Dumb question: Does a refrigerator have to go against a wall?

12 years ago

We have decided to turn our fridge 90 degrees to face the side area of our kitchen. What I need to know is can it back up to a cabinet and have the water hook up on the side (where there is a wall) or does it have to back up to a real wall? If so how thick does the wall have to be? If we have to put a wall behind it, then it will cut into the space I have designated for a broom closet/utility cabinet. I also would prefer not to have any drywall showing since I'm encasing the fridge in a cabinet.

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Comments (6)

John Liu
12 years ago
The water line is usually just a thin flexible plastic tube. The refrigerator does not have to back up to a normal wall, it can back up to cabinetry or can stand in the middle of the room, as long as you find a way to conceal (or celebrate) the plastic line.
missstella
12 years ago
...and you gotta be able to plug it in. Check the specs and installation guide on the fridge to make sure your plug placement will work.
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Same problem here, and I have 3 inches between the frige and the wall, on the right. I have a Kenmore Elite french door bottom freezer. The deli drawer can be placed on either the left or right. Since my wall is on the right, the shallow deli drawer has to be on the left, no way to move it and I'm not sure if it would open out if it were on the right. Yes, you can pull the fridge out for deep cleaning, or to change shelves, but that's a hassle not worth it, if there is any opportunity to move it. Something else to think about: In order for the right door to remain open, I have to open the right crisper drawer, and that holds it open, for when I need to put in a large item which requires two hands. On my model, the right side crisper does pull out all of the way, even with the door hitting the wall. In other words, it's manageable, but not the best set up. Mine also has a slide back shelf, very nice for taller items that wouldn't fit otherwise. It's on the right. I guess it could be moved, but when shopping, be sure and check all those things out. If your wall is on the right, be sure you can adjust things properly. I was dealing with it, and really torn as DH didn't want me moving too many things. But, my designer and my cabinet guy (also a KD) have both recommended that I give up having counterspace right next to the fridge for the importance of being able to open both doors wide. I agree with them. There is counterspace that will be a little less than 3 ft away, so I'm moving mine across the room. Landing space is important, but as long as it's not too far away, try to get the fridge in a position where those doors can open!
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brickeyee
12 years ago
The back can also be less than attractive.

The cord should be long enough to reach to either side, and the water line can be run across the back from either side just fine.

You might want to switch to copper tubing, and never use the cruddy 'saddle valves' that come in the kits.

They are not allowed under just about every code, and have a nasty habit of corroding and eventually leaking.

They also rarely can be closed if needed.
ncamy
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the advice everybody! Yay, it looks like we will be able to do what I wanted to do which will make the kitchen more efficient. It will get the fridge out of a more narrow passageway (52 inches) and into a larger vestibule (about 65 inches wide) while still maintaining the same proximity to the cooking and prep areas. You won't be able to see the back or the side of the fridge because there will be a cabinet on the side which will be built up against a utility cabinet to the rear. The fridge will still be recessed to be even with the pantry wall.
User
12 years ago
Just remember that you'll need landing space for the fridge within a step or two from the fridge.
John Liu
12 years ago
Also check how much clearance you need on the hinge side of the fridge, for the door to open fully, i.e. enough for drawers to be removed for cleaning. Including the handle. I am not sure if this is a commonly-available spec, there are rules of thumb that people other than me know (buehl does), and ultimately you'd want to measure in person. That is assuming the hinge side is against a wall or cabinetry or something.

Dumb question: Does a refrigerator have to go against a wall?

Comments (6)

John Liu

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Dumb question: Does a refrigerator have to go against a wall?

Comments (6)

John Liu

missstella

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