Purchasing a modern two-chamber class giant Side by Side is always a joyful, but technically difficult event. The huge amount of useful space and stylish design often cause headaches at the time of delivery, when the dimensions of the device exceed the width of doorways or corridors in the apartment. The standard width of such models is often 90-91 cm, which is close to or even larger than standard door frames in houses of old and even new construction.
That is why the question of how to bring in a refrigerator Side by Side without damaging the walls, furniture and the unit itself is extremely pressing. Failure to do so can result in chipped doors, scratches on the floor, or worst of all, damage to the compressor when attempting to carry the unit in a horizontal position. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, the necessary tools and the dismantling algorithm.
Before taking active action, it is necessary to soberly assess the situation. Many buyers make the mistake of relying only on the strength of the movers, ignoring the physical limitations of the space. It is critically important to know that the minimum clearance for carrying equipment should be at least 5-7 cm on each side of the body. This is necessary not only to squeeze through, but also to be able to maneuver and protect corners.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pull the refrigerator sideways if the gap is less than 2 cm. The frictional force and inertia of the massive body can lead to equipment getting stuck in the middle of the opening, after which it will be almost impossible to pull it back without damage.
The process of bringing in large equipment requires a systematic approach. You have to not just drag a heavy object, but carry out a precise engineering operation. Below we will look at each step, from measurements to final installation.
Accurate measurements and assessment of cross-country ability
The first and most important stage is taking careful measurements. Do not blindly trust the data from the technical data sheet or online store - the actual width of the box may differ by several centimeters due to packaging or features of a particular model Liebherr or LG. You will need a construction tape measure and a notepad to record all indicators.
Measure the width of the doorway at the narrowest point. This is usually the distance between the trims or the edges of the concrete wall if the trims are not already installed. It is also important to measure the height of the opening, especially if you plan to bring the refrigerator in at an angle. Don't forget about the diagonal of the body - sometimes it becomes the limiting factor when turning in the corridor.
Pay attention to the presence of obstacles along the route. These could be heating pipes, protrusions on the walls, narrow corridor turns or low ceilings in the hallway. If there are door jambs in the way, evaluate the possibility of temporarily removing them. Often, dismantling the door leaf and hinges allows you to gain an additional 5-10 cm, which can be a decisive argument.
It is also important to take into account the weight of the device. Models Side by Side can weigh from 100 to 140 kg. If the floor in the corridor is slippery (laminate, tile), the risk of losing control over the load increases many times over. Prepare floor rags or cardboard in advance to place them under your feet when moving.
Necessary tools and room preparation
For a successful operation, you will need not only physical strength, but also the right set of tools. The basic kit includes a Phillips screwdriver, a screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic bit), a construction knife, masking tape and thick cardboard. You may also need pliers and a set of open-end wrenches if the hinges are fastened with non-standard size bolts.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space. Remove all rugs, shoes, decorative items and furniture that are in the way of traffic. If there is a mirror or glass shelf in the corridor, it is better to temporarily dismantle them or securely cover them with a thick blanket. Any movement of a large object creates the risk of an accidental impact.
Floor protection is a separate topic for discussion. Heavy refrigerator feet can leave deep scratches even on durable porcelain tiles. Use special felt runners or simply place thick corrugated cardboard under the support points when moving. If the floor is slippery, use rags to increase traction and control the speed of movement.
☑️ Preparation for application
Don't forget about the lighting. In a dark hallway, it's easy to miss a protruding corner or wire. Turn on the lights in all adjacent rooms to see the entire movement path. If there is little natural light, use a phone flashlight or a portable lamp.
Removing refrigerator doors: step-by-step instructions
If measurements show that the refrigerator does not fit when assembled, the only safe solution is to dismantle the doors. This is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer, and it does not void your warranty if performed correctly. Before starting work, the refrigerator must be unplugged and defrosted if there is ice in the chambers.
First remove all shelves, drawers and containers from the doors and from the interior. This will significantly reduce the weight of the structure and eliminate the risk of broken glass or plastic. The doors of models Samsung or Bosch can be very heavy, so carry out all manipulations with an assistant. One person must hold the door while the second unscrews the fasteners.
Usually the hinges are located at the top and bottom. Start with the top loop. Open the door, find the decorative plug and remove it. Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. On some models, it may be necessary to remove the top control panel if it is located on the door. Be careful with the wires - if a cable is connected to the door (for a display or a lamp), it must be carefully disconnected after photographing the position of the contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the bottom hinge, be sure to lock the door in a vertical position. If you unscrew the bottom fastener, the door may fall on your feet or hit the body, damaging the seal.
After removing the top hinge and disconnecting the communications, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin. Place the door in a safe place, placing a soft cloth or cardboard under it to avoid scratching the front surface. Repeat the same procedure with the second door. Now the width of the body has decreased by about 10-12 cm, which often makes it possible to bring equipment even into very narrow openings.
Techniques for carrying and maneuvering in narrow spaces
When the refrigerator is prepared (the doors are removed or the structure allows passage), the most important stage begins - moving. Carrying Side by Side along with four people is a bad idea, as there is a high risk of dropping the unit. The best way is to use special furniture carrying belts or a professional cart. If there is no equipment, use the “pushing” method along the protected floor.
When moving through a narrow opening, one person should be behind and push, and the second should be in front, guiding and controlling the gaps. The movement should be smooth, without jerking. If you feel resistance, do not push harder - stop and find out the reason. Often it is enough to change the angle of the body by a few millimeters to avoid an obstacle.
What to do if the refrigerator is stuck?
