How to Install a Refrigerator

Putting a refrigerator into place doesn't have to be difficult. Here are some tips to make it easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Radios
• Radios
• Carpets Scraps
• Lamps
• Refrigerators
• Levels
• Wood Blocks

1. Put the refrigerator on strips of carpet, pile-side down, and slide it into place. Be sure to plug it in when you can reach the outlet with the cord.

2. Remove the carpet.

3. Lay a level across the top of the refrigerator to make sure it is level. If it isn't, remove the front grille at the base of the fridge, tilt the refrigerator back and place a wooden block under the front edge. Find the leveling legs on the front corners, and screw them up or down to level the unit.

4. Check the level again, and repeat this process until the fridge is level. (The door should shut by itself when opened to a 45-degree angle. If it doesn't, screw the leveling legs down enough so that it does.)

5. Consult your owner's manual on how to hook up the icemaker, if applicable.

6. Run the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before putting perishable food into it.

Tips & Warnings

• Put your refrigerator in a spot out of direct sunlight and away from heat-producing appliances, such as your dishwasher and stove.
• Put your owner's manual in a plastic bag, and tape it to the side of the refrigerator so that you can find it when you need it.
• Never move a refrigerator onto its side or back. It should always be upright.
• Don't use an extension cord with your fridge. The chances of electrocution are high with any appliance that is used near liquids.

[Vroomvroom]

on 8/23/2008 I have a similar problem where fridge (a small one) fits snuggly into a cabinet. The electric outlet is directly behind the center of the fridge. The heat exchange coils touch the electric wire + plug. Is this a hazard?

[Shauna]

on 10/8/2007 We're looking at a refrigerator that will leave only 1/4" on each side by the walls. Is that enough or do we need a smaller refrigerator to allow air flow?

on 9/12/2006 When installing a new fridge underneath overhead cabinets and/or between cabinets and walls, you may find it to be a tighter fit than your old fridge even though you measured everything correctly. If so, look at your cabinet edges and you'll find that you should be able to trim up to 3/4" off the lip of each cabinet by using a planer or sander. In the case of two cabinets on each side of the fridge, this could offer you an additional 1 1/2" of lateral clearance (3/4" + 3/4"). With an overhanging cabinet, you can also gain additional vertical clearance by fully lowering the fridge with the caster adjustments. Sanding/planing the cabinet edges will have minimal cosmetic impact since the edges are covered/hidden by the fridge when installed.

on 3/20/2006 It is always a good idea to wait 2-4 hours before plugging a new refrigerator in. The refrigerant must settle first or you may ruin your new refrigerator.