How Much Does Refrigerator Door Dent Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $150 - $300
While the average person spends about $275 to fix a refrigerator door dent, the cost could be between $150 and $300 for dents of different sizes.
If you're shaking your head over a dent in your refrigerator door, you can get the problem fixed for around $275. Based on the size and location of the dent, average costs range from $150 to $300. Keep reading to learn the factors that go into refrigerator door dent repair costs.
- Average
- $275
- Low end
- $50
- high end
- $500
Refrigerator Door Dent Repair Cost Factors
Refrigerator door dent repair costs can vary depending on how you tackle the problem. While one person might consider covering up the dent, another might opt for a full door replacement. Here's a look at the factors that will impact what you'll pay to remove a dent from your refrigerator door.
Refrigerator Door Finish
Your appliance's finish can impact how much you'll pay to remove a dent from your door. Generally, any type of stainless steel will cost more to fix because more care is needed to avoid the need for patching. Take a look at what you can expect to pay based on the finish of your refrigerator.
| Finish | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | $100–$250 |
| Black Stainless Steel | $125–$300 |
| White | $90–$200 |
| Assorted Colors | $90–$225 |
Repair Type
When you call a pro for refrigerator dent repair, they will do their best to create a solution that reverses the dent with as little disruption to the rest of the door as possible. In some cases, appliance repair technicians can use dent tools that allow them to apply heat or suction to reverse the dent. However, they may need to manually fill the dent if it cannot be fully reversed. Take a look at how the costs for different repair options work out.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Heat Treatment | $50–$100 |
| Sand and Fill | $50–$100 |
| Suction | $50–$90 |
| Replace Refrigerator Door | $225–$500 |
Size of Dent
A larger dent in a prominent spot on your refrigerator door is generally more expensive to fix compared to a smaller dent. While smaller dents can sometimes be fixed with conventional plungers or heat guns, larger dents require specialized equipment and extra time.
Labor
On average, appliance repair technicians charge an hourly rate between $45 and $120. In some cases, repair companies also charge a one-time service fee for coming out to your home which can total between $150 and $200. When looking for appliance dent repair near me, a local fridge repair company will generally be able to handle the task.
DIY Refrigerator Door Dent Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
Someone who fixes refrigerators professionally has specialized tools and dent-removal kits that they can use to reverse most dents without causing damage to an appliance's surface. In addition to pushing dents out with pressure and suction, professionals will also utilize hot tools that can make stainless steel more pliable to push out dents. Appliance repair specialists are experts at quickly assessing dents of all sizes to be able to move forward with removing them. If a dent is severe enough, a pro can also recommend a door replacement instead of putting time and money into attempting repairs.
If you go the DIY route, you might be able to fix a dent using a kit that can be purchased for between $20 and $50 instead of paying the $100 to $300 professionals charge for most appliance dent repairs. If you've never removed a dent before, there is a risk that your lack of experience could actually leave you with a larger dent or marking on your refrigerator door. It's also important to remember that handling heating devices can result in skin burns or irritation.
Cost of Common Refrigerator Door Dent Repair Add-Ons
If you'll be paying for a service call for refrigerator dent repair, you might want to consider adding on a general refrigerator servicing and inspection appointment that looks at other parts of a refrigerator at the same time. If your refrigerator door has been dented, you should confirm with your repair expert that the impact hasn't damaged the door beyond the surface. Confirm that the gasket material on the door is still creating a tight seal that doesn't allow any cold air to escape. Additionally, a door gasket should never be torn or twisted. Having a refrigerator door seal replaced can cost less than $50.
You can also ask a refrigerator repair pro to check the refrigerator coils. Dirt, dust, pet hair, and other common types of household debris can reduce your refrigerator's efficiency by clogging its coils. When this happens, your compressor can become damaged by the refrigerator constantly running. The cost to have a refrigerator's coils professionally cleaned ranges from $75 to $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because they are considered cosmetic issues, refrigerator door dents are not traditionally covered by a manufacturer's appliance warranty. However, most brands will cover dents discovered upon delivery.
Refrigerator door dents are almost always caused by an object coming into contact with the refrigerator door. While sharp objects can easily cause dents, a person or object bumping into the refrigerator can also leave a dent. If you have an unexplained refrigerator dent that wasn't caused by direct force against the refrigerator, it's possible that the expansion of the refrigerator door's insulation caused a dent. However, this is rare.
While beautiful, stainless steel is notoriously thin and more vulnerable to denting than other finishes. One way to avoid the potential for denting is to purchase a high-end appliance made with thicker stainless steel.
No, a dent shouldn't impact the overall performance or health of a refrigerator. A refrigerator door dent is generally just a cosmetic issue that shouldn't interfere with any of the appliance's other components. However, a dent that is deep enough to impact the insulation or water dispenser could reduce the appliance's life span. If this happens, you'll need to do a cost analysis to decide whether you want to repair or replace a refrigerator.
Dent prevention starts with proper refrigerator placement in your kitchen. Be sure to place your refrigerator in a spot where no other door can touch it. Edges of cabinet doors, dishwasher doors, and kitchen doors can all cause dents in fridge doors. Additionally, you should avoid opening the refrigerator door when holding metal pans, knives, or other heavy or sharp objects in order to prevent contact that could cause scraping or puncturing.