Fridge Defrost Bi‑Metal (Defrost Thermostat): Estimated Price & Replacement Labour Cost
What It Does
The defrost bi-metal thermostat (also called the defrost limiter or safety thermostat) acts as a safety cutoff during the defrost cycle. It monitors coil temperature and cuts power to the defrost heater once a safe maximum is reached, preventing overheating.
Signs It Has Failed
- Frost accumulates heavily on coils
- Defrost heater does not activate even though timer is functioning
- Fridge runs warm with ice-blocked coils
Estimated Part Price
- Budget/generic: €5–€18
- OEM: €15–€40
Estimated Labour Cost
- 30–60 minutes
- Labour charge: €40–€90
- Total repair estimate: €45–€130
DIY Difficulty
Low to moderate. Located near the evaporator coils alongside the defrost heater. Small and inexpensive — often replaced as a set with the heater. Test with a multimeter for continuity before replacing.