Many users are faced with a situation where it is necessary to replace a damaged element of the internal space of the refrigerator, but do not know its exact name. In everyday life, this part is often called simply “grid”, “mesh” or “shelf”, which creates confusion when searching for spare parts in catalogs or communicating with a technician.
The exact name depends on the design and purpose of the element: it can be evaporator, convector grill or removable shelf-grid. Understanding the difference between these components is critically important, since not only the search for spare parts, but also the correct operation of the device depends on it.
In this article we will analyze in detail the structure of internal elements, their functions and materials manufacturing. You will learn to distinguish the cooling module from decorative or functional shelves, which will help you quickly solve the problem of breakdown or contamination.
Main types of grilles and their functions
The internal space of the refrigerator consists of many elements, each of which performs its role. When they talk about a lattice, they most often mean one of the three main components of the system.
The first type is evaporator. This is a technical part hidden behind the back wall or located in the freezer compartment. It is on the surface of this element that the refrigerant boils and the air is directly cooled.
The second type is convector grille (or ventilation grille). It circulates cold air between the chambers or from the back wall to the products. Without the correct operation of this element, “warm zones” are formed in the refrigerator.
The third type is removable shelves-grids. They serve to place food and provide air access from all sides, which is especially important for storing vegetables and fruits. Such elements are often made of coated metal or durable plastic.
Evaporator: hidden cooling “grid”
If your question concerns the technical part, then the “grid” you are looking for is most likely evaporator. In older models of refrigerators with a drip defrosting system, it was often an open coil with aluminum fins located directly in the freezer.
In modern units with a system No Frost or Low Frost the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel. It looks like a compact heat exchanger with many thin plates resembling a comb or fine grate.
It is on this element that ice accumulates, which then thaws automatically. Damage to the evaporator (for example, puncture with a knife during careless defrosting) leads to freon leakage and failure of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to knock ice off the evaporator with sharp objects. Thin tubes of the heat exchanger are easy to puncture, which will lead to expensive repairs with recharging of refrigerant.The material for manufacturing is most often aluminium or coated copper. Aluminum has high thermal conductivity, but is susceptible to corrosion when in contact with some aggressive environments, so it requires careful handling.
Why should you not touch the evaporator with your hands?
If you touch a working evaporator with warm hands or metal objects, local freezing of the skin or instrument may occur, which will lead to mechanical damage to thin-walled tubes when torn off.
Ventilation grilles and circulation system
An important element of the design is the ventilation holes, closed with decorative louvered grilles. They are located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, on the side panels or even on the door.
The main task of these elements is to direct the flow of cold air from the evaporator to the products and ensure the return of warm air back for cooling. In systems Multi Air Flow there may be several such gratings along the height of the chamber.
Often users seal these holes or block them with tightly packed products, which violates the thermodynamics of the device. The compressor begins to wear out, trying to compensate for the lack of circulation.
- 🌬️ Rear grille: supplies the main flow of cold, often equipped with a damper to regulate the temperature.
- 🔄 Side channels: ensures uniform distribution of air across the width of the chamber.
- ❄️ Bottom holes: necessary for returning air to the evaporator; blocking them leads to the formation of condensation.
The design of such grilles is usually made of impact-resistant plastic ABS or polystyrene. They do not carry a weight load, but require regular cleaning from dust and mold.
Removable grating shelves for products
A separate category is functional shelves in the form of gratings. Unlike glass surfaces, they allow air to freely wash food from all sides.
Such elements are often found in vegetable storage areas (“freshness zone”) or in freezers of older models. They prevent packages from freezing to the surface and simplify cleaning.
Modern models may have telescopic guides or special latches that prevent the shelf from falling out when the door is opened. This is especially true for tall refrigerators.
The material is chromed steel or plastic with an antibacterial coating. Chrome-plated grilles are more durable, but over time they can oxidize when in contact with acidic products (lemon juice, vinegar).
Materials of manufacture and their features
Understanding the material from which the part is made helps determine how to clean it and whether it can be restored. Refrigerators use a limited set of materials, each with its own pros and cons.
The most common plastic. It is cheap, lightweight and does not rust. However, plastic is fragile at low temperatures and can crack from mechanical shock. It also tends to absorb odors.
