what do you do with the space between cabinets and refrigerators

A lot of homes have a pantry next to the fridge or somewhere else in the kitchen, but if yours isn’t one of them you have to strategically use your cabinet and drawer space to store your dishes and all of your food. In this case, get some nice glass food storage jars like these and set them on top of the fridge.

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Is it important to have space between fridge and cabinets?

Although it is an eyesore, the gap between your fridge, cabinets, and walls is important. Refrigerators rely on proper ventilation to keep your favorite foods and beverages nice and cold. Space around the fridge also prevents the motor from overheating.

How to hide a fridge in a small kitchen?

Choose a pantry shelf that is the same height as your lower cabinet to keep it concealed. Trim kits are frames that fit around your fridge to hide gaps between the cabinets and walls. The kits can be matched to your cabinets, countertops, wall color, or fridge. The open space on top of a fridge is a point of debate.

How do you organize a baking cabinet in a fridge?

Measure the width of the space from the end of the cabinet to the side of the fridge. Use this measurement to determine what items might fit there. Slide slim baking pans, cookie baking trays, and even small cutting boards between the space. You may be able to slide in thicker items first, then slide in other items on top.

What can I do with the empty space on top of fridge?

Here are some ways to use the empty space on top of your fridge while keeping your kitchen organized. Shelf frames fit around the sides of the fridge. This gives you some extra storage on top for baskets of root vegetables, canisters, and jars of beans and pasta.

How do you fill the gap between a fridge and a wall?

0:051:23How to Conceal Gap from Fridge to Wall ( easily! ) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you want to do is get some quarter-inch plywood material or something similar to that you wantMoreWhat you want to do is get some quarter-inch plywood material or something similar to that you want to get some little neodymium magnets these are about a quarter of an inch.

How do you fill a gap between kitchen units?

0:004:08IKEA Kitchen Hacks Ideas for filling Gaps and the use of Filler piecesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt actually has um filler panels that you can put in and actually just fill a pieces. But what IMoreIt actually has um filler panels that you can put in and actually just fill a pieces. But what I didn't realize is that you have to cut the pieces yourself.

Do I need to leave a gap around my fridge?

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.

What do I do with extra space in my fridge?

10 Ways To Maximize Fridge SpaceGroup like items via clear storage bins so you can see everything at a glance. ... Dedicate one container to foods that are soon to expire. ... Suspend bottles from the ceiling via powerful magnets! ... Label everything! ... Utilize wire shelves to hang goods via binder clips.More items...•

What do you do with gaps between cabinets?

As such, cabinet filler strips are the most effective way to cover large gaps between the side of a cabinet and the wall. However, they can also be the most complicated. Since walls are rarely perfectly even, the strips often need to be measured and cut to size with challenging tools.

How do you fix an awkward kitchen layout?

Prioritize a kitchen with a view. ... Think about your personal workflow. ... Plan for a multi-purpose space. ... Don't forget about foot traffic. ... Consider adding additional space around the island. ... Think about vertical storage for particularly small spaces. ... Plan out a home for every appliance and accessory.More items...•

Do you need space between fridge and cabinet?

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.

How much ventilation does a refrigerator need?

Leave space around the refrigerator to vent. Make sure that your refrigerator can breathe. Without proper ventilation, you can damage the fridge and cause it to consume more energy. You'll need at least a quarter-inch gap for ventilation on the sides of the refrigerator as well as one inch on the back and top.

How much space do you need around refrigerator?

The following are the recommended allowances around the fridge: There should be a minimum of 1 to 1 ½ inches on top of your fridge. Ensure there is 1 to 2 inches of space at the back of your fridge to allow proper airflow. There should be a space between ½ to 1 inch on both sides of your unit.

How do you enclose a refrigerator?

0:447:55How to build a refrigerator surround - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you can enclose your refrigerator with a cabinet. This is done by measuring the space you haveMoreIf you can enclose your refrigerator with a cabinet. This is done by measuring the space you have around your refrigerator.

How should I arrange my fridge at home?

4:256:05How To Organize a Fridge - Ideas To Organize Small Fridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd please don't overstuff your fridge with big soda bottles. And too many water bottles. If youMoreAnd please don't overstuff your fridge with big soda bottles. And too many water bottles. If you like to drink chilled water then just keep two or three bottles in the fridge. And keep refilling them.

Can I store stuff on top of my fridge?

Items sitting on top of the fridge can block the appliance's ventilation, forcing it to work harder to keep its contents cool—and this can be dangerous. Try to minimize or eliminate clutter above the fridge, especially if you're using the space to store any of the items on this list.

How can I hide the gap between my kitchen cabinets?

