Buying a fridge is not just about choosing the right brand, style or capacity. Before purchasing, it is important to make sure the fridge will actually fit your space properly.
A refrigerator needs enough room for ventilation, door opening and installation access, and these requirements can vary between models.
Here are the main things to check before you buy.
1. Measure the Width, Height and Depth of Your Space
Measure the fridge cavity carefully:
- Width – measure between the cabinets or walls
- Height – measure from the floor to any cupboard or shelf above
- Depth – measure from the back wall to the front edge of your cabinetry
It is a good idea to measure in more than one place, as walls and cabinets are not always perfectly straight.
2. Allow Space for Ventilation
Fridges produce heat while operating, so they need enough airflow around them.
For an easy rule of thumb, try to leave around 25 mm on each side of the fridge and some extra space at the back and above for airflow.
Because every model is different, always check the exact installation requirements before buying.
Some fridges require more clearance than others, especially above or behind the appliance.
Practical Measurement Example
Let’s say your fridge cavity measures:
- 900 mm wide
- 1,800 mm high
- 700 mm deep
If you want to allow approximately 25 mm of ventilation space on each side, subtract 50 mm from the total cavity width:
900 mm cavity width − 50 mm clearance = approximately 850 mm maximum fridge width
So in this example, you would generally look for a fridge around 850 mm wide or less, subject to the manufacturer’s specific installation requirements.
The same principle applies to height. If your cavity is 1,800 mm high, do not automatically choose a fridge that is exactly 1,800 mm tall. You still need to allow the required space above the fridge for ventilation.
For depth, remember that the fridge may sit forward of the cabinetry. A fridge that is 700 mm deep will normally extend beyond standard kitchen cabinets that are around 600 mm deep, and additional rear ventilation space may also be required.
This simple calculation can help you narrow down suitable models before purchasing.
3. Check How Far the Fridge Will Stick Out
The depth listed in the product specifications is the fridge itself, but that does not always mean it should sit completely flush with your cabinetry.
Many freestanding fridges are designed to sit slightly forward so the doors can open correctly.
For example, if your cabinetry is around 600 mm deep and the fridge is 700 mm deep, the fridge will naturally extend past the cabinets.
This does not necessarily mean the fridge is too large. It is simply important to know how far it will sit out before purchasing.
4. Make Sure the Doors Can Open Properly
A fridge can physically fit into the cavity but still be unsuitable if the doors cannot open far enough.
Check what is beside the fridge.
A wall, pantry, bench or another appliance can prevent the door from opening fully.
This is especially important for:
- French-door fridges
- side-by-side fridges
- fridges positioned beside a wall
- models with large crisper or freezer drawers
If the door cannot open far enough, you may not be able to remove shelves, drawers or bins properly.
5. Check the Hinge Side
If the fridge is positioned beside a wall, make sure there is enough clearance on the hinge side.
Some fridge doors need additional room to swing open properly.
This is particularly important if you need the door to open wide enough to pull out internal drawers or remove shelves.
6. Measure the Delivery Path
Do not only measure the kitchen.
The fridge also needs to physically get into your home.
Before purchasing, check:
- front door width
- internal doorways
- hallways
- staircases
- lifts
- tight corners
- access to the kitchen
A fridge may fit perfectly in the kitchen but still be too large to get through a doorway or around a corner.
Measure Carefully Before You Buy
Please make sure you choose the correct fridge size before purchasing.
Choosing the correct size is the customer’s responsibility, and we do not offer refunds for incorrect size selection.
In some cases, an exchange may be considered at our discretion, provided the appliance is returned in suitable condition and any applicable delivery, collection and restocking costs are covered by the customer.
Our Simple Fridge Measuring Checklist
Before buying, have these measurements ready:
Cavity width × cavity height × cavity depth
Then also check:
Ventilation clearance + door opening clearance + delivery access
At Second Hand Appliances & Factory Outlet Geebung, we always recommend checking the exact dimensions and installation requirements of the individual fridge before purchasing.
If you are unsure whether one of our fridges will fit your space, bring your measurements into our Geebung store or send them through to us and we can help you compare them with the fridge specifications.
Second Hand Appliances & Factory Outlet Geebung
9/229 Robinson Rd East, Geebung QLD 4034
Brisbane, Queensland
