Asko Refrigerator EF Error: High temperature alarm
Asko refrigerator EF error is a common issue reported by Asko appliance owners. What Asko Refrigerator Error Code EF Means Error code EF on an Asko refrigerator is a high temperature food safety alarm. It activates when the refrigerator compartment temperature has stayed above a threshold level long enough for the control board to determine […]
No
DIY Fixable
From $180
Typical Repair Cost
60-120 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. If EF clears within an hour and temperature returns to normal, the unit is safe. If EF persists or keeps returning, do not store perishable food until the underlying fault is identified and repaired.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. EF can be acknowledged with the alarm mute button. It will clear automatically once the fridge temperature recovers to within the set range.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: EF has been active for more than 2 hours and the interior temperature is still above 8 °C (46 °F) — a cooling component has likely failed., Perishable food has been above 5 °C for more than 2 hours — discard affected items regardless of whether EF subsequently clears..
Symptoms You May Notice
Food is noticeably warmer than it should be
Dairy products, meat, and other perishables feel warm to the touch or are above 5 °C (41 °F) when checked with a thermometer — indicating a genuine sustained temperature rise inside the cabinet.
Loud sustained alarm sound
EF triggers a louder or more urgent alarm pattern than standard door alarms, designed to alert the user to a potential food safety event.
Compressor running but interior still warm
The compressor may be audible and running normally, but the interior temperature is not recovering — suggesting airflow blockage, refrigerant loss, or a failed component preventing effective cooling.
EF shown on the display panel
The display shows EF (or a flashing temperature reading) to signal that the high temperature threshold has been crossed and the food safety alarm has been activated.
Possible Causes
Door left open for an extended period
A door left ajar for 10 minutes or more — perhaps after loading groceries — is the most common trigger for EF. The temperature rise was real but temporary, and the fridge will recover.
DIY PossiblePower outage or recent power restoration
After a power cut the fridge temperature rises naturally. EF is triggered when power is restored and the board reads the elevated temperature from the sensor.
DIY PossibleUnderlying cooling component failure
If EF persists for more than an hour after the door is confirmed closed and power is stable, a component such as the compressor, refrigerant circuit, or a fan has failed and the unit genuinely cannot cool.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Close the door and wait 60 minutes
Ensure the door is fully closed. After a transient temperature rise (door open, power cut), the Asko refrigerator should recover to its set temperature within 30–60 minutes. Check whether EF clears on its own.
Avoid opening the door repeatedly during the recovery period — every opening adds warm air and delays recovery.
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2
Press the alarm reset button
Most Asko models have a dedicated alarm reset or mute button. Press it to silence the audible alarm while the unit cools down. The EF code on the display will clear automatically once the temperature returns to the safe range.
On some Asko models, holding the temperature button for 3 seconds acknowledges and mutes the alarm.
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3
Check food temperatures with a thermometer
While waiting for the fridge to recover, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of perishables. Any item that has been above 5 °C (41 °F) for more than 2 hours should be discarded per food safety guidelines.
Keep a simple fridge thermometer inside the cabinet as a permanent addition — it provides at-a-glance verification without opening the door.
Tools required
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- EF does not clear after an hour with the door confirmed closed — the compressor, refrigerant, or a major fan component has failed (repair from $200).
- EF recurs daily — a slow refrigerant leak is likely and requires professional leak detection and recharging.
- The compressor is not running at all alongside EF — the compressor or start relay has failed (from $250 for compressor repair).
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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