate. The absence of puddles under the refrigerator and inside the chambers indicates that the work was done correctly.
If after assembly you notice new sounds or vibrations, check the tightness of the panels again. Sometimes it is enough to simply press the panel harder until you hear a characteristic click to eliminate the rattling.
Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic trays in refrigerators Beko are made of heat-resistant plastic that can withstand high temperatures. However, if the plastic has cracks or is very old, hot water in the dishwasher may warp it. It is recommended to wash by hand with warm water and a mild detergent to ensure that the geometry of the part is preserved.
What to do if the pallet is cracked?
If during the removal process you find a crack or damage the pallet, it must be replaced. Repairs with adhesive or sealant are temporary and may be unsafe due to food and water contact. Order an original spare part for your refrigerator model Beko at an authorized service center.
Why does the water not evaporate from the pan?
The water in the tray above the compressor evaporates due to the heat of the running motor. If the water stands and does not go away, perhaps the compressor is not working intensively enough (infrequent starts), the tray is installed incorrectly (the motor does not heat up), or the humidity and low temperature in the room are too high. Also, the cause may be an excessive amount of flowing water due to frequent opening of the doors.
Is it necessary to lubricate the tray guides?
Lubricating the tray guides in the refrigerator Beko is not required and is not even recommended. Silicone lubricants can collect dust and, over time, turn into a sticky mess that makes movement difficult. If the tray moves tightly, it is better to simply clean the guides from dirt and make sure that the tray itself is not deformed.