Chicago Appliance Service Company
69 yrs in businessChicago, IL
4.865 reviewsRated 4.8 out of 5 from 65 reviews
Refrigerator Repair · Freezer Repair · Stove/Oven/Range Repair +3 more
LicensedInsured24/7 emergency
Brand · Budget tier
Magic Chef appliance repair
Magic Chef covers compact refrigeration, freezers, beverage coolers, microwaves, compact laundry, dishwashers and ranges. 3 directory businesses in 3 states name Magic Chef among the brands serviced. Have the model and serial number ready — on a budget machine that is what decides which part the technician brings, and whether it is already on the van.
- Magic Chef pros
- 3
- States
- 3
- Appliance lines
- 7
- Licensed
- 2
- Average rating
- 4.6
- Price tier
- Budget
Top-rated Magic Chef repair pros
All 3 listed businesses servicing Magic Chef, sorted by rating then review count.
Reliable Appliance Repair
27 yrs in businessColorado Springs, CO
4.675 reviewsRated 4.6 out of 5 from 75 reviews
Refrigerator Repair · Washer Repair · Dryer Repair +4 more
LicensedInsured
Miami, FL
4.537 reviewsRated 4.5 out of 5 from 37 reviews
Washing Machine Repair · Clothes Dryer Repair · Refrigerator Repair +6 more
What servicing a Magic Chef involves
Price tier and parts channel decide who can realistically do the work — read this before you compare quotes.
Most of what carries this badge is a secondary appliance — a dorm refrigerator, a garage freezer, a beverage cooler, a compact washer — and the honest answer on those is often that a service call plus a part approaches the price of a new one. That is not a judgement about the machines; it is what happens when a fixed call-out cost meets an inexpensive appliance. Get the all-in number before anybody is dispatched. Full-size ranges are the exception worth knowing about: elements, igniters, switches and thermostats are cheap components with short labour, and those repairs comfortably clear the bar.
- Price tier
- Budget · 0.7× typical new price
- Parts usually come from
- General parts retailers
- Brand-authorised technician
- Not usually required
- Appliance lines built
- 7
Who can do the work
Any qualified appliance technician can work on these. There is no authorised-only network to hunt down, so choose on rating, licensing and how clearly the technician explains the fault.
Before you call about your Magic Chef
- Establish whether the appliance is a compact secondary unit or a full-size range before you book. The repair arithmetic is completely different.
- On a compact unit, ask the diagnostic fee, the labour rate and whether the fee is credited toward the repair. Those three numbers decide it.
- Full-size ranges are the exception here — element, igniter and switch repairs are inexpensive and straightforward.
- Compact refrigeration may be compressor-driven or thermoelectric. Establish which before comparing quotes; they share almost no failure modes.
- Check clearance and ventilation before assuming a cooling fault. A compact unit boxed into a cabinet cannot reject heat.
- On an older compact unit, ask whether the specific component is still obtainable before the visit is booked.
Magic Chef appliance lines, and who services them here
What the nameplate covers, against how many listed businesses actually repair that category.
| Appliance | Magic Chef line | Listed pros | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher repair | Yes | 3 | Parts & prices |
| Oven & Range repair | Yes | 3 | Parts & prices |
| Refrigerator repair | Yes | 3 | Parts & prices |
| Washer repair | Yes | 3 | Parts & prices |
| Freezer repair | Yes | 2 | Parts & prices |
| Microwave repair | Yes | 1 | Parts & prices |
| Wine Cooler repair | Yes | — | Parts & prices |
| Dryer repair | Not this brand | 3 | Parts & prices |
| Garbage Disposal repair | Not this brand | 2 | Parts & prices |
No listed business has named wine cooler work specifically. Say the category when you call — a technician already servicing Magic Chef will usually take it anyway.
Common faults on Magic Chef categories
72 step-by-step guides cover the categories Magic Chef builds, spread across 7 of them below. Work through one before you pay a diagnostic fee.
Refrigerator Not Cooling
RefrigeratorModerate45–90 minutesDIY $0–$150Pro $150–$900
If the coils are clean, both fans run, the defrost circuit tests good and the compressor runs continuously without the evaporator ever getting cold, you are looking at the sealed system — a low refrigerant charge, a restriction in the capillary tube, or a compressor that has lost compression. Telltale signs are a suction line that never gets cold to the touch, frost on only the first few inches of the evaporator, or an oily residue around a weld joint. Opening that system legally requires EPA Section 608 certification and recovery equipment, so it is not a DIY repair. Expect $400–$900, and get that quote before committing on a unit over ten years old.