For gaps less than 1/8-inch, it's acceptable to use colored caulk or other products that come in a tube. If you plan on refinishing the cabinets, you can also use wood putty that dries hard to fill gaps or cracks. If the cabinets do not need finishing, apply color-matched caulking to the gaps.

How do I hide the gap between my stove and cabinets?

2:074:48Cy's Solution to Annoying Stove Gaps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI it's too loose to fit in there properly. So I cut it into shape. And then I was trying to thinkMoreI it's too loose to fit in there properly. So I cut it into shape. And then I was trying to think what I could use and I ended up using duct tape.

How do you seal gaps in cabinets?

Use backer rods for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Cabinet kick plates Cracks and crevices Seal crevices with sealant. Use hardware cloth or sheet metal for the larger structural gaps. Sink back splash Gaps at the top edge and along the wall Seal gaps with sealant and backer rods for gaps larger than ¼ inch.

How do I fill the gap between my stove and cabinets?

Use a silicone material if there is any height difference between your stovetop and the counter. Silicone is more flexible and will fit the form better. Use stainless steel gap covers to match a metal stove-top seamlessly.

How high should a free standing fridge be?

As already suggested, just use a filler to close up the opening. We do this all the time as my standard height for a free standing fridge is always 72". It will look fine.

Why are fridges so short?

We had been told by our appliance dealer that the short life of today's fridges is at least partly due to inadequate ventilation around tightly fitted fridges.

How deep should a fridge be?

The small space between a fridge and the neighboring cabinet may only be a few inches wide, but is often a few feet deep. While the space may not be large enough for any type of shelving, don't overlook the space for storage.

How to measure the width of a fridge?

Step 1. Measure the space between the fridge and cabinets. Measure the depth, that is the distance from the back wall to the front of the fridge. Measure the width of the space from the end of the cabinet to the side of the fridge.

Where to hang magnetic hooks on refrigerator?

Hang magnetic hooks on the upper portion of the side of the fridge. Use the hooks to hold aprons, or cooking utensils such as basting brushes and tongs.

Can you put paper in the fridge?

Do not place papers, file folders, or bags between the fridge and cabinet. Water condensation might cause mold, or an electrical spark on the back of the fridge could cause a fire. Do not store flammable chemicals in the space.

How to measure the width of a refrigerator?

Measure the minimum width needed for your cutout. Measure the width of the refrigerator by measuring from one side of the space to the other. This can be from the wall to the counter, cabinet to cabinet, or whatever is on either side of the refrigerator space.

How to fix a refrigerator that is too tall?

If your refrigerator is too tall for the space, you have a few options for solutions. You can remove the upper cabinet above the fridge, relocate the refrigerator, or remove the refrigerator caps.

What is a top freezer refrigerator?

Top-freezer refrigerators, also known as top-mount refrigerators, are a classic style where the freezer is above the refrigerator compartment. This type of refrigerator is easy to store freezer items and provides wide in-door storage. These refrigerators are also a lower price point since features like ice and water dispensers are less common.

How much does it cost to install a refrigerator?

Installing a new refrigerator costs about $1,500 on average. This price includes the cost of the fridge and labor. Some homeowners can pay as little as $800, while others can spend upwards of $12,000 or more. However, most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $2,000.

What is the difference between a French door refrigerator and a counter depth refrigerator?

Typically, french door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators are larger in width and height. Counter-depth refrigerators are also available too. Top and bottom-freezer refrigerators are often available in smaller sizes.

What is a French door refrigerator?

French door refrigerators feature a pantry-style layout where two doors open up top to reveal the refrigerator. The freezer component slides out from below. These refrigerators often offer the most capacity and features compared to other refrigerators.

When buying a new refrigerator, should you be sure that the dimensions of the refrigerator coincide with the available space?

When it’s time to buy a new refrigerator, be sure that the dimensions of the fridge coincide with the available space. Keep in mind that refrigerators are available in different models, sizes, and capacities.

Space above built in fridge and cabinet above?

I just got my appliances installed and there is about 5 inches between the top of the fridge and the bottom of the cabinet. If anyone else has this, do you just keep it open, or have you found any creative (non-cluttered looking) use for it?

Comments (20)

We had a couple of inches open, not 5. We had our GC fill that in with light rail (decorative wooden trim). Now the fridge sits flush with the cabinet above.

What is a cabinet with slots?

Cabinets are fitted with slots to hold cookie trays and the like → Bright, Bold & Beautiful

Is there a space above a refrigerator?

The space above a refrigerator is often overlooked and underused. It’s not particularly accessible for oft-used items, but it’s a shame to have the space go to waste, especially in a small kitchen. I looked at a selection of real homes to see how people were using this space.

