Reversible doors in the refrigerator: what does it mean and how to change it yourself

You Have you ever encountered a situation where the refrigerator fits perfectly into the kitchen unit in size, but the door opens in the wrong direction? Or, after renovation, the furniture was rearranged, and now the refrigerator door rests against the wall? It is for such cases that manufacturers came up with reversible doors a function that allows you to change the opening side without purchasing a new device.

In this article we will look in detail at what reversible doors are, how they are designed, in which models they are found and how to rehang them yourself. You will learn what tools you will need, what nuances are important to take into account, and what mistakes are most often made during this procedure. We will also tell you why some refrigerators do not support re-hanging and what to do in such cases.

If you are just planning to buy a refrigerator and doubt whether you need this option, here you will find arguments for and against. Well, for those who are already faced with the need to rehang the door, step-by-step instructions with photos and tips from the experts will be useful.

What are reversible doors and how do they work

Reversible (or reversible) doors are a design solution in which the hinges and fastenings of the refrigerator doors are symmetrical. Thanks to this, the door can be moved to the opposite side, changing the direction of opening. For example, if the door initially opened from left to right, after reversing it will open from right to left.

Technically, this is achieved due to:

• 🔧 Symmetrical hinges —they have identical holes on both sides of the body, which allows you to rearrange them in a mirror manner.
• 🔄 Universal fastenings —handles and magnetic seals are designed to work in both positions.
• ⚙️ Additional plugs —plastic or metal plugs for holes that remain after rearrangement are included.

It is important to understand that not all refrigerators support this function. For example, on models with a with a built-in display on the door or non-standard design (for example, Samsung Family Hub or LG InstaView), re-hanging may not be possible due to the location of the electronics. Also, some budget models save on symmetrical hinges, making them fixed.

Why re-hanging is needed: 5 practical reasons

Many buyers do not pay attention to the side of the door opening when buying a refrigerator, but in vain. Here are the situations when re-hanging becomes a real salvation:

1. Changing the kitchen layout. After the renovation, the furniture was rearranged, and now the refrigerator door rests on a cabinet or wall. Re-hanging avoids costly remodeling.
2. Friendly for left-handers. If you are left-handed, opening the door from right to left may be intuitively easier, especially if the refrigerator is in the corner.
3. Safety in a family with children. If the door opens towards the children's area, it can be opened rehang so that the child does not pinch his fingers or knock over the refrigerator by hanging on the handle.
4. Optimization of space. In narrow kitchens or corridors, rehanging helps save space, for example, if the door opens along the wall, and not perpendicular to the passage.
5. Ergonomics for older people. If the refrigerator is located next to the work area, hanging the door can make it easier to access products without unnecessary movements.

Interesting fact: in some countries (for example, in Japan) refrigerators with reversible doors are more common than in Europe. This is due to the tradition of placing equipment in cramped spaces and frequent redevelopment of housing.

Which refrigerators support reversing: review of brands and models

Not all manufacturers offer models with reversible doors. Below is an overview of popular brands and their approaches to this function:

If you do not find your model in the table, check the instructions or look for information on the manufacturer’s website. Please note: even if the model supports re-hanging, for some refrigerators (for example Bosch or Siemens) this procedure may require special tools or the intervention of a technician.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with the system No Frost when re-hanging doors, it may be necessary to rearrange the air ducts or sensors. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center.

Step-by-step instructions: how to rehang the refrigerator door yourself

If your model supports re-hanging, you can do it yourself. Here are universal instructions suitable for most refrigerators (for example Atlant, Indesit, Beko). Models with electronic displays or complex hinges (such as Samsung or LG) may require additional steps.

Step 1. Removing the top hinge.

1. Open the refrigerator door and find the top hinge mounting bolts (usually they are hidden under the decorative cover).
2. Carefully remove the cover by prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
3. Unscrew the bolts (usually 2-3 pieces) and remove the hinge. Hold the door so that it does not fall!

Step 2. Removing the door.

After the top hinge is removed, carefully lift the door up to free it from the bottom fastening. It is better to do this with an assistant - the door can be heavy (especially in models with Side-by-Side). Place the door on a soft surface (for example, a towel) to avoid scratching.

Step 3. Rearranging the hinges.

Now you need to rearrange the hinges to the opposite side. To do this:

• Remove the bottom hinge (similar to the top).
• Move both hinges to the other side using symmetrical holes.
• If the kit includes plugs, install them in the vacated holes.

Step 4. Installation doors.

Carefully slide the door onto the bottom hinge, then secure the top hinge. Make sure the door hangs straight and is not askew. If the door does not close well, you may need to adjust the hinges (tighten or loosen the bolts).

Step 5. Check the tightness.

After installation, check whether the seal fits tightly. To do this:

• Close the door and try to insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the body.
• If the sheet is easily pulled out, the seal needs to be adjusted (bent or replaced).

What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?

If the door does not close tightly, check:

- Are the hinges installed correctly (maybe they are skewed).

- Is the seal in the way (sometimes it needs to be slightly bent).

- Are there any foreign objects in the opening.

- Are the magnetic inserts secured correctly (in some models they need to be rearranged).