If the refrigerator is stuck tightly, do not try to pull it out by force. Gently tilt it in the opposite direction to release the jammed corner. If this does not help, you may have to remove the side walls of the case (if they are removable) or temporarily dismantle the doorway trims. As a last resort, repeat dismantling the doors, checking that all fastenings have been removed.
Pay special attention to the corners. They are the ones who most often suffer when carried. Wrap the corners of the refrigerator and door frames with rags or bubble wrap. Even if you think you're going well, the inertia of a heavy object can take its toll. It’s better to spend 5 minutes on wrapping than to restore or polish the wall later.
If you are using a cart, make sure it is rated to hold more than 150kg. You can tilt the refrigerator when transporting it on a cart, but the tilt angle should not exceed 40 degrees. A stronger tilt can lead to oil flowing into the cooling circuit, which will require a long period of settling before switching on.
Comparison of application methods: with and without doors
The choice of application method depends on the specific geometry of your room. Below is a table that will help determine the optimal strategy of action depending on the width of the opening and the presence of obstacles.
| Parameter | Introduction in assembled form | Introduction with doors removed | Introduction with disassembled body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required opening width | Refrigerator width + 10 cm | Refrigerator depth + 10 cm | Minimum body size |
| Complexity of implementation | Low | Average | High |
| Risk of damage | High (wall scratches) | Medium (loss of small details) | High (tightness failure) |
| Preparation time | 5-10 minutes | 20-40 minutes | 1-2 hours |
As can be seen from the table, removing the doors is the “golden mean”. This action significantly reduces the dimensions, turning width into depth, but does not require complete disassembly of the case, which can be difficult and dangerous for a beginner. Dismantling the side walls (removing decorative panels) is used only in extremely narrow openings and requires confident skills in working with equipment.
If you choose the method with the doors removed, be sure to keep all the screws and plugs in one place. The loss of even one small screw can create problems during reassembly. Use a magnetic tray or plastic container to store fasteners.
Reinstallation and reassembly
After the refrigerator has safely overcome all obstacles and is in the kitchen, it must be installed correctly. Level the unit by adjusting the front legs. The doors should close on their own when opened 45 degrees. If this is not the case, tighten the front supports to create a slight tilt back.
Reinstalling the doors is done in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the door is hung on the lower pin, then the upper hinge is screwed on. Do not tighten the bolts all the way straight away. First, attach them, check the evenness of the gaps between the doors and the body, and only then finally tighten the fasteners. The gaps should be symmetrical over the entire height.
Connect the water supply hose if your model Side by Side has an ice maker or cooler. Check connections for leaks. Plug in the refrigerator. Pay attention to the operation of the compressor - it should start smoothly, without loud knocks or vibrations.
⚠️ Attention: After transportation, especially if the refrigerator was tilted more than 40 degrees or placed on its side, you must wait 2 to 4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the oil flows into the compressor crankcase. Switching on “hot” can lead to a wedge of the compressor.
Do not load products immediately. Let the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours until it reaches operating temperature. Only after this can the chambers be filled with products, starting with those that require strong cooling.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the manufacturer's instructions. In the manual for models Haier or Whirlpool there is always a section about transportation and dimensions. There may be specific fastening nuances specifically for your series that are not obvious at first glance.
Another mistake is an attempt to save on the number of people. It is possible to carry Side by Side together, but it is very difficult and risky. It is better to invite a third person who will insure, hold and supply the tools. “Extra hands” are never superfluous in such a matter.
They also often forget to check the condition of the rollers or wheels on the bottom of the refrigerator. If they are dirty or rusty, it will be difficult to drag the unit. Clean them or lubricate them with silicone grease before driving. This will make it easier to maneuver in a narrow space.
Remember that haste is the enemy of quality. It’s better to spend an hour carefully preparing than to later regret a broken TV screen in the corner or a chipped tile. A refrigerator Side by Side is an investment in comfort, and it deserves to be treated with care from the first minute it appears in the house.
Is it possible to transport a Side by Side refrigerator lying down?
It is strictly not recommended to transport modern refrigerators lying down on the back or front wall. This can damage the cooling pipes, compressor and cause oil leakage. The permissible tilt during transportation is no more than 40 degrees. If transportation in a horizontal position is unavoidable (unavoidable), place it only on the right side (usually the compressor side is located there, but it is better to check in the instructions for the specific model) and after delivery, let it stand vertically for at least 24 hours.
What to do if after installation the doors do not close tightly?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator itself is not level. Check the leveling feet - the front should be slightly higher than the back for the doors to close by gravity. Also check if anything is interfering with the seal (packing tape, crumbs). If the problem is in the hinges, loosen their fastenings and realign the door.
Is it necessary to remove the plinth panel at the bottom of the refrigerator?
In most cases, it is not necessary to remove the lower decorative panel (plinth), since it does not affect the overall width. However, if you run your refrigerator over a very high threshold, removing the base may help avoid damaging it. It is usually removed by simply moving it towards you or unscrewing a couple of screws.
How to protect the floor if there is no cardboard?
If there is no cardboard at hand, use old towels, bath mats, pieces of linoleum or even thick fabric. The main thing is to create a slippery but soft layer between the legs/wheels of the refrigerator and the finished floor covering. You can also use special plastic sliders, which are sold in hardware stores.
How many people are needed to carry?
To safely carry the refrigerator Side by Side it is optimal to have 3-4 people. Two people bear the main weight in front and behind, a third insures and guides, a fourth (if necessary) helps to overcome thresholds or flights of stairs. The weight of such models often exceeds 100 kg, which makes carrying two people dangerous for the back