How to change the doors on the refrigerator to the other side

Changing the opening side of the refrigerator is a common task that owners of household appliances face when moving or rearranging furniture in the kitchen. It often happens that in a new room the door rests against the wall or blocks the passage, making access to products inconvenient. Fortunately, most modern models from leading manufacturers, such as LG, Bosch, Indesit or Atlant, provide the possibility of reverse opening.

The process of rehanging requires some preparation, the availability of a basic set of tools and accuracy when working with fragile structural elements. You should not be afraid of this procedure, since it does not require deep technical knowledge, but it allows you to radically change the ergonomics of the kitchen space. The main thing is to strictly follow the sequence of actions and not lose small fasteners.

In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, from preparing the workplace to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn what nuances exist for different types of refrigerators, how to properly remove old hinges and install them on the opposite side. Carefully studying the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and maintain the warranty on the equipment.

Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace

Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to prepare the workspace and tools. Working with heavy household appliances requires easy access from all sides, so it is best to clear the area around the unit. Remove carpets that may interfere with slipping and ensure the work area is well lit.

To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be screwdriver a set of bits or a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head). A wrench or socket of 8 or 10 mm is also often required, depending on the model of equipment. It would be a good idea to prepare masking tape to secure the moving parts while working.

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits for removing screws.
• 🔩 A wrench or socket head (usually 8-10 mm) for bolts loops.
• 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
• 📏 A level or tape measure to check the symmetry of the installation after installation.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to avoid electric shock and accidental start of the compressor during dismantling.

Removing the top door and removing the handles

The remodeling process usually starts from the top chamber if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. The first step is often to remove decorative caps and handles. On many models, the handles are secured with screws hidden under plastic covers. Carefully pry the plugs with a thin screwdriver or knife to gain access to the fasteners.

After the handle screws are removed, the handles themselves can be removed. Sometimes they are held in tight seats and require gentle rocking from side to side. It is important not to use excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic. On some models Samsung or Hotpoint handles can be integrated into the door profile, which simplifies the task.

Next, you need to free the top door from products and shelves. This will significantly reduce the weight of the structure and reduce the risk of damage to glass or plastic during dismantling. Have a helper hold the door while you unscrew the top hinge. Abruptly removing the load can lead to misalignment and injury.

Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. In some designs, there may be wiring for a door sensor or display under the hinge. Be extremely careful: if the wires are present, they cannot simply be cut off. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the connector, first remembering or photographing the connection diagram.

Re-hanging the main lower door

After removing the upper part, we proceed to the main, lower door of the refrigerator compartment. This is the heaviest element of the structure, so the help of a second person is simply necessary here. First, remove all removable shelves and containers from the door to reduce weight. Then unscrew the middle hinge that connects the top and bottom doors.

When the middle hinge is freed, carefully remove the bottom door from the bottom support hinge. Place it face up on a soft surface, such as a blanket or cardboard, to avoid scratching the finish. Now you can start rearranging the fastening elements on the door itself.

At the end of the door you will see holes for the hinges and plugs on the opposite side. You need to unscrew the screws holding the plugs and move them to the place of future hinges. The holes that are now free are closed with the plastic plugs included in the kit, or those that were removed from the other side.

• 🚪 Remove the door from the bottom stud and place it on a prepared soft surface.
• 🔩 Move the fasteners and plugs to the opposite end doors.
• 🧱 Install the lower support pin into a new socket on the refrigerator body.
• 🔌 If there is wiring, lay it through new channels in the body.

⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For some models Liebherr or Whirlpool the pins may be asymmetrical, and simply moving them to the other side is impossible without replacing the parts themselves.

After preparing the door and body, install the lower support hinge (pin) into a new hole on the opposite side of the refrigerator body. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Then hang the door on the pin and temporarily fix it in a vertical position.

