The decision to install second refrigerator in the kitchen is often dictated by the desire to create a strategic stock of food or the need to separate storage areas for different types of food. This can be a compact freezer for freezing berries from the garden or a full-fledged one for drinks. However, before you start rearranging, you need to realize that the kitchen is turning into a technically complex room that requires a revision of the engineering networks. Liebherr for drinks. However, before you start rearranging, you need to realize that the kitchen is turning into a technically complex room that requires a revision of utility networks.
The sudden appearance of a “double” can be an unpleasant surprise for electrical wiring, especially in older houses. A standard 10 Ampere outlet, designed for one device, when connecting two powerful compressors may not withstand the peak load. The total starting current of two compressors can reach 20-25 Amps, which is critical for old wiring with aluminum conductors. Therefore, the first step should always be an audit of the electrical network, and not a search for a free corner.
In addition to electrics, the most important factor is heat sink
Audit of electrical wiring and power calculation
The first thing you need to do before purchasing or installing a second unit is to check the condition of the wiring. Modern refrigerators, especially models with the No Frostsystem, consume more energy at startup than in stable operation mode. If both appliances are on the same line, the simultaneous start of the compressors may trip the circuit breaker.
Ideally, each major household appliance should have its own circuit breaker. This is not just a recommendation, but a safety requirement. If this is not possible, you should think about replacing the machine with a more powerful one (if the cable cross-section allows) or installing a voltage control relay. separate socket group with your own machine gun. This is not just a recommendation, but a safety requirement. If this is not possible, you should think about replacing the machine with a more powerful one (if the cable cross-section allows) or installing a voltage control relay.
⚠️ Attention: Never use ordinary household extension cords or tees to connect two refrigerators to one point. This creates a risk of overheating of the contacts and fire of the wiring.
Check the cross-section of the cable going to the kitchen. For copper wire, the minimum permissible cross-section for powerful devices is considered 2.5 mm². If you have aluminum wiring from the times of the USSR, its throughput is much lower, and connecting a second energy-intensive device may require laying a new line from the panel.
It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the grounding. Modern electronically controlled models are sensitive to power surges and static. Lack of grounding can lead to failure of the control board at the first serious surge in the network.
Choosing the optimal location and space planning
Placing two pieces of equipment requires careful zoning kitchen space. You can’t just move cabinets and squeeze equipment in there. It is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions of the buildings, but also the trajectory of the doors so that they do not block each other or the passage.
The best option is to space refrigerators in different corners or install them on different sides of the “kitchen triangle”. This will reduce the heat load at one point and distribute the weight of the equipment. If space is limited and you plan to place them side by side, use special connecting panels.
- 📏 Maintain minimum gaps: 5-10 cm from the back wall to the wall and 2-3 cm on the sides for air circulation.
- 🚪 Check the door opening angle: in some models the door can be hung on the other side for convenience.
- 🌡️ Avoid proximity to: do not place refrigerators close to the oven, radiator, or in direct sunlight.
It is important to remember the height of the ceilings and the possibility of equipment skidding. Sometimes a wide refrigerator cannot be carried through the kitchen door or deployed in the hallway. In such cases, consider models with removable doors or the ability to dismantle the compressor unit (although the latter requires calling a specialist).
Layout patterns: side by side or separately
There are several basic scenarios for installing a pair of refrigerators. The choice of scheme depends on the geometry of the kitchen and the purpose of using the equipment. Let's look at the most common options and their features.
Sequential installation (in a line). Refrigerators are located close to each other. This saves space, but requires attention to heat transfer. There must be a ventilation gap between the devices, which is often masked with a decorative overlay.
Corner installation. The equipment is placed in the corner, forming the letter “G”. This visually unloads the space, but may be inconvenient for accessing the far corner. It is important here that the door handles do not scratch the adjacent wall when opening.
| Type of placement | Pros | Cons | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| In one line | Space saving, uniform style | Complex heat dissipation, load on one zone | Gap between cases, powerful ventilation |
| Separately (in the corners) | Uniform cooling, convenient | Requires a lot of space, you need 2 sockets | Two independent electrical points |
| In a niche | Aesthetic appearance, stealth | Risk of overheating, noise in a closed room volume | Forced ventilation of a niche |
If you choose installation in a niche or a column cabinet, make sure that the design of the furniture allows heat to be removed. Solid wooden boxes without ventilation grilles will turn the niche into an “oven”, and the compressor will work without stopping.
