skip to main content

Closing French Door Problem

15 years ago

Today I saw the new 72" Kitchen Aid french door model which I really like a lot and unlike the Liebherr I can access the top shelf easily. One question I have, and this is coming from using a single door my entire life, is how the door closes. With a single door I can just tap it shut and it closes completely. But with the french door model I looked at, there is a plastic piece in the middle, and in order to shut the left side, you have to kind of semi-slam it so it shuts. Sometimes even with a rather big push it got stuck in the middle and only shut part way. Is this normal? How do you get used to that? Does the door alarm sound even if it's half shut? Thanks for any views on this.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

marthavila
15 years ago
Unlike which Liebherr? Did you see the Liebherr 36" FD or are you talking about a different model Liebherr? AFAIK the FD Liebherr will not be in showrooms until mid-August.
yoyoma
Original Author
15 years ago
I saw the 30" Liebherr, but the height is about the same so since we can barely access the top shelf in the 30", it should be the same problem in the 36".
Related Discussions
Kitchenaid french door refrigerator PROBLEM
Q
Comments (4)
Some of these units need the feet adjusted so the refrig. slants back a bit so gravity and the weight of the door complete the task. Not a whole lot of tilt, just a little. Over time, the gaskets warp or a build up of gunk (a small amount will do it) from normal use can be an issue. The gasket is somewhat like an accordion and a magnetic strip is inside to pull the gasket to the frame. Over time, the gasket does not spring back to a compressed state and on the hinge side, it offers resistance and works to pinch instead of collapse on the hinge side, preventing the door from closing all the way without additional force by the user. Check that out and if in fact that is where the problem is, make them change the gasket. When it is out of warranty, be prepared you may have to do this again or, do as you do now and tip everyone to make sure the door is closed. Changing the gasket may solve the problem forever. This problem shows itself on just about any make or model. Not every unit, but some and that's no consolation to someone it is happening to. The grease is an attempt to reduce some of the friction and allow the gasket to move with less friction and then collapse. Of course dust will accumulate and you'll need to wipe it down and re-lubricate. Vegetable oil would do the trick as a food grade oil, on an ongoing basis.
...See More
LG Auto -Close French Door Refrigerator
Q
Comments (1)
Sorry....from previous posting..The refrigerator has the tilt open bottom drawer and not 2 drawers. (model LFX21980)
...See More
HELP serious problem or not? Samsung french door
Q
Comments (16)
First of all- they've made 2 service calls already. Call the store you purchased it from and speak with the manager. Our ice maker quit. Took forever for them to "find" the warranty, then they sent a repair man who replaced it and the control panel. Worked for about a week. Sent another repair man who said it was our water pressure. Since it had worked before, then with the new ice maker, I didn't buy it. I called and it was escalated to the local store. They ended up replacing the fridge (like yours, 3 years old), I upgraded to a counter depth, they price matched one on sale at Best Buy (plus additional 10% off). Walked out with a new fridge, delivered with another new warranty for $81- that included tax and a new stainless steel water line. I have NO clue how I got out of there so cheap- asked them 3 times if they were sure of the price- considering the 1st was about $500 cheaper to begin with.
...See More
Andersen French Door Latch Problem
Q
Comments (24)
No where have I read how to stop an Anderson lift door handle from coming loose on its shaft repeatedly. What I found, just recently after fighting it for months is that the shaft goes through a rubber gasket which is under the door plate. This gasket breaks down and the rubber debris allows the handle set screw to slide on the shaft. Remove handle and dry clean the grove (which is tapered unfortunately) clean the shaft really well and the set screw will hold much longer.
...See More
mls99
15 years ago
I have a Jenn-Air FD with a similar plastic piece. You get used to it: the right hand side closes with a little tap, but for the left hand side you either need to close it deliberately or push it harder.
edlakin
15 years ago
yep. our amana fd functions similarly.
ysop1016
15 years ago
The right side door on our Kenmore Elite Trio is a big problem. It will not close unless I give it a shove. It also opens often when I open the left door. We lost everything in the fridge once and I still occasionally find it ajar.
sanborn5
15 years ago
mls99- I also have the Jenn-air FD. Did you notice you have to close the left door first? Otherwise the fridge keeps beeping.
yoyoma
Original Author
15 years ago
I have now confirmed that the door alarm will not activate if the door is half closed on the KitchenAid 72" tall model. That really bothers me because that is the most likely position it would get stuck in. And no temp alarm for that model either.
mls99
15 years ago
sanborn5: I haven't noticed that, and I'm not sure which door I normally close first. Will have to try!
jimonthebeach
15 years ago
We have a brand new KA (we just finished out house in Dec).

It closes fine. I just went out and rechecked and if you bring the doors (either one) to the 90 degree position; i.e at right angles to its normal closed position and simply let your hand off of it WITHOUT pushing it closed, it swings closed by itself all the way. Our KA French door has cabinet panels on it.

I did find that if I close either door to within 4" of fully closed and let go of them there the left door (with the extra pivoting flange) does not fully close.

No problem at all.

Jim
yoyoma
Original Author
15 years ago
Jim, your FD closes fine probably because of the panels on it. I went back to the store and tested every FD (SS) refrigerator in the store, including several KitchenAids, and none of the left doors close completely at 90 degrees, or any other angle either. This is due to that plastic strip in the middle attached to the left door.
jimonthebeach
15 years ago
Could be. The added mass could create enough momenteum to send it home. Of course the added mass would also make it accelerate slower, so who knows.

Or, it could be because we made very sure it was installed dead level. I have no idea how they are set up in an appliance store.

Also, ours is only a 42" and not a 72"!!!! I missed that on my first reading of your post. A 3' door may well sag enought to allow it not to close. If so, not the best engineering in my estimation.

Jim
yoyoma
Original Author
15 years ago
It's 72" tall, not wide. So it's both shorter and narrower than your 42". None of the 36" wide SS FD left doors closed letting getting go at 90 degrees. I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has one of these at home and can see if it shuts on it's own.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Have Your Open Kitchen and Close It Off Too

By Jennifer Ott Design

Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design

DECORATING GUIDES Solve Privacy Problems With Window Film

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Let the light in and keep prying eyes out with an inexpensive and decorative window film you can apply yourself

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

DECORATING GUIDES 5 Pet Problems Solved by Design

By Vanessa Brunner

Design-Friendly Ideas for Pet Beds, Bowls, Doors — and yes, the Litter Box

FURNITURE Must-Know Furniture: Get Close With a Tête-à-Tête

By Karen Egly-Thompson

This classic French seat solves furniture configuration dilemmas — and is perfect for conversation

DOORS French Doors: Ooh La La

By Margaret Everton

Open or Closed, Double Glass Doors Add Elegance, Function and Beautiful New Views

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Problem Solving on a Sloped Lot in Austin

By Matthew Ankeny

A tricky lot and a big oak tree make building a family’s new home a Texas-size adventure

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Problems Your House May Be Trying to Show You

By Mitchell Parker

Ignore some of these signs and you may end up with major issues. We tell you which are normal and which are cause for concern

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Problem Solving With the Pros: How to Build a Garden in an Urban Canyon

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Skyscrapers, noise and deep shade create an unlikely sweet spot for a timeless green retreat in New York City

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

Sponsored

Remodel Repair Construction

9 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Westerville

More Discussions

36" Induction: F&P, Fulgor Milano, Thermador, etc?

4

Appliance Recommendations

10

Any advice on a vent liner?

4

French door wall oven

0

LP conversion kit for Heartland stove

1