What To Know
- Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen with a new refrigerator or relocating to a new home, determining if your refrigerator will fit through the doorway is crucial.
- Measure the height of the door frame from the threshold to the top of the frame.
- A qualified appliance technician can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may involve removing the door frame or using a special hydraulic lift.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen with a new refrigerator or relocating to a new home, determining if your refrigerator will fit through the doorway is crucial. This comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to assess the compatibility between your refrigerator and your doorway.
Measuring Your Refrigerator
Before embarking on the fitting adventure, it’s essential to measure your refrigerator’s dimensions meticulously. Using a measuring tape, determine the following:
- Width: Measure the widest point of the refrigerator, including any handles or protruding parts.
- Height: Measure the refrigerator’s height from the base to the top, including any dispensers or ice makers.
- Depth: Measure the distance from the front of the refrigerator to the back, including any coils or vents.
Measuring Your Doorway
With your refrigerator’s measurements in hand, it’s time to measure your doorway. Focus on the following:
- Width: Measure the width of the door frame at its narrowest point.
- Height: Measure the height of the door frame from the threshold to the top of the frame.
- Threshold: Measure the height of the raised lip at the bottom of the doorway.
Assessing the Fit
Once you have both sets of measurements, compare them to determine if your refrigerator will fit through the doorway.
- Width: Your refrigerator’s width should be at least 1 inch narrower than the doorway’s width to allow for clearance.
- Height: Your refrigerator’s height should be at least 1.5 inches shorter than the doorway’s height to allow for the threshold.
- Depth: Your refrigerator’s depth should be less than the doorway’s depth, but it’s important to consider any handles or other protruding parts that may interfere.
Maneuvering Techniques
If your refrigerator is slightly wider or taller than the doorway, there are techniques to help you maneuver it through:
- Remove the Doors: Detaching the refrigerator doors can reduce its width, making it easier to fit through narrow doorways.
- Tilt the Refrigerator: Tilting the refrigerator backward slightly can reduce its height, allowing it to clear the threshold.
- Use a Dolly: A dolly can provide additional support and leverage, making it easier to move the refrigerator through the doorway.
Professional Assistance
If your refrigerator is significantly larger than the doorway and the maneuvering techniques are not suitable, consider seeking professional assistance. A qualified appliance technician can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may involve removing the door frame or using a special hydraulic lift.
Considerations for French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators pose a unique challenge due to their wider design. If your doorway is particularly narrow, it may be necessary to remove both doors and the central divider to fit the refrigerator through.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Fit with Confidence
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently determine if your refrigerator will fit through your doorway. Remember to measure accurately, assess the fit carefully, and consider the maneuvering techniques or professional assistance if necessary. With proper planning and preparation, you can seamlessly integrate your new refrigerator into your kitchen space.
