The refrigerator is unquestionably the most vital device in a kitchen, but it is also the one that takes up the most space. Believe it or not, there’s actually some science behind fridge placement. Allow me to show you where to put the fridge in small kitchen spaces.
1. Place Where the Fridge Doors Will Open Without Issue
One of the major issues with refrigerator placement is that you actually need room to open the doors, put stuff inside it, and take other stuff out of it. When picking a location for your refrigerator, keep in mind the clearance required for door operation.
Also, consider whether or not it blocks key locations, passageways, and kitchen entrances. For example, it might seem like a good idea to place the fridge on the wall opposing the kitchen entrance, but what if opening the doors block access to the pantry?
2. Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
The issue with placing a refrigerator in a sunny region remains one of excessive power consumption and increased burden on the unit and all of its components, which might eventually result in the machine failing. This frequently voids your guarantee, so keep your refrigerator out of direct sunlight.
A white refrigerator reflects the majority of sunlight. However, the residual heat generated by direct or reflected sunlight in the refrigerator’s immediate vicinity requires the refrigerator to work extra to keep its inside cool.
3. Install a Built-In Refrigerator
The average built-in refrigerator is over 80 inches tall and can be up to 48 inches broad, and it will eat up a significant portion of your budget. Until recently, households with limited space and a limited budget could not obtain a truly built-in refrigerator.
However, a few elite kitchen appliance manufacturers are now offering slim-downed refrigerators that could easily fit in kitchens with limited space. It’s also beneficial for smaller households, as the narrower doors make it easier to open in a tiny kitchen.
4. Think Under or Over the Counter
There are numerous refrigerators available on the market. Plenty of them are designed to be placed beneath the counter.
Placing a refrigerator behind the counter is a brilliant idea, as the counter is the primary location for meal preparation. You want your refrigerator close by so you can grab ingredients or cold water if desired.
There are numerous little freezers ranging in size from 0.6 to 3.5 cubic feet that you can place on the counter if you have a small kitchen. Just make sure that your counter is capable of supporting the weight.
5. Proper Distance from Oven
Placing your refrigerator adjacent to your oven may need your refrigerator to work more to maintain the proper internal temperature. If you must place your oven next to your refrigerator, try adding insulation to prevent heat transfer from the cooker to the refrigerator.
The triangle hypothesis is a frequently utilized method in kitchen design. Simply put, the stove, fridge, and sink should form a triangular shape in the center of your kitchen.
This does not have to be literal. However, because these three items are used when cooking, it should be simple to transition from one to the other.
When constructing your perfect kitchen, keep the refrigerator, oven, and sink within four to nine feet of one another. Again, the lengths do not have to be identical. However, if they are all inside this range, meal preparation will be easier.
6. Avoid the Hob
Refrigerators, unvented ovens, and washing machines should never be placed beneath the range. If the hob is situated above a drawer, metal things stored inside may become extremely hot due to the ventilation system’s air recirculation.
7. Build Shelves Around the Fridge
A fantastic idea is to surround your refrigerator with shelves. In this manner, your refrigerator will have its own room, and you will gain additional counter space in your kitchen.
You can create more room on top of your refrigerator by adding basic shelves. They’ll be a lifesaver in your small kitchen.
8.Don’t Exclude Corners
Not all corners should be squandered, especially if your kitchen is small. Simply ensure that you carefully measure the available space and that your refrigerator opens easily. You can change the opening side of your refrigerator door if necessary.
Consider positioning your refrigerator in a corner, forming a triangle with the stove and sink. You can maximize the use of available space and increase your practicality.
9. How About a Niche?
The niche is a space that perfectly complements your refrigerator and enables you to utilize an area that is frequently difficult to fill and becomes a dead zone.
Additionally, niches are an excellent technique to conceal heavy goods such as refrigerators without drawing attention to them. If your kitchen lacks a niche, you could consider creating one with plasterboard.
Related Questions
Can You Put a Refrigerator in an Island?
Yes, if you buy a mini-fridge. The first advantage of these refrigerators is their small size. You can conceal it beneath the counter or in a small area to maximize functionality and space.
Should I Avoid Using a Full-Size Fridge in a Small Kitchen?
It really depends. While a mini-fridge is great for a kitchen, having a large family means you need a full-size fridge. If you can’t place a full-sized fridge in your kitchen, there’s always the possibility to move it into the hallway.
Why You Should Match Counter Depth with Fridge Depth?
If your refrigerator is located in a high-traffic area of your kitchen, a counter-depth refrigerator provides better movement for everyone living there.
Do I Need Space Between Stove and Refrigerator?
The sink, primary refrigerator, and stove should all be located at a proper distance from one another. For easy maneuvering, you need between four and nine feet between them. This enables convenient transportation of food from the refrigerator to a prep area and finally into the oven.
Final Thoughts
Where to put the fridge in small kitchen houses and apartments is mostly about using your imagination and knowing your movement. And remember to give yourself room to maneuver the doors and move around with ease in the kitchen.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.