How to Measure Your Kitchen for a New Refrigerator
A refrigerator that does not fit is one of the most frustrating deliveries to deal with. Ten minutes with a tape measure before you order avoids it.
Measure the opening
Start with the space itself: measure the width, height and depth of the opening at several points, because walls and floors are rarely perfectly square. Use the smallest figure. Then check the manufacturer's installation guide for the clearance it needs at the sides, top and back for ventilation.
Check door clearance
Next, think about the doors. A side-by-side model needs less room in front of it to open, which suits narrow galley kitchens. A top-freezer model has wider doors, so check that they can open fully past nearby walls and that the crisper drawers can slide out.
Measure the route in
Finally, measure the route in. Doorways, hallways and tight corners between your front door and the kitchen all need to be wider than the refrigerator's depth, ideally with the doors removed.
Ice and water dispensers
If your model has an ice and water dispenser, you will also need a water supply line within reach of the installation spot.
