Side-by-Side Refrigerators
| Axis | Minimum Value (cm) | Maximum Value (cm) | Minimum Clearance (cm) | Maximum Clearance (cm) | Total (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width (X) | 90 | 95 | + 2 x 2 | +3 x 2 | 94 – 101 |
| Depth (Y) | 65 | 75 | +5 | +10 | 70 – 85 |
| Height (Z) | 175 | 190 | +5 | +10 | 180 – 200 |
Typical Dimensions of European Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Width: 90-95 cm (35.4-37.4 inches)
- Depth: 65-75 cm (25.6-29.5 inches)
- Height: 175-190 cm (68.9-74.8 inches)
Depth of Recess
Minimum Depth: 70-80 cm (27.6-31.5 inches). This depth accommodates the refrigerator depth and includes space for air circulation at the back and sides.
Clearance for Installation
- Rear Clearance: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) from the back wall for proper ventilation and to prevent overheating.
- Side Clearance: 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) on each side for ventilation and to avoid friction with the walls when opening doors.
- Top Clearance: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) above the refrigerator to ensure proper air circulation and access to the top panel or hinge.
- Front Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space in front of the refrigerator to fully open the doors, typically 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) in front of the refrigerator for door swing and user access.
Summary
To fit a side-by-side freestanding refrigerator in a wall recess, the optimal dimensions should be:
- Recess Depth: 75-85 cm (29.5-33.5 inches) to accommodate the fridge depth and rear clearance.
- Recess Width: 94-101 cm (37-40 inches) to fit the fridge width and side clearance.
- Recess Height: At least 180-200 cm (71-79 inches) to accommodate the fridge height and top clearance.
These dimensions ensure proper ventilation, prevent overheating, and allow for easy installation and operation of the refrigerator. The main difference when fitting in a wall recess versus an alcove is ensuring the recess has enough structural integrity to support the refrigerator and that the front clearance is adequate for door operation and user access.
