Owners of brand refrigeration equipment Indesit often face the need to access the bottom of the freezer, especially when ice appears, accumulation water or failure of the defrost system. Removing the pan is not just a hygienic procedure, but often the first step towards a serious evaporator assembly. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to plastic elements or violation of the tightness of the circuit, so it is important to strictly follow the dismantling algorithm. repair evaporator assembly. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to plastic elements or disruption of the tightness of the circuit, so it is important to strictly follow the dismantling algorithm.
Structurally, the lower part of the freezer in models with technology No Frost or Frost Free is a complex unit, where the pan acts as a condensate collector and guide for melt water. In simpler models with manual defrosting, this part simply serves as a base for the drawers. Understanding exactly how your unit is designed allows you to avoid breaking latches and fragile fasteners during operation.
Before starting disassembly, you must completely disconnect the device from the power supply. This requirement safety cannot be ignored, since you will have to work in close proximity to electrical components such as a defrost heating element or a fan. Even if you only plan to wash the plastic, the risk of a short circuit if moisture accidentally gets on the contacts remains high.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, make sure that the refrigerator is defrosted and dry. An attempt to remove the tray while the ice has not yet melted is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the plastic fasteners.
The dismantling process may differ depending on the series of the refrigerator Indesit (for example, the BIA, EF or Ariston series, produced under the same brand). In some cases, the tray is part of the rear wall, in others it is a separate removable element. Accurate knowledge of the model will help you choose the right tool and method of influencing the fasteners.
Preparation of tools and workplace
To successfully complete the task of removing the pallet, you will need a minimum set of tools that every master can find in his home. The main tool will be a flat-head screwdriver, preferably with a thin tip, to carefully pry up the plastic latches. You may also need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws if the design requires their presence at the bottom of the chamber.
Prepare a container for water and rags, since condensation or melt water residues often accumulate in the pan after defrosting. If you are carrying out the procedure for the first time, it would be a good idea to take a few photographs of the internal structure of the freezer before starting disassembly. This will help you remember the assembly order and location of all the elements when it comes time to put everything back in place.
- 🔧 Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers for working with fasteners.
- 🧣 Hair dryer (construction or household) for carefully defrosting ice in hard-to-reach places.
- 🧽 Soft rags and a sponge to clean the surface from dirt.
- 📷 Smartphone for recording disassembly stages.
Organize good lighting of the work area. The interior of the refrigerator is often dark, and small parts of the fastenings require careful visual inspection. Using a headlamp or portable lamp will greatly simplify the search for hidden screws and understanding the design of the latches.
Design features of Indesit pallets
Refrigerators Indesit have their own design features that distinguish them from competitors. The pallet in these models often serves as a structural element, that is, a rigidity element to which the rear panel with the evaporator is attached. In models with the system No Frost the tray has a complex geometry with gutters for draining water to the drainage hole.
The manufacturing material is impact-resistant polystyrene or ABS plastic. These materials are resistant to low temperatures, but become extremely brittle under mechanical stress, especially if the plastic is “tired” of freeze-thaw cycles over years of use. Sudden movements or the use of excessive force when snapping the latches can lead to the appearance of cracks, which will subsequently be difficult to seal.
Why does plastic turn yellow and crack?
Plastic in the freezer is constantly exposed to low temperatures and ultraviolet radiation (when the door is opened). Over time, the polymer chains break down, the material loses its elasticity and becomes brittle. That is why older models require especially careful handling during dismantling.
In some modifications, the freezer tray is combined with a panel behind which the air circulation fan is hidden. In such cases, removing the bottom is a necessary step to access the fan motor or temperature sensor. The design can be modular, where the pallet consists of several parts connected to each other.
| System type | Pallet location | Fixing | Difficulty of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Frost | Under evaporator | Latches + screws | High |
| Frost Free | Bottom of the chamber | Plastic clamps | Medium |
| Drip | Chamber bottom | Removable tray | Low |
| Combined | Frost (No Frost) | Hidden latches | High |
It is important to consider that in two-chamber models, the design of the tray in the refrigerator compartment (if there is one) will be radically different from the freezer. In the refrigerator compartment, the tray is often just a decorative cover over the condensate drainage channel, while in the freezer it is a functional part of the defrost system.
Removal in refrigerators with the No Frost system
The process of removing the tray in models with an automatic defrost system No Frost is the most labor-intensive. Here the tray is often covered with a back panel, which must first be removed. Begin by removing all freezer drawers and shelves to gain access to the back wall.
