Designer Over-and-Under Units · Note 06
Grille and Toe-Kick Panels That No Longer Sit Square
On a Designer over-and-under the kickplate at floor level covers the condenser, and the vents and toe-kick space around it feed the condenser air. One that no longer sits square can restrict that air, and it can also mean the cabinet above has moved. Sub-Zero Appliance Repair Bellevue checks both on one visit; (425) 696-2636.
SignedBjorn Aaltonen
- In the trade
- 15 years
- Holds
- EPA 608 certified
- Written
What the kickplate hides
The Designer use and care guide puts the condenser behind the kickplate, held by two screws. Cleaning it every six to twelve months is the owner’s part: power off at the control panel, gloves for the sharp fins, a soft brush and a vacuum worked along the fins.
The installation guide adds two rules. The kickplate must stay removable for service, with the floor never blocking it. A decorative front of up to 6 inches may hang on the factory kickplate by magnets, covering its vents only where the door panel sits at least 4 inches above the finished floor.
Why it stops sitting square
- A new floor. Thicker flooring laid later can trap the kickplate or make it bear on the floor at one end.
- The cabinet has moved. A turned leg or a settled floor tilts the cabinet, and the kickplate shows a tapering gap.
- A knocked decorative front. A magnet-held front can be kicked off line.
- A lowered toe kick. The Designer installation drawing runs the toe kick from 2 to 6 inches, and anything from 2 to 3-7/8 inches needs Sub-Zero’s reduced toe-kick accessory. Fitting that is installer work.
What we check
Level and legs first, since a shifted cabinet also moves the drawer fronts above. Then the vents and the condenser, then the kickplate goes back on its two screws.
Where this sits
Back to Designer Over-and-Under UnitsDET3050R, DET3050CI, DET3050FI, DET3650R, DET3650CI: the series this note belongs to.