You may be wondering where to place a refrigerator if you are planning a kitchen remodel. A room in the home that has to meet many demands and fit a collection of essential appliances, your kitchen needs to be homey and inviting but most importantly, it needs to embody a long-lasting, practical and functional design that caters to your needs and lifestyle.
A refrigerator is often the largest appliance to install and make room for in the kitchen, so to help you refine your kitchen layout ideas, we examine the question: where should a refrigerator be placed?
Of course, there are some obvious factors to follow, such as placing the refrigerator near an electrical outlet and buying a refrigerator that's the right size for your kitchen to allow it to be perfectly positioned. However, these expert tips will introduce more considerations you might like to note.
Where should a refrigerator be placed?
Knowing where to position a fridge is vital when designing a kitchen. Though you will be largely guided by practicalities and limitations, ensure you consider these expert tips.
1. Consider fridge position with the kitchen triangle in mind
(Image credit: Humphrey Munson)
First things first, you need to consider the layout of your kitchen. This may sound simple, but there are six types of kitchen layout and even then, every kitchen layout is different. Depending on the size of your space, there may only be a limited number of areas a refrigerator can be placed, too.
So where to start? The kitchen triangle design rule. This rule dictates that the three most important appliances to influence your kitchen layout – the refrigerator, oven and sink – are positioned to loosely form a triangle on your floor plan, increasing the efficiency and flow of the room. So asking where should a kitchen sink be at the same time as working out the best oven and fridge position will be helpful.
Adrian Bergman, senior designer atBritish Standard by Plain English (opens in new tab) says that 'the purpose of the kitchen triangle is to allow you to move seamlessly and easily between working areas of the kitchen,' and while this is no hard and fast rule, we would advise bearing it in mind, whatever your kitchen's shape and size.
2. Place the refrigerator near your 'food zone'
(Image credit: Martin Moore)
Ideally, you should organize your kitchen so that food is all stored in one area. With this in mind, placing your refrigerator near your pantry or the cabinets where dried foods, such as pasta, rice, tins and even cookies, are stored can help when packing away groceries and gathering ingredients for cooking and food preparation.
Instead of locating your refrigerator at the opposite side of the kitchen to your dried food, placing them adjacent to each other will save you moving unnecessarily through the space, and make it easier when organizing a refrigerator and pantry organization, for example.
Whether you position your fridge in a bespoke alcove space, surrounded by cabinetry, or in an open space at the end of a countertop near other food storage areas, this placement can make your stored food items more easily accessible and improve the usability and effectiveness of your kitchen.
Evan Nelson, creative director at Nelson Cabinetry (opens in new tab) states, 'consider how often you use your fridge and what kinds of items you typically store inside. If you find that you're constantly opening and closing the fridge door, it makes sense to place it in a more conveniently accessible spot. On the other hand, if you tend to use your fridge mainly for storing food that doesn't need to be kept cold (such as condiments and leftovers), then you might want to place it further away from high-traffic areas.'
3. Ensure a food prep counter is nearby
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Kitchen countertop ideas and where a refrigerator goes in a kitchen should be considered together. Chef, Aysegul Sanford of Foolproof Living (opens in new tab) states, 'I like to have my refrigerator near my prepping station for the most efficient ingredient retrieval. This is handy as it prevents you from constantly going back and forth for new items.'
Placing your refrigerator near a counter can make it easier when cooking, and provide a practical place you can rest groceries after a food shop so you can easily unload and put away items.
4. Avoid high-traffic thoroughfares
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
The kitchen is often a busy, multipurpose space used for cooking, eating, entertaining and relaxing – and as a thoroughfare to get to the backyard.
Your refrigerator needs to be easily accessible, but you also need to try to avoid placing it in a high traffic area that people use to pass through or congregate in frequently. You need to leave enough space for the doors to be opened fully, but you do not want them to be constantly opening and closing in a busy spot.
Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief says, 'If you have a large family that spends a ton of time in the kitchen or you entertain regularly in there, ensure your fridge is placed where you can access it without disrupting the usability of the space.'
