Fridge Placement Guide  

Refrigerators are extremely important in our daily lives, ensuring our food stays fresh and ready for culinary adventures. However, the placement of your fridge significantly impacts its performance and energy efficiency.

In this guide, we'll explore essential factors for optimal refrigerator placement and provide practical tips for safely relocating your fridge within the kitchen or to another area.

3 laws of refrigerator placement

When deciding where to place your fridge in the kitchen, follow these three simple guidelines:

  1. Keep away from sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause your fridge to work harder to maintain cool temperatures, increasing energy consumption and potentially shortening its lifespan. While it might not always be possible to avoid sunlight completely, aim to position your fridge in the least sunny spot available.
  2. Avoid placing near heat sources: Similar to sunlight, heat sources like radiators or vents can force your fridge to exert more effort to stay cool. Keep your fridge away from these areas to ensure optimal performance.
  3. Consider the “work triangle”: The kitchen work triangle concept suggests that your fridge, sink and oven should be positioned close to each other with clear walkways between them. This layout enhances efficiency and often ends up forming a triangle.

Additionally, ensure proper ventilation by leaving some space around the fridge for airflow and placing it on a hard, flat surface to allow the compressor to function effectively.

Moving a fridge across the room

Here are some steps you should take to prepare your fridge for moving:

  1. Empty the fridge: Start by removing all contents from your fridge, including food, drinks and any other items stored inside.
  2. Defrost: After emptying the fridge, turn it off to allow it to defrost. Leave it for about 24 hours, placing towels around it to absorb any water from the melting ice.
  3. Remove loose parts: Once defrosted, take out any removable parts, such as shelves, drawers and ice trays to prevent them from shifting and breaking during transport.
  4. Secure the door: Ensure the fridge door is closed and secure it with rope or a moving strap to keep it shut while moving.
  5. Protect your floors: Fridges are often in tight spaces and sliding them out can damage your floors. Tilt the fridge back and place rubber mats or furniture sliders underneath to avoid any damage.

 

Can you transport a fridge on its side?  

It is generally recommended to transport a refrigerator upright, securely strapping it to prevent movement and potential damage. This method minimises the risk of damaging the cooling system, as it prevents oil from the compressor from leaking into the refrigeration system, which can harm your fridge if you turn it on too quickly after moving it.

However, if transporting your refrigerator upright isn't feasible and you need to move it on its side, you can do so by ensuring it is securely fastened to prevent movement. Once you reach your destination, stand the refrigerator upright and leave it unplugged for a while before turning it on. This allows the compressor oil to settle back into its proper position, reducing the risk of damage.

How long to leave a fridge after moving it

After moving your fridge, especially if it was transported on its side, avoid turning it on immediately. Leave it unplugged for about four hours to allow it to settle and ensure the compressor oil returns to its proper position.

Once the four hours have passed, you can plug in the fridge. Make sure it's switched on correctly and let it run for up to 12 hours to chill fully. It might be a good idea to give your fridge a quick clean at this point while it is empty. After it has cooled down, you can start loading food back into it.

 

Where can you place a fridge  

If you're considering relocating your fridge within your kitchen, you might be curious about which spots to steer clear of. Here, we'll explore some of the most frequently questioned locations:

  • Can you put a fridge next to an oven?

    It's recommended to avoid placing your fridge next to your oven due to several potential issues:

    • Lower efficiency: Fridges operate more efficiently in cooler environments. The heat from the oven can force the fridge's compressor to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption.
    • Ventilation problems: Proper ventilation is crucial for a fridge to function optimally. The heat from the oven can negatively impact this.
    • Heat damage: The body of the fridge can suffer heat damage, making it difficult to regulate its temperature and potentially spoiling your food. This can also affect the fridge's stability and durability, posing a fire hazard due to overheating.

    However, if placing your fridge next to your oven is unavoidable, you can follow these guidelines to mitigate the risks:

    • Ensure there is at least a 15-30 cm gap between a freestanding fridge and the oven to prevent heat interference and ensure proper ventilation.
    • Consider increasing the gap if you have a larger unit, such as a family-size fridge freezer.
  • Can you put a fridge in a cupboard?

    You can place your fridge in a cupboard, provided there's adequate ventilation with enough space at the back and sides for air circulation. While a standard cupboard won't suffice, you can opt for integrated refrigerators designed to fit seamlessly into cabinets, blending with the surroundings and worktop. Alternatively, you can house your fridge in an enclosure, which might protrude slightly.

  • Can you put a fridge next to a radiator?

    It's best to avoid placing your fridge next to a radiator. The extra heat from the radiator forces your fridge to work harder to maintain a cool temperature, reducing its efficiency and increasing energy consumption. This can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your appliance. Instead, position your fridge in a stable, cool environment.

    Additionally, placing a fridge next to a radiator can be a safety hazard. The extra heat can cause the fridge's motor and compressor to overheat. While compressors have internal safety cut-offs, the external heat can damage components like door seals or plastic backs, potentially causing the appliance to malfunction. The fridge's exterior can also become hot, posing a risk if you have children at home.