Modern kitchens are often designed taking into account the placement of large appliances, and one of the most desirable models for housewives is a refrigerator format Side by Side. This device is a two-door design, where the freezer is located vertically on the side of the refrigerator compartment, and not below, as in classic models. This arrangement significantly expands the useful volume and allows you to store large products, such as a whole bird carcass or a tall cake, without the need to separate them.
However, purchasing such a unit is only half the battle. Competent installation of a refrigerator requires careful preparation of the niche, provision of communications and compliance with strict technical regulations. Errors at the installation stage can lead to compressor overheating, increased noise, or even water leakage, so the process must be approached with maximum responsibility. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation and installation so that your new assistant will serve for many years.
Design features and dimensions of Side by Side
The main difference of the format Side by Side lies in its geometry. The width of such models usually varies from 70 to 90 cm, which is significantly wider than the standard 60 cm. The height often reaches 170–190 cm, and the depth can be either standard (about 60 cm) or increased for integration into a line of kitchen cabinets. Before ordering equipment, it is critical to measure the doorways, the width of the corridors and the elevator to make sure that the device can be brought into the apartment.
The internal space is organized ergonomically: a narrow vertical freezer is usually equipped with several drawers and grid shelves, and a wide refrigeration part is divided into zones for freshness, fruits and vegetables. Many modern models, such as LG InstaView or Samsung Family Hub, have additional functions that require connection to the network and water. It is these nuances that dictate special requirements for the installation location.
⚠️ Attention: The weight of an empty Side by Side refrigerator can reach 120–140 kg. If you try to carry it alone, there is a high risk of damaging the flooring or getting a back injury. Be sure to involve assistants.
Requirements for the installation site and ventilation
Any refrigerator operates on the principle of heat transfer from the inner chamber to the outside. If heat is not removed effectively, the compressor will begin to wear out, consuming more electricity. For models Side by Side with their powerful motors, the issue of ventilation is especially acute. Manufacturers strictly regulate the minimum gaps between the body of the equipment and the walls of the furniture.
Usually you need to leave at least 5–10 cm at the back, 2–5 cm at the sides and about 10 cm at the top. Some instructions for built-in models may indicate different parameters, so always check the documentation for your specific brand. If the refrigerator is installed in a niche, the side walls and top shelf must be made of heat-resistant materials.
It is strictly forbidden to block the ventilation grilles located on the base or upper part of the case. It is also not recommended to place the unit in close proximity to an oven, heating radiators or in direct sunlight. This creates a thermal load that will be difficult for the cooling system to compensate for.
Preparation of the premises and communications
Before bringing in a heavy unit, it is necessary to prepare the site. The floor must be perfectly flat and durable, capable of withstanding a distributed load of 150 kg or more. If there is soft linoleum on the floor, it is better to place a hard plastic or wooden base under the legs of the refrigerator to prevent the covering from pressing through.
The electrical network requires special attention. Side by Side refrigerators consume significant power, especially when the compressor starts. The socket must be grounded and located in an accessible place, but not directly behind the refrigerator body, so that the plug does not interfere with the tight fit of the equipment. The use of extension cords and tees is highly undesirable.
If your model supports the function of an ice maker and chilled water supply, a connection to the water supply will be required. For this purpose, a special flexible tube and a shut-off valve are used. It is important to use only food-grade materials approved for contact with drinking water to prevent the appearance of foreign odors or harmful impurities.
☑️ Checking the installation location
Transportation and unpacking
Delivery of the refrigerator to the installation site is a critical stage. The unit Side by Side can be transported in a horizontal position only over very short distances and maintaining an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees. It is best to transport it strictly vertically, securely securing it with belts in the back of the truck.
After bringing it into the room, do not rush to turn on the equipment. If the refrigerator was transported lying down or tilted strongly, oil from the compressor could get into the cooling circuit. It is necessary to allow the unit to stand in a vertical position for at least 4–6 hours (and in winter, if it is frozen, then for 12–24 hours) before starting it for the first time.
Unpacking should be done carefully, removing cardboard, foam plastic and protective film. Pay special attention to removing shipping bolts, if any, (although larger Side by Sides usually don't have them; they may have locking brackets for the drawers instead). All packaging materials must be removed away from the back wall so as not to block the airflow.
⚠️ Attention: Never use the handles on the doors or shelves inside the chamber to move the refrigerator. They are not designed to bear the weight of the entire device and may come off.
