Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances in the kitchen. However, the euphoria of choosing a model with modern functions can quickly give way to disappointment if the unit simply does not fit into the space allocated for it. Statistics of returns in electronics stores show that one of the most common reasons is the discrepancy between the dimensions of the purchased device and the available space.
Many buyers make a common mistake, relying on approximate measurements “by eye” or data from the Internet, which may differ from the actual dimensions of a particular modification. Measurement accuracy here plays a decisive role, since even one extra a centimeter can make it impossible to install equipment in a niche or pass through a doorway. In this article, we will analyze in detail the measurement methodology to eliminate any risks.
In addition to the physical dimensions of the case itself, it is critical to take into account the requirements for ventilation gapwhich are often forgotten. An incorrectly calculated space around the device will lead to overheating of the compressor, increased energy consumption and, as a result, a reduction in the service life of expensive equipment. Let's figure out how to avoid these problems and properly prepare a place for a new refrigerator.
Preparing tools and planning measurements
Before you begin active actions with a tape measure, you need to prepare the right tools. An ordinary school ruler will not be enough here, since it will not allow you to measure the depth of the niche or the height of the ceiling indentation. You will need construction tape a length of at least 3-5 meters, which will provide the necessary rigidity of the canvas when measuring large distances.
It will also not be amiss to prepare a notepad for recording the results and a marker to mark control points directly on the wall or floor, if this is permissible. If you are planning built-in appliances, be sure to find the technical data sheet of the old refrigerator or a diagram of the furniture set, which indicates the internal dimensions of the niche. This will help avoid gross mistakes when comparing models.
It is important to understand the difference between the dimensions of the device itself and the required space for its operation. Manufacturers indicate the external dimensions of the housing in the instructions, but for proper operation the unit requires free air circulation. Ignoring this nuance is the most common reason why a new refrigerator fails in the first year of operation.
Measuring the width and depth of a seat
Measuring the width is the first and most obvious stage, but it contains several important nuances. You need to measure not at one point, but at least three: at the top, in the middle and at the bottom of the opening or niche. The walls in apartments often have unevenness, and minimum value of the resulting three will be your limiting factor.
Depth is a parameter that is often overlooked, especially when the refrigerator is planned to be installed next to a kitchen unit. Here it is necessary to take into account not only the distance to the rear wall, but also the protrusions of sockets, heating pipes or water supply. If there are communications at the back, their thickness must be subtracted from the total depth so that the refrigerator fits tightly.
⚠️ Attention: When measuring the depth, keep in mind that the refrigerator doors should not rest against the back wall when opening. If the handle of the refrigerator protrudes beyond the body, this must also be taken into account when calculating the total occupied space.
For built-in models, the requirements are even stricter: every millimeter is important here. The width of the niche must be strictly greater than the width of the refrigerator cabinet to ensure that it can be placed inside. It often happens that the refrigerator fits in width, but gets stuck due to decorative elements or baseboards below.
☑️ Checking the dimensions of the niche
Particular attention should be paid to the corners of the room. In older homes, corners are often blocked or rounded, which can prevent the installation of rectangular appliances. In such cases diagonal measurement entrance to a niche can give a more accurate idea of the possibility of installation.
Room height and upper limits
Height is a parameter that seems simple only at first glance. If you choose a tall refrigerator or a Side-by-Side model, you need to measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling, as well as to any obstacles: mezzanines, kitchen cabinets, ventilation ducts or light fixtures. Measurement is also carried out at several points, since the floor may be uneven.
It is critically important to leave Ventilation gap on top. The hot air released by the condenser rises, and if there is nowhere for it to escape, the cooling efficiency will drop dramatically. For most models, the minimum gap at the top is 5-10 cm, but for some built-in solutions the requirements may be individual.
| Refrigerator type | Min. clearance at top (cm) | Min. rear clearance (cm) | Min. side gap (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-standing | 5-10 | 5-7 | 2-5 |
| Built-in | According to instructions (usually 5) | Depends on facade ventilation | Depends on the design of the niche |
| Side-by-Side | 10 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
Do not forget about the possibility of skidding equipment. The height of the doorway along the route of the refrigerator to the installation site should be greater than the height of the unit itself. If the refrigerator does not fit into the opening in height, it can often be tilted, but for this you need to know the diagonal of the case.
What to do if the refrigerator is 2-3 cm higher than the passage?
