There is about 1 1/2" space between the side of the refrigerator and the wall and the handle on the freezer door protrudes from the skin of the freezer door by 2 1/4", allowing a little less than 90 degrees for the door to open. For a primary kitchen, this would not be the most practical design, however for a kitchenette in a basement where the freezer is not used that much, it is not quite as crucial, and seems to serve the homeowner's needs. Thanks for the question.