First, verify that the fridge won't fit.

Then show us pictures.

Make a deal that the owner's fridge conveys with the house.

It would require a bunch of sanding and scraping but that's one way. You can use a hydraulic ram spreader to"schuch" it apart. Placing a block of wood at corners and wacking with a sledge will make a little more space. I gave you three answers and now I'd like you to give me one answer. Have you read the owner's manual that came with your fridge? Every owners manual I've seen say's not to put fridge in a crowded space like you described. Just saying of course.

How important is that fridge that you want to fit in there? For me, it wasn't important enough, and I decided to get a fridge to fit the space, rather than making a big, expensive mess just to keep the fridge I had........eventually, I might renovate the entire kitchen and, at that time, I'd make a bigger spot for a fridge. Until I change it all, though, I can manage with finding a fridge to fit the space, rather than making a bunch of changes for the sake of a half inch.

is this both upper and lower cabs on each side? Is there molding on the top cabs and countertop overhang on the lower? or is the fridge between 2 pantrys.

Hi ci_lantro, the new house is in Virginia, and I will be moving with the new owner from southern California. Unfortunately, she won’t take the ownership of the house until July 22nd, so I am not able to take pictures till then. However, while we were there previously, I had measured a gap of 35-7/8“ between the two upper and lower kitchen cabinets; this measurement was confirmed by the realtor who was present at the time. Upon returning home in California, I measured the refrigerator 36”.

Klem1, thanks for your suggestions. I was considering, and more inclined, to use the sanding option. According to the owner’s manual, there should be a clearance of 1/8” on the sides so I’ll need to sand, or reduce about 3/8” total. Wow!

Toronto Veterinarian, my thoughts exactly! However, the place belongs to someone very set, and picky, about her choices. I live with her and help her out. I hope she reconsiders her option to move the refrigerator and get something that will easily slide in.

Becky, the measurements taken were of the shortest gap between the two cabinets on either sides of the refrigerator and there were no moldings that could be removed on either of those sides.

Thank you all kindly for your responses. The new property owner and I will be able to access the property on the 22nd of July upon the close of escrow. I will have another look at that point to determine the best course of action to take. Hope to share some pictures then.

I just replaced our 20 year old refrigerator and the new one was supposedly the same dimension, but, when I went to install it, it was about 1/4" too high (due to the top hinges) and about 1/8" too wide (because of very slightly bulging sides). I used my router to increase the opening size, but I first had to create a guide rail that screwed onto the backside of the opening framing so that I got a uniform removal of material. I then had to use a sharp chisel to clean up the inside corners and the bottom couple of inches where the router couldn't reach. It took me the better part of a day to build the rails, do the work, and finish sand and stain the edges of the opening. I could only do this because the pocket that the refrigerator went into was a couple of inches larger than the facing that went around the opening. If your space is defined by the cabinet sides and bottoms, rather than like mine, this approach won't work. And you also have to be a fairly competent woodworker to not screw things up. I agree with the others who suggested a different refrigerator may be provide the least difficult resolution.

Here’s the enlargement of picture of cabinets from Zillow site. Unfortunately. the counter and bottom cabinets aren’t displayed.

Get a new fridge that fits the space.

Could the refrigerator be placed in a storage room, Pantry, or garage? Get the 32" for the kitchen and then still have plenty of food storage with the old fridge.

From the looks of that picture you'll be luck to get anything larger than a dorm fridge in that hole.

Thank you all for your responses. I convinced the home owner to get a smaller fridge.