When choosing a new refrigerator or moving to a new apartment, many are faced with an incomprehensible term in the specification - "reversible doors". What does this mean in practice? This is an opportunity to change the side of the door opening, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the kitchen layout. This option eliminates the need to look for a place where the door will not rest against a wall or furniture.
Modern models, whether Indesit, Beko or LGare often designed with versatility in mind. The design provides for a symmetrical arrangement of fastenings, which allows the owner to carry out the re-hanging independently without calling a technician. This is not just a marketing ploy, but a real engineering feature that improves the ergonomics of using equipment.
However, not everything is as simple as it might seem at first glance. There are models with one door, two-chamber units and even systems No Frostwhere the procedure may differ in the presence of additional cables or specific latches. In this article we will examine in detail how to determine the possibility of re-hanging and correctly perform this procedure.
Design features and types of fastenings
The re-hanging mechanism is based on the symmetry of the body. On the opposite side of the door and body of the refrigerator, technological holes for hinges are pre-provided. The equipment is usually supplied with additional plugs and, in some cases, a second set of hinges or fasteners. The key element here is the rotation axis, which must be securely fixed on both sides.
It is worth noting that the implementation may differ in different price segments. Budget models often use a simple mechanical system, where it is enough to rearrange the metal hinges. More complex models, especially those with door displays, add the need to reconnect electrical cables. This requires greater care, since electrical connections they must be sealed and reliable.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of seal. The rubber cuff around the perimeter of the door should also ensure a tight fit after changing sides. Sometimes the geometry of the door requires strictly one-sided opening due to the shape of the handle or profile, but this is rare in modern lines.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Even if you work only with mechanical hinges, the risk of damaging the wiring or getting an electric shock if you handle internal components carelessly cannot be ruled out.
To understand the differences in the designs of different brands, consider a comparative table of features:
| Brand / Series | Hinge type | Presence of cables | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant (Basic) | Metal | No | Low |
| LG (No Frost) | Hidden / Decorative | Often | Medium |
| Beko (With display) | Combined | Required | High |
| Indesit (Standard) | External | Rarely | Low |
As can be seen from the table, the complexity of the procedure directly depends on the equipment of the model. If you have a simple single-compartment refrigerator, the task will take 15-20 minutes. If we are talking about a complex two-chamber unit with electronics, it is better to study the specific manufacturer’s instructions in advance.
Why do you need a rehang: ergonomics and layout
The main purpose of changing the opening side is to optimize space. Imagine a situation where the refrigerator is in the corner, and the standard right door rests against the wall, preventing it from opening completely. In this case, reversible doors become a salvation, allowing you to pull out shelves and get products without obstacles.
In addition, it is a matter of habit and convenience. Left-handed people often find it more convenient when the door opens in the other direction. Also, when remodeling a kitchen or replacing furniture, a situation may arise when the old layout becomes impossible. The ability to quickly reorient equipment saves money on buying a new unit or ordering the services of movers to rearrange furniture.
It is important to consider the location of the outlets. Sometimes the power cord is too short for the new position, or the outlet is inconveniently located. Having hung the door, you can turn the refrigerator around to the other side, solving the problem with access to the power supply.
Preparation for work: tools and safety
Before you begin dismantling, you need to prepare the workplace. You will need free space around the refrigerator. It is advisable to move the equipment away from the wall at least 1-1.5 meters. This will provide convenient access from all sides and prevent damage to the flooring or walls.
A minimum set of tools is required for work. In most cases, it is enough:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for unscrewing the hinge screws.
- 🔩 A wrench or socket (often a size of 8 or 10 mm is required) for the fastening bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges metal edges.
- 🧼 Masking tape to secure the door during operation.
It is critically important to empty the refrigerator of food. A door with loaded shelves has significant weight, and it is almost impossible to hold it with one hand when unscrewing the hinges. In addition, food may fall out and break. Complete unloading of the chambers is a prerequisite.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging the door
Do not forget to remove all removable elements from the door itself: shelves for bottles, containers, decorative panels. This will reduce the weight of the structure and reduce the risk of breaking fragile elements during operation.
Step-by-step instructions: how to rehang a door
The rehanging process can be divided into several logical stages. First, the top hinge is dismantled. To do this, the door must be secured in the closed position so that it does not fall after removing the fasteners. Use masking tape or have an assistant hold the structure.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door to release the bottom axis and remove the door from the bottom mounting. Now you can move on to the bottom loop. Unscrew it and move it to the opposite side of the case using the reserved holes. Don't forget to move the pin (axis) into a new hole on the door itself.
Nuances of working with electronics
If there is a display or control button on the door, a cable runs inside the hinge or along the body. It must be carefully disconnected. Typically connectors have latches. Do not pull on the wires—snap the latch. When reinstalling, make sure that the wire is not pinched by the metal of the door.
Install the door on the new lower hinge, placing the axis in the hole. Then fasten the top loop on the new side. Tighten all bolts thoroughly. After this, check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If there is a gap somewhere, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the bolts. The aluminum case or plastic inserts may not withstand the tension and crack. Use moderate force, sufficient for secure fixation.
The final touch will be the installation of decorative plugs on the vacated holes on the old side. This will give the equipment an aesthetic appearance and protect the insides from dust.
Specifics of working with two-chamber models
In two-chamber refrigerators, the procedure is complicated by the presence of an intermediate loop between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. It is important to follow the sequence here: first the top door is removed, then the middle one (if it is structurally present), and only then the bottom one. The installation procedure is strictly reverse.
Models with the system No Frostare particularly difficult. In them, air supply channels or additional sensors can pass through the door. When dismantling, you need to be extremely careful with the plastic air ducts, which are often attached to the inside of the door. Their damage will lead to disruption of air circulation and loss of cold.
In some models Samsung or LG the upper loop may be hidden by a decorative overlay. It must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver, after removing the protective cap. Work slowly so as not to break the plastic clips of the cover.
Frequent errors and problems after re-hanging
One of the most common mistakes is incorrectly leveling the door. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not stay closed and may open on its own. Check the horizontal installation using a building level and adjust the support legs.
Another problem is the door is skewed, resulting in a loose seal. This often happens if the top hinge bolts are not tightened evenly or if the bottom hinge pin is not fully seated in the groove. As a result, the cold will go away and the compressor will work without stopping.
Also, users often forget to rearrange the limiters or latches that are located inside the door body. These small plastic parts block the door from moving in the wrong direction. If they are not rearranged, the door may open wider than it should and be damaged against the wall.
If after rehanging you hear a creak or see that the door is touching the body, do not ignore it. Disassemble the structure again and check for correct assembly. Perhaps the washers or gaskets between the hinge and the body are mixed up.
Is it possible to rehang a door if magnets or decor are glued to it?
Yes, you can. The presence of external decorations does not affect the mechanics of the process. However, if the decor is voluminous, make sure that in the new opening position the door will not touch neighboring objects ahead of time.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the manufacturer’s service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the case.
Will the warranty be violated after independent re-hanging?
According to consumer protection legislation, independent repairs or modernization (which includes re-hanging, if permitted by the instructions) will not void the warranty if you did not damage the equipment in the process. However, if you break a hinge or break the glass, this will not be a warranty case.
Do you need to wait after re-weighing before turning it on?
If you just changed the hinges and did not tilt the refrigerator much (more than 40 degrees), you do not need to wait. If you had to place the refrigerator on its side for convenience, let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor drains back.
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?
This is more difficult, since the door is attached to the furniture facade. The furniture door also needs to be rehung. Often this requires special adapters. If you do not have experience working with furniture, it is better to call a specialist.