How to Choose a Refrigerator Gasket

Gaskets are a hugely vital component for any refrigeration unit. Gaskets help produce an air-tight seal to keep the outside temperatures from getting in while simultaneously helping to maintain the temperature inside. This is what helps keep fresh or frozen foods preserved and safe to eat, so maintaining your door gaskets is important. When it’s time to replace your gasket, you may face the challenge of finding the right replacement gasket for your equipment. Luckily, there are a few simple tips to follow so you can choose the right gasket.  

When Should You Replace Your Gasket?

Knowing the signs of when it’s time to replace your refrigeration unit’s door gasket will help keep your equipment running efficiently and with minimal downtime. You should replace your gasket if you spot:

• Damage or cracks in the gasket are apparent
• Gasket material’s quality lessens (hardens or becomes brittle)
• Noticeable temperature fluctuations around door of unit and within the unit
• Refrigeration unit begins to run continuously or sporadically and unusually
• Unit’s door doesn’t close properly
• Frost or condensation forms inside the unit

How to Choose the Right Gasket

Picking the right refrigeration door gasket can seem daunting, but there are a few key–yet simple–tips to figuring it out.

Find the Model Number

First, identify your refrigerator or freezer’s model number. This is usually displayed on a sticker located somewhere on the unit itself. Every manufacturer places this sticker in different spots, so learn of its location so you can easily find it and have the info on hand. You’ll use the model number to help you find the gasket you need. 

If you can’t find the model number, you can figure out what gasket you need by identifying the type of gasket your unit uses. 

Find the Part Number

Locate the part number for your particular refrigerator unit. You can then use this part number to search for your exact gasket for your OEM. You can also look up the gasket’s part number in your user’s manual or part manual if the part number cannot be located on the gasket itself. 

Measure Your Gasket

Measuring your gasket not only informs you on the dimensions of the replacement needed, but can also help you cross-reference as you’re parts shopping for your OEM’s recommended one. 

Be sure when you’re measuring your gasket to measure from outside edge to outside edge at the corners, both width and length. 

Identify the Style of Gasket

Each unit or OEM uses different gasket styles for each refrigeration model and line, so knowing which gasket type is needed can help you further determine the right gasket for your unit.

There are four common types of door gaskets used on refrigeration modes: push-in, snap-in, screw-in and compression. You can visually identify these by checking for screws (which means it’s a screw-in gasket), or by pulling back a corner to see if it’s push-in or snap-in. 

Push-in and snap-in gaskets are similar, but have different gasket profiles; push-in gaskets will have a more square or rectangular insert, while snap-in gaskets will have an arrow-like or triangular insert. There’s also compression gaskets, which have a crescent moon profile with a flat, ridged side.