When you have to buy a refrigerator, you may think that it is enough to find a model that fits perfectly into the compartment intended for it. However, there are other factors you need to consider; For example, you must make sure that there is enough space to allow the hinges to rotate and open the door, that the door itself does not hit other elements of the kitchen and even to be able to pass the appliance between the doors of the house. When you set out on such a challenging purchase, you need to make sure there are no hitches.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Measure the Width
Step 1. Move the refrigerator
To detect many correct measurements, you need to move the appliance in order to have access to all the space. For this purpose, it is best to take out any elements that are inside it and have a physically robust helper who can help you.
- Do not leave the shelves in the appliance, as they could move and hit the internal walls. You can take them off and move them separately or secure them inside the refrigerator with adhesive tape.
- Make sure the doors do not open while moving. Take a strap and tie it around the openings or wrap the openings with duct tape.
- Do not lay the appliance on its side.
Step 2. Measure the gap of the opening
In reality, you may be tempted to measure your old fridge, but there is a risk that it doesn't have the perfect measurements for the compartment. For this reason, you should note the height, width and depth of the space intended for the appliance.
Step 3. Use a tape measure
Place one end of it on the wall and extend it to the opposite point of the space. Make a mark on the tape at the measurement, using a pencil. Write down the value on a sheet of paper.
Step 4. Repeat the detection
Not only is it possible that you have misread the tape measure, but it is also possible that the house has settled. During the process, some surfaces may become uneven. Repeat the measurement elsewhere in the open space.
If you notice any differences, consider the smaller value. It is better to end up with extra space than to buy an appliance that is too large
Step 5. Choose a smaller model than the compartment
There should be at least 2-3 cm between the walls of the appliance and those of the compartment, on both sides, to allow you to dust the surfaces. In addition, you should also leave at least 5 cm of space on the hinge side of the door so that the door can open and close completely.
Part 2 of 4: Measure Height
Step 1. Move the refrigerator
To be able to take the measurements you need, you must take the appliance out of its compartment. Before proceeding, remove all the food inside and ask for the help of at least one strong person.
- Do not leave the shelves in the appliance. They could hit the inside walls while moving. You can take them out and move them separately or fix them with adhesive tape.
- Make sure the doors don't open as you move the fridge. You can use a strap to tie them or wrap them with masking tape.
- When you take the appliance out of its compartment, do not place it on its side, as this will seriously damage it.
Step 2. Ask someone to help you measure your height
You will need the assistance of another person to securely rest the end of the tape measure against the ceiling of the compartment while you extend the meter to the floor and note the value. It would be better to find a taller helper than you; also, it is worth having a second help.
Alternatively, attach the metal hook on the tip of the tape measure to any available surface near the ceiling of the compartment and pull the tape down for the first reading. Next, measure the space between the ceiling and where you hooked the tape measure to get the total height
Step 3. Stretch the tape measure about 30cm
This way, you should be able to reach surfaces that are higher than you are.
Step 4. Hook the tip of the tool to the edge of a wall cabinet
Ask the helper to extend the tape measure on the ground. Make a mark on the instrument at the end point and then write down the value on a sheet of paper along with the other measurements.
Step 5. Repeat the process
When taking measurements, mistakes can be made; in addition, the house may also stabilize slightly. During this type of work, surfaces can lose their alignment. Do all the operations again, calculating a different point of the space.
If you notice a difference, consider the smaller value. It is better to err by default than by excess
Step 6. Choose a refrigerator that is at least 2-3 cm lower than the compartment
This type of appliance needs some ventilation to function properly; then, make sure there is 2-3 cm between its top and the ceiling.
Part 3 of 4: Measure the Depth
Step 1. Move the appliance
To take many measurements, especially depth, you have to take the refrigerator out of its compartment. Before proceeding, remember to remove everything in it and have a strong person to help you.
- Do not leave the shelves inside the appliance, as they can hit the internal walls. You can take them out and move them separately or fix them with adhesive tape.
- Make sure the doors do not open while moving. You can tie them with a strap or wrap them with duct tape.
- When moving the refrigerator, do not lay it on its side.
Step 2. Measure the compartment from the back to the front edge of the kitchen counter
Place the tape measure against the back wall of the available space and stretch it to the outer edge. Write down the number you read on the meter.
Step 3. Repeat the detection
Not only may you have made some reading errors, but it is possible that the house has stabilized in the meantime. During these works, some of the surfaces may become uneven. For this reason, take the measurements again in a different place in the space where you need to insert the refrigerator.
If you notice any discrepancies, consider the smaller value, as it is better to have some space left over than to have none at all
Step 4. Decide if you want the refrigerator to protrude over the edge of the kitchen counter
If you have not taken into account an extra 5 cm on the sides to allow the door to move, you will need to extract the appliance by 5 cm, to allow the hinges to work properly. This means that you have to consider a greater depth, but at the same time you have to make sure that the doors do not invade the room too much.
Step 5. Leave at least 2-3 centimeters between the rear wall of the compartment and the back of the refrigerator
This appliance needs adequate ventilation to function properly; so make sure there is such space.
Part 4 of 4: Finding the Perfect Match
Step 1. Check the height and width of the smaller house doors
Having a compartment large enough to accommodate the fridge does not guarantee that it will pass through the doors of the house. Choose the path you will follow to bring the appliance to the kitchen. Compare the width of the doors to see if there is enough space for this job.
Step 2. Check the length of the doors
Many models do not report the dimensions of the doors. When you go to the store, open them 90 ° to the refrigerator and measure the depth of the appliance including the length of the door. Go home and, using a tape measure, make sure how far you can open the refrigerator inside the kitchen. Take the measurement from where the back of the appliance will be and extend the tape measure to the full depth, including the length of the doors.
- If the fridge needs to protrude over the edge of the counter to allow for movement of the hinges, you need to take this into account when taking measurements. Consider the starting point that is 5 cm beyond the edge of the counter. Mark the depth of the refrigerator on the side wall. The point you reach corresponds to the one where the back of the appliance will be; from here extend the tape measure outwards for a length equal to the depth of the fridge with the door open. This procedure allows you to understand the size of the refrigerator when it is opened.
- Once you know this value, consider whether it is acceptable. You need to make sure that there is enough space to open the door completely without hitting the counter, that access to the room is not blocked and that the kitchen does not become too small.
- If the door takes up too much space, consider purchasing another refrigerator model. Those with double doors and the American models do not take up much space.
Step 3. Find a refrigerator with sufficient capacity
The space you need depends on your eating habits and the size of your family. At a minimum, you should consider 115-160 liters of volume for each adult using the fridge.
- On average, a couple who don't eat at home often should buy a 340-450 liter fridge.
- A family of two who cooks a lot at home should focus on the 500-liter models.
- A family of four usually needs 570 liters of refrigerator space.
- Don't overlook the kind of space you need either. Do you eat more frozen food or fresh vegetables? Find the model with the right storage sectors for your food needs.