Freezer Frost Buildup
FreezerModerate45–90 minutes plus a 24-hour defrostDIY $15–$150Pro $150–$450
If the heater, thermostat and drain all check out and the coil still ices over, the control board is not commanding a defrost cycle, and that is a board diagnosis worth paying for rather than guessing at. Call a professional immediately, and do not run the unit, if you find an oily residue anywhere on the evaporator or the tubing — that indicates a refrigerant leak, and sealed-system repair legally requires EPA Section 608 certification. On a chest or upright freezer over ten years old, get the sealed-system quote before assuming repair is the right call.
Wine Cooler Not Cooling
Wine CoolerModerate30–75 minutesDIY $0–$120Pro $150–$600
On a compressor wine cooler, if the coils are clean, the fans run, the seal is good and the compressor runs continuously without cooling, the fault is in the sealed system — and that work requires EPA Section 608 certification. Get the quote before authorising it: sealed-system repair often runs $300 to $600 against a replacement cooler at $200 to $800 for typical undercounter sizes, so the maths frequently favours replacement. Control board faults on either type should be confirmed by measurement rather than bought on a guess.
Microwave Runs But Doesn't Heat
MicrowaveAdvanced15–30 minutes for safe checksDIY $0Pro $150–$400
Call a technician for anything past the door latch. Magnetrons, high-voltage capacitors, diodes and transformers are all professional work, not because the parts are complicated but because the stored charge in that capacitor is genuinely dangerous. A technician will also verify the door seals and check for microwave leakage after any repair, which matters and which you cannot do without a survey meter. If your microwave is over-the-range or built in, get a quote — those are worth repairing. If it is a countertop unit, price a replacement first.
Oven Not Heating Evenly
Oven & RangeModerate45–90 minutes plus preheat timeDIY $0–$80Pro $150–$400
If the elements test good, the sensor matches its chart, the door seals and the oven still cannot hold a steady temperature, the relays on the control board that switch the elements are the usual remaining suspect — and a board is worth having confirmed by measurement before you buy one, since they run $150–$400 and are rarely returnable once fitted. On a gas oven, uneven baking that comes from a partially blocked burner tube, an incorrect orifice, or a burner that lights unevenly along its length is licensed trade work; a yellow, lifting or lazy flame in particular should be looked at by a qualified technician rather than adjusted at home.
Washer Won't Drain
WasherModerate45–90 minutesDIY $0–$130Pro $150–$400
If the drain path is completely clear, the pump impeller turns freely, and the pump is still silent when the machine calls for drain, the fault is in the wiring harness, the motor control or the main board — and boards run $150–$400, are rarely returnable once fitted, and are not worth buying on a guess. A burnt-plastic smell from the pump area means the motor has failed and, more importantly, that something ran it stalled for a long time, so find the obstruction before fitting the new part. Water backing up out of the standpipe is a plumbing job, not an appliance repair.
Dishwasher Not Cleaning
DishwasherEasy30–60 minutesDIY $0–$70Pro $120–$400
If the filter, arms and inlet are all clear, the fill level and water temperature are correct, and the machine still leaves food on the dishes, the wash pump or its diverter valve is the likely fault — and on machines that route water between the upper and lower arms with a motorised diverter, a failed diverter starves one rack while the other cleans normally. Diagnosing that properly means running the service test cycle, which is worth paying for rather than replacing pumps on a guess. Grinding from the pump, or a burnt smell during the wash phase, means stop using the machine and get it looked at.
Refrigerator Leaking Water
RefrigeratorModerate30–90 minutesDIY $0–$80Pro $150–$400
If the leak is coming from the sealed system — an oily residue around a weld joint, or frost forming on the suction line — stop. That is refrigerant, and repairing it requires EPA Section 608 certification and recovery equipment. Likewise, if you have cleared the drain twice and it keeps freezing solid, the defrost heater or defrost thermostat is failing and the whole defrost circuit needs testing.
64 more guides cover the categories Magic Chef builds. Browse the full library.
Magic Chef parts: cost and where to buy
Components are inexpensive and stocked by every general parts retailer, so a pump, a lid switch or a thermal fuse is a same-week fix. The trap is labour: a $250 repair bill against a $450 machine is rarely worth authorising, so ask for the parts figure and the labour figure separately.
For Magic Chef, parts are usually sourced through general parts retailers. Aftermarket equivalents exist for many components; ask whether a quote is OEM or aftermarket and what warranty comes with the part.
