How to Handle Ice Buildup in Your Randell Commercial Refrigerator

Ice buildup inside a Randell commercial refrigerator is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a clear warning sign that your equipment isn’t operating at peak efficiency. What begins as a thin layer of frost can quickly turn into a serious issue, blocking airflow, disrupting temperature control, and putting your food inventory and safety standards at risk. Left unaddressed, it can strain internal components, drive up energy costs, and lead to expensive repairs or premature system failure.

In fast-paced commercial kitchens, downtime isn't an option. That’s why it's critical to understand not only how to remove ice buildup effectively but also how to prevent it from happening again. This guide breaks down the root causes, step-by-step fixes, and essential maintenance tips to help you keep your Randell commercial refrigerator running cold, clean, and fully reliable.

Understanding the Causes of Ice Buildup in Your Randell Commercial Refrigerator

Before jumping to solutions, it’s crucial to understand what causes ice to build up inside your Randell commercial refrigerator. Ice doesn't form without a reason—there are typically a few common culprits:

• Faulty door gaskets: When seals are cracked or damaged, warm air seeps in, leading to condensation and, ultimately, ice.

• Blocked or broken defrost components: If the defrost cycle isn’t functioning properly, moisture accumulates and freezes on coils and walls.

• Improper loading: Overstocking or placing warm items inside the unit can trigger excess humidity.

• Frequent door opening: High-traffic kitchens may cause repeated door openings, letting in humid air that leads to frost formation.

Step-by-Step Process to Fixing Ice Buildup in Your Randell Commercial Refrigerator

When ice starts forming inside your Randell commercial refrigerator, it's important to act quickly and carefully to avoid performance issues or long-term damage. Follow these steps to safely remove the buildup and restore optimal cooling:

1. Turn Off and Empty the Unit

Always unplug the refrigerator before starting. Then, remove all perishable contents and store them in an alternative cooler or freezer to maintain food safety.

2. Allow the Ice to Melt Naturally

Leave the doors open and let the ice melt on its own. You can place towels or pans to catch the water. Avoid using sharp tools or forceful methods to break the ice, as this can damage internal components.

3. Clean and Dry All Interior Surfaces

Once the ice has melted, use a food-safe cleaning solution to wipe down shelves, walls, and evaporator coils. Ensure everything is completely dry to prevent immediate re-freezing when restarted.

4. Clean the Coils and Interior

Once all ice has melted, clean the evaporator coils and fan area using a soft brush or vacuum. Wipe down the interior with a food-safe cleaner and sanitize the surfaces before restarting the unit.

5. Inspect Door Gaskets and Seals

Check that all doors close tightly and the gaskets are clean and pliable. Replace any gaskets that are cracked, torn, or hardened.

6. Restart and Monitor

Plug the unit back in, allow it to return to operating temperature, and monitor it over the next 24–48 hours to ensure the ice problem doesn’t return.

How to Prevent Ice Buildup in Randell Commercial Refrigerators

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing frost issues in your Randell refrigerator. With a few simple checks, you can keep the unit running efficiently and avoid costly ice buildup.

• Regular Gasket Inspections: Cracked or loose door gaskets are a leading cause of air leaks. Check them monthly and replace immediately if they aren’t sealing properly.

• Clean Evaporator Coil: Dirty coils reduce airflow and cause freezing. Clean them regularly to maintain efficient cooling and prevent ice formation.

• Check Defrost Timer and Heater: Ensure the defrost system runs as scheduled. If your unit uses an automatic defrost cycle and still forms ice, the defrost timer, sensor, or heater may malfunction and should be tested or replaced.

• Avoid Blocking Air Vents: Stacking products too high or placing them against the back wall can obstruct airflow. Leave space around air vents and avoid overloading shelves.

•  Minimize Door Openings: Encourage staff to open the refrigerator only when necessary. Installing a strip curtain inside the door can help reduce warm air entry, especially in high-use environments.

Conclusion:

Managing ice buildup in your Randell commercial refrigerator is essential to ensure consistent cooling, reduce energy waste, and avoid long-term equipment damage. By following proper defrosting steps, inspecting seals, and addressing airflow or drainage issues, you can restore optimal performance quickly. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn components—like gaskets, fans, or defrost timers—can prevent recurring buildup and extend your refrigerator’s service life.

For reliable, high-performance replacements, PartsFe provides a wide selection of Randell refrigerator parts. From defrost heaters to door gaskets, you’ll find durable, compatible components engineered to keep your commercial refrigeration system running efficiently.

FAQs:

What causes ice buildup in Randell commercial refrigerators?

Ice buildup typically results from faulty door gaskets, clogged drain lines, malfunctioning defrost timers, or leaving the door open for extended periods. Improper airflow and overstocking can also contribute to excess frost accumulation.

How do I know if the defrost system in my Randell refrigerator is failing?

Signs of defrost failure include persistent ice on the evaporator coils, uneven cooling, puddles of water after defrost cycles, and longer compressor run times.

 Is ice buildup dangerous for my Randell unit long-term?

Yes. Prolonged ice accumulation can strain compressors, reduce cooling efficiency, and lead to costly system failures if not addressed quickly.