Working with the NoFrost cooling system and wiring

Owners of refrigerators with the system NoFrost ("without frost") need to be especially careful. In such models, the power cable for the fan or sensors often runs through the door. When overhanging, this cable must be reconnected.

Usually the cable is of sufficient length, but its path is laid through special channels in the housing. You will have to carefully remove the cable from the old channel and route it through the new one intended for the other side. The main thing here is not to damage the insulation and not to stretch the wire too much.

What to do if the cable is short?

If the cable is not long enough to transfer to the other side, your model may have an extension cord included in the kit or the ability to resolder the contacts. In some cases, it is necessary to order an additional cable from the manufacturer.

Wire connectors usually have a unique shape to prevent erroneous connections, but you should still be careful. After connecting, check whether the wire is pinched by the hinge or the door body when closing. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit.

Assembling the structure and installing hinges

When the bottom door is installed and secured, you can begin installing the middle hinge. Install it into the prepared holes on the body and the new end of the upper door. Screw in the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to the position of the doors.

Now it’s the turn of the top door. Hang it on the middle loop, aligning the holes. Install the top hinge onto the refrigerator body. If your model has a decorative panel on the top hinge, install it now by threading the fasteners through it.

Tighten the bolts evenly, alternating sides, to ensure a tight fit of all metal parts. The use of a torque wrench is unnecessary here, but the force must be sufficient so that the door does not hang loose. Excessive tightening can break the threads in the aluminum case.

After fixing all the hinges, check how the doors close. They should fit snugly around the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, loosen the middle hinge fasteners and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the bolts again.

Adjusting the gaps and final check

The final stage is adjustment. Doors should open freely, without squeaking, and close tightly. If the door does not fit tightly, check the position of the refrigerator on the floor. Often the misalignment is caused not by the hinges, but by an uneven floor. Adjust the front support legs of the refrigerator by twisting or unscrewing them.

Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Pass a sheet of paper between the door and the body when closed: it should be pulled out with force along the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper slides out easily, it means there is a gap there, and the cold will go away.

• 👀 Visually assess the symmetry of the gaps between the doors and the body.
• 🧲 Check the tightness of the magnetic tape around the entire perimeter.
• 🚪 Make sure that that the doors do not open spontaneously when the case is tilted.
• 🔌 Connect the refrigerator to the network and check the operation of the indicators and display.

⚠️ Attention: After rearranging the doors and connecting to the network, let the refrigerator operate for 2-3 hours without loading food. This is necessary to stabilize the temperature and check the tightness.

If a display was installed on the door, check its functionality and the correctness of the information display. Sometimes, after reconnection, a reset or calibration is required, information about which is in the user manual of your model Electrolux, Beko or another brand.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to reverse the door on a refrigerator if the instructions do not say anything about it?

If the instructions do not have a section on reversing the door, this does not always mean that it is impossible. Inspect the ends of the doors: if there are symmetrical holes for hinges on both sides and plastic plugs were included, then you can rehang them. However, if there are holes on only one side, the design does not provide for changing the opening side.

What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?

First of all, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level. Often it is enough to tighten the front adjustable supports. Also make sure that when rehanging, you do not confuse the top and bottom hinges (if they are different) and install the pins correctly. Check if anything inside (shelves, food) is preventing it from closing tightly.

Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?

Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. This will make the structure lighter and prevent water from getting on the electrical contacts when tilting or removing the doors. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to move.

Will the warranty remain valid if I change the side of the door opening myself?

Reversing the doors yourself, as a rule, is not a violation of the warranty terms if you did not damage the equipment in the process. However, if you strip the threads or break the glass when removing the hinges, this will be considered mechanical damage. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an authorized technician.

Is it possible to change the opening side on a built-in refrigerator?

With built-in models the situation is more complicated. Often their design is rigidly tied to the furniture hinges of the facade. It may be impossible to reverse the door inside the niche without dismantling the entire kitchen structure. In such cases, an individual study of the instructions for a specific model of built-in appliances is required.