How to Measure a Refrigerator

Bringing a new refrigerator into your home is exciting, but don't let the thrill overshadow the logistics of actually getting it into your kitchen! It's important to choose a refrigerator that can fit not only within your kitchen space, but through your home. Taking the proper dimensions is a key step in choosing the best refrigerator, so grab a tape measure and follow these important tips!

What Is the Standard Refrigerator Size?

Before we get into measuring your refrigerator and your kitchen space, you should first be familiar with the most common refrigerator measurements. It is hard to give a specific number for a standard refrigerator size, as it can vary greatly depending on the style and the brand youre purchasing from, but there are a few refrigerator sizes that are more common than others for each refrigerator style. French door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators can typically range from 28-36 inches wide, and 60 to 70 inches tall. A top or bottom freezer refrigerator usually comes as 23 to 36 inches wide and are also usually between 60 and 70 inches tall. Though the listed dimensions are considered standard, you can absolutely choose to buy a fridge that exists outside of these measurements to accommodate the needs of your home.

Height and Width

Is your new fridge going into an existing space, or into a completely remodeled kitchen? A total remodel means choosing your appliances first and building cabinets and countertops around them, so in this case you've got some wiggle room when it comes to height and width. If you're replacing an old refrigerator in an existing space, you can play it safe by finding a model that matches your old refrigerator measurements. Make sure you've got at least two inches of space around the sides, and at least one inch at the top.

Depth

When measuring your refrigerator's depth, make sure there will be at least two inches between the back of the unit and the wall to allow proper air circulation, as the heat from your refrigerator's compressor needs space to dissipate. If you're looking to narrow down your field, a counter depth refrigerator may be an ideal option. These refrigerators have a depth designed with typical counter dimensions in mind - most are roughly seven feet tall with a standard fridge depth between 27" and 30", and a width between 35" and 37".

Door Swing

A refrigerator's door should have enough room to open at least 90 degrees while you're standing in front of it. To ensure adequate swing space, there should be at least two inches of room on its hinged side. If both sides are hinged, as on a French door or side by side refrigerator, be sure to allow the space on both sides. You'll also need roughly four feet of clearance in front of the fridge for standing space. If your refrigerator is going into a kitchen that's being remodeled, be sure to take into account the placement of any islands or peninsulas that may be added later.

The Journey

Your kitchen is your refrigerator's last stop, but don't forget about the path it must traverse in order to get there!

• Will the refrigerator need to be maneuvered around a kitchen island or peninsula in order to get to its spot? Is there adequate space for the refrigerator to get around it?
• Measure the height and width of all doorways on the path into the kitchen, and don't forget to check the dimensions of the main entrance to your house or apartment
• If you live in a walk-up apartment, be sure to check the stairwell's width and ceiling height, as well as the dimensions of landings and corners. Don't forget to take into account any space taken up by handrails.
• For apartment-dwellers fortunate enough to have a freight elevator, double-check the elevator's dimensions as well as its weight capacity.
• If necessary, it may be possible to have the fridge doors removed during transport and reattached once your fridge reaches its spot in your kitchen.

Once fridge measurements are taken and you're ready to pick out a new model, P.C. Richard & Son is the place to do it!