Why does the back of a refrigerator get hot?
Short answer
A refrigerator moves heat from inside its cabinet into the room. The back or sides can feel warm because that is where the appliance releases the heat it removed from the food compartment.
How it works
A refrigerant absorbs heat inside the refrigerator and becomes a gas. A compressor squeezes the refrigerant, raising its temperature. At the condenser, often near the back or inside the cabinet walls, the refrigerant gives heat to the surrounding air and becomes a liquid again.
So refrigeration does not make heat disappear. It transfers heat from one place to another, while the compressor also adds a little energy of its own. Some models hide the condenser, so their warm areas may be on the sides or near the door frame instead.
Key point
Blocked airflow can make heat harder to release and may increase energy use. If a refrigerator is unusually hot, does not cool properly, or keeps running, check its manual and contact the manufacturer rather than touching hot parts repeatedly.