The layout of the kitchen often dictates strict conditions, and location of the refrigerator it becomes a matter of not just convenience, but the physical ability to open the door. In an ideal world, we would always choose a model with the required attachment, but in reality the market dictates its conditions, and we have to adapt the equipment to the room. The correct choice of opening side affects ergonomics, service life of seals and even the safety of movement around the kitchen.
Many users do not even suspect that 90% of modern models provide an option reposition the door to the opposite side. This is not just a marketing ploy, but a thoughtful engineering feature that allows the unit to fit into any corner. However, there are nuances that it is better to learn about before purchasing so as not to encounter unpleasant surprises during installation.
In this article we will look at how to determine the optimal opening direction, what tools will be needed for the remodel and whether it is even worth doing it yourself. Ergonomics of the work triangle in the kitchen it directly depends on how you will get food, so ignore this aspect is impossible.
Kitchen ergonomics: how to choose the right side
When choosing the side of the door opening, be guided by the logic of movement. The door should open away from the work area so as not to block access to the countertop when you need to put something in or take it out. If the refrigerator is in the corner, the door must open towards the center of the room, otherwise you simply will not be able to approach the shelves.
It is also important to consider which hand is more convenient for you to reach for food. Statistics say that right-handers are more comfortable when the door opens from right to left, and left-handers - vice versa. This allows you to use your dominant hand to remove packages without twisting the case. Sealing rubber band At the same time, it is less subject to deformation, since you are not leaning on it with all your weight, trying to reach the far corner.
Don’t forget about the passage. If the refrigerator is located in a narrow corridor or walk-through area, the open door should not block the movement of people. Imagine the situation: you are standing by an open refrigerator, and someone urgently needs to go to the kitchen - won’t a conflict arise? Access zone should remain free.
Universal models and restrictions on the type of design
The modern market offers predominantly universal refrigerators, where overhanging the door is provided for by the design. However, not everything is so simple. There are models where this option is either absent or implemented with restrictions. For example, built-in appliances often require special furniture facades, which also need to be correctly oriented.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators like Side-by-Side or Multi-Door (French-door) it is often impossible to rehang the doors yourself due to the complex system of hinges and control cables running inside. In such cases, the opening side is fixed by the factory.
Old Soviet models and some budget Chinese analogues deserve special attention. The hinges in them may be welded or may not have holes for rearrangement. Before purchasing, be sure to study the technical documentation or ask the seller about the possibility of reversing the door.
Why is it impossible to reverse the door in some models?
The design may not have a strike plate on the opposite side of the body or decorative plugs. The problem may also be in the No Frost system, where the air ducts are located asymmetrically and interfere with the installation of hinges.
Tools and preparation for reversing the door
If you decide to change the opening direction, you will need a minimum set of tools. Typically this will include a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead), a wrench (often 10mm) and possibly hex keys. An assistant will not be superfluous, since the refrigerator door is a heavy and bulky element; it is extremely difficult to hold it with one hand and at the same time unscrew the bolts.
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored. Also free the shelves on the door to reduce the weight of the structure. Hinges may be tight due to factory lubrication, so act carefully so as not to strip the threads.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Prepare a place in advance for storing removed parts. Small screws and plugs tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment. Lay them out on a white cloth or in a magnetic tray so that nothing falls inside the case.
Step-by-step instructions: how to hang a refrigerator door
The process of rehanging varies depending on the brand, but the general algorithm of actions is similar for most models. First, remove the top cover (if there is one), then loosen the fastenings of the top hinge. Someone must hold the door. After removing the top hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the bottom axis.
Next, the bottom hinge is moved to the opposite side. The case usually has symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and replaced in place of the old holes. Magnetic valve or the retainer is also transferred to the new side, if the design includes a magnetic valve
| Brand | Mounting features | Required tools | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit | Standard bolts, accessible plugs | Screwdriver, 10 mm wrench | Low |
| Bosch | May require removal base | Hexagon, screwdriver | Medium |
| LG | Often a hex key from the kit is required | Hexagon 4-5 mm | Low |
| Atlant | Massive hinges, physical strength required | Wrench 10-12 mm, screwdriver | Medium |
After rearranging the hinges, the door is put in place. It is important to ensure that the axle fits exactly into the socket. Then the top loop is screwed on. Do not tighten the bolts all the way straight away. First, tighten all the screws, level the door, and only then finally secure the fasteners. This will ensure a tight fit seal along the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not fit tightly or opens spontaneously, you may have installed the lock incorrectly or warped the body when tightening the bolts. Loosen the fasteners and align the position of the door.
Nuances for different brands: LG, Bosch, Indesit
Each manufacturer has their "chips". For example, in refrigerators Bosch and Siemens there is often a system where the handle is integrated into the profile, and for rehanging it may be necessary to remove the decorative strip along the entire height of the door. Models LG often use hidden fasteners, which are located under decorative overlays.
Budget models Indesit and Aristonare usually easier to maintain. It uses the classic scheme: two bolts on top, two on bottom. However, the quality of the hinge metal may be lower, so you shouldn’t use excessive force when unscrewing “stuck” bolts - it’s better to use a penetrating lubricant like WD-40.
In expensive models with displays and cameras on the door, the situation is more complicated. Wire cables may have a limited length or specific wiring. Electronics requires careful handling: before removing the door, be sure to disconnect the connectors if they are in the way, having previously photographed their location.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is the loss of fasteners. Plugs, screws, washers - all this must be preserved. If you lose a specific screw, finding a replacement for it in a regular store may be problematic, since the thread may differ from the standard one. Complete items must be complete.
The second mistake is the wrong sequence of actions. Some people try to remove both hinges at once, which causes the heavy door to fall. Always work in stages: top hinge -> removing the door -> rearranging the bottom -> installing the door -> top hinge. Failure to follow this procedure may result in personal injury or damage to the floor.
⚠️ Warning: Do not forcefully bend the housing metal to get the bolt into the hole. If the holes do not match, it means the door is crooked or the wrong side is selected. Forced drilling of new holes will break the seal of the chamber.
Also, users often forget about adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator after hanging it. The door should open itself under the influence of gravity if it is tilted 30-45 degrees. If it stays in place or slams, you need to tighten the front supports.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the furniture?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to remove the cabinet fronts if they are attached to the refrigerator door or provide sufficient clearance for handling. Often you have to remove the entire refrigerator from a niche for ease of operation.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be bought at hardware stores or ordered from the manufacturer. As a last resort, they can be replaced with decorative stickers or carefully painted over if the hole is at the back and is not visible.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
The re-hanging process itself, if provided for in the instructions, should not affect the warranty. However, if you strip threads or damage the housing in the process, the warranty claim may not be recognized. Proceed carefully.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not level. Check the slopes. The door must slope back slightly to close on its own. Also check if anything inside is in the way (packaging, products) or if the seal fits correctly into the groove.