After removing the contents, inspect the back panel. It can be secured with screws, which are sometimes hidden under decorative plugs or plastic caps. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the panel. If there are no visible screws, the panel is held in place by clips. To unlock them, carefully pry the panel at the bottom with a flat screwdriver, using moderate force.
☑️ Procedure for No Frost
When the back panel is removed, you can see the evaporator and the tray located under it will open. It is into this pan that water flows during defrosting. To remove it, you may need to disconnect the drain tube or remove additional plastic guides. Be extremely careful with the tubes - they may be filled with foam or simply inserted into the grooves.
⚠️ Attention: In some models Indesit sensor and fan wiring is attached to the rear panel. Do not pull the panel sharply, first inspect the presence of connectors and carefully disconnect them, remembering the color marking.
If the pan is frozen to the body or evaporator, do not use force. Turn on the hairdryer at minimum power and gently heat the joints so that the ice melts. The use of boiling water is not recommended, since a sharp temperature change can damage the plastic or cause cracks in the soldering of the evaporator.
Removing the tray in models with manual defrosting
In refrigerators Indesit with manual defrosting, the design is usually simpler. The tray here is often a removable plastic shelf at the bottom of the freezer compartment. However, in such models there are hidden fasteners, especially if the pallet serves as the basis for installing drawers.
To dismantle, first remove all the top drawers and baskets. Then try to carefully lift the bottom shelf. If it does not give in, inspect the side walls of the chamber. There may be plastic guides or clamps that need to be pressed out. In older models, the tray could be attached to self-tapping screws from below, access to which was only accessible after removing the base panel of the refrigerator.
- 👀 Carefully inspect the side walls for hidden grooves.
- 👐 Use both hands to evenly distribute the force when removing.
- 🚫 Avoid using metal objects as levers inside the camera.
Often owners confuse the removable water collection tray (which is located under the grille in some older models) and the structural element of the camera. If your goal is simply to clean the bottom, it may be enough to remove the decorative grille, under which the main tray is hidden. In models with a “crying” wall in the refrigerator compartment, the tray is hidden behind a decorative cover in the back, which can be removed by bending the plastic tabs.
Typical errors during disassembly
The most common mistake when removing a pallet is the use of excessive force. Many users perceive plastic as metal and try to “break out” the part if it doesn’t fit right away. This leads to chipped edges, breakage of fastening ears and the appearance of cracks that violate the tightness and aesthetics of the camera.
The second mistake is ignoring the temperature regime. An attempt to remove a frozen pan without first defrosting or warming it up almost always ends in failure. Ice works like glue, and the jerk leads to the destruction of the weakest structural element, which is plastic.
The third mistake is the loss of small parts. Screws, washers, and decorative plugs tend to roll into hard-to-reach places or fall behind the refrigerator. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or container to put all the removed elements while working.
Also an error is a violation of the sequence of actions. For example, an attempt to remove the tray before dismantling the top panel or fan, if the design does not allow this. Always analyze the logic of assembly: what is assembled last is usually removed first, but in the case of refrigerators the rule “disassembly from top to bottom and from outside to inside” often applies.
Cleaning and maintenance after removal
After successful dismantling of the tray, an excellent opportunity opens up to carry out a deep sanitation of the interior of the refrigerator. Dust, lint and bacteria often accumulate in the space under the tray, which causes an unpleasant odor. Wash the removed part with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
Pay special attention to the drain hole if it is visible after removing the pan. Clogged drains are a common cause of puddles in your refrigerator or freezer. Clean the channel with a soft wire or a special brush, and then pour a small amount of warm water over it to check the permeability.
When installing the pan back, make sure that all seals and rubber gaskets (if any) are in place. A loose fit of the pan can lead to air whistling or disruption of the circulation of cold air in the chamber No Frost. Secure the part, making sure all latches are secure.
Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher?
Technically, most plastics used Indesitcan withstand dishwasher temperatures. However, if the plastic is old and brittle, hot water and harsh chemicals can speed up its deterioration. We recommend hand washing with warm water and a mild detergent.
What to do if the tray is cracked?
Small cracks can be sealed with food-grade silicone sealant. If the crack is through and large, and the pan is part of the defrosting system, it is better to replace it with a new one to avoid water leaks onto the floor or inside the housing.
How often should you remove and wash the pan?
Preventive cleaning with complete removal of the element is recommended to be carried out at least once a year, preferably during the scheduled defrosting of the refrigerator. This will help maintain hygiene and extend the life of the device.
Do you need to lubricate the pan guides?
You cannot lubricate plastic guides with ordinary oils - they can become sticky and collect dirt. If the runners are stiff, wipe them with a dry cloth. In extreme cases, you can use a special silicone grease for food production in a minimal amount.