How to install a regular refrigerator in the kitchen yourself

The refrigerator is a rather large item, which is both good and, so to speak, inconvenient. It is inconvenient if the refrigerator is large and the kitchen is small. Yes, a large refrigerator can be loaded with a variety of products and you don’t have to go shopping every day. But placing such a monster in the kitchen interior often becomes problematic. The ideal option is to order a design project for a one-room apartment and transfer this task to a specialist, but this is not always possible. Therefore, we suggest that you read our recommendations below.

Photo by ReRooms

Creating a refrigerator cabinet

The project development procedure includes several stages:

1. Freeze.
2. Sawing and edging.
3. Assembly.
4. Installing an appliance such as a refrigerator built into a cabinet.

Important! The best option is when you can take care of a suitable cabinet at the design stage of the kitchen itself. Then later there are fewer problems with finding materials that can fit into the environment.

The size of the cabinet should be larger than the refrigerator, but not by much. It is necessary to leave space for free air circulation throughout the space. The load on the structure will be too severe if the box is placed too close to the hob or oven. Therefore, this type of built-in equipment and furniture is prohibited.

Big kitchen

To choose a kitchen design with a refrigerator, first make a room design. Choose a color scheme, take into account all the nuances of the layout.

For a large family, the refrigerator should be spacious, but be careful not to disturb the overall harmony of the space. Today, stores offer a large selection of kitchen appliances.

Required tools and materials

The list of necessary additions and fittings includes:

1. Level.
2. Pencil.
3. Metal corners.
4. Confirmats or Euroscrews.
5. Self-tapping screws.
6. High-quality hinges with a swing of at least 110 degrees.
7. Furniture edge 2 mm.
8. Facades and other parts made of laminated chipboard into which equipment is built.

Self-tapping screws for metal help to fix metal corners, but varieties for wood would also be useful so that the refrigerator built into the cabinet works properly.

How are they different from regular ones?

Many people who are planning to purchase and install a built-in refrigerator are interested in how it differs from classic non-built-in models. There are several characteristic differences between these models:

• Differences in the ventilation system. Built-in models are equipped with a thoughtful and high-quality ventilation system. Conventional refrigerators do not have this.
• Poor structural stability. Conventional refrigerator models are less stable, unlike built-in ones.
• Reducing free space. Devices that are not built into a cabinet or set take up a lot of free space. Therefore, they are not very suitable for a Khrushchev or a small studio apartment.

Often, due to a poor ventilation system, equipment that is essentially not designed to be built in overheats and fails.

Measurements

First you need to study all the dimensions that exactly correspond to reality. Many manufacturers indicate data in technical documentation, but without taking into account, for example, strictly decorative elements. You can move on, relying on the previously obtained figures. Only then is the device itself built in.

• Width of the box from the outside. The dimensions must include an additional 30 mm for the hinges. For example, with laminated chipboard sheets of 16 mm and equipment with a width of 600, the final size will be 662 mm.
• Height indicator for the cabinet. The box and hanging cases must be at the same level with each other, then the overall style is not disturbed. It's okay if there is some empty space at the top of the refrigerator. The main thing is that there is a gap of at least 50 mm, then the cabinet for the built-in refrigerator will not cause any trouble.
• Vertical racks. Here they lay at least 50 mm. For example, with a unit depth of 600 mm, a total of 650 will be needed.
• A shelf that is located above it. You need to decide on the external width of the refrigerator, and then subtract the vertical dimensions of the racks. In the above examples, it will be 550 mm, it is better to subtract 100 mm.
• Spacers. One of them is behind, and the other is below. The length corresponds to the same indicator for a pencil case, only the width of the chipboard is subtracted from the result.
• Base. With a size that also corresponds to the indicators of other parts of the headset. The width is calculated based on the box.
• Doors. Cameras determine what the facades and heights will be. Each model requires an individual calculation, regardless of which cabinet for the built-in refrigerator is purchased.

The refrigerator compressor requires high-quality cooling, so you can do without the back wall. Spacers will make the structure more stable.

Sawing and edging

Sometimes it is not possible to do all the operations yourself and manually. Then you can contact any furniture manufacturing company. Purchasing suitable items and placing an order are issues that can be easily resolved in just a few minutes. If necessary, craftsmen help glue the edges. It is important not to forget about the holes where the door hinges are inserted. The large diameter makes it difficult to manufacture parts yourself. It is always better to find a ready-made built-in refrigerator in the kitchen set.

