How to install a refrigerator in a kitchen furniture set?

Pros and cons of a built-in refrigerator

A refrigerator built into a kitchen unit has many advantages:

• It fits perfectly into the interior, no matter what color it is made in.
• It helps to save time and money on finding a unit that suits the style and design.
• Electricity consumption is reduced due to the thermal insulation properties of the box.
• The noise level during operation is reduced.
• Suitable for small kitchens, as it does not look too bulky.

Unfortunately, by building a regular refrigerator into a cabinet you will not solve all the problems. After all, this method also has a number of disadvantages:

• “Eats up” more space than a freestanding model, due to the box erected around it.
• Poorly made ventilation can cause excess energy consumption.
• Relatively short service life of the device due to aggressive operating conditions.

Important! If you are going to build a simple new refrigerator into the kitchen unit, keep in mind that you will have to drill a hole in its body during installation, which will automatically void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Why many experts advise building a classic refrigerator instead of a special one:

1. Standard models are more spacious.
2. Manufacturers offer more filling options.
3. Prices for standard units are 30-50% lower.

If the pros outweigh the cons in your opinion, we suggest you figure out how to hide a refrigerator in a closet.

Building a Regular Refrigerator into a Cabinet: Step-by-Step Instructions

First, think again and compare a built-in and a regular refrigerator. The latter definitely wins in price, it is cheaper. And in size – the built-in has more compact dimensions. But at the same time, you will not have to invent anything, because built-in appliances are created specifically to be hidden.

There are two ways to build in the unit: order the work from professionals, for example, together with the kitchen: they will take measurements, make furniture and install it themselves. Or you can do the same yourself.

To build a regular refrigerator into a kitchen set yourself, evaluate the model you already have: take general measurements, separately mark the height of the lower and upper doors. Transfer the numbers to paper.

The next step is to design the frame. Several requirements for the design into which the device can be built:

• the door should open at an expanded angle to make it easier to use the refrigerator;
• the back wall should be removed, leaving space for ventilation;
• there should be enough distance between the floor and the bottom of the refrigerator, taking into account free opening;
• the internal width of the frame is made 7-10 cm larger than the refrigerator – this is necessary for air circulation and high-quality cooling without overheating;
• the external width of the structure depends on the free space in the niche – but cannot be less than the width of a regular refrigerator + 10 cm;
• the depth should preferably not be wider than the countertop.

At the stage designing a suitable module, you must clearly imagine where exactly it will stand: this determines which way the door opens and how much free space you have.

When the technical drawing on paper is finished and the exact dimensions of each part are known, start cutting. If you are going to make a cabinet from laminated chipboard, make sure that the glued film does not get scratched during cutting. Doubt your technique and experience? Order a cut according to your dimensions in any furniture workshop.

Important! After sawing, do not forget about edging: all ends must be protected from moisture.

Do not forget to order facades as well – it is best if they are made at the same factory as all the others: otherwise, you risk not matching the color of the kitchen set.

Let’s proceed directly to assembling and installing the refrigerator in the kitchen cabinet.

For work you will need:

• screwdriver or drill with a drill for confirmat;
• furniture confirmat themselves;
• ruler and pencil;
• square;
• tape measure;
• level;
• suitable special bit for screwing;
• fittings (hinges, corners, fasteners);
• ball guides – 2 pcs.

Let’s start placing a regular refrigerator in the kitchen:

1. First, you need to assemble the cabinet body. We screw the side walls with the bottom, shelves and lid using minifixes. We install spacers (10-15 cm wide) in the upper and lower parts of the back wall. Screw on the hinges – 2 on the upper and lower doors.
2. Install the refrigerator in the box. Place it exactly in the center so that there is enough space for air on the back wall and side posts.
3. Screw it with spacer corners on both sides to the sides – 2 pieces in the center are enough – between the upper and lower parts.
4. Hang the facades on the hinges, align them, screw on the handles.
5. Screw the guides to the facade panels at the top (3-7 cm below the upper end of the refrigerator doors).
6. It remains to screw the metal corners to the refrigerator door and the guide, thereby fixing the facade on the door.

Important! Be sure to check the cabinet for stability – during operation, the refrigerator vibrates slightly, which can cause the collapse of the unreliable structure. To make sure nothing happens to the frame, it is attached to the wall with corners.

To understand the installation process in more detail and listen to the advice of experts, watch the video:

How to hide a refrigerator using decorative elements and finishing?

A non-built-in refrigerator in a kitchen cabinet is not the only placement option. It is not necessary to hide the device in the case and cover it with facades, it can be disguised!

The first method also involves the use of furniture, but the installation will not be complete: create a niche without doors and install the refrigerator inside. This option is simpler and cheaper than a fully built-in one, but it looks better than a freestanding one.

Idea #2: paint it in a suitable color. Choose paint to match the walls, furniture, or, on the contrary, focus on the refrigerator: for example, using chalkboard paint or its imitation.

If you don’t want to do any crafting or paint, buy self-adhesive film: most likely, you won’t find the most suitable one, so go for the accent! Choose a bright color that will turn a familiar unit into a kitchen art object.

Tip! It is not necessary to cover the entire refrigerator and freezer – it is enough to use individual stickers so that the device looks more “relaxed” and harmonious. Choose according to your style and taste: animals, plants, geometric shapes.

Do you have a niche in your kitchen? Use it! Choose a model of the appropriate width and “hide” it inside. This is an ideal architectural solution that can be created by moving a doorway or redevelopment.

The last option is based on the saying “If you want to hide something, put it in a visible place.” The refrigerator can be located separately from the kitchen set, for example, in the dining area. Or choose the brightest, most unusual color: so that it literally “screams” and attracts maximum attention.

Whether to build in a refrigerator or not is your decision. We simply offer several interesting options that will make the kitchen interior more stylish and modern.