In some cases, it is possible to carefully remove the shipping bolts, adjusting feet, or even temporarily dismantle the top cover (if the design allows), but this must be agreed with instructions for a specific model.
Taking into account doorways and movement paths
The most annoying situation is when the refrigerator fits perfectly into a niche, but physically cannot be delivered to it due to narrow corridors or doorways. Measure the width of all doorways through which you will have to carry the purchase, as well as the width of the corridors, especially if they have turns.
When passing through doors, take into account the thickness of the door leaf and trim. Often the useful width of the opening is significantly less than the width of the door block itself. If the opening is narrow, measure its height: perhaps the refrigerator can be carried diagonally or vertically, slightly tilted.
Pay attention to staircases and elevators if you live in an apartment building. The dimensions of a freight elevator can become an insurmountable obstacle for Side-by-Side class models. In such cases delivery by stairs may require the participation of more loaders or the use of special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing large equipment, be sure to check with the seller about the possibility of climbing to the floor. Some models are not included in standard elevators even in disassembled form (packaging).
The trajectory of movement must also be free from foreign objects. Remove carpets, vases, stools and other things that may interfere with maneuvering. A pre-planned path will save your nerves and protect the walls from damage during a skid.
Specific measurements for built-in appliances
Built-in refrigerators require the most careful approach, since they are part of a furniture ensemble. Here the dimensions of the niche are strictly regulated by the manufacturer of the furniture or the refrigerator model itself. An error of a couple of centimeters can lead to the fact that the front doors will not close or, on the contrary, will have huge gaps.
The key point is the facade fastening system. There are two main types: sliding guides and door closer system (curtain facades). In the first case, the facade is attached to the furniture, in the second - directly to the refrigerator door. The depth of the niche and the required gaps depend on this.
It is also necessary to take into account the location of the hinges of furniture facades. They should not conflict with the refrigerator's handles or controls. Often it is necessary to order individual facades or modify an existing kitchen unit, which should be foreseen in advance.
Ventilation for installation is organized through the base part and the upper cornice of the furniture. Make sure your kitchen has adequate openings. If they are not there, they will need to be cut out, otherwise the refrigerator will work with overload.
Frequent errors in measurements and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is measuring an old refrigerator and buying a new one with exactly the same external dimensions. This is the wrong approach, since different manufacturers and even different models of the same brand internal volume and the location of the compressor may differ, requiring different external dimensions or gaps.
Another mistake is ignoring the opening of doors of adjacent furniture. The refrigerator can fit into a niche, but the door of an adjacent cabinet or oven can be blocked by the handle of the refrigeration unit when open. Always check the opening radius of all nearby elements.
Do not forget about the floor level. If the floor has a strong slope and the refrigerator is equipped with non-adjustable legs, it may stand crooked, which will lead to loose fitting of the doors and a leak. In such cases, it may be necessary to lining or leveling the floor.
Why can’t you place the refrigerator close to the wall?
In addition to ventilation, you cannot place the refrigerator close to the wall because of the protruding elements at the back (pipes, motor-compressor), which can be damaged or damage the wall finish due to vibration.
Also check the network voltage at the installation site. Although this is not the size, stable voltage is critical for powerful models with the No Frost system. If the outlet is located far away, plan in advance to extend the wiring so as not to use cheap extension cords, which can cause a fire.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to reduce the required clearances if there is very little space?
It is strictly not recommended to reduce the clearances below the values specified specified in the instructions. This will lead to overheating of the compressor, increased energy consumption and rapid failure of the equipment. As a last resort, you can organize forced ventilation, but this requires engineering skills.
Does the color of the refrigerator affect the choice of installation location?
The color itself does not affect the size, but dark refrigerators (black graphite, stainless steel) are more sensitive to prints and require more space for easy cleaning of the sides. Light models are less demanding to care for, but can visually “dissolve” in the interior, allowing you to save psychological space.
What to do if the refrigerator is 1 cm wider than the niche?
It is impossible to reduce the body of the refrigerator. The only option is to dismantle part of the furniture wall, the door jamb, or, in rare cases, remove the door from the hinges of the refrigerator (if the design allows) and try to lift it sideways. If this does not help, you will have to change the model.
Do you need to remove the shelves when measuring the passage?
When measuring the dimensions for carrying through the doors, the shelves can and should be removed - this reduces the weight and sometimes the dimensions (if the shelves stick out). However, when measuring the width of the refrigerator itself for installation in a niche, take into account its full width with shelves, if they are not removable in this model.