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Imitation of embedding with decorative means

If it is not possible to make a cabinet yourself, you can resort to decorative means and create an imitation of the fact that the refrigerator is built-in.

Suitable methods:

• painting with enamel paint to match the color of walls or furniture;
• acrylic painting;
• pasting with PVC film;
• fastening the chalk board.

Instead of enamel or acrylic paint, you can use spray cans for painting cars. The main thing is to apply a primer or wipe the surface of the device with white alcohol to degrease.

You can stylize the refrigerator compartment to suit any design using the decoupage technique. Using glue and varnish, the body of the device can be decorated with patterns and designs. Thanks to the vinyl film, you can visually “merge” the unit with the walls or furniture.

An interesting decorative option is to close the doors with a magnetic chalk board. This will turn the surface of the refrigerator into a wall for chalk notes or chalk drawings.

Box assembly

There shouldn't be any major problems doing this part of the job.

The order is as follows:

1. Connection of spacers with vertical posts.
2. Adding a cover.
3. Mounting the base.
4. The pencil case is tried on on the spot, with the built-in device at the same time.

Sometimes an additional groove or hole is required to accommodate additional parts. If the box and the wall are fixed to each other with corners, the structure will become more reliable. Two or three parts are placed on top, one on the middle spacer. The general level is leveled, then the pencil case is connected to other pieces of furniture. Lastly, they move on to the facades, because the hinges rotate on the vertical posts at the very beginning of work. The refrigerator cabinet is ready.

What to consider before starting installation

A regular refrigerator is designed to stand alone. It cannot be “covered” with sheathing, otherwise there will be poor air circulation. It will overheat and break. It also has no place near the washing machine and stove.

The vibration of the machine and the heat from the burners are not conducive to normal heat transfer. Therefore, you need to consider the design of the box and installation options.

Interesting article: Tips on how to store food in the refrigerator - features of each of the 5 zones, rules and terms

Refrigerator installation

First, the installation is carefully installed in its intended place. Then they look to see if the furniture and the device itself are in the way. The location is centered and the corners are finally attached. Mounting it in place of the door gap will be the best option for integrating a regular refrigerator into the kitchen.

Metal self-tapping screws of 20-25 mm help secure the corners to the device. In this part, the body of the device will be complete, so there is no need to be afraid during drilling. All important elements will be located at the rear of the equipment. On top there are various sensors along with an indication. 16-18 mm wood screws secure the corners to the laminate so that the cabinet under the refrigerator is secured correctly.

You can also install corners at the bottom of the refrigerator to make the fastening and mechanism more reliable. It is better when there are more fixing parts, but it is not recommended to get carried away with this process. Otherwise, there is a high probability of simply damaging important parts of the structure with wiring. The handles are screwed onto the facades, the latter are fixed in place. It is not so difficult to integrate an ordinary refrigerator into a kitchen set.

Refrigerator disguise

The option of simulating various effects is great for those who do not want to get carried away with the details and all the details of carpentry. This disguise helps to find optimal combinations with any interior when you need to build an ordinary refrigerator into a closet.

Vinyl stickers

They are easy to glue and detach if necessary, there are no problems. Various design options are available for sale. There are also individual elements of small dimensions and products that cover the entire refrigerator.

Film with photo printing

Such films create amazing decorative effects and can literally transport owners and guests to other places. There are no fewer design options here than in the previous case. The film will additionally protect the structure from the formation of scratches and dirt in large quantities. One option is easy to remove and replace with another when they are no longer needed. In this case, building an ordinary refrigerator into a closet will also not be difficult.

Painting

Full painting also helps make the structure less noticeable. It also adds free space. It is enough to choose high-quality enamel, the color of which matches the existing interior. It is acceptable to use acrylic paints together with stencils. Then colorless varnish is used to finally fix the design on the surface so that the cabinet under the refrigerator looks correct.

Interesting. Before starting work, the surface of the equipment is treated with white spirit and a primer is added. Then the material does not dry out or crack during further use.

Magnetic board

An option that can be called universal for all devices. Black magnetic boards are used, which are adjusted to the size of the equipment itself. A particularly useful purchase for homes with children and other forgetful family members. A practical decoration option for those who need to integrate a regular refrigerator into their kitchen.

Disadvantages of a built-in wardrobe with a refrigerator inside

Most often, such equipment quickly becomes unusable due to an imbalance and the influx of hot and cold air. You can get rid of the bottom and back panel to make the device work longer, but often this is not enough. In this case, the stability of the equipment is reduced, which can be dangerous for others. Many people prefer to create their own designs from a regular factory-assembled refrigerator.

