What Is the Refrigerator Kick Plate?

Function

• The kick plate covers and protects the condenser coils from damage from incidental contact when you’re sweeping and mopping. The grille permits air to flow beneath your refrigerator while it keeps stray items from rolling under the unit. While the grille may help discourage rodents from getting into the underside of your refrigerator, it doesn’t completely prevent their access.

Benefits

• The kick plate enhances the appearance of a refrigerator, disguising the mechanism beneath and preserving its clean exterior lines. The grille helps prevent dirt, dust and hair from collecting on the appliance's condenser coils. Kick plates on some models simply clip into place; on other models, the plates are attached by screws.

Importance

• A properly maintained grille extends the life of your appliance, as it allows the compressor fan — which cools the coils — to run without struggling to draw clean air. Clean coils are more efficient at heat transfer, requiring less energy to cool food items in the refrigerator. This is important to your family budget, since refrigerators “are the third largest consumer of energy in the home,” according to the Energy Extension Service.

Considerations

• Kick plates are generally made of either metal or plastic. Plastic kick plates may not stand up to a hard impact. Replace the part if it becomes cracked or damaged. Always unplug your refrigerator before removing the kick plate or performing maintenance on the unit. You must remove the plate on many refrigerators in order to perform cleaning recommended for the condenser coils. Consult the manufacturer’s user guide or manual for model-specific directions regarding kick plate removal and instructions for cleaning the condenser coils. Condenser coils are also accessible from the back of the refrigerator on some models.

Cleaning

• Vacuum the kick plate, or wipe it clean, if you see an accumulation of debris. Wash the plate with soap and water if it is sticky or greasy. Dry the part before your replace it. Clean your condenser coils at least once a year — more often if you have pets.