Excessive frost or ice buildup in the freezer compartment on a manual- or low-frost SMEG refrigerator.

Safety first: No electrical work is required for this fault, but unplug if you will be defrosting.

• Step 1 – Inspect gasket: Check the entire perimeter of the freezer door seal for tears, gaps, or hardened sections.
• Step 2 – Paper test: Close the door on a strip of paper at various points. If the paper pulls out easily, the seal is weak there.
• Step 3 – Adjust door: Ensure the appliance is level and adjust hinges if the door is sagging. Remove items that protrude and prevent full closure.
• Step 4 – Replace gasket: If the seal is damaged or permanently deformed, replace it with the correct SMEG freezer door gasket. Warm the new gasket with a hair dryer to help it seat properly.
• Step 5 – Defrost: Fully defrost the freezer to remove existing ice, then monitor for recurrence.