How big is a refrigerator?

Although the average size of a refrigerator varies depending on the type of fridge (bottom freezer, top freezer, French door or side-by-side), standard refrigerator dimensions range from 28 ¾ to 39 ¾ inches in width, 61 ¾ to 71 ¼ inches in height and 28 ¾ to 34 ⅝ inches in depth.

Where to measure above cutout cabinets?

Cabinets above your cutout? Measure from the floor to the bottom of the cabinets.

How big is a refrigerator bottom freezer?

The average size of a bottom-freezer refrigerator is 29 ½ to 32 ¾ inches in width, 67 to 70 inches in height and 33 ⅜ inches in depth.

How big is a French door refrigerator?

The standard size of a French door refrigerator is 29 ½ to 36 inches in width, 68 ½ to 70 ⅛ inches in height and 29 ⅜ to 34 ⅝ inches in depth.

Why is it important to have a space in the kitchen?

Because kitchens can get crowded with both cooks and passersby, it is important to abide by these space recommendations. Note that these recommendations make a distinction between work aisles—which take you from one work area to another—and walkways—which move traffic through the kitchen.

How far should a dishwasher be from the base cabinets?

From the dishwasher to the nearest base cabinets or other obstructions should be 21 inches minimum. The intent is to give the dishwasher door plenty of room to open.

How far should a dishwasher be from the sink?

Dishwasher Spacing and Placement Recommendations 1 From the dishwasher to the sink should be 36 inches maximum. The intent is two-fold: first, to make sure that the cook can easily move dishes from the sink to the dishwasher; secondly, to ease under-counter hookups between sink and dishwasher. 2 From the dishwasher to the nearest base cabinets or other obstructions should be 21 inches minimum. The intent is to give the dishwasher door plenty of room to open.

What is a kitchen landing area?

A kitchen landing area is a countertop space that allows you to place, or land, items from the sink, refrigerator, cooking surface, and oven service areas. The countertop is adjacent to these areas. For example, if a stove has no nearby landing area, the cook may be tempted to place a hot pan that she has just removed in a close but unsafe spot, perhaps on top of the fridge or on the floor.

How far away from the oven is the landing area?

Oven landing area: 15 inches adjacent to or above the oven. If the oven door opens onto a work aisle, not a traffic walkway, you are allowed to provide a landing area across from the oven (i.e., a kitchen island) no more than 48 inches away.

What is a kitchen work triangle?

The kitchen work triangle is a design concept that recommends that you place your three most important work areas—sink, refrigerator, and stove —in a triangular fashion. While the kitchen triangle concept has been around for many years, it works well and you can always rely on it if you are ever stymied about the direction of your kitchen design.

How high should a kitchen surface be?

Cooking surface landing area: 12 inches on one side and 15 inches on the other side, minimum. If you have a counter with tiers of different heights, you still must provide these minimums on the same level as the cooking surface.

How wide is a refrigerator cabinet?

Typically, you will have a 30, 33 or 36-inch cabinet . Refrigerators are designed for these cabinets widths. However, most of the issues are height. Many of the newer refrigerators are taller than the older products of 10-15 years ago. The other issue is the width of 15-year-old or older refrigerators.

How far away from the wall should a fridge be?

Typically, because of the electrical or water connection, this will help push the fridge out slightly away from the wall, but 1-2 Inches is ideal. Top: A minimum of ½-inch, and ideally 1 full inch of clearance above.

Why does my refrigerator compressor work harder?

The condenser and compressor will have to work extra to cool the air down in the unit. Lastly, if your fridge is ever in direct sunlight during the day , the compressor is working harder and using more electricity during this time due to sunlight.

What is the humidity of a Gladiator refrigerator?

Gladiator Refrigerator. Ideal humidity in the home is somewhere in the 35-50% range. Low humidity typically would not be a cause for concern. Humidity above 50% can cause condensation buildup, as well as increased electrical consumption. The condenser and compressor will have to work extra to cool the air down in the unit.

How many cu ft is a 36 inch refrigerator?

Every year refrigeration capacities continue to climb. A standard sized 36-inch wide refrigerator used to fall in the 22-25 cu. ft. capacity range. Now the range is closer to 27-30+ cu ft.

What is a built in refrigerator?

Built-in and integrated refrigeration have a dedicated open space with a grill built into the unit that allows for proper cooling of the compressor.

Where are the coils and components located on a refrigerator?

Now the coils and components are located below the units. Ideally, if the fridge has proper spacing the grill below the unit will pull in cooler air as the coils and components heat up.