The situation when a purchased refrigerator fits perfectly into the dimensions of the kitchen, but its door opens in an inconvenient direction is familiar to many. A refrigerator that opens from right to left, it can block the passage, interfere with the opening of adjacent cabinets, or simply create discomfort when cooking. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Liebherr, Bosch or Atlant, provide the possibility of reversing the door on the opposite side.
The process of rearranging the door requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design hinges. Rehanging is not just a rearrangement of fittings, it is a change in the opening geometry, which often solves the problem of ergonomics in a small kitchen. In this article we will analyze all stages of the work, from preparation to the final adjustment of the gaps.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling the doors, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and remove all food. Working with a device connected to the network is dangerous due to electric shock.
Some models have hidden hinges or specific fastenings that require a special approach. If your The refrigerator opens from right to left and you want to change this, first of all find the technical data sheet of the device. This is where the manufacturer indicates whether a reversible installation is provided for your specific series.
Why do you need to change the door opening direction
The main reason why owners decide to change the opening direction is to optimize the kitchen space. When the refrigerator opens from right to left, it can block access to the work area or interfere with passage if it is standing in a corner. Rearranging the door allows you to make the operation of the appliance more logical and convenient.
In addition, there are ergonomic considerations. For left-handers or in specific studio layouts, access to the shelves should be free from a certain side. Two-chamber models they often have a fixed lower door (freezer), but the upper one can be outweighed, which already significantly improves the situation.
Another important aspect is security. If there are small children in the house, a door that opens into a “blind” corner is less dangerous than one that swings open into the middle of the room. Reversible hinges allows you to adapt the equipment to the needs of a specific family without purchasing a new unit.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. A refrigerator that opens from right to left, after rehanging it will require free space on the other side. Move the unit away from the wall, providing access from all sides, and cover the floor with soft material to prevent damage to the coating if parts accidentally fall.
To work, you will need a standard set of tools. Different manufacturers may have their own nuances, but the basic set is universal:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat-head) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10 mm are often required).
- 🧤 Workers gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 A wooden block or stand to secure the door during removal.
It is important to prepare a container for fasteners in advance. Hinges and the screws may differ from model to model, and the loss of even one specific bolt can stop the whole process. Magnetic tray or an organizer with cells will help you avoid confusing the parts of the upper and lower hinges.
Design analysis: can your model be re-weighed
Not everyone refrigerator that opens from right to leftcan be remade. There are models with non-removable handles built into the door leaf, or with an asymmetrical design that does not allow mirror rearrangement of the fittings. The first step should always be a visual inspection and study of the instructions.
Pay attention to the presence of plugs on the opposite side of the case. If there are holes with plastic or metal caps, then the manufacturer has provided the possibility of re-hanging. Single-compressor models most often they have such an option, while complex NoFrost systems may have limitations.
⚠️ Attention: If there are no technological holes for attaching hinges on the other side; attempting to drill them yourself will lead to loss of warranty and violation of thermal insulation.
Particular attention should be paid to the control system. If the display or buttons are located on the door and not on the body, when rehanging, it may be necessary to move the cable or extend it. Electronics in such cases requires special care, and sometimes it is easier to call a technician than to risk the integrity of the wiring.
What to do if there are no plugs?
The absence of plugs by 90% means that it is impossible to hang the door. In rare cases, the plugs can be painted in the color of the body and are invisible visually - run your hand along the end to find them by touch.
Step-by-step instructions for reversing the door
The process of changing the opening side requires consistency. If the refrigerator opens from right to left, we will dismantle the hinges on the right side and install them on the left. Start by removing the top hinge: unscrew the fastening bolts, having first secured the door so that it does not fall.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower axis. Now you need to dismantle the lower hinge and, if any, the intermediate partition (in two-chamber models). Mounting holes on the case you need to remove the screws and move the plugs to the vacant spaces.
☑️ Rehanging checklist
Install the hinges on the new side using the standard holes. Insert the door into the lower hinge, align the upper part and screw the upper bracket. Adjustment is carried out by tightening the bolts until the door begins to close tightly and without distortion.