Is it possible to build a non-built-in refrigerator into furniture?
Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Built-in models have a special ventilation system through the base and facade. An ordinary refrigerator in a closed cabinet will quickly fail due to overheating of the condenser.
Ventilation and temperature conditions in the room
Two operating refrigerators emit a significant amount of heat. In a small kitchen, this can increase the overall temperature by several degrees, which will create discomfort for residents and additional load on the air conditioning system.
For effective heat exchange, it is necessary to ensure the flow of cold air to the condensers (radiators on the rear wall) and the outflow of heated air. In modern models, condensers are often located in the side walls, so clearances on the sides are critical.
- ❄️ Do not clutter the top of refrigerators with boxes or decor - this is where warm air actively escapes.
- 💨 Consider installing an exhaust fan in a wall or window if the kitchen is poorly ventilated.
- ☀️ Avoid installing equipment opposite a window on the sunny side - heating by the sun plus your own heat will lead to accidents.
The issue of ventilation is especially relevant in the summer. If the kitchen is hot, the efficiency of refrigerators decreases and energy consumption increases. In such conditions, additional forced ventilation installation areas may be required.
⚠️ Attention: Closing the ventilation grilles or installing the refrigerator close to a wall will void the manufacturer's warranty. In the event of a breakdown, the service center will refuse to repair, citing violation of operating conditions.
Connection and first launch of the system
After the location has been selected and the wiring has been checked, the physical installation stage begins. It is important to remember the “quiet hour” rule: after transportation, the refrigerator needs to stand upright for 2 to 4 hours (if it was lying down) or at least 30 minutes (if it was transported vertically). This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
The devices should be connected one by one. Turn on the first one, wait for it to enter mode (usually 1-2 hours), then turn on the second one. This will allow you to assess the load on the network and make sure that the machine does not knock out the second compressor when starting.
☑️ Ready for the first start
Set the temperature modes. If one refrigerator is used as a freezer and the other as a refrigerator, configure them accordingly. You should not keep both at maximum cooling unless necessary - this is an extra waste of electricity.
Check the operation of the system No Frost (if it exists). Make sure the fans are quiet and there are no extraneous vibrations. Two running compressors can create a resonating hum if they are installed on uneven floors or vibrating surfaces.
Energy efficiency and maintenance of two appliances
Having two refrigerators will inevitably lead to higher energy bills. However, modern models of class A++ or A+++ consume not much more than old light bulbs. The key to savings is in proper use and maintenance.
Check the door seals on both devices regularly. If one of them blows, the compressor will work constantly, trying to compensate for the loss of cold. A simple test with a sheet of paper will help identify a loose fit.
Once every six months or a year it is necessary to defrost (if the model is not No Frost) and clean the condenser from dust. The dust “carpet” on the radiator acts like a blanket, preventing heat from escaping, which causes the motor to idle.
Also keep an eye on the loading of the chambers. An empty refrigerator consumes more energy than a full one (foods act as cold accumulators), but you can’t fill it to capacity either - air circulation is disrupted.
Do you need to buy refrigerators of the same brand?
Purchase of equipment of the same brand (for example, two Bosch or two LG) has its advantages: the same design, a similar control interface and, possibly, the same spare parts in case of repair. However, this is not a requirement. The main thing is that the dimensions and technical characteristics fit your layout.
Is it possible to put one refrigerator on a refrigerator?
Absolutely not, unless it is a special model designed for stacking using a mounting kit. Conventional refrigerators are not designed to support the weight of another unit on top. This can lead to deformation of the housing, damage to the compressor of the lower unit and injury.
How to reduce the noise from two operating compressors?
The noise can be reduced by leveling the equipment using adjustable feet. Anti-vibration pads under the feet also help. If the refrigerators are standing next to each other, make sure that their bodies do not touch - the vibration of one can be transmitted to the other, increasing the hum.