Common mistakes when re-hanging and how to avoid them

Even if the instructions seem simple, when re-hanging doors, many make mistakes, which then lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common of them:

1. Ignoring disconnection from the network. Re-hanging the doors while the refrigerator is plugged in can lead to a short circuit if you accidentally damage the wires (for example, in models with a display or backlight).
2. Loss of plugs. Many people forget to install plugs into the vacated holes, due to which dust and moisture get there, which eventually leads to corrosion.
3. Incorrect adjustment of the hinges. If the hinges are overtightened, the door will be difficult to open; if you don't tighten it enough, it will sag. The optimal tightening force is usually indicated in the instructions.
4. Damage to the seal. If you remove the door carelessly, the rubber seal can be torn or deformed, which will lead to cold leakage.
5. Ignoring the weight of the door. In models with Side-by-Side or large freezers, the door can weigh 15–20 kg. An attempt to remove it alone often ends in a fall and damage.

If after rehanging the refrigerator began to make noise or cool poorly, you may have broken the seal or displaced internal parts (for example, a fan in the systems No Frost). In this case, it is better to call a specialist.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with electronic control (for example, Samsung or LG with touch panels), when rehanging, you may need to reconnect the wires. If you do not understand electronics, do not take risks - contact the service.

Re-hanging doors in refrigerators with freezers

If your refrigerator has a separate freezer (for example, model Atlant MXM 2835-90 or Indesit ITF 118 W), the rehanging process will be more difficult. Here you need to rehang both doors: the main one and the freezer one. The main nuances:

• 🔧 Procedure. First, the upper door (refrigerator) is rehung, then the bottom (freezer). If you do the opposite, you can damage the fasteners.
• ❄️ Seals. In the freezer, the seal is usually thicker and stiffer. When rehanging, you need to heat it with a hairdryer (at minimum temperature) so that it takes on a new shape.
• ⚠️ Weight. The freezer door is heavier due to the insulation layer. To remove it, you definitely need an assistant.
• 🔌 Electronics. Some models have sensors or backlighting in the freezer compartment. When rehanging, their wires must be carefully rearranged without bending.

In refrigerators with a system Full No Frost (for example, Samsung RB-37 J5240SA), when rehanging, it may be necessary to reconfigure the air ducts. If you are not sure, it is better to entrust this to professionals - a mistake can lead to freezing of the chamber or damage to the fan.

When re-hanging is not possible: alternative solutions

If your refrigerator does not support re-hanging doors, do not despair. There are several ways to solve the problem:

1. Use of corner adapters. Furniture fittings stores sell special corner hinges that allow you to change the opening side without rearranging the door. However, this solution is only suitable for lightweight doors and requires drilling holes in the body.
2. Rearranging the refrigerator. Sometimes it is easier to change the installation location of the refrigerator than to try to modify the door. For example, you can turn it with the other side to the wall (if the length of the cord and the location of the socket allows).
3. Replacing the door. In the service centers of some brands (for example, Bosch or Liebherr) you can order a mirror door for your model. It is expensive, but reliable.
4. Installation of sliding doors. In rare cases (for example, for built-in models), you can order a sliding system that will completely solve the problem with opening.

If none of the options are suitable, All that remains is to sell the refrigerator and buy a model with the desired opening side. When choosing a new device, pay attention to the markings:

• RHD —the door opens from right to left (for left-handers).
• LHD —the door opens from left to right (standard for right-handers).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reversible doors

Can it be rehung refrigerator door with a display (for example, Samsung Family Hub)?

In most cases, no. In models with a built-in display, the wires and electronics are rigidly attached to one side, and their removal requires disassembling the door. This may void the warranty or cause damage. The exception is some models LG with a modular system, but even there it is better to contact service.

How much does it cost to rehang doors in a service center?

The cost depends on the model and region. On average:

• For simple models (Atlant, Indesit) — 1 500–2 500 ₽.
• For premium brands (Bosch, Liebherr) — 3 000–5 000 ₽.
• For Side-by-Side —from 4,000 ₽ (due to the heavy weight of the doors).

Check the price in advance - some services charge an additional fee for departure.

Is it possible to rehang the door of a refrigerator with a No Frost system?

Yes, but with caution. In systems No Frost it is important not to disrupt the operation of the fan and air ducts. If in your model the air ducts are located asymmetrically (for example, on only one side), rehanging may occur. impair air circulation. Before the procedure, check the instructions or consult with a specialist.

What to do if, after re-hanging, the door does not close well?

Possible causes and solutions:

• Distorted hinges - loosen the bolts and adjust the position of the door.
• Deformed seal —heat it with a hairdryer (at minimum temperature) and shape it with your hands.
• Interfering shelves —check whether they touch the door from the inside.
• The magnets have moved —in some models, the magnetic inserts need to be moved to the other side.

If the problem is not solved, the hinges or body may have been damaged during rehanging.

Is it possible to rehang the door of a built-in refrigerator?

It depends on the model. Built-in refrigerators often have non-standard fastenings, since they are fixed to the furniture facade. In most cases, re-hanging is impossible without replacing the facade or modifying the furniture. An exception is some models. manufacturer. Liebherr or Miele, where this is provided by the design. Check with the manufacturer.