5. Double up on refrigerators
(Image credit: Alexander James)
'The perfect scenario for a larger, busy home is, in fact, two refrigerators: one at the perimeter of the kitchen packed with the ingredients you need for cooking; the other either in the kitchen island, in the pantry or utility room which is used only for storing away drinks, and even teen snacks and any food you're not planning to use until later in the week,' says Lucy Searle.
'That way, using the fridge that's really only needed for mealtime prep becomes a breeze, while the other one can be accessed constantly by the less neat members of the family (they know who they are), without irritating the cook or disrupting the flow in the kitchen.'
Can you place a refrigerator next to an oven?
Traditionally, it it advised to place a refrigerator away from an oven and out of direct sunlight, to ensure that your fridge isn't wasting energy and working unnecessarily to keep cool, ultimately so that it is as cold as it can be at all times.
However, as technology and design has advanced over time, many modern refrigerator designs have effective integrated cooling systems and stronger insulation, meaning that they are better protected if placed near or exposed to heat sources.
'Usually there will be some cabinet space separating the refrigerator and oven if they are placed next to one another; this will then create a divide and some cooling between the two appliances,' says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' digital editor.
Does your refrigerator have to be in the kitchen?
No, your refrigerator does not have to be in the kitchen, it is completely up to you where you place it in your home – many homeowners have separate refrigerators and freezers in utilities, basements and garages.
You want to place your refrigerator in a place that is practical and convenient to you and your family and fitting with your overall kitchen and home design.
For example, if you have a large family but do not want a big refrigerator sitting in your kitchen space, make room for a smaller design in the kitchen and keep a large fridge in a separate room, such as a utility.
If you do lots of home cooking and baking, positioning a fridge near your central prep station, whether that be an island or perimeter countertop, will make your prep feel easier and more enjoyable.
FAQs
Where should a refrigerator be placed? Expert advice on the perfect placement? ›
Unobstructed sightlines, easy traffic flow and proximity to working spaces should all be considered when deciding where to put your fridge: Corners. Kitchen designers often put refrigerators in corners so the fridge doesn't obstruct sightlines or traffic paths.
Where is the best place to place a refrigerator? ›Unobstructed sightlines, easy traffic flow and proximity to working spaces should all be considered when deciding where to put your fridge: Corners. Kitchen designers often put refrigerators in corners so the fridge doesn't obstruct sightlines or traffic paths.
Should the refrigerator be near sink or stove? ›The sink, main refrigerator, and stove should be in close proximity to each other. You require a minimum of 4 feet between each point to easily maneuver, and equally not more than 9 feet. This allows easy access to get food from the refrigerator to a preparation point, and then into the oven.
Should a fridge be higher at the front or back? ›Left to right, the refrigerator should be perfectly level. Front to back, the angle should be minimal. Generally, manufacturers recommend the front of the refrigerator to be approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches (6 to 13 mm) higher than the back.
Should fridge be in the kitchen or hall? ›First of all, it's important to place the fridge away from direct sunlight because it can heat it up during the summer. The fridge should also be placed away from the oven and microwave because they too produce heat. So it's ok to put it in the kitchen as long as you keep these details in mind.
Where is a fridge supposed to be in a house? ›Place the refrigerator near your 'food zone'
With this in mind, placing your refrigerator near your pantry or the cabinets where dried foods, such as pasta, rice, tins and even cookies, are stored can help when packing away groceries and gathering ingredients for cooking and food preparation.
For refrigerators, you have some flexibility. Typically, we mount these outlets about 48-inches off the floor.
Is the top or bottom of the fridge better? ›If you have a big family or like to keep a large supply of frozen treats on hand for the summer, a bottom freezer fridge unit is your best bet. Energy Efficiency: One of the most important aspects of any fridge model, top freezer refrigerators are commonly more energy-efficient than bottom freezer models.
Why refrigerators are placed at top? ›Freezers are placed on the top of refrigerators because they work on the principle of convection. Since cold air is heavier than hot air, it travels downwards and warm air, being light, travels upwards.
Where is the best place to put a second refrigerator? ›“It's best to store your second fridge in a conditioned space like a basement,” he said. “Even if you have a more recent model, one that is more energy-efficient, it shouldn't go in the garage.” But for some, the garage is the only place with space for an extra refrigerator.
Which way can you not lay a fridge? ›
If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it's not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge's body on its working parts could damage them, even if they're not exposed.
