Why is there water under the salad drawer?

In a frost-free fridge freezer, defrost water runs through a small drain channel at the back of the fridge. If it is blocked with food debris it overflows into the compartment; clearing it with warm water and a soft tool usually solves the problem.

What temperature should a Bosch fridge freezer be set to?

Around 4 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer suits most households.

Does a frost-free freezer ever need defrosting?

No manual defrosting should be needed. Ice building up inside a frost-free freezer points to a door seal problem or a fault in the automatic defrost system.

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Bosch KGN33NW3AG 176 cm frost-free fridge freezer: guide and common problems

By the Cheylesmore Appliances editorial team · Reviewed October 2026

Bosch KGN33NW3AG frost-free fridge freezer

The KGN33NW3AG is a freestanding Bosch fridge freezer with the fridge on top and the freezer below. It is 176 cm tall and 60 cm wide, which lets it fit under most standard wall cupboards, and both compartments are frost free, so the freezer never needs manual defrosting.

Key specifications

Type	Freestanding fridge freezer, freezer at the bottom
Height	176 cm
Width	60 cm
Cooling system	Frost free
Colour	White

If you need more fridge space and have the height, the taller KGN34NW3AG adds about 10 cm.

Recommended settings

Set the fridge to around 4 °C and the freezer to −18 °C. Allow 24 hours for temperatures to settle after installation or after a large shop before adjusting the controls.

Common problems

Water under the salad drawer

Frost-free appliances melt the frost from the evaporator automatically. The water runs down a channel at the back of the fridge compartment into a drain hole and evaporates over the compressor. If food debris blocks the drain, water overflows into the bottom of the fridge. Clearing the hole with warm water and a soft pipe cleaner usually fixes it.

Fridge too warm, freezer fine

In many frost-free designs cold air is moved from the freezer to the fridge by a fan. When the fridge warms up but the freezer stays cold, the cause is often a fan or airflow problem, or ice blocking the air channel after a defrost fault. Overpacking the top shelf can also restrict airflow.

Ice build-up in the freezer

Frost or ice in a frost-free freezer means warm, moist air is getting in — check that the door seal is clean and undamaged and that drawers are not stopping the door from closing. If the seal is fine, the automatic defrost system may have failed.

Clicking or humming

Occasional clicks from thermostats and a steady hum from the compressor are normal. Loud rattles usually come from the unit touching a wall or cupboard, or from items on top of it.

Care tips

Leave the ventilation gaps recommended in the installation manual.
Vacuum dust from the back of the appliance once or twice a year.
Clean door seals with warm soapy water to keep them supple.
Do not put hot food straight into the fridge.

Verdict

The KGN33NW3AG is a practical size for most kitchens and its frost-free system saves a lot of hassle. Drain blockages and seal problems are simple fixes; faults in the sealed refrigeration system are a job for a qualified technician and, on an older unit, often tip the balance towards replacement.

Questions owners ask

Why is there water under the salad drawer?: In a frost-free fridge freezer, defrost water runs through a small drain channel at the back of the fridge. If it is blocked with food debris it overflows into the compartment; clearing it with warm water and a soft tool usually solves the problem.
What temperature should a Bosch fridge freezer be set to?: Around 4 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer suits most households.
Does a frost-free freezer ever need defrosting?: No manual defrosting should be needed. Ice building up inside a frost-free freezer points to a door seal problem or a fault in the automatic defrost system.