How to install a refrigerator in a closet

Hiding the refrigerator in a cabinet (drawer) is an excellent solution for those who appreciate the design beauty and practicality of the arrangement of household appliances in the kitchen. Moreover, this manipulation can be done even if your refrigeration unit is not made in the form factor of a built-in refrigerator.

Is it possible to build a regular refrigerator into a closet?

If a situation arises when the refrigeration unit cannot fit into the overall design of the kitchen, a special place (cabinet) will come to the rescue where it can be placed so that it does not “disturb” the eye.

In our discussion, there are two types of refrigerators:

• intended for embedding;
• those that were not originally intended for these purposes.

On a note! A regular refrigerator can also be built into a closet.

For both options, you just need to take into account some aspects, which will be discussed below.

Safety regulations:

• The back wall of the cabinet should not be pressed tightly against the heated elements of the refrigerator. The heat generated can start to interact negatively with paint or objects that are stuck between the walls. Such interaction is fraught with fire or damage to the technical characteristics of the cabinet.
• If possible, it is better to remove the legs of the refrigerator or discard the bottom of the drawer. Refrigerators that are designed to be built-in may have legs, but they may not be used. In conventional cold storage units, the legs are usually non-removable, which increases the specific gravity pressure on the bottom of the cabinet. The correct location of these household appliances is the key to successful operation.
• The internal volume of the box should not be exposed to heat from a stove or other elements. Please note that gas stoves can heat the refrigerator, even despite the cabinet partition. Place these appliances at an appropriate distance from each other, as in a normal arrangement.

Operating rules:

• Check the back wall regularly for cobwebs and debris. Blockages can not only cause a fire, but also cause impaired thermoregulation, and as a result, failure of the cooling properties of the freezing compressor.
• Try not to put anything on top of the cabinet. This surface is not a place for things or treasures: firstly, they can damage the overall structure, and secondly, they increase the level of fire hazard.
• Avoid sudden impacts or physical impacts that could dislodge the household cooling unit from its installation location. This rule applies to all household appliances without exception, even taking into account their special placement locations.

Advice! Never leave decorative magnets on refrigerator doors. Magnets can harm the operation of sensitive climate equipment inside the refrigerator (electronic thermometers that are installed in the door, etc.), and also look simply unsophisticated.

You can get rid of the tape or magnets and then use double-sided tape to place them on the cabinet door.

Possible ideas: how to hide a refrigerator in a kitchen cabinet

The main idea is to choose a drawer that does not look flashy and distinctive from the design of your kitchen.

The protruding handle for opening immediately catches the eye and gives away the “secret” that there is something behind the door. It is recommended to use special invisible handles. They are almost invisible and practical to use, which will add more technology to your kitchen.

If you have enough space, you can use soundproofing materials (they take up more space) to line the cabinetry, which will significantly reduce the overall noise level.

You can install special lighting with a battery inside the drawer, which will allow you to comfortably take food from the refrigerator, even if you have problems with the power supply (the light has gone out).

What do you need to build a refrigerator into a closet?

Access to power grid. PThe first thing you need is to solve the problem with wiring and free access to the outlet in advance. Buy an extension cord with a spare wire, which will allow you to make rearrangements in the future.

Physical strength to carry out the installation process. It is better to share this task with a partner (or even with more workers). It is better to defrost the refrigerator first, which will reduce its overall weight. It is better to lift heavy household appliances using jacks.

How to hide a refrigerator in a closet with your own hands

During the installation process, it is better to protect the floor covering with a hard cloth, which will protect your floors from scratches and other mechanical damage.

Use construction straps to accurately position the cooling unit housing. With their help, you can install it at the planned location.

For greater comfort during installation, you can remove the cabinet door, which will allow you not to worry about the possibility of causing mechanical damage to it, and then simply screw it into place.