How much clearance around refrigerator?

Author: Dr. Lavern Crooks II  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Generally, there should be a minimum space of 1- 1-1/2 inches on the top of your fridge. This space helps dissipate heat. If you have cabinets on the top of your fridge, make sure that there is enough clearance above. There should also be a space of 1-2 inches on the back of the fridge to allow proper air circulation.

How much space should be left around a refrigerator?

Side Clearance – Plan for between one-half inch to one inch of clearance on both sides of the unit. Rear Clearance – Allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for proper airflow. Top Clearance – Ensure there is a minimum of one-half inch to one inch of clearance on top of the unit.

How much gap do I need around my fridge?

Remember to leave 25 mm of free space around the top, back and sides to allow for the heat produced during refrigeration to escape. Be sure to also measure clearance (entryways, doorways etc.) to ensure that when your fridge is delivered it will fit safely into the home, and your old fridge can be safely removed.

How much clearance is needed for a refrigerator?

The following are general minimum clearances for refrigerators: 1/8" up to 1" inch of clearance on each side. 1" on the top (this is above the case, not the hinge). 1" to 2" in the back.

Will a 36 inch refrigerator fit in a 36 inch opening?

Yes, a 35.75" refrigerator should fit in a 36" space, as long as you also take into account extra space needed for air circulation and operating the refrigerator's doors. The depth of the refrigerator is important as well; most refrigerators are 24-36 inches deep.

Ask LG - How much space do you need around your fridge?

What is the rough opening for a 36 fridge?

The actual width of a 36-inch refrigerator is 35 and 3/4”. You need an opening of at least 37” wide or wider to have enough room to fit this size refrigerator.

How much space does a fridge need to open?

When the door is open, is there enough space on the hinge side for the door to open without hitting your walls? If there's not about 2-inches of space on the hinge side, then you'll have to keep in mind that the refrigerator will need to be pulled out about 2-inches to make up for this.

How much door clearance do I need for a refrigerator?

Standard-depth refrigerators typically measure 30 to 35 inches in depth, as opposed to counter-depth refrigerators that sit flush with cabinetry. 3 Allow 3.75" of clearance when installing along a wall. This will allow for the door to open 90 degrees without the handle contacting the wall.

How far does a refrigerator need clearance?

The refrigerator will need minimum clearances of 2 inches from the back wall, 1-inch from the upper cabinet and 1/8-inch on either side of the fridge. This will allow air to circulate around the box so the fridge runs efficiently and doesn't overheat.

How much space around an LG fridge?

Make sure that the product is at least 10cm away from the wall. Keep a gap of at least 2.5cm between the top of the refrigerator door and the cabinet in which the refrigerator is installed. This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.

What is the minimum space between fridge and counter?

The 40-inch clearance is measured from any countertop or the face of any appliance (excluding handles and controls) that projects into the kitchen to the opposing cabinet, countertop, appliance, or wall. Refrigerators vary greatly in depth and may extend up to eight inches beyond cabinet faces.

What to avoid when buying a refrigerator?

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure you get the perfect fridge for your dream kitchen.
  • Choosing the Wrong Style. ...
  • Forgetting to Measure Your Space. ...
  • Skipping Door Swing Considerations. ...
  • Ignoring Energy Efficiency. ...
  • Overlooking the Importance of Finish and Style. ...
  • Focusing Only on Features You Don't Use.

How much space do you need around an integrated fridge?

We recommend around 5cm around the sides for ventilation. My old integrated fridge freezer has a sliding hinge - do I need to buy the same again? Yes, if you're replacing an integrated model, you should always buy the same type of hinge. How do I measure for an integrated fridge freezer?

What is the average gap for a refrigerator?

Ensure there is extra space around the installed refrigerator for ventilation. Typically, 5 cm on the sides, 5 cm on the back, and 15 cm on the top are recommended. Make sure you write down all your measurements and take them with you when shopping for a new fridge or checking dimensions online.

What is the minimum distance from the wall for a refrigerator?

Ensure there is a minimum of a 10cm gap around the refrigerator. ➔ If the distance from the refrigerator's surroundings is too narrow, the heat generated by the cooling motor (COMP) in the rear cannot be dispersed effectively, which can decrease the cooling performance and lead to higher electricity bills.

Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?

Plugging in and turning on the fridge immediately can cause the compressor to run dry, leading to damage. Waiting gives the oil enough time to settle, ensuring proper lubrication and protecting the compressor from damage. Additionally, waiting allows the compressor to settle into its correct position.

How much clearance is needed around a refrigerator?

Generally, there should be a minimum space of 1- 1-1/2 inches on the top of your fridge. This space helps dissipate heat. If you have cabinets on the top of your fridge, make sure that there is enough clearance above. There should also be a space of 1-2 inches on the back of the fridge to allow proper air circulation.

How much space do you need around a fridge?

Leave at least 7 or 8cm of space between the back of the fridge and the wall to allow for the fridge's plug, and for ventilation. You should also aim for a few cm around the top and sides of the fridge.

How much space to leave around the fridge on Reddit?

The sides of a fridge typically only need 1/8" each. The rear and top about 1". This is usually in the documentation which should be checked before buying the fridge.

What is the standard space for a refrigerator?

Standard refrigerator sizes range from around 24 to 40 inches in width, 62 to 72 inches in height and 29 to 36 inches in depth. Generally speaking, French door and side-by-side refrigerators will be larger in width and height, though counter-depth models are frequently available in these two configurations.

How much clearance does a Frigidaire refrigerator need?

Frigidaire recommends leaving a minimum clearance of approximately 2 inches between the back of the refrigerator and the wall.

How much space should be between wall and refrigerator door?

According to the experts and Home Depot, a refrigerator needs minimum clearances of 2-inches from the back wall, 1-inch from the upper cabinet and 1/8-inch on either side of the fridge.

How do I know if my refrigerator will fit through my door?

Measure the “path of delivery” to ensure that your appliance will fit through doorways and hallways. Compare with appliance dimensions. For refrigerators, consider the unit's depth, with and without doors. (Installers can remove doors from most refrigerators if necessary.)

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

How far should a refrigerator stick out from cabinets?

Standard refrigerators are typically 30 to 36 inches deep or more. Countertops are normally about 25 inches deep (24 inches for the base cabinet with a one-inch overhang), so this means that a standard refrigerator will stick out from adjoining countertops by six inches or more.

Previous article
What colors to paint a unicorn?
Next article
Does AC condenser pull air from outside?