Fridge repair costs in the UK for 2026

If your fridge breaks, you will need to get it fixed ASAP. Within hours, food can start spoiling. Discover average fridge repair costs in the UK and common issues in this comprehensive guide.

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Reacting quickly to any problems with your fridge can save you a lot of time and money (and spoilt food!). Keep reading to find out more about common issues and average fridge repair costs in this comprehensive guide.

We also help you find reliable fridge repair experts near you using our free search directory below.

How much does it cost to repair a fridge?

On average, refrigerator repair costs are around £100to supply and fit a new thermostat. Meanwhile, the average cost of a new door seal/gasket to repair your fridge freezer is about£130.

However, it's important to know that repair costs are usually made up of three parts:

• Call-out fee

• Labour

• Parts

So, it's not just the repair part you need to budget for.

Let's break down the costs one stage at a time:

Call-out fees for fridge repair

• Most professional fridge repair experts will charge an initial call-out cost, which usually covers the first hour of their visit

• The average call-out charge for refrigerator repair is£60 - £150

Labour

• The average appliance repair cost per hour in the UK is somewhere in the region of £40 - £80

• However, the exact cost per hour will depend on where you live, the experience of the individual tradesperson, and, of course, the part needing fixing

Costs for parts

Luckily, appliance repair is more possible than ever since the introduction of the UK's right to repair scheme. In a nutshell, this means:

• Spare parts are available within two years of an appliance going on sale

• Peplacement parts may also remain available up until seven or even ten years after the product is discontinued

However, as we touched on earlier, the cost to repair a fridge depends on what needs fixing.

Average UK fridge repair costs by type of problem

Here's a rundown of the most common fridge freezer repairs we tend to see:

Supply and fit a new thermostat

• Function – Sets the correct temperature to ensure food stays fresh

• Telltale repair signs – The fridge or freezer isn’t cold enough, or on the flip side, the fridge is too cold and freezing food

• Repair cost– Around £100

Supply and fit new door seal/gasket

• Function – Keeps everything inside the fridge freezer 'airtight' and stops warm air from entering the appliance

• Telltale repair signs – Your fridge isn't maintaining a regular cool temperature, and food is spoiling quicker than normal

• Repair cost– About£130. You can also learn how torepair a fridge seal in five simple steps in our comprehensive guide

Replace defroster

• Function – Helps to remove ice buildup and increase the energy efficiency

• Telltale repair signs – Ice build-up in the freezer or excessive condensation

• Repair cost – Around £130

Repair ice maker

• Function – Allows you to get your ice automatically from the freezer, so there's no need for fiddly icecube trays

• Telltale repair signs – Your fridge has stopped making ice, or it's getting jammed

• Repair cost – About £250

Repair the fridge compressor

• Function – A vital component to keep our fridge cool. It compresses the refrigerant, which then regulates the temperature inside the fridge and freezer

• Telltale repair signs – The fridge freezer is making an unusual noise

• Repair cost – You’re looking at an average cost of £400 for this repair, making this one of the most costly fridge fixes

It's worth noting the prices above are the average costs for refrigerator repairs in the UK. For accurate quotes for your fridge, we recommend contacting your local fridge repair expert using our free search directory below.

Factors affecting fridge repair costs

The total price you’ll pay for your fridge repair will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Age and condition – A typical fridge freezer should last between eight to ten years

• Make and model – Entry-level, budget fridges won't last as long as premium brands such as LG and Bosch

• Whether the appliance is built-in or freestanding – A built-in fridge might be more complex to fix if access is tricky

• Location of repair service – Repair costs in London and the South-East may be slightly higher compared to the rest of the UK

When hiring a professional fridge repairer, it’s important always to confirm all costs upfront so you know how much the repair could add up to.

Should you repair or replace your fridge?

Is it worth repairing a fridge freezer? We often get asked this question, and rightly so. If the repair costs are mounting up more than you'd like, buying a new one may be more cost-effective. But before you do, run through the points below:

When to replace

• A typical fridge freezer should last between eight to ten years. If your fridge freezer is over eight years old, it might be wise to invest in a new model

• As a rule of thumb, if the cost of the repair is more than half of what you paid initially for your fridge, it makes sense to buy a new one

• New models come with warranties and are much more energy-efficient. This means it will cost you less to run than your old one

When to repair

• If you have a fairly new fridge model or it's still within warranty, it makes economic sense to repair it

• The same goes for an expensive large fridge freezer and bespoke models. A repair will most likely cost you much less than replacing it

All that said, the costs of repairing or replacing parts vary considerably, depending on the appliance's make, model and condition.

That's why we always recommend speaking to a fridge repair expert before you make a decision.

Does your fridge warranty cover repairs?

Many manufacturer warranties will cover repairs if your fridge freezer breaks. That's why we always recommend checking your warranty first before hiring a professional to come and fix it.

