How to remove the tray in the Stinol refrigerator: step-by-step instructions

Operation of refrigeration equipment Stinol often requires periodic maintenance, and one of the most common tasks for the owner is cleaning the water drainage system. Owners often wonder how to remove the pallet without damaging the fragile plastic elements of the structure. Proper dismantling of this part is necessary not only for hygienic cleaning, but also to prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor or mold inside the case.

In this article we will analyze in detail the design of the drainage system of refrigerators Stinol, explain where exactly the evaporation tray is located, and describe the algorithm of actions for its safe removal. It is important to understand that depending on the model - be it a classic two-chamber refrigerator or a device with a system No Frost - the procedure may have its own technical nuances. Ignoring the dismantling rules can lead to damage to the fasteners, so follow the instructions carefully.

Many users confuse the internal drip trough with an external condensate collector, which creates confusion when looking for a solution. External tray, which will be discussed, is located in the lower part of the unit, most often above the compressor, and serves to evaporate moisture flowing down the drain tube. It is its removal that requires partial disassembly of the back of the refrigerator or careful tilting of the equipment.

Location and functions of the drainage tray

To understand how to remove the element, you need to clearly understand its location in the refrigerator design Stinol. The drainage tray (evaporator) is designed to collect water generated during the defrosting of the evaporator or draining condensate from the refrigeration chamber. Water flows through a gutter through a hole in the rear wall, passes through a drainage tube and enters a container located above the motor-compressor.

The heat generated by a running compressor contributes to the rapid evaporation of moisture, so under normal conditions the pan should always remain dry. However, over time, it can accumulate dust, lint and organic residues, which when mixed with water form mucus. This causes a specific musty smell that can spread throughout the kitchen.

In models with the system No Frost the tray also collects water generated when the evaporator defrosts during defrost cycles. Structurally, it is an oblong container made of black plastic or metal, often with stiffening ribs. Access to it in most models Stinol is blocked by a rear protective panel or requires moving the unit away from the wall.

Necessary tools and preparation

The process of removing the tray in refrigerators Stinol does not require complex professional equipment, but a minimum set of tools must be prepared. Often owners try to handle it with their bare hands, which leads to scratches on the case or broken plastic latches. For comfortable work you will need:

• 🔧 Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on the type of screws on the back panel).
• 🧤 Protective gloves (the metal edges of the compressor may be sharp or have burrs).
• 🧼 A container with warm water and detergent for preliminary preparing the work site.
• 🔦 Flashlight (for inspecting the space under the refrigerator in poor lighting).

Before you begin to disassemble the back, the refrigerator must be emptied of food and completely defrosted, if required by the model. Even if you're only replacing the outer tray, ice inside can make moving the heavy unit difficult. Move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance of at least 50-70 cm to ensure free access to the back wall from all sides.

Pay attention to the condition of the floor at the work site. There should be no water or slippery objects on the floor, as you will have to bend down and possibly lift the equipment slightly. Safety in this case, the priority is the speed of the operation. If the floor is slippery, lay down a dry rag or cardboard.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the back panel

In most refrigerator models Stinol access to the tray is blocked by a metal or plastic panel covering the compressor compartment. This part is attached with screws around the perimeter. First, visually inspect the perimeter of the back wall and locate all fasteners. Sometimes the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs or stickers.

Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the fastener. Place screws in a separate container to prevent them from getting lost or rolling under the refrigerator. After removing all screws, carefully pull the panel towards you. It may stick over time or stick to rubber seals, so do not use excessive force with a jerk.

⚠️ Attention: Some models Stinol have a panel that fits into the grooves of the case. If the panel does not come off after removing the screws, try lifting it slightly up or moving it to the side before pulling it towards you.

After removing the panel, you will have a view of the compressor, the start relay and, directly above them, the pan itself. The largest amount of dust often accumulates in this place, so it is recommended to immediately vacuum the open space so that dirt does not get inside the mechanisms during further work.

Algorithm for removing the pallet

The very moment when you need to pull out the pallet requires special care. The tray can be secured in various ways: simply lying on the brackets, held on by plastic latches, or screwed to the body. In classic models Stinol the most common option is installation on metal guides or brackets welded to the compressor housing.

Grip the front edges of the pan (closest to you) with both hands. Smoothly pull it towards you and slightly up. If the pan is tight, do not yank it sharply. Rock from side to side to see if there are locking elements. In some modifications, the tray can be additionally secured with a plastic clamp or clip that needs to be snapped off.

If you are faced with a situation where the tray cannot be removed, check whether the drainage tube is in the way. The tube is usually inserted into a hole in the tray, but is not firmly secured. When removing, you need to slightly lift the back of the tray to remove the tube from the hole, and only then pull out the container completely. A sudden movement can break the tube or damage the place where it enters the body.