Alignment and adjustment of the legs
Correct leveling is the key to quiet operation and proper closing of the doors. If the refrigerator is tilted, the door may not fully adhere to the seal, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor. For adjustment, the front support legs are used, which can be twisted or unscrewed.
The ideal position is when the body is slightly tilted back (about 1-2 degrees). In this case, the doors will slam shut on their own if they are opened no more than 45 degrees. You can check the horizontality using a building level placed on the top cover or inner shelf.
The rear wheels or supports should also touch the floor, but the main load is carried by the front adjustable legs. If the floor is slippery, make sure that the wheel locks (if provided by the model) are turned on, or use anti-slip pads.
Connecting to the water supply (for models with an ice dispenser)
The process of connecting the water requires accuracy and attentiveness. First, turn off the main cold water valve. Then cut a tee in the selected location or use a special mortise clamp (if the pipe material allows). A fine filter is connected to the outlet, which is required to protect the ice formation system from scale and rust.
Next, one end of the flexible hose is connected to the filter, and the other to the inlet on the back wall of the refrigerator. Usually it is marked in blue or with the inscription Water Inlet. All threaded connections should be sealed with FUM tape or plumbing flax, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the plastic elements.
After assembling the system, open the water and carefully check all joints for leaks within 10-15 minutes. Only after making sure of the tightness can you connect the hose to the refrigerator itself. After connecting to the unit, it is necessary to drain the first 5–10 liters of water to rinse the filters and remove air from the system.
⚠️ Attention: The pressure in the water supply must meet the manufacturer's requirements (usually from 0.04 to 1.0 MPa). If the pressure is higher, be sure to install a reducer, otherwise leaks and rupture of the hoses are possible.
First start and operation check
When the refrigerator is installed, leveled and connected (if necessary), the moment of truth comes - the first start. Insert the plug into the outlet. The lights on the control panel should light up and after a few seconds you should hear the compressor start up. During the first hours of operation, the unit may hum a little louder than usual - this is normal, the system is running in.
Do not load the refrigerator with food right away. Let it run idle for 2-3 hours so that it reaches the required temperature in the chambers. After that, arrange the food, being careful not to block the ventilation holes inside and not to overload the shelves. It is better to set the temperature on the first day to average, and then adjust as necessary.
Pay attention to the operation of the system No Frost. A few hours after switching on, check to see if there are any drops of water or frost on the walls of the chambers. Also listen to the sounds: quiet gurgling or crackling of plastic (thermal expansion) are normal phenomena, but a loud metal clang or vibration of the case requires contacting service.
Why can a Side by Side refrigerator hum more than usual?
Large models are often equipped with two compressors or a more powerful inverter motor. In addition, the large area of the body acts as a resonator. Make sure that the refrigerator does not touch walls or furniture, and that all shipping materials have been removed.
Comparison of installation types: free-standing vs built-in
When choosing a location, many hesitate between installing in a niche and free placement. Each option has its own pros and cons that affect performance characteristics. Below is a table to help you make your choice.
| Option | Free-standing | Built into a niche |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | Natural from all sides | Requires special boxes and gaps |
| Noise | Can be heard more clearly | Furniture partially muffles sound |
| Design | The body is visible, colored doors | Hidden by the kitchen facades |
| Installation cost | Minimal | High (needs a cabinet, plinth) |
Free-standing models are easier to maintain and cheaper to install. Built-in options look more aesthetically pleasing, but require a professional approach when installing a kitchen unit. If you are planning a built-in installation, make sure that the chosen one Side by Side is designed for this (has a front ventilation system).
Is it possible to install a Side by Side refrigerator on a glazed balcony?
No, this is strictly prohibited. Most refrigerators are designed to operate in the temperature range from +10°C to +32°C (climate class SN-T). On the balcony, the temperature can drop below zero or rise above +40°C, which will lead to solidification of the oil, damage to the seals and breakdown of the compressor. In addition, direct sunlight and humidity are detrimental to electronics.
Is it necessary to wait after transportation if the refrigerator was brought in vertically?
Yes, it is advisable to wait at least 2 hours. Even when transported vertically, the oil could become agitated. A short pause will allow the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase, which will reduce the risk of water hammer during the first start-up. In winter, the settling time increases until the case is completely warmed up to room temperature.
What to do if the Side by Side door does not close tightly?
First of all, check the installation level - often the problem is solved by tightening the front leg. Secondly, inspect the sealing rubber for dirt or deformation. If the door is skewed, you may need to adjust the hinges, but it is better to entrust this to a specialist, since the weight of the door on such models is large.