Sikawai WP2198202 Refrigerator Thermostat Replacement Review

Intro

If your refrigerator or freezer is running constantly, cycling oddly, or not holding temperature, swapping the thermostat can be the cheapest path back to a working appliance. The Sikawai 2198202 (listed as WP2198202) is a small, low-cost replacement thermostat control aimed at homeowners who want a DIY repair rather than a full appliance replacement. This review walks through what the part is, how it installs, the real-world owner feedback patterns, and the safety and longevity signals that matter before you crack open the trim panels.

What it is / first look

The Sikawai 2198202 Refrigerator Thermostat Control is a direct-replacement style cold control listed for refrigerator and freezer temperature control. The listing calls it a WP2198202 Thermostat Control and describes it as meeting OEM standards and being “made from durable high-quality material” and “well tested 100% by manufacturer.” The part is listed as having a metal construction and ships as a single unit (one count) with the component labeled 2198202 Refrigerator Cold Control Thermostat included.

• Model / labeling: 2198202 / WP2198202 (part number matches multiple replacement references listed).
• Dimensions (listed): 3.6 x 1.4 x 3.7 inches.
• Measuring range & accuracy (listed): 32–120 °F with accuracy ±1 °C / ±1.8 °F.
• Mounting type (listed): Internal mount.
• Material type (listed): Metal (the listing specifies material type as Metal and also claims durable, high-quality construction).
• Output type (listed): electrical signal.

What the listing promises

The product bullets say the part will fix symptoms such as “Will not start,” “Fridge too warm,” “Freezer section too warm,” and “Fridge too cold.” It lists wide compatibility with many top brands and a long set of factory part numbers it replaces (for example, 1110552, 2161283, 2198201, WP2198202VP, PS11739232, and others). The listing also includes a short how-to: recommendations to unplug the refrigerator before installation, wear gloves for safety, and remove and replace the capillary tube sleeve as part of the swap.

In daily use

This is a tiny, internal control part — there is no power cord or user interface beyond the mechanical control and probe. Owner feedback patterns tell the real story about day-to-day outcomes.

When it works

• Several owners report the part restored normal cycling and temperature regulation for older refrigerators, including an 18-year-old GE Profile unit that had been freezing milk and running nonstop. Owners say that after installation their refrigerators began cycling on and off again and reached usable temperatures.
• Multiple owners describe the install as straightforward when the screw locations match: a few Phillips screws, trim removal, and reconnecting the capillary probe. One owner mentioned it took a few minutes and standard hand tools.
• Positive reports emphasize cost-savings: the listing positions this as an inexpensive fix versus replacing the entire fridge, and owners echo that sentiment — replacing the thermostat for a low part cost can buy you years of service if the installation goes well.

When it doesn’t

• Compatibility and fit are the main recurring pain point. While several owners had a perfect fit, at least one owner needed to drill new screw holes and slightly modify the mounting to make it align. Expect that some older or unusual models may require minor mechanical tweaks to secure the part.
• Longevity is mixed in owner reports. One owner estimated a lifespan of 6–8 years based on experience, while another buyer reported a failure within days (outside the return window), forcing them to source an OEM part instead. These contradictory outcomes show a variable reliability signal in the wild.
• Because it’s an internal control, mis-installation or incorrect part match can lead to food spoilage if the fridge stops cooling — owners explicitly warn that you risk losing refrigerated items if the repair fails.

Materials & build quality

The listing states the material type as Metal and claims the replacement is made from “ultra durable, high-quality material” and “meets OEM standards.” Those are manufacturer/listing claims, not independent verification; the listing also says the part is “well tested 100% by manufacturer.”

Real-owner notes add practical detail:

• Owners who had a straightforward fit reported the part functioning just like the original and being able to dial in temperatures as expected.
• Where fit was imperfect, owners reported the differences were usually in screw hole placement rather than in the capillary or control mechanism itself — some were able to drill new holes or slightly modify the bracket to secure the unit.

Bottom line on build: the metal construction and the straightforward mechanical design are appropriate for a thermostat control, and most owners had positive short-term experiences. Expect that fit and finish can vary by refrigerator model; minor mechanical adaptation may be necessary in a minority of installs.

Safety considerations

Safety matters more with appliance parts than with a new skillet. Two types of risks stand out from the listing and owner feedback: electrical/mechanical safety during installation, and operational risk if the thermostat fails after install.