Can I put a refrigerator in any room? ›There is no scientific evidence to suggest that keeping your fridge in the bedroom is unsafe. The main concern people have is the radiation exposure from the fridge. But in reality, the radiation is so minimum that it can be considered negligible to be toxic.
Should you put a fridge next to a door? ›Put the fridge near the door whether you're putting it in the kitchen, the basement, or the dining room. The fridge is conveniently located next to the entrance so that you can get to it without having to go all the way into the kitchen or basement.
What is the most efficient kitchen layout? ›Galley kitchens are one of the most space-efficient layouts you can choose. They are ideal for keen cooks, and perfect for maximizing storage and work surface space in smaller kitchens. This super-efficient layout is ideal if you are looking for small kitchen ideas that maximize every inch of space.
How far should the refrigerator be from the sink? ›Generally, the sink, main refrigerator, and stove need to be near each other, allowing easy access for food preparation. Allow minimum 4 and maximum 9 feet between each point to easily maneuver.
What is the golden triangle in the kitchen? ›These are the sink, the refrigerator, and the cooker. Covering the three most important functions of the kitchen (cooking, storage and cleaning), these workstations are arranged in a loose triangle to ensure there's a short enough walking distance between each one.
Should I put my refrigerator in the garage or basement? ›If you live in an area where temperatures go above or below those thresholds for more than 24 hours at a time, you'll be better off putting that fridge somewhere inside like your basement rather than your garage, unless your garage is climate-controlled.
Can fridge and oven be side by side? ›Placing your fridge next to your oven could force the fridge to work harder to achieve the desired internal temperature. For this reason it is advised that you position your fridge away from your oven.
What are fridge rules? ›keep it between 0°C and 5°C. wait for food to cool down before you put it in the fridge. if your fridge is full, turn the temperature down, but it is best to leave space as this allows air to circulate and maintain the set temperature. don't leave the door open. eat leftovers within two days.
Does a refrigerator have to sit perfectly level? ›If your refrigerator is unlevel, it may cause fluctuations in temperature that could spoil your food. That's why leveling is one of the most important steps when installing a refrigerator. If your doors aren't closing properly, or if the door switch isn't actuating, then the culprit could be your unlevel refrigerator.
What should refrigerators be kept at or below? ›
The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How far can a refrigerator stick out from the cabinets? ›From the back of the door to the back of the unit casing, standard depth refrigerators are approximately 30 inches deep. Again, the doors do add some thickness to this number, making it more like 35 inches. You can expect a standard fridge to stick out about six inches past the edge of the counter.
Where is the hottest part of a fridge? ›The door. This is the warmest area of the fridge as room-temperature air gushes in every time the door is opened. Put your least perishable items on the door, like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce and other condiments with longer shelf lives.
What is the most important part of a refrigerator? ›The compressor is the "heart" of a refrigerator. It circulates the refrigerant throughout the system and adds pressure to the warm part of the circuit, and makes the refrigerant hot. It's similar to when you are pumping air into a bicycle tube - you can sense a heat increase in the pump while you compress the air.
Why freezer in the refrigerator is placed in the top position? ›Freezer is the source for the refrigerator's coldness. When the freezer is placed on top, the cold air produced from it is denser than the warmer air in the bottom. So cold air being dense sinks down and the warm air is forced to rise up so when the warm air rises up it and gets cold in the freezer.
Which is the coldest shelf in the fridge top or bottom? ›Even with a superior airflow system, a refrigerator or freezer will be colder at the bottom. Warm air rises, so the upper shelves will always be slightly warmer than the lower portion of the unit.
Which direction should fridge face? ›The refrigerator should be placed in the southwest corner. Avoid putting the refrigerator in the direction of the north or east. Always ensure the fridge isn't close to a corner or hooked to a wall when positioning it. The appliance can be positioned in the west, north, or northwest directions.
What are the disadvantages of a 2 door refrigerator? ›- Refrigerators with two doors are designed for big families. ...
- Double door fridges are expensive, starting at ₹20,000.
- Large capacity double door refrigerators range in size from 235 to 500 liters. ...
- Because of their size, double door refrigerators utilize a lot of electricity.
