Question about depth of cabinet to house CD KA refrigerator

16 years ago

Hi. I am new to the forum but have been lurking and reading for some time. I hope to post my layout soon for your ideas.

Right now I am trying to design the cabinet to house my refrigerator. I will be having custom cabinets made and have chosen a KA counter depth SxS which is listed to be 24 inches deep without the doors. I have looked at lots of pictures of other refrigerator cabinets and see that some are made slighlty deeper than 24 inches. I am thinking the cabinet should be at least 25 inches deep to make sure that there is room to slide it back even with the ice line there. I really want it to be covered and appear built in.

Those who have built similar cabinets, how deep are they? What depth would you recommend? Also, is there any reason to make the cabinet opening greater than 36inches wide?

Thanks and I am looking forward to posting my layout when I figure out how. I am computer challenged!

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Comments (13)

pcjs
16 years ago
You need the extra space to allow for the doors to open. Talk to the cabinet maker about this if they are custom.

If you have a large kitchen, some people make the cabinet wider to allow for a wider fridge in the future since fridge sizes change. We have a small fridge in a small kitchen so if we have to replace it is will be $$$ and a hassle.
cavu
16 years ago
I've got the KA counter depth SxS and had the cabinet built to 25" depth. It's pushed all the way back and the front of the fridge box is even with the front of the cabinet. I think it's hitting the plug behind the fridge. This leaves the doors sticking out in front of the cabinet. You could build the cabinet 26" deep if you want the doors more covered and they would still open.

Cavu
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Now you have all made me lean on this computer and bawl my eyes out. Well...not quite, but I am sick with envy and remorse. :D Beautiful kitchens are shown by all and you must be terribly thrilled. Let me say that I have a 36" GE Profile that is practically sitting in the pathway, beckoning every purse and bookbag that enters this house. Each day that I sit and sip my coffee, I notice a new ding on this stainless monstrosity. My cute, perky and dimwitted kd skipped out as soon as the plans were drawn and the appliances were already ordered. (I think she went to Hollywood to apply for "The Bachelor") DH and I were left to muddle through on our own with the very patient GC. I found you guys too late....I already had about SIX INCHES of the fridge sitting out in everyone's way. When I FINALLY got the drift of counter depth fridges after coming here, it was way too late. SIGH...I love this forum and I know what to do the next time. I only hope I'm not too old, feeble and suffering with dementia to find you guys when I'm able to afford an update.
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judithn
16 years ago
I have the Jenn Air CD FD, so the measurements might be different. BUT I had my cabinet made 25.5 inches deep. What I didn't realize was that that measurement is from the ENTIRE CABINET, in otherwords, it's the back of the back panel to the front edge. Asking for 25.5 deep only got me a cavity that was 25" deep, allowing for the 1/2 plywood used in back of the cabinet. Mine came out okay, I can still push the fridge in and the tiny sliver of white gasket from the fridge doors that shows is really really tiny. You don't see the sides of the fridge at all. But to get a cavity 25.5 I should have ordered a cabinet 26" deep. Yes, I explained what I was trying to do to the idiot KD, and he nodded and smiled, and AS USUAL (because there are other probs with my kitchen) said "No problem." Make sure you add the extra to get the cavity size you want.
bethlcsw
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I had a feeling I needed it to be deeper. My kitchen is not at all big so every inch counts. Is an opening of 36 inches wide enough?

Judithn- I am just at the beginning of this process but definitely know from past renovations that there will be problems. I hope to avoid as much as possible by planning like crazy.
Beth Willett
16 years ago
I have the 25 sq ft Kitchen Aid CD SXS and the cabinet is 26 inches deep. The frig still sticks out a bit, but it has to in order for the doors to open. There is a picture of it if you look at the post "finished white kitchen." The width is 37and 1/2 inches.
bethlcsw
Original Author
16 years ago
socabeth- I really appreciate your response. I looked at your kitchen and was so impressed! I think that a 26 inch deep cabinet will be about right. That is the same fridge we are getting but without the panels so your advice was great.

Beth
jerseygirl_1
16 years ago
Make sure you live enough space on the sides for easy slip in and slip out.

Also, have you checked out the LG CD. We almost bought the KA CD but found the LG gave us more room. We have been very happy with it. A friend of mine just bought one and loves it too.
lisa_sandiego
16 years ago
We went with the KA Counter-depth, but went 42" wide to make up for the loss of cu. ft. However, it becomes a true built-in with a huge jump in price.
But I have some tips for you since you're designing the cabinets. We have the power source in one of the cabinets. Also, the icemaker connection is in another cabinet. And last but not least, my one regret is getting the french doors with the freezer on the bottom. I miss all the freezer shelves that were in my side by side.
bethlcsw
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the responses and ideas.

Lisa - What were the benefits of the connections being in the cabinet next to the fridge. Was that so it would slide further in?

Beth
lisa_sandiego
16 years ago
Hi Beth,
Yes, you can slide in further. Also, the shut-off valve is accessible in case of a leak. My cabinets are 24" deep. I have a doorway to the right of the ovens, so I couldn't go any deeper, and this gave me the extra inch that I would've lost.
Good Luck, Lisa
ksfaustin
16 years ago
I have the Kitchenaid KSCS25FT. The panels on either side of the fridge are 27" deep, and the space between the panels is 36". I don't see any of the refrigerator box or the gasket, just approximately 2.5" of door. It seems like a perfect fit from the front, though I'm sure there's an inch or two of wasted space at the back for the water and electical lines. (That's a great idea about relocating the outlet and the water valve...wish I'd heard of that sooner.)

Hope this helps.
bbtondo
16 years ago
Lisa: What a great way to gain an inch for your refrig! I think I'm going to steal your idea. I'm just starting the process of a new kitchen, and one of my concerns was how far out my refrig would extend past the cabinets. Thanks!
Barb
bethlcsw
Original Author
16 years ago
I am so glad that I asked this question. Those pictures are so helpful!

ksfaustin- Your cabinet looks just right. And I love your granite.

Hopefully I will get started on my project soon. We have not officially started and have already run into problems. Last night we opened up the sofits above the old cabinets and found what looks like all of our upstairs plumbing in there!

Beth

Question about depth of cabinet to house CD KA refrigerator

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