• Unplug before work: The listing explicitly says to unplug the refrigerator before installation and to wear gloves to protect your hands. Follow that instruction — this eliminates electrical shock risk and reduces the chance of cutting yourself on trim or sheet metal.
• Capillary handling: The seller instructs you to remove the plastic sleeve from the old capillary, straighten the new capillary, and then slide the plastic sleeve over the new capillary prior to installation. Handle the capillary tube carefully: kinks or damage may affect sensing accuracy (the listing suggests a careful swap procedure).
• Mounting fit and mechanical stability: Multiple owners noted fit differences. One owner had to drill new holes to mount the unit, which adds a mechanical risk (stripped screws, loose mounting). If the part is not firmly secured, probe placement or cycling may be affected and the fridge could stop cooling properly. The listing says the mounting type is internal — that implies the thermostat sits behind panels and must be installed to match the factory positions.
• Operational risk if it fails: One owner reported the replacement failed within days and said they lost refrigerated items as a result. The listing warns that replacing the thermostat is intended to fix symptoms such as a fridge running nonstop; however, a failed or improperly matched control can cause under- or over-cooling. Owners repeatedly flag the risk of lost food if a repair doesn't work immediately.
• Electrical safety and certifications: The listing specifies the output type as an electrical signal but does not provide third-party electrical certifications in the provided facts. If you need documented certification information for a professional repair, the listing doesn’t specify it — verify current manufacturer documentation if certification matters to you.

Who this is for / who should skip

Think about the problem, your comfort with DIY appliance work, and whether your model is listed as compatible.

Good fit for

• Owners of older top-brand refrigerators (Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Inglis, Estate — brands named in the listing) who want to try an inexpensive repair before buying a new fridge.
• DIYers comfortable removing trim panels, working inside the cabinet, and following safety advice to unplug the appliance and wear gloves. The listing includes a short tools list (putty knife, Phillips screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut screwdriver, needle-nose pliers).
• Budget-focused households where saving the appliance for a few years at low cost is attractive; owners repeatedly mention the part being a low-cost way to get a fridge back into service.

Skip this if

• You need guaranteed fitment for a high-value or built-in unit and can’t accept drilling new holes or mechanical tweaks — a few owners reported mounting alignment issues that required drilling or adjustment.
• You prefer factory OEM parts with dealer warranty documentation. The listing promises a service guarantee and to handle replacement questions, but it doesn’t list a fixed warranty length in the provided facts.
• If you’re not comfortable replacing an internal control or worried about potential food loss if the replacement doesn’t work immediately. Some owners reported quick failures and lost food.

Verdict

The Sikawai WP2198202 thermostat control is an inexpensive replacement option that many owners report brought aged refrigerators back to life. The listing gives clear specs — metal construction, internal mounting, 32–120 °F measuring range, ±1 °C / ±1.8 °F accuracy, and an electrical-signal output — and the manufacturer claims OEM-level quality and testing. Owner feedback is mostly positive for cost-conscious DIY repairs, but the repeated theme is fit variance: some units fit perfectly while others required drilling or minor modification.

This product is best for mechanically confident homeowners who want a budget repair and understand the installation steps and safety warnings. If you need guaranteed factory fit or are uncomfortable working inside your refrigerator, consider sourcing the OEM part through a dealer.

Check before you buy (short checklist)

• Confirm compatibility with your fridge model— the listing claims compatibility with many top brands and lists multiple replacement part numbers; cross-check before ordering.
• Verify the part dimensions (3.6 x 1.4 x 3.7 inches) and the internal mounting arrangement to see whether holes line up or if you might need to drill new ones.
• Make sure you have the recommended tools: putty knife, Phillips screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut driver, and needle-nose pliers.
• Unplug the refrigerator and wear gloves during installation, per the listing’s safety directions.
• Have a temperature logger or thermometer on hand after installation — one owner recommended monitoring temps to confirm the unit cycles normally and returns to stable temperatures over a day.
• If you need documented warranty or certification details, contact the seller/manufacturer — the listing offers a service guarantee but does not specify warranty length in the provided facts.

Available colors (as listed):

• 2198202 Thermostat Control
• Refrigerator Defrost Sensor
• WPW10225581 Defrost Thermostat

Owners report both “perfect fit” experiences and cases where a small amount of mechanical modification was required. Given that mix, treat the purchase as a low-cost DIY option that can save a refrigerator if you confirm compatibility and are ready to do light fitting work if necessary.