The issue with placing a fridge in a sunlit area though, still remains one of excess power consumption and the increased workload on the unit and all of its parts, which can then cause the unit to fail. This can often render your warranty void, so always keep your fridge away from any direct sunlight.
Why should you not tilt a fridge? ›It might seem that laying it down is the safer option to prevent damage. However, putting a fridge in a horizontal position can permanently damage its ability to cool. Even just tilting it at an angle for a short period of time runs the risk of introducing unwanted chemicals and oils into your cooling system.
Why shouldn't you move a fridge? ›
The reason is refrigerant is a heavy gas and being on its side will pull that gas from the pump. By letting it sit in upright position will able the gas to go back to the pump. If the appliance was left on its side for more than a day, let it stand for 24 hours before plugging it in.
What space is required around a fridge? ›Side Clearance – Plan for between one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on both sides of the unit. Rear Clearance – Allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for proper airflow. Top Clearance – Ensure there is a minimum of one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on top of the unit.
Is there more room in a side by side refrigerator? ›Generally speaking, side-by-side refrigerators tend to offer more space than other units. This convenient storage is a major benefit for the freezer, especially considering the fact that side-by-side refrigerators offer more freezer shelf space than most other models.
Do you need ventilation around a fridge? ›Generally speaking, integrated fridges, freezers or combined fridge/freezers require air to be able to circulate in under the appliance, behind the appliance and back out through the top above the appliance. This can mean gaps or vents need to go on any cabinetry surrounding the appliance in the appropriate areas.
How far should a refrigerator be from a side wall? ›Air must be able to circulate around the box to help the refrigerator run efficiently, avoid overheating and last its full life span. The refrigerator will need minimum clearances of 2-inches from the back wall, 1-inch from the upper cabinet and 1/8-inch on either side of the fridge.
Does a refrigerator work better in a hot or cold room? ›Extreme Temperatures Can Damage Fridge
The temperature of the room that a refrigerator is in should be between 60ºF and 95ºF.
Side Clearance – Plan for between one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on both sides of the unit. Rear Clearance – Allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for proper airflow. Top Clearance – Ensure there is a minimum of one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on top of the unit.
Is it OK to put refrigerator in garage? ›Unless you live in a climate with consistent year-round temperatures and they fall within the manufacturer-recommended range of temperatures for running the appliance, using a regular fridge in the garage is a bad idea.
Can a refrigerator be kept in an unheated garage? ›Will a Fridge Work in a Cold or Unheated Garage? Very cold temperatures can interfere with your garage fridge's thermostat. If the temperature in your garage dips below a certain level, the thermostat senses the drop in temperature and may register that the fridge is already cold enough, even if it isn't.
Why does my fridge not work in the garage? ›Refrigerators work by starting to cool whenever the room temperature rises above a set point – typically around 36 degrees – and stays running until the temperature returns to normal. This means that if the temperature in your garage drops and stays below this set temp, your refrigerator stops working.
Is the door the coldest part of the fridge? ›
The Door. This is the warmest part of the fridge and subject to the most temperature fluctuations, so avoid storing highly perishable foods on the door. Even though many refrigerator doors have an egg compartment, it's generally not a good idea to store eggs there; keep them in the carton on a shelf, instead.
Where is the warmest part of most refrigerators? ›The door. This is the warmest area of the fridge as room-temperature air gushes in every time the door is opened. Put your least perishable items on the door, like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce and other condiments with longer shelf lives.
Which parts of the fridge are coldest and warmest? ›The back. The biggest source of heat in a fridge is the warm air that rushes in every time you open the door. Cold air sinks, so it collects at the bottom and, in a fridge freezer, the bottom shelves will be coldest. But in a fridge with an ice-making compartment at the top, it will be the top.
Should you put things on top of a fridge? ›Items sitting on top of the fridge can block the appliance's ventilation, forcing it to work harder to keep its contents cool—and this can be dangerous. Try to minimize or eliminate clutter above the fridge, especially if you're using the space to store any of the items on this list.
How far should a refrigerator stick out past the cabinets? ›From the back of the door to the back of the unit casing, standard depth refrigerators are approximately 30 inches deep. Again, the doors do add some thickness to this number, making it more like 35 inches. You can expect a standard fridge to stick out about six inches past the edge of the counter.