Mini Fridge Thermostat WDF-20, Temperature Control Replacement Repair Parts, Universal Thermostat Accessories for Fridge Only, Compatible with WDF-16/WDF-18/WDF-25, Stainless Steel Shell

OK, strap in as this review is more of a step by step since documentation as a whole is poor and reviews here are really hit or miss. Keep in mind this part is pretty much universal so there are some steps required to calibrate for your use and appliance. I used this part to replace the OEM thermostat in my KitchenAide wine cooler - essentially a mini-fridge with a glass door. (As stated earlier, there are different variations of this part that will replace other OEM part numbers so do your research between WPF-10, WPF-20-, WPF-30, etc...) I diagnosed OEM part failure (compressor not starting) by jumping the compressor wire (blue in my unit) and load (black) together, bypassing the thermostat, which started the compressor. After the process below things are working well and I will update if that changes. Installation was straight forward: unplug cooler, unbolt the old part, unplug wires, and plug BLUE wire in the new unit's terminal marked C and the black in the L terminal. Leave the new part loose (unbolted) until final adjustments are completed - just make sure wires are secure. (Electrical tape helps) 1st issue I ran into was the original thermostat probe wire (capillary) was affixed to a bracket on the bottom-backside of the cooling coil in the fridge. Carefully loosened the 2 screws and unwound the probe wire and completely removed the old part. The new probe wire was just a bit shorter, so it took one less wrap around the bracket, but secured in fine after tightening the screws slightly. With the new part connected, set main temperature dial in the middle and powered on and ran for 30 mins to let cooler chill. Using an internal thermometer, I found the temp quickly dropped below freezing. Unplugged power and 1st adjustment was a full turn CLOCKWISE on the temp. range adjustment screw (on the side of the new part). Plugged back in and ran again, but still dropped below freezing. Repeated the previous adjustment and this time the temp settled at 37 F. This is great as there is plenty of room on the main dial as it is still set in the middle of the adjustment range. I next observed that the cooler held an internal/ambient temp of 37 F with no fluctuation, but to achieve this the cooling cycles were very short and often. The compressor would kick on for 1 minute and then shut off for 2 minutes before turning on again. This would surely burn out the new thermostat quickly and possible damage the compressor. This is where the 2nd adjustment screw comes into play. The delay adjustment is on the rear of the unit (opposite the main dial) and is smaller than the temp adjustment screw so use a precision philips head screwdriver. Unplugged fridge and I gave delay screw a half turn COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Plugged fridge back in and let it run through 2 cycles to reach temp and then started my timer again. This time, the compressor kicked on for 1.5 minutes and shut off for 3.5 mins. Progress, so I repeated the adjustment, but turned the screw 2 full rotations COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Next time the cooler ran for just under 2 mins and shut off for almost 10 mins. Now that we're getting closer to ideal cycle times, the final adjustments will be keep the cooler in range. 2 mins on / 10 mins off allowed a 3 F degree swing in the cooler which is good, but the range can be a little higher to increase energy efficiency. 5-7 degrees was achieved after final adjustment of 1.5 more rotations of the delay screw. This has the compressor running for about 2.5 mins and off for about 18 mins. Turning the main dial a bit colder, clockwise, temps range from 35 - 42F. After adjustments complete, bolt in the new unit to finish. Since there are many different versions/variations of this part some of them may not look the same, but they should all share the same concepts. I have attached a technical diagram for a very similar part I found online. This was a big help to me so hopefully it is equally useful to others. Give yourself a few hours to install and adjust. I worry that those who simply throw this part in without taking the time to make the proper adjustments will find themselves in the same spot in the near future after this part fails from the oversight or worse the compressor burns out. March 21, 2022 Update: Still working well, but after moving the cooler into the house after we converted our formal dining room into a den with a bar I decided to make a small adjustment - not needed, just me being compulsive. I did not post this review for any other part numbers, but if you are here reading for any of the WPF units, this review/guide does still apply, but your connections may be different and you probe/thermo wire may be a different length. July 26 2022

Excellent works as described.

Saved me the cost of a new fridge and I'm imagining that it will last another 15 years.

Used to replace an almost identical module in a Northland refrigerator. Confirmed with a multimeter that I had hot/load wires correctly identified. Installed it, and as anticipated by the excellent top review, the default was way too low (probably comes set for a freezer). Turned the temp adjust screw, and had it holding temp at about 33F (and turning the dial would trigger it on/off). Adjusted the temp screw a bit more, and it was holding at about 37F. However, again as anticipated by the review, it appeared to be short cycling, so I adjusted the delay screw. After monitoring it for a few hours more, it was apparent that the fridge had frozen up - even though the compressor was running, no cold air. Unplugged it and let it sit overnight. Started again this morning; fridge started running and dropped the temp from 49 to 31 within 90 minutes. But when I tried to use the dial to set it to a warmer temp, it would not release, nor would any adjustment of the temp screw. So I suspect that the contacts have gotten stuck. I’ve processed a return/replacement from Amazon; if the replacement works better I’ll update. Otherwise, caveat emptor. Update: replacement arrived and installed. Again, you have to futz with the adjustment screws to get the temp range where you want it and to not have it short cycle, so don’t rush things. It does work once you get it dialed in, and it’s inexpensive. Rating adjusted.

so far so good, installed it this morning, seems fine, time will tell

It worked but would not let me control temp. Was just above freezing but it did work. The thermister tube was much shorter than the original.

