Where to place your new fridge in a small kitchen?

A fridge is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. It keeps your food and drink fresh and ready to consume meaning you don't have to keep buying fresh produce every other day. With that being said, as much as it is an important appliance, those with small kitchen spaces always find it a struggle to actually find a place to put their new fridge, especially when renovating or designing their small kitchen space.

The fridge is a difficult appliance to place in small kitchen spaces at the best of times, however, there are also some requirements which you have to abide by when laying out your new kitchen plan to ensure that the fridge can function efficiently otherwise you will find that your new fridge starts to not work at all!

Throughout this article, we will take you through all the requirements you need to follow when planning your new kitchen design as well as some crafty tips you can implement so you can ensure you fit your new fridge into even the smallest of kitchens!

If you require a new fridge for your next kitchen renovation, look no further than Kellyvision. We stock a wide selection of different types of fridges that can be expertly installed into even the smallest of kitchens. Speak to a member of the team on 01733 208787 or visit our showroom in Whittlesey, Peterborough.

How to install your new fridge correctly

When it comes to installing your new fridge within your small kitchen, there are some non-negotiable requirements that you need to follow in order to ensure the functionality of your fridge as well as ensure safety for people using the fridge and living with your home.

Some of the things you need to follow in order to ensure you install your new fridge include:

1. Proper Ventilation: Leave a ¹/4 inch space on each side and at the top of the fridge to ensure adequate airflow. This prevents overheating and ensures efficient cooling.

2. Clearance for Door Swing: When placing the fridge next to a fixed wall, allow for a minimum clearance of 2.5 inches on each side to accommodate the door swing. This prevents obstruction and damage to both the fridge and surrounding structures.

3. Avoid Heat Sources: Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator or any other heat source. Heat sources can cause the fridge to work harder to maintain cool temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage to the appliance.

4. Proximity to Electrical Outlet: Ensure the fridge is near an electrical outlet to power the appliance. This prevents the need for using extension cords, which can be hazardous.

5. Water Line Accessibility: If the refrigerator has ice and water dispensers, it must also be near a water line. This allows for the proper functioning of these features without the need for extensive plumbing modifications.

6. Levelling: Ensure the fridge is levelled properly to prevent any rocking or instability. Use adjustable feet to achieve a stable position, which helps maintain the stableness of the appliance and prevents damage to floors.

7. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Place the refrigerator away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat, as this can affect its cooling efficiency and energy consumption.

Small kitchen fridge placement ideas

Now that you know all the different requirements you need to follow when it comes to installing a new fridge into your kitchen to ensure that it works efficiently and is safely installed, you can now think about integrating it into the small design of your kitchen.

Although this can be tricky to decide, ultimately, you want to place your fridge in the most convenient area to help you cook in a natural flow that doesn't feel like it is interrupting and making a nuisance of itself.

With that being said, it can be difficult to design your small kitchen in a way which avoids this entirely. However, there are some tips and methods for getting the most out of your small kitchen so that your fridge is placed in the most convenient place within your property.

Below you will find four of our most important tips that you can consider when designing your new kitchen plan and will give you some ideas on how to fit one of the most important appliances you own into your kitchen.

1. Position your fridge based on size

Positioning a fridge in a small kitchen requires careful consideration to maximize space efficiency. Firstly, opt for a compact or slimline refrigerator model to minimize its footprint while still meeting your storage needs.

Place the fridge in a corner or against a wall to utilize vertical space effectively, ensuring it doesn't obstruct walkways or workspace. Consider installing the fridge under countertops or in unused nooks to free up valuable floor space.

Additionally, utilize adjustable shelving and door bins to customize storage and accommodate various-sized items. Lastly, maintain proper ventilation by leaving adequate space around the fridge's sides and back, even in tight quarters. By strategically positioning your fridge based on its size, you can optimize functionality and make the most of your small kitchen layout.

2. Save space with an under-counter fridge

Save space with an under-counter fridge by maximizing the use of available kitchen space in smaller environments. Look for compact models that fit seamlessly beneath countertops or in tight corners, ensuring efficient utilization of limited floor space.

Consider different types of fridge designs with reversible doors to fit into your small kitchen. Additionally, prioritize multi-functional features such as built-in freezer compartments or adjustable shelving to optimize storage capacity without sacrificing convenience. By strategically integrating an under-counter fridge into your small kitchen, you can maintain functionality while achieving a streamlined and organized kitchen space.

3. Utilize the corners of your kitchen

Utilizing the corners of your kitchen can be a smart strategy when fitting a fridge into a small space. A compact refrigerator with a reversible door hinge is always a great choice for smaller spaces, allowing you to customize its orientation to fit snugly into a corner.

In addition to this, you can look for a counter-depth fridge to minimize its protrusion into the kitchen area. Utilize vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves or cabinets above the refrigerator for extra storage.

Furthermore, consider removing any unnecessary obstacles or furniture to create more room for the fridge. With thoughtful planning and organization, you can maximize space efficiency and seamlessly integrate a fridge into even the smallest kitchens.

4. Position your fridge in the 'food zone'

The 'food zone' in a small kitchen refers to the area where you store perishable items for easy access during meal preparation. When fitting a fridge into a compact kitchen space, prioritize placing it within this food zone for maximum convenience.

Opt for a slimline or counter-depth refrigerator to minimize its footprint while still providing ample storage capacity. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or cabinets above the fridge for non-perishable items or kitchen equipment.

Consider placing the fridge near the entrance of the kitchen or adjacent to the primary workspace to streamline meal preparation and grocery unloading. Additionally, opt for a refrigerator with reversible doors to accommodate various layout configurations in a small kitchen. By strategically positioning the fridge within the food zone, you can maximize both functionality and efficiency in your compact kitchen space.

Conclusion

You should now have a clear idea of how and where you can place your fridge in a small kitchen so that it is not only in the way but also is able to play a part in your cooking processes allowing you to cook and manoeuvre around the kitchen safely and more efficiently.

If you are currently undergoing a kitchen renovation and require a new kitchen design, here at Kellyvision we provide high-quality Symphony kitchens available across the Peterborough area, ready for design and installation into your home.

Furthermore, we also stock a wide selection of all different types of fridges including smaller and integrated fridges that will easily fit into your small kitchen. Visit our showroom in Whittlesey, Peterborough or call us on 01733 208787 to learn more.