Metal elements (steel, aluminum) are more durable. Stainless steel used in premium models, ordinary steel is coated with enamel or chrome. The main enemy of metal grilles is corrosion and chipped coating.
The table below provides a comparison of the main materials used for internal grilles:
Material Strength Corrosion resistance Where used ABS plastic Low High Ventilation grilles, shelves Aluminum Medium Medium (oxidizes) Evaporators, coils Chrome steel High High (to chipping) Lattice shelves, baskets Copper (coated) Medium High Heat exchangers (rarely) When choosing a replacement, it is important to consider not only the dimensions, but also the material. Installing a plastic grille instead of a metal one in an area with high load will lead to rapid destruction of the element.
Typical faults and repair methods
The most common problem is mechanical damage. Plastic grilles burst from the weight of food or impact, metal ones bend or become rusty.
If the ventilation grille breaks, its fragments can get into the fan, causing loud noise and jamming of the motor. Therefore, it is better not to delay replacement.
In case of damage to the evaporator grille (heat exchanger), repair is possible only with the help of a specialist. You will need to seal the hole, evacuate the system and refill with new freon.
☑️ Diagnosis of a problem with the grille
Done: 0 / 4To temporarily repair a cracked plastic shelf, you can use food-grade silicone sealants or special adhesives for plastic, but this solution is temporary. Completely replace the part only after disconnecting the device from the power supply.
⚠️ Attention: When working with any elements inside the refrigerator, make sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply. Moisture and electricity are a dangerous combination, especially when working near the defrost system.Rules for the care and cleaning of internal elements
Regular cleaning prolongs the life of all components of the refrigerator. Grilles and shelves require a special approach, as they come into contact with products.
For washing, use warm water with a neutral detergent. Abrasive powders and hard brushes are prohibited - they leave micro-scratches in which bacteria accumulate.
Plastic elements cannot be washed with hot water (above +50°C), as they may become deformed. Metal parts must be thoroughly dried to avoid the appearance of rust at chipped areas.
- 🧼 Use a soft sponge and soda solution to remove stubborn dirt.
- 🚫 Do not use chlorine-containing products on metal evaporators - this will accelerate corrosion.
- 💨 Before installing wet shelves, let them dry completely at room temperature.
Pay special attention to the ventilation holes. They can be carefully cleaned with a soft brush or blown with compressed air so as not to disturb the circulation.
How to choose the right replacement
If the part arrived in unusable, the question arises about buying a new one. There are no universal solutions here, since the geometry of the fasteners is unique for all manufacturers.
To find a spare part, you will need an exact one refrigerator model. It is indicated on a sticker located inside the chamber or on the back wall of the case.
It is best to look for original spare parts by catalog number. If the original cannot be found or is too expensive, you can consider high-quality analogues, but you will have to try them on locally.
When ordering through online stores, be sure to check the dimensions and type of fasteners (hooks, guides, grooves). Even a difference of a couple of millimeters can make installation impossible.
Is it possible to use a grille from another model?
Sometimes this is possible if the refrigerators belong to the same series or have a similar design. However, an exact match of the fasteners cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended to compare photographs of the parts or use a caliper to measure the distances between the mounting holes.
How to temporarily replace a broken grid shelf?
As a temporary measure, you can use food-grade plastic or plywood treated with a moisture-proof compound. However, such materials may interfere with air circulation. It is better to temporarily redistribute products to other shelves before purchasing original spare parts.
Why does a chrome grille rust?
Chrome protects the steel, but if the coating is damaged (scratches, chips), moisture penetrates the base metal, starting the corrosion process. Rust can also appear from constant contact with aggressive environments or high humidity in the chamber.
How to remove a jammed evaporator grille?
If the grille is frozen, do not pull it by force. Defrost the refrigerator completely (within 10-12 hours). The ice will melt and the part will be freed. Using a hair dryer or hot water will speed up the process, but make sure that water does not get on the electrical contacts.
Where can you find the part number?
The number is usually stamped on the part itself (on the back or end) or is indicated in the service documentation (diagram) of your refrigerator. If the number is not readable, contact an authorized service center with a photo of the model and the part itself.