The situation when a long-awaited refrigerator is delivered to the doorstep, but categorically refuses to go through the doorway, is one of the most stressful when moving or buying new equipment. It often turns out that the dimensions of the device are a couple of centimeters wider than the width of the box or the opening itself, which causes panic among the owners. However, in most cases, the problem can be solved without calling loaders with sledgehammers or returning the goods to the store.
Modern models of refrigeration equipment, especially Side-by-Side and two-chamber units with a system No Frost, often have an impressive width, which can exceed the standard 80-90 centimeters of doorways in old houses. The key here is to understand the design: the hull is not a monolith, but a prefabricated structure that can be temporarily modified. Proper preparation and knowledge of dismantling points will allow you to successfully move appliances to the kitchen.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you circumvent the limitations of narrow openings. We will consider methods for removing doors, dismantling handles, plinth panels, and even temporarily removing the compressor in extreme cases. Attention: any disassembly actions must be carried out strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions so as not to break the tightness of the circuit.
Initial measurements and analysis of dimensions
Before grabbing a screwdriver, you need to take careful measurements and compare them with the technical data sheets. An error of one centimeter can be critical, so use a tape measure rather than rough estimates by eye. The width of the opening should be greater than the width of the refrigerator, taking into account the protective packaging, if you plan to remove it only inside the apartment.
Often the problem is not the width of the opening itself, but the platbands, door handles or protrusions on the wall. Diagonal passage is the first method that is worth trying, since the diagonal of a rectangle is always larger than its sides. If the refrigerator does not fit even diagonally, it is necessary to measure the depth of the space in front of the doorway: maneuver usually requires a minimum of 1.5 meters of free space.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to push the refrigerator by force, leaning on shelves or internal plastic elements. This will lead to deformation of the housing and disruption of thermal insulation, which will subsequently affect the operation of the compressor.
Pay attention to the height of the ceilings and the height of the unit itself. Sometimes it is easier to carry the refrigerator lying down (which is strictly prohibited for some models with inverter compressors without observing the standing time) or, conversely, to lift it to avoid the upper jambs. Make sure that there are no protruding wiring elements or heating pipes along the route.
Removing door handles and decorative elements
The first and easiest step to reduce the size is to remove the protruding elements. Door handles are often those “extra” 3-5 centimeters that are not enough for successful passage. In most modern models, the handles are attached to screws, access to which is hidden under decorative plugs.
To remove the handles you will need a Phillips screwdriver and possibly a hexagon. Carefully pry up the plastic plugs (usually they are located at the top or bottom of the handle mount), unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the element. Don't lose the screws; put them in a separate container. It is also worth checking for the presence of decorative trims on the ends of the doors, which can also be temporarily dismantled.
After removing the handles, measure the width again. If the refrigerator still does not work, we move on to more serious measures. Please note that some models have hidden hinges or fastening systems that require special tools. In such cases, it is better to contact the official Service Manual of your model.
Removing refrigerator doors: step-by-step instructions
If removing the handles does not help, the only solution is to dismantle the doors themselves. This is a standard procedure provided by manufacturers to facilitate transportation. However, it requires caution, since the doors are heavy and electrical circuits for controlling the display and lighting are connected to them.
The process begins by disconnecting the refrigerator from the network. Then you need to empty the doors of food and all removable shelves to reduce weight and avoid broken glass. The doors of modern refrigerators often have closers and complex hinge mechanisms that are under spring tension.
☑️ Preparing to remove the doors
The action algorithm is usually as follows:
- 🔧 Remove the top decorative panel above the top door to gain access to the hinges.
- 🔧 Unscrew the top hinge fasteners, but do not remove the bolts completely until an assistant holds the door.
- 🔧 Gently lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pin.
- 🔧 If the door has a display or an "Ice Drop" button, disconnect the wiring connectors (usually they are located on the top of the body).
In such cases, the removal procedure may vary. After removing the doors, the width of the refrigerator will decrease by the thickness of two doors (usually 8-12 cm), which is almost guaranteed to allow the body to be pushed into the opening.
What to do if the door cannot be removed?
