Lack of space in the refrigerator compartment is a common problem, faced by owners of household appliances. There is often a need to place tall bottles or bulky containers that do not fit on standard levels. In such situations, the only way out is to install an additional shelf on the side, which allows rational use of the internal space of the unit.
Modern models of refrigerators are rarely equipped with ready-made solutions for side mounting, so owners have to be smart. Independent production and installation of an element requires precision, the correct choice of materials and an understanding of the design of the storage chamber. It is important not to damage the integrity of the walls and maintain the tightness of the internal volume.
Before starting work, it is necessary to assess the technical condition of the device and the possibility of drilling holes. Some wall materials, such as thin plastic or foam, require a special approach to fastening. Properly performed modernization will allow you to increase the useful volume without purchasing new equipment.
Design analysis and choice of installation location
The first step is a thorough study of the internal space of the refrigeration chamber. It is necessary to determine exactly where the new shelf will be located so that it does not interfere with closing the door and air circulation. Particular attention should be paid to the side walls: they can be made of different materials, which directly affects the method of fastening.
In most models, the side walls are a thin sheet of metal covered with plastic, behind which an insulating layer is hidden. Drilling such surfaces requires care so as not to damage hidden communications or the system No Frostif it is provided for by the design. If the wall is made of foamed polystyrene, the use of standard self-tapping screws is impossible without special bushings.
⚠️ Attention: Before drilling, be sure to check the side wall for hidden refrigerant pipes or wiring. Damage to these elements will lead to freon leakage and failure of the refrigerator.
The optimal location for placement is considered to be the area above the bottom drawer for vegetables or in the upper part of the chamber, where space is usually empty. It is important to measure the distance to the door, taking into account the protruding elements of the seal. It is also worth checking whether the new shelf will not block access to temperature controls or lighting lamps.
For accurate planning, it is recommended to use a tape measure and level. Uneven installation will cause liquids in open containers to flow to one side and may cause uneven stress on the glass surface. Accuracy of measurements is the key to the durability of the structure.
Necessary tools and materials
The quality of the work directly depends on the preparation of the tools. To create a reliable side shelf, you will need a set of specific devices that allow you to work with delicate materials in the refrigerator compartment. The absence of the necessary tool can lead to damage to the case or poor-quality installation.
The main element of the future design will be the material of the shelf itself. Most often, tempered glass with a thickness of at least 4-5 mm or durable acrylic is used. Glass is preferable because it is easier to clean and does not absorb odors, but requires professional edge processing. Acrylic is easier to cut at home, but it is less resistant to scratches.
- 🛠️ Drill with adjustable speed for drilling plastic and metal.
- 📏 Tape measure, building level and marker for precise marking.
- 🔩 Set of drills for metal and plastic, as well as a drill bit for large holes.
- 🧴 Food grade silicone sealant for waterproofing joints.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers, pliers and scissors for working with fasteners.
To attach the shelf to the walls of the refrigerator you will need special brackets or corners. You can use ready-made furniture supports or cut them from durable plastic. It is important that all metal parts are protected from corrosionas there is always high humidity inside the refrigerator.
Do not forget about personal protective equipment. When drilling plastic, small chips are formed, and glass can cause dangerous chips. You should work with protective glasses and gloves. You will also need a degreaser to prepare the surfaces before applying the sealant.
Making a shelf: choosing material and cutting
The process of creating a shelf begins with choosing the appropriate material. If you decide to use glass, it is better to order cutting and tempering in a specialized workshop, since it is almost impossible to process the edge efficiently at home. Tempered glass can withstand temperature changes and mechanical loads.
When choosing acrylic or polycarbonate, you can do the cutting yourself. To do this, the material is marked according to pre-taken dimensions, taking into account the gaps. Cutting should be done with a sharp knife or a hacksaw with a fine tooth so that the edges remain smooth. After cutting, the edges must be sanded with sandpaper.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use ordinary window glass - due to temperature changes or vibration of the compressor, it may burst, scattering into sharp fragments inside the chamber.
The size of the shelf should be less than the width of the refrigerator compartment by 1-2 cm on each side. This gap is necessary for free air circulation and compensation for thermal expansion of materials. A shelf inserted too tightly can become deformed or damage the walls when the temperature changes.
Where to get glass for the shelf?
As a donor, you can use glass from an old shelf of another refrigerator, a glass lid from a pan of a suitable diameter (if the shape allows it) or order cutting in a glass workshop to your size. It is important that the glass is tempered.
If the shelf is made as a composite (for example, in two parts for ease of installation), the joints must be reinforced. However, a one-piece design is always preferable in terms of hygiene and durability. There should be no chips or cracks on the surface, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
Installation technology and fastening to walls
Installation of the side shelf is the most critical stage, requiring composure and precision. First, markings are made on the side walls of the refrigerator for fasteners. The lines must be strictly horizontal, which is controlled using a bubble level. The slightest distortion will lead to objects sliding.