Similar to other reviews, you have to study and adjust. There is a temperature range screw and a duty cycle (on/off frequency) adjustment. These are Hugely Helpful! Other units I purchased would not work for my application for a beverage cooler, where the temp ranges are typically higher. My unit's compressor would just run non stop for days struggling to try to get to the lower temps that it's just not designed to do. Suggest putting the unit in the fridge with the thermistor lead just coiled in the main chamber. Run it and adjust the screw until you get fairly close to your desired range. NOTE: One issue when I did install the long probe through the tub it places the sensor on the back wall, which gets a little frosty and colder than the rest of the fridge. So, this required a little more tuning and adjustment as the fridge temp climbed back up a bit. Eventually over a couple days you will get it dialed in where you want, be patient. At least this unit has adjustment screws other than just the main knob.

Alles prima Allt bra

War hält was die verspricht. Funktioniert auf Anhieb. Es mich nur etwas irritiert, kleinste Stufe Kühlt bis -20⁰ etwa wobei ich mir nicht sicher bin ob es auch stimmt. Hatte leider kein 2tes Thermometer zur Hand in zu überprüfen. Also schauen wir was die Zeit bringt und wie es arbeitet. Empfehlen von mir für einen Eisschrank , keinen Kühlschrank, dafür hab ich es nicht in Verwendung.

Tutto perfetto

Tras parar el frigorífico unas horas para eliminar los posibles restos de hielo que pudiera haber en los circuitos y haber instalado el termostato todo vuelve a funcionar como es debido, habiéndole dado una segunda vida.

Introduction Maintaining the perfect temperature in your refrigerator or freezer is crucial for food preservation. Enter the Universal WPF-20 Refrigerator Thermostat Freezer Refrigeration Temperature Controller. This versatile device promises to replace faulty thermostats in a variety of refrigeration units, ensuring optimal temperature control. Here’s a comprehensive review of its performance, installation, and overall value. Unboxing and Installation The Universal WPF-20 arrives well-packaged, with all necessary components included: the thermostat unit, wiring, mounting hardware, and a detailed instruction manual. The unit itself is compact and sturdy, with a clear temperature dial and robust wiring connections. Installation is straightforward, even for those with minimal technical expertise. The instruction manual provides step-by-step guidance, making it easy to follow along. Most users should be able to complete the installation within 30 minutes, requiring only basic tools. The thermostat is designed to be universally compatible with most refrigerators and freezers, making it an excellent replacement option. Performance and Temperature Control Once installed, the WPF-20 excels in maintaining consistent temperatures. The adjustable dial allows for precise temperature settings, ranging from deep-freeze to moderate refrigeration levels. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from household refrigerators to commercial freezers. During testing, the WPF-20 demonstrated reliable performance, maintaining steady temperatures even under varying load conditions. Whether the refrigerator was full or nearly empty, the thermostat adjusted accordingly to keep the internal temperature within the desired range. Build Quality and Durability The WPF-20 boasts a solid build quality, with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The thermostat is designed to resist moisture and condensation, crucial features for any refrigeration component. Over several weeks of continuous operation, the unit showed no signs of wear or malfunction, indicating long-term reliability. Cost Efficiency and Value Priced competitively, the Universal WPF-20 offers excellent value for money. It’s a cost-effective solution for repairing or upgrading your refrigeration system without the need for a complete replacement. The energy-efficient design helps reduce overall power consumption, contributing to lower utility bills over time. Environmental Impact In addition to its cost savings, the WPF-20 is environmentally friendly. By enabling more efficient temperature control, it reduces the energy consumption of your refrigeration unit, helping to lower your carbon footprint. Customer Support and Warranty The manufacturer provides robust customer support, with knowledgeable representatives available to assist with installation and troubleshooting. The WPF-20 also comes with a comprehensive warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers. Conclusion The Universal WPF-20 Refrigerator Thermostat Freezer Refrigeration Temperature Controller is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a reliable, efficient, and affordable temperature control solution. Its easy installation, precise temperature management, and durable build make it a standout product in its category. Whether for home or commercial use, the WPF-20 delivers exceptional performance and value, solidifying its place as a top contender in the refrigeration accessory market.