If you have unscrewed all the screws, but the door does not budge, do not use force. Check to see if you forgot to remove the bottom hinge locking screw or axle retainer. Some LG and Samsung models require a special key to unlock the hinge axis.
Removing the base panel and compressor
In exceptional cases, when even removing the doors does not provide the necessary clearance (for example, the opening is very narrow and the refrigerator is deep), you have to take extreme measures. Removing the base panel (the grill at the bottom of the refrigerator) can gain another 2-3 centimeters of height, which sometimes allows you to lift the unit in an inclined position.
An even more radical method is to disconnect the compressor. This is a complex technical procedure, which not recommended cannot be performed by untrained users, as it requires pinching copper tubes or using special valves to prevent the release of refrigerant. However, in factory conditions or with experience, this is done to reduce the depth or height of the protruding part.
| Element | Gain in size (approximately) | Difficulty of removal | Risk damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door handles | 3-5 cm | Low | Minimal |
| Doors (both) | 8-12 cm | Average | Medium (electrical) |
| Plinth grille | 2-4 cm (height) | Low | Low |
| Compressor | 10-15 cm (depth) | High | High (freon) |
If you decide to remove the compressor, be sure to cover the capillary tube with special clamps to prevent oil and freon leakage. After import and installation, you will need to call a specialist to seal the system and refill the refrigerant.
Techniques for safe movement and installation
After the dimensions have been reduced, it is important to properly organize the moving process. The refrigerator is a heavy and bulky item, so at least two people are required. Use gloves to prevent your hands from slipping off the smooth surface of the metal.
When passing through a doorway, one person should be inside the room, receiving the unit, and the second should be outside, guiding and pushing it. If the opening is very narrow, you can use a piece of thick cardboard or an old sheet, placing them under the bottom of the refrigerator. This will reduce friction and allow you to easily push the equipment without scratching the floor and bottom of the case.
Don't forget about the rule: do not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees. This is critical for the compressor that contains the oil. If oil gets into the refrigerant circuit, an oil plug may form, which will damage the unit. If tilting cannot be avoided, after installation the refrigerator must stand vertically for at least 4-8 hours before turning it on.
Assembly and check after installation
When the refrigerator successfully overcomes the door barrier and ends up in the kitchen, the assembly stage begins. Proceed in reverse order: first install the doors (if you removed them), then connect the electrical connectors, check the operation of the light and display, and only then screw the hinges.
Be sure to check the tightness of the doors. Adjustments may be required after shipping and removal of hinges. To do this, loosen the hinge mounting bolts, level the door and tighten the bolts again. A door that is not tightly closed will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after moving it, especially if it was transported horizontally or at low temperatures. Allow the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase for the time specified in the instructions (usually from 2 to 12 hours).
After assembly and settling, turn on the device. During the first day, do not completely load it with products. Let it reach operating temperature conditions, check for the absence of extraneous noise and vibrations. If everything went well, your refrigerator is ready for use.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down if it does not fit in door?
Transportation in a lying position is extremely undesirable, especially for models with inverter compressors. Oil may leak into the system, causing damage. If there is no other way out, place the refrigerator strictly on its side (usually on the left, but it is better to check in the instructions), fix the doors and after installation, let them stand vertically for at least 8-12 hours before turning them on.
What to do if, after removing the doors, the refrigerator still does not pass through?
Try to remove the base panel from the bottom and the top cover of the refrigerator (if it is removable). Also check if the rear metal grill (condenser) can be removed, but be careful with the tubes. As a last resort, if the opening allows for height, you can try to lift the refrigerator vertically, but with a strong tilt back, using the flooring as a sleigh.
Do you need to call a specialist to remove the doors?
Removing the doors is a procedure accessible to any user with basic skills and a set of screwdrivers. However, if you have a model Side-by-Side with a water cooling system or complex electronics, it is better to entrust this to professionals so as not to damage hoses or cables.
How to protect the floor and doors when skidding?
Use thick cardboard, old blankets or special shipping pads. You can place a piece of linoleum or thick fabric under the bottom of the refrigerator so that it slides and does not scratch the coating. Door jambs should also be covered with cardboard.