If the walls of the refrigerator allow drilling (they have a metal base), the holes are made carefully, without strong pressure. It is better not to screw screws directly into plastic walls, as the plastic may crack under the load. The optimal solution is to use through bolts with wide washers or special furniture screws with plastic dowels.
Let's consider the main types of fastenings that can be used:
| Type of fastening | Wall material | Reliability | Installation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screws with washer | Metal/Hard plastic | High | Medium |
| Glue sealant | Any (smooth) | Medium | Low |
| Stops in existing grooves | Plastic with guides | High | Low |
| Magnetic holders | Metal wall | Low | Low |
When using adhesive-sealant, the surfaces are first degreased with alcohol or acetone. The sealant is applied in an even layer to the supports, which are then pressed against the wall. Hardening of the silicone takes from 12 to 24 hours, during which the shelf cannot be loaded. This is critically important a moment that cannot be ignored.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Features of installation in No Frost refrigerators
Refrigerators with the system No Frost have their own design features that must be taken into account when modernization. In such models, air circulation occurs forcibly through special channels, often located on the back and side walls. Installing an additional shelf should not block these channels.
Blocking air flows will lead to the formation of “warm zones” where food will spoil faster, and condensation or ice may appear on the walls. In addition, the compressor will work in increased mode, trying to compensate for the disruption of circulation, which will shorten its service life.
When drilling walls in models No Frost the risk of damaging hidden elements is higher. Often evaporators and fans are hidden behind plastic panels. Therefore, in such refrigerators it is preferable to use fastening methods that do not require deep drilling, for example, stops in standard guides or adhesive joints.
If you are not sure about the location of the internal components, it is better to abandon the idea of drilling and use wall-mounted structures attached to existing shelves or doors. This will preserve the warranty on the device and protect against accidental breakdowns.
Care for the new shelf and operational safety
After successful installation of the new shelf, it is important to ensure proper care for it. Glass and plastic require regular cleaning to keep the refrigerator compartment hygienic. Use mild detergents that do not contain abrasive particles that can scratch the surface.
Check the condition of the fasteners every few months. Silicone can lose its elasticity over time, and screws can become loose due to vibration. Timely tightening of fasteners will prevent collapse of the structure and damage to products.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place heavy objects (more than 10-15 kg) and hot dishes on the glass shelf. A sudden temperature change can cause thermal shock and destruction of the material.
When washing the refrigerator, avoid getting large amounts of water into the joints between the shelf and the wall, especially if non-moisture-resistant glue was used. Stagnation of moisture in hard-to-reach places can lead to the appearance of mold, which is difficult to remove.
Alternative solutions for expanding space
If the idea is Drilling into the walls seems too risky; there are alternative ways to organize the space. Accessory manufacturers offer many ready-made solutions that do not require modification of the refrigerator body. Such options often turn out to be safer and more aesthetically pleasing.
One of the popular solutions is retractable baskets, which are installed in place of removed standard shelves. They allow efficient use of camera depth. There are also special hanging organizers for the door, which are attached with suction cups or Velcro.
- 🧺 Retractable plastic baskets for vegetables and fruits.
- 🧲 Magnetic holders for bottles and cans on the side walls.
- 📦 Multi-tiered stands for products placed on existing shelves.
- 🔗 Additional extension sections for standard shelves.
The use of organizers allows you to zone the space and prevent products from falling. This is especially true for families with children who often leave the door open or slam it suddenly. The flexibility of such systems allows you to change the configuration depending on current needs.
Is it possible to glue a shelf with ordinary glue?
The use of ordinary office or construction glue (PVA, Moment) inside the refrigerator is strictly prohibited. They are toxic, cannot withstand low temperatures and can release harmful substances that end up on food. Use only food-grade silicone sealant.
Will a homemade shelf withstand heavy pots?
Depends on the thickness of the glass and the quality of the fasteners. Tempered glass 5-6 mm thick on reliable metal brackets will withstand up to 15-20 kg. However, for heavy items it is better to use standard refrigerator shelves, designed for such loads by the manufacturer.
How to remove the smell of silicone after installation?
Food grade silicone should not smell after complete polymerization (24 hours). If the smell remains, wipe the shelf with a solution of water and vinegar or citric acid and leave the refrigerator open for a couple of hours to ventilate.
Will drilling the walls violate the warranty on the refrigerator?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, any mechanical intervention in the design of the case, including drilling holes, leads to loss of warranty. If the refrigerator is under warranty, use only hanging accessories without drilling.
How to replace a glass shelf if it is not possible to order glass?
As a temporary or budget solution, you can use durable food-grade plastic (polycarbonate), plywood coated with several layers of food-grade varnish and covered with film, or even a cutting board of a suitable size mounted on stops.