| Part | Appliance | Typical price | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Filter | Refrigerator | $25–$60 | Easy |
| Door Gasket | Refrigerator | $30–$80 | Easy |
| Condenser Fan Motor | Refrigerator | $50–$150 | Moderate |
| Drain Pump | Washer | $30–$80 | Moderate |
| Lid Switch | Washer | $15–$40 | Easy |
| Spray Arm | Dishwasher | $15–$40 | Easy |
| Inlet Valve | Dishwasher | $15–$40 | Moderate |
| Bake Element | Oven & Range | $15–$40 | Easy |
| Oven Temperature Sensor | Oven & Range | $15–$30 | Easy |
| Turntable Motor | Microwave | $15–$30 | Easy |
| Evaporator Fan Motor | Refrigerator | $40–$120 | Moderate |
| Start Relay and Overload | Refrigerator | $12–$45 | Easy |
| Water Inlet Valve | Refrigerator | $30–$95 | Moderate |
| Defrost Thermostat | Refrigerator | $15–$50 | Moderate |
| Defrost Heater | Refrigerator | $30–$95 | Advanced |
| Thermistor | Refrigerator | $10–$35 | Moderate |
| Ice Maker Assembly | Refrigerator | $80–$260 | Moderate |
| Main Control Board | Refrigerator | $90–$340 | Moderate |
| Door Lock Assembly | Washer | $40–$140 | Moderate |
| Drive Belt | Washer | $15–$50 | Moderate |
| Water Inlet Valve | Washer | $25–$85 | Moderate |
| Shock Absorbers and Suspension Rods | Washer | $30–$100 | Moderate |
| Motor Coupler | Washer | $15–$45 | Moderate |
| Door Boot Seal | Washer | $60–$190 | Advanced |
| Tub Bearing Kit | Washer | $35–$160 | Advanced |
| Drain Pump | Dishwasher | $35–$120 | Moderate |
| Door Latch and Switch Assembly | Dishwasher | $20–$80 | Easy |
| Heating Element | Dishwasher | $25–$85 | Moderate |
| Float Switch | Dishwasher | $10–$35 | Easy |
| Door Gasket | Dishwasher | $20–$75 | Easy |
| Rack Roller and Adjuster Kit | Dishwasher | $12–$50 | Easy |
| Detergent Dispenser | Dishwasher | $30–$100 | Moderate |
| Circulation Pump and Motor | Dishwasher | $90–$330 | Advanced |
| Broil Element | Oven & Range | $20–$75 | Easy |
| Oven Igniter | Oven & Range | $25–$90 | Moderate |
| Surface Burner Igniter | Oven & Range | $20–$95 | Moderate |
| Radiant Surface Element | Oven & Range | $25–$100 | Moderate |
| Infinite Switch | Oven & Range | $20–$70 | Moderate |
| Oven Door Gasket | Oven & Range | $20–$80 | Easy |
| Oven Door Hinges | Oven & Range | $30–$120 | Moderate |
| Electronic Control Board | Oven & Range | $90–$380 | Moderate |
| Door Interlock Switch Set | Microwave | $10–$40 | Moderate |
| Turntable Coupler and Roller Ring | Microwave | $8–$30 | Easy |
| Grease and Charcoal Filters | Microwave | $12–$45 | Easy |
| Cavity Lamp and Socket | Microwave | $5–$25 | Easy |
| Vent Fan Motor | Microwave | $40–$140 | Moderate |
| Control Board or Touchpad | Microwave | $50–$220 | Moderate |
| Magnetron | Microwave | $55–$190 | Advanced |
| High-Voltage Diode and Capacitor | Microwave | $10–$60 | Advanced |
| Start Relay and Overload | Freezer | $12–$45 | Easy |
| Door Gasket | Freezer | $40–$140 | Easy |
| Temperature Control Thermostat | Freezer | $25–$90 | Moderate |
| Defrost Thermostat | Freezer | $15–$50 | Moderate |
| Defrost Timer | Freezer | $25–$80 | Moderate |
| Evaporator Fan Motor | Freezer | $40–$130 | Moderate |
| Defrost Heater | Freezer | $30–$100 | Advanced |
| Lid Hinge and Lock | Freezer | $12–$60 | Easy |
| Cooling Fan | Wine Cooler | $20–$70 | Easy |
| Thermoelectric Module | Wine Cooler | $30–$100 | Moderate |
| Door Gasket | Wine Cooler | $30–$110 | Easy |
| Temperature Control Board | Wine Cooler | $50–$200 | Moderate |
| Compressor Start Relay | Wine Cooler | $15–$55 | Easy |
| Door Hinge Set | Wine Cooler | $20–$80 | Moderate |
| Interior LED Strip | Wine Cooler | $15–$50 | Easy |
| Shelf or Rack | Wine Cooler | $25–$90 | Easy |
Prices are typical ranges for the category, not Magic Chef quotes. OEM parts sit toward the top of each range; aftermarket toward the bottom.
Magic Chef repair by state
Every state with a listed Magic Chef business. Each opens the full list for that state with ratings, licensing and phone numbers.
More ways to find a Magic Chef technician
Only 3 listed businesses name Magic Chef directly. These indexes cover the whole directory — most general technicians will take the job. Ask when you call.