In some models, for example Indesit or Ariston, the handle may need to be repositioned. To do this, the handle is usually removed by removing the decorative trims or unscrewing the screws from the inside of the door. Proceed with caution, plastic can be fragile.
Nuances for different types of refrigerators
The design affects the complexity of the work. Refrigerator that opens from right to left, it can be single-chamber, double-chamber or have a Side-by-Side system. Each case has its own characteristics that must be taken into account in order not to damage the seals or mechanism.
| Refrigerator type | Difficulty of re-hanging | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Low | One door, minimum fittings, easy to remove yourself. |
| Double-chamber | Medium | Two doors need to be removed, the partition can be rearranged. |
| Side-by-Side | High | Heavy doors, complex electronics, often requires the help of a second person. |
| French door | Impossible/Difficult | The doors open from the center, they cannot be hung on the side. |
For models with the system NoFrost it is important not to pinch the air ducts when installing the door. If the air supply hose goes through the loop, it must be carefully repositioned or switched, following the diagram in the instructions. Air circulation is critical for the operation of such refrigerators.
Models with a display on the door require the loop to be turned off. Before completely removing the door, you need to carefully disconnect the connector. Contact must be clean and dry. When assembling, make sure that the wire is not pressed by the metal of the hinge, otherwise a short circuit may occur.
Adjusting and checking tightness
After installing the door on the new side, you need to check the tightness of the seal. A refrigerator that opens from right to left after alteration, it should close with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force. If the door does not fit tightly, the food will spoil, and ice will form on the walls.
The check can be carried out using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: it should be removed with force. If the paper falls out freely, the door or seal needs to be replaced. Often it is enough to simply tighten the adjusting screws on the hinges. height adjustment doors or replacing the seal. Often it is enough to simply tighten the adjusting screws on the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force to slam the door while checking. If the seal does not fit, this indicates incorrect installation of the hinge or deformation of the leaf.
Also check the operation of the door opening sensor (if there is one). When opened, a light should come on or a signal should sound. If after reversing the signal does not work, it is possible that the magnet on the door has moved relative to the sensor on the body. Magnet needs to be moved to the corresponding hole on the new side.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is loss fastening or mixing up screws of different lengths. A refrigerator that opens from right to left, after poor-quality assembly it may begin to creak or close poorly. Always sort fasteners by disassembly stages.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. If the floor in the kitchen is uneven and the legs of the refrigerator are not adjusted after rearrangement, the door may open spontaneously or, conversely, not reach the end. Horizontal is the key to long service life of the compressor and proper closing.
Why does the door not stay open?
If, after rehanging, the door no longer locks in the open position (the stopper does not work), it means that you forgot to rearrange the plastic stopper or the stopper mechanism, which is often located in the lower hinge.
Do not forget about the stabilization time. After you have moved the door and checked the operation, let the refrigerator sit empty for 2-3 hours before loading it with food. This will allow temperature conditions to stabilize after downtime and mechanical impact.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is still under warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the door yourself will not void the warranty, as this is provided for in the instructions. However, if you damage the case, hinges or electronics in the process, the warranty will not be accepted. Keep all removed plugs and screws.
Do you need a special tool for Bosch or Samsung models?
A standard set of screwdrivers and wrenches is usually sufficient. However, some models Samsung may require a hexagon, which is often included with the refrigerator itself upon purchase. A specialized tool is rarely required.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a gap at the top?
The gap at the top is usually adjusted by the height of the legs of the refrigerator. Raise the front of the unit by unscrewing the front supports so that the body tilts slightly backwards. This will ensure spontaneous closing of the door and eliminate the gap.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Side-by-Side refrigerator?
On classic Side-by-Side refrigerators (two vertical doors at full height), it is impossible to reverse the doors to the other side of the case due to the design and the presence of a central partition. Only the opening side of each of the doors relative to each other changes, if this is provided for by the model.