Warranty periods typically range between one to five years. But if you're unsure if your warranty is still valid, the easiest thing to do is contact the manufacturer directly. Before doing that, it's a good idea to have the following to hand:

• Receipt for your proof of purchase – Shows the date of purchase, which marks the beginning of your warranty period

• The model and serial number – Helps to identify the product and its warranty status. You can typically find these numbers on a label inside your fridge

Can you repair a fridge yourself?

Unless you have experience dealing with electrical goods, we strongly recommend hiring a professional to repair your fridge. Here's why:

• Many of the problems will involve fitting new parts, which require experience and skills to carry out the work

• You're also dealing with electrics, which can be dangerous in inexperienced hands

• Changing parts or tampering with your fridge freezer yourself could invalidate any warranty you may have

Useful fridge repair checklist

• Identify issues – Follow the troubleshooting steps in this article before contacting a manufacturer or a repair expert to help pinpoint and describe the issue

• Check your warranty – If you're lucky, repairs might still be covered

• Confirm upfront costs – Remember to factor in the costs for the call-out fee, labour time and the parts

• Hire wisely – Choose a tradesperson with relevant experience and the appropriate qualifications

• Compare tradesperson quotes – We always recommend getting at least quotes using our free 'request a quote' form or search directory below. That way, you know you're getting a fair and competitive price for the job

How can I find a service for fridge or freezer repairs?

Searching for a reliable fridge repair expert is easy with Checkatrade. Just follow these three simple steps:

• Use a professional directory

Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).

We're so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

• Read online reviews

A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson's professionalism.

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

• Compare quotes

Get at least three quotes from experienced appliance repairers who are local to you. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best tradesperson and price for the job.

Book your fridge repair job with Checkatrade by searching your postcode below.

FAQS

How much does it cost to fix a leaking fridge?

A common cause of a leaking fridge is a blocked defrost drain. This is sometimes a simple fix and may not even require professional help. You could try cleaning the defrost drain with a soft pipe cleaner.

However, there could be other causes of a leaking fridge which require more expert help. To get an exact cost, you're best off speaking to a fridge repair expert directly.

Is it worth repairing a fridge compressor?

As we've learnt, repairing a fridge compressor is one of the most expensive fixes. For this repair, you can expect to pay an average cost of £400.

So, deciding whether a fridge compressor is worth repairing will depend on the fridge's make and model. A premium, large American-style fridge freezer or bespoke appliance is well worth the repair cost. But if the fridge is an entry-level model bought for a relatively low price, buying a new one might make more sense if you can afford it. A new fridge will be more energy efficient and under warranty.

How do I know if my fridge is worth repairing?

As a rule of thumb, if the repair cost is more than half of what you initially paid for your fridge, it might be wise to buy a new one. Not only will it be more energy efficient, but it will also come with a warranty.

What is the life expectancy of a fridge freezer?

A typical fridge freezer should last between eight to ten years. If your fridge freezer is over eight years old, replacing it rather than repairing it might make more sense.

Can I claim fridge repairs on my home insurance?

If your fridge isn't working due to an accident in the home, you might be able to claim on your contents insurance policy. The same goes for food that may have perished because of the fridge freezer breaking.

Just make sure to take photos of the perished food before binning it. Some home insurance companies will want to see evidence of your fridge's contents first!

What is the most common problem with refrigerators?

The most common problem with refrigerators is an incorrect or inconsistent temperature. This often boils down to an issue with the fridge thermostat. Thankfully, this tends to be a relatively simple fix and costs around£100.

Are replacement parts for fridges expensive?

Whether replacement parts for fridges are expensive depends on the part that needs fixing. Replacing a door seal is relatively cost-effective, at an average cost of £130. However, if you're looking at replacing a fridge compressor, expect to pay an average cost of £400 for this repair.

How long does it take to repair a fridge?

How long it takes to repair a fridge is tricky to say, as it all depends on what part needs fixing or replacing. You may also find that some parts need to be ordered. So, you may need to factor in a wait time for this – and ask neighbours or family if you can store food in their fridge freezer in the meantime!

Can a fridge be repaired after ten years?

Nothing is stopping you from paying for a fridge over ten years old to be fixed. However, investing in a new one might make more financial sense if you can afford it.

Fridge freezers tend to have a lifespan of eight to ten years, so one costly problem could soon lead to another costly problem with older models. You also might find it tricky to find replacement parts.

What is the average call-out fee for fridge repairs?

Most professional fridge repair expertswill charge an initial call-out cost, which usually covers the first hour of their visit. The average call-out charge for refrigerator repair is£60 - £150.

How do I find a qualified fridge repair technician in the UK?

Booking your fridge repair job is easy with Checkatrade. Just enter your postcode in the search directory below and we'll connect you with reliable fridge repair experts near you.

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