By appliance
Refrigerator repair676Dryer repair674Washer repair673Oven & Range repair672Dishwasher repair664Freezer repair402Microwave repair209Ice Maker repair147Garbage Disposal repair110Wine Cooler repair56Range Hood repair24Trash Compactor repair14
By state
Alabama AL18Alaska AK9Arizona AZ21Arkansas AR11California CA53Colorado CO24Connecticut CT16Delaware DE9Florida FL44Georgia GA19Hawaii HI13Idaho ID18Illinois IL18Indiana IN20Iowa IA9Kansas KS15Kentucky KY14Louisiana LA17Maine ME8Maryland MD16Massachusetts MA15Michigan MI24Minnesota MN21Mississippi MS11Missouri MO16Montana MT10Nebraska NE15Nevada NV13New Hampshire NH9New Jersey NJ18New Mexico NM9New York NY20North Carolina NC25North Dakota ND8Ohio OH29Oklahoma OK14Oregon OR17Pennsylvania PA21Rhode Island RI8South Carolina SC15South Dakota SD9Tennessee TN22Texas TX58Utah UT12Vermont VT8Virginia VA22Washington WA19West Virginia WV10Wisconsin WI15Wyoming WY8
Magic Chef repair — common questions
Do I need a technician authorised by Magic Chef, or will any repair company do?
Magic Chef sits in the budget tier. Any qualified appliance technician can work on these. There is no authorised-only network to hunt down, so choose on rating, licensing and how clearly the technician explains the fault. While the appliance is still inside its warranty period, check the manufacturer's terms before you book anyone — using an unauthorised technician can affect a warranty claim.
Are Magic Chef parts expensive, and where do they come from?
Components are inexpensive and stocked by every general parts retailer, so a pump, a lid switch or a thermal fuse is a same-week fix. The trap is labour: a $250 repair bill against a $450 machine is rarely worth authorising, so ask for the parts figure and the labour figure separately. For Magic Chef specifically, parts are usually sourced through: General parts retailers. Whoever you use will need the full model and serial number from the data plate to order the right component.
Is a compact refrigerator ever worth a repair bill?
It depends entirely on the total, so get it before the visit. Add the diagnostic fee to an hour of labour and a plausible part cost, then compare with a replacement. A thermostat, a door seal, a fan or a control usually clears the bar comfortably. A compressor or a refrigerant leak on a small unit usually does not. Ask the technician on the phone which side of that line the symptom is likely to fall on — a good one will tell you straight.
The range burner clicks but will not light. Expensive?
Usually not, and this is where the badge earns its keep. A clicking igniter that does not light points at a wet or dirty burner cap, a worn electrode, or the spark module — all inexpensive with short labour. Before you call, lift the burner cap off, make sure it is dry and seated properly, and clear the ports. That resolves a fair number of these without a visit and costs nothing to try.
Do I need anything special to get parts?
No. There is no brand account, no authorisation and no factory tool involved; components are catalogued under the model number and any licensed technician can buy them. The only variable is age. On an older compact unit, ask for the part to be confirmed as obtainable before the diagnostic is booked, because at this value an unobtainable component ends the repair however good the diagnosis was.
How do I find Magic Chef repair near me?
This page lists 3 listed businesses across 3 states whose profile names Magic Chef among the brands they service, ranked by rating and then review count. Every listing carries a direct phone number — there is no lead form and no referral fee. Compare two or three on rating, licensing and years in business, then call the one that explains the fault most clearly.
Which Magic Chef appliances can be repaired?
Magic Chef covers compact refrigeration, freezers, beverage coolers, microwaves, compact laundry, dishwashers and ranges. Listed Magic Chef pros currently cover refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven & range, garbage disposal and more. As a rule of thumb, repair is the better value when the quote comes in under half the replacement price and the machine still has a meaningful share of its expected life left.
What should I have ready before I call about my Magic Chef appliance?
The model and serial number from the data plate — photograph it, do not transcribe it. Then the error code if the machine shows one, when the fault started, and whether anything changed just before it did. Establish whether the appliance is a compact secondary unit or a full-size range before you book. The repair arithmetic is completely different. That is usually enough for a technician to quote accurately over the phone instead of quoting a range.
Is it worth repairing my Magic Chef appliance, or should I replace it?
Value nameplates. The machine is cheap to buy, which is exactly why the repair-or-replace maths turns against you early. The site's value estimator prices budget machines at 0.7× a category's typical new price, then depreciates from there, which is the honest way to frame the decision: compare the quoted repair against what the machine is worth today, not against what it cost new. Ask for parts and labour as separate figures so you can see which one is driving the total.
Related listings and searches
Need Magic Chef repair?
Every business on ApplianceRepairListing is listed free and answers its own phone. Compare two or three, confirm licensing, ask whether the part is OEM or aftermarket, and book the one that explains the fault clearly.