In older models, the metal of the tray could be corroded, and the edges could rust, “sticking” to the guides. In this case, you can carefully treat the contact areas with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), wait 5-10 minutes and try again. However, you need to be careful with chemicals so as not to stain the rubber seals of the compressor.

Design features of different Stinol models

Although the principle of the drainage system for refrigerators Stinol is the same, there are nuances depending on the series and year of manufacture. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes during dismantling. Below is a table systematizing the main differences.

In models with the system No Frost the pan often has a more complex shape, following the contours of the compressor and condenser. It is important here not to confuse the evaporator tray (which is located inside the freezer behind the back wall) and the external condensate collector. The instructions above apply specifically to the external element. The internal evaporator requires complete defrosting within 24 hours for safe access.

What to do if the tray is deformed?

If the plastic tray has cracks or severe deformation from time to time, it is better to replace it with a new one. Repairing plastic in a high-temperature area (above the compressor) is ineffective and can lead to water leaking onto the floor.

Cleaning and maintaining the drainage system

After you managed to pull out the pan, the stage of its maintenance begins. Simply rinsing with water will not be enough if a persistent coating has formed on the walls. Soak the container in warm water with the addition of citric acid or a special refrigerator cleaner. Citric acid perfectly dissolves mineral deposits and eliminates odor.

While the tray is soaking, inspect the drainage tube that led into it. Often it is in the tube that a blockage of mucus and dirt forms, which is why the water stops draining and flows inside the refrigerator or onto the floor. You can clean the tube using a special brush or soft wire wrapped in a rag.

Carefully wipe the space above the compressor with a damp cloth. There should be no dust left there, as when heated it can start to burn, emitting an unpleasant odor. Make sure that the compressor itself is clean - a layer of dust on it impairs heat transfer and makes the refrigerator work harder.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use abrasive powders or hard metal brushes to clean the tray. Damage to the internal surface will lead to accelerated corrosion (for metal) or the appearance of microcracks (for plastic), where bacteria will multiply.

After cleaning, all parts must be completely dry before installation. Moisture inside the system, which is not intended for this purpose, can cause corrosion of the contacts or the pan itself. Allow the elements to dry naturally or wipe them dry with a towel.

Installing the tray and checking

Assemble in the reverse order. Insert the drain tube into the corresponding hole in the pan (if it was disconnected). Make sure the tube is not kinked and is at the correct angle for water drainage. Then carefully install the pallet on the guides or brackets above the compressor.

Check the stability of the installation. The tray should not wobble or warp. If the design has mounting screws or latches, secure them. Make sure that the tray does not touch hot parts of the compressor or high-voltage wires, if any are in close proximity.

Reinstall the rear protective panel. Tighten all screws, making sure that the panel fits snugly around the entire perimeter of the chassis. This is important for proper circulation of air cooling the compressor. After connecting the refrigerator to the network, listen to its operation - there should be no extraneous sounds.

After a few hours of operation, check if there is water under the refrigerator. The appearance of a puddle may indicate that the pan is crooked, the tube has come off, or there is still a blockage in the drainage system. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated, paying special attention to the tightness of the connections.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to operate the refrigerator without a tray?

It is strictly not recommended. Without a tray, condensation and water from defrosting will drip directly onto the floor, onto the wires or onto the compressor itself. If water gets on the electrical contacts, it can cause a short circuit, and constant humidity will accelerate the corrosion of the metal parts of the unit.

Why is there always water in the pan?

Water in the pan should not stagnate in large volumes, it should evaporate. If the water is standing, it means that either the drainage tube is clogged, or the angle of the refrigerator is broken (the tilt is too strong forward), or the humidity and low temperature in the room are too high, which interferes with evaporation.

How to replace the pan if it is cracked?

The ideal option is to find an original spare part by the model catalog number Stinol. If this is not possible, you can make a temporary analogue from food-grade plastic or aluminum, cutting it to the size of the old one. The main thing is that the material can withstand the heating temperature from the compressor and does not emit harmful substances.

How often should you clean the tray?

It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the tray and drainage system once a year, preferably before the summer season, when the load on the refrigerator increases. If you have pets that shed their fur, you should clean it more often - once every 6 months, as the hair quickly clogs the drain.

Does the tray make sounds when working?

The tray itself does not make sounds. However, if it is not installed correctly and vibrates with the compressor housing, rattling may occur. Also, the sound of dripping water in the pan after defrosting is a normal phenomenon, indicating the correct operation of the moisture removal system.