Tips for installation and operation

The main rule is to first choose a refrigerator, and then move on to the cabinet. If furniture was purchased without measurements, no professional will undertake installation. He won’t even tell you how to install a non-built-in refrigerator without measurements.

Some people try to build regular refrigerators into cabinets.

There are several dangers in this case:

• An ordinary refrigerator is placed on the floor, so the cabinet will have to be made without a bottom.

There are other important parts at the back, so there will be no back wall either. The result is a structure made of three boards, which cannot boast of stability.

• You will need a refrigerator cabinet that is too large for even the smallest refrigerator.

The design will stand out compared to other parts.

• An ordinary refrigerator can only be properly hidden in wardrobes.

But even in this case, the top cover must be missing so that there is free access for air. The door must be made so that everything opens instantly.

• The ergonomics of the future device are also taken into account.

When they decide on a model, a suitable place is selected for it. The main thing is that the equipment is mounted far from the stove and other devices that can heat up to high temperatures. A perfectly flat place is selected under the cabinet. The door should also open easily and completely. This is important for those who are interested in how to integrate a refrigerator into a kitchen set.

Typically, such a design is placed at the edge of a headset, straight or corner. This is the highest point, the rest is at waist level. But there are plans for other solutions, no less interesting. For example, when the refrigerator is hidden in a cabinet under the work surface. In such cases, two small units are purchased and then placed close to each other. You can use them to store different foods in each. Then there is no difference in height in the interior, and the solution itself looks unusual and original. But there will be little space for storing food. And you have to squat to get something when using the refrigerator cabinet.

Note! Under the windowsill you can equip an additional place where food will be stored. You need a fairly wide recess in the wall where the shelves will be placed. Technological holes will make it easier to maintain the required temperature level. Is it possible to create more complex designs in the kitchen? The answer will be yes.

Model rating

There are several models that fit perfectly into furniture:

• Atlant 4307. This is a compact model that is built into a headset. Among the advantages of Atlant 4307 are its low cost, build quality and compactness.
• Liebherr 6613. The Liebherr company produces high-quality refrigerators. The Liebherr 6613 model is equipped with a freezer and a special compartment for storing food.
• Bosch Kiv38×20. A fairly large built-in refrigerator, which is equipped with a spacious freezer. The advantages of this model include its noiselessness during operation, affordable cost and fast freezing.

Liebherr 6613 is one of the highest quality built-in refrigerators

About other features and benefits

A refrigerator cabinet along with the equipment itself usually has the following advantages:

• Much more economical due to thermal insulation due to the cabinet walls.
• Silent.
• Remains almost invisible.

But this is an expensive technique, even if it is inferior in capacity to conventional analogues. Especially when there are additional functions. If you have a large family for whom you constantly cook, this option cannot be called suitable. Installing a regular refrigerator in a kitchen unit is also not so easy.

Built-in refrigerators include office types of equipment and minibars, small car refrigerators.

Interesting. The sizes of equipment vary; the choice is made depending on the specific operating conditions. The freezer may be absent altogether, but most often it is 1-2 structures. Internal structure and safety remain the main requirements, but almost no attention is paid to appearance.

Such designs will not be practical if you always need to store a large number of products. 170 centimeters including the freezer compartment is the average size for modern models.

MDF and laminated chipboard are the most suitable materials for those who make their own boxes or make a refrigerator cabinet. Both options have good technical performance; the choice is based on the buyer’s personal preferences. The facade is covered with varnish or film to give the structure a certain appearance. It is not difficult to make a suitable size for a regular refrigerator.

If possible, the legs of the refrigerator are removed completely, or the bottom of the cabinet itself is discarded. But usually the pressure on its bottom increases due to the fact that the legs of modern designs are non-removable. Only with the right choice of location will the operation be stable and not cause any trouble.

It is recommended to regularly check the back wall for debris and other similar components. Due to such pollution, fires often occur and the normal process of air exchange is disrupted. The freezing compressor breaks down faster, and the refrigerator cabinet also deteriorates. It is important to solve the problem with the electrical network in advance so that the wiring is always freely accessible. If changes are likely in the future, it is better to buy an extension cord with the necessary characteristics.

Construction belts help to calculate and place equipment more accurately. During installation, you are allowed to remove the doors, then it will be easier. Then they return to their place. So we managed to hide the refrigerator in the kitchen unit ourselves.