Need help with fridge space

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Cross-posted in Conversations and Kitchens.

We just moved into a builder house. I want to modify the cabinet above the fridge to 24” deep and add side panels for a counter depth fridge but......

1. The space is not wide enough at 37.5” unless I go to a 33” fridge.

2. I can only find one 33” fridge with the options I want....a GE...not sure if I can even actually see it in person.

It would still be tight but would this look stupid......have just one side panel (3/4”) on the counter side but not the wall side?

Beyond the double door pantry is a niche with a desk and on the other side of the window a small table and chairs....people wouldnt really ever congregate in that area as the great room is at the other end. Thanks!

Featured Answer

chicagoans

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Joanie: what is the depth of the wall to the left of the refrigerator? (Where arrow is below.)

The reason I ask is because you want to make sure you have enough space to open the door on the left past 90 degrees. You may have already factored this in, but there have been some recent posts about issues with refrigerators next to walls so I'm mentioning it. (Where red arrow is - if wall is too close and too deep it will impede the door swing, unless you have a single door that's hinged on the right.)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

palimpsest
8 years ago
It would be fine to just do the panel on the free side. I am assuming there will be no problem with door swing, you are using a full-depth fridge? You could maybe do a 30" panel and pull the upper cabinet out further.
Joaniepoanie
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Pal. I’m planning on a counter-depth fridge.
Related Professionals
Mountain Home Interior Designers & Decorators · Spartanburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Taunton Interior Designers & Decorators · Durango Interior Designers & Decorators · Palm Bay Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Anderson Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Dallas Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Saginaw Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jacksonville Furniture & Accessories · Fredericksburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Kissimmee Kitchen Remodelers · Miami Kitchen Remodelers · Lebanon Kitchen Remodelers · Southaven Custom Countertops · Providence Custom Countertops
palimpsest
8 years ago
Will there be an issue getting the door to open because of the wall?
Joaniepoanie thanked palimpsest
cliff_and_joann
8 years ago
Joanie, I had a GE counter depth fridge, it was a one door with freezer on the bottom... after just a few years it broke. I obsessed over this dilemma, as I wanted a bigger fridge but my space was cramped.

I found a Kenmore that was about 22 or 23 qubic feet, but it was deep and wide. The width is 33"

We took out the two X fours on the wall behind the fridge (you also have

to put in a header when you take out the 2 x 4's.) This picked up about 3 1/2"

in the depth...then we built out the cabinet on top of the fridge with 2x4's so

that it flushed with the top of the fridge. Then we built a thin wall and installed

it as a side panel. Hope this is clear.

The only thing sticking out is the side of the door ( not the side of the fridge.)

I think it looks good, the side wall does stick out a little past the counter

and I think that looks fine.

h
cliff_and_joann
8 years ago
Joanie, this is the fridge. I love it ...glass adjustable split shelves...

adjustable door shelves, cheese / cold cut drawer and big freezer

with top slide out bin and ice maker. This fridge is wonderful.

I believe it's made by whirlpool.

check out the specs... the depth is 32.75" 'without the handles' & the

width is 33" deep Remember when you looking at the total depth

specs it includes the handles...

http://www.sears.com/kenmore-23.6-cu-ft-french-door-bottom/p-04671313000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=29&blockNo=29&blockType=G29#
Joaniepoanie thanked cliff_and_joann
PRO
Business_Name_Placeholder
8 years ago
Careful with fridges against wall.

This is a common problem.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/fridge-hitting-wall-help-dsvw-vd~5301195

Avoid by reading manual specs as suggested above.

If there is enough space 1 thin panel on right is fine, but only if there's enough room for door swing for wall.
Joaniepoanie thanked Business_Name_Placeholder
Joaniepoanie
Original Author
8 years ago
Chicagoans....that wall is 28.5” deep.

I had the same arrangement in my old house but the space fit A 36” wide fridge, 3/4” panel on one side and about 2” on the wall side. Still not ideal opening the door on the wall side but we got used to it.
zneret
8 years ago
I would have thought 37.5" is plenty for a 36" fridge + the wall panel (0.5") or even 2? 36" would give you more choices.

The 33" GE counter depth fridge we have (no freezer) fits in the 33" space between two panels.

As others mention, door clearance will be an issue unless you have a left-hand opening single door.

Just know the total height of the fridge before you mount the above fridge cabinet.
PRO
Flo Mangan
8 years ago
Good points and a 34” wide refrigerator can work. Pay attention to height too. You loose a lot of cubic feet with counter depth unit. Simulate it first to see if you like. You need 42” for counter depth to have sufficient space.
PRO
Flo Mangan
8 years ago
Typo. 33” refrig.
PRO
Flo Mangan
8 years ago
Obviously you don’t have room for 42” counter depth refrig. Just saying it takes that width to equal the cu ft of 35-37” wide and 33” deep refrigerator. Watch cu ft capacity.
PRO
Business_Name_Placeholder
8 years ago
In this space, The challenge is changing to a counter depth fridge with an adjacent wall to the right is 28.5".

On most fridges that would only work with 3/4" panel to right & a less wide fridge 1 door that opens to right. Not towards right wall. I think that would be an everyday nuisance that the door opens away from kitchen & have to go around door everytime to grab something. So, I do not suggest it.

Maybe there is a countertop fridge that has zero hinge clearance. I don't know if there is. But i think a 1" space is still needed around.

If you must have counterdepth fridge, a less wide fridge like 30" may do. Is a smaller fridge worth the counterdepth look?

Due to the current setup, I suggest getting a regular 27" deep side tall panel & 27 " deep wall cabinet above fridge. Then get a regular deep fridge that will bypass the 27.5" space.

Yes, it will stickout pass the adacent wall some, however this is quite normal. This is why fridges usually stick out some, so they can open fully. A proper installed fridge can open fully with a door swing pass 90 degree, so the inside drawers can be pulled out freely. A fridge that cannot open fully is a fuctional design fail.

Again check manuals installation specs before purchase & discuss fully with appliance rep.

Glad you posted on Houzz to get advise from the other Houzzers before jumping into this project. There are so many posts about fridges not opening after the fact which was an expensive fix.

Best regards on this.