How to install a fridge freezer

Whether you’ve chosen a freestanding, American-style, or integrated model, installing your fridge freezer correctly is vital for its longevity, efficiency, and guarantee. 

Whether moving home with an old fridge freezer or Installing a brand new one, it's a task that ranges from a straightforward DIY project to a job best left to the experts. 

That’s why we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to get your fridge freezer up and running safely, including essential tips on positioning, levelling, and ventilation. If your installation involves electrical or plumbing work, we’ll also help you decide when it’s time to call in a professional.

Our best fridge freezers guide rounds up the top models from our testing. 

Moving a fridge freezer to a new home

When moving a fridge freezer from one property to another, it’s important to make sure you do it safely to avoid damage.

First, unplug it, remove all food and leave it to fully defrost for at least 24 hours before giving it a good wipe down with a disinfectant cleaner. Then let it dry with the doors open. This will prevent mould growing while it sits at room temperature. Remove loose parts, such as glass shelves, and pack them separately to prevent breakages.

During the move, try to keep the appliance upright as much as possible. If you are unable to keep it upright, you can lie it on its side (usually hinged side up). This position will help to protect the compressor better than laying it on its back.

Before reinstalling it in its new location, make sure that you leave it at least 24 hours to settle before turning it on.

Brianna Watson, Which? cold appliances expert says:

'After transporting a fridge freezer and before you plug it in, it's really important to leave it upright for at least 24 hours to allow the compressor oil and refrigerant to get back to where they need to be.

'If you don’t allow your appliance to settle before you plug it in and start cooling, it can cause blockages and affect its performance.'

Use our fridge freezer reviews to find your perfect model

Installing a freestanding or American fridge freezer

Compared to integrated appliances, freestanding fridge freezers are relatively simple to install but there are still important points to get right. To make sure you don’t miss anything, thoroughly read your fridge freezer manual’s installation instructions. Alternatively, book an installation service along with your appliance delivery.

1. Decide where to put it

It’s important to put your appliance in a suitable place.

• Make sure it’s not next to a radiator or heat generating appliance such as a freestanding cooker. The additional heat generated by a radiator or cooker will cause the compressor to work harder, increasing the amount of energy the fridge freezer uses to keep your food cool
• Make sure it’s not in direct sunlight.

Only put the appliance in the garage if your model specifically states it can be used in an out building. You can usually find this information in the product specification and manual.

2. Leave clearance for ventilation

Fridge freezer compressors run hot under normal circumstances, and allowing space for this heat to dissipate is incredibly important. Most appliances need at least 5cm clearance around the sides and the back.

If warm air gets trapped, it can cause your fridge freezer to overheat. It also means the fridge freezer has to work extra hard to keep the inside cool, which uses a lot more energy. A motor that’s constantly running too hot can suffer damaged components and a shorter appliance lifespan. 

Check your manual for the recommended clearance measurements for your model.

3. Ensure it is level

Making sure your appliance is level is also important. 

• An unlevel fridge freezer can stop the door closing flush. In French door and side-by-side models, it can also cause the doors to misalign in the middle. This can allow warm air to leak in, causing frost build-up.
• In frost free freezers, levelling is also important for correct drainage. A frost free freezer’s internal defrost system relies on gravity to help water drain properly instead of pooling in the freezer.
• If your freezer has an ice mould tray, improper levelling can cause water spillage and ice in the wrong places.
• A balanced fridge freezer keeps the compressor and internal parts stable, decreasing the chances of excess vibration, rattling and humming noises and preventing any breakages. 

Consult your manual to find out how to height-adjust your fridge freezer’s feet to prevent tilting and rocking, and to lift it from its wheels, if it has them.

Some manufacturers recommend leaning your appliance ever-so-slightly backwards, so that the doors automatically swing shut. Again, check the manual to find out if this is the case for your model.

4. Reverse the doors, if you need to

Many single-door fridge freezers have reversible hinges so you can mount the door on either side of the appliance. Door reversal typically involves swapping the hinge brackets over to the other side using basic tools. Your manual will have exact instructions. 

If it’s important that the fridge freezer door opens from a certain side to fit in your kitchen, check the product specifications and manual before buying. Reversing the doors of a built-in appliance may not be possible.

5: Give it a quick clean 

Before putting food in your fridge freezer, give it a quick clean to remove any manufacturing residue or mildew that may have formed in storage.

No need to bring out the big guns, wiping down the internal surfaces with warm soapy water and a cloth is all you need.

6. Plug it in

We recommend leaving your new appliance for 24 hours to settle before switching it on. 

After turning it on, we recommend a further 12 hours for it to fully cool before putting in your groceries. Good excuse for a takeaway…

Need more storage space? See our pick of the best American fridge freezers

Installing an integrated fridge freezer

If you are replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, there are a few additional checks you should make. Before you buy.

1. Check your connections

Check you have an electricity supply already in place, and within one metre of where you want your new integrated fridge freezer to go. Ensure that you plug the unit into its own grounded wall socket rather than into an extension lead. Also make sure the fused isolation switch is not behind the cabinet so you can get to it to turn it off.

2. Check your current fridge freezer split

A fridge freezer ‘split’ refers to the ratio of storage space allocated to the fridge versus the freezer. Manufacturers offer ratios of 70/30, 50/50 or 60/40.

This ratio is very important when replacing an integrated fridge freezer into existing cabinetry: choosing a like-for-like split will make installation a simpler job. A different split could mean a difficult installation or even having to shell out for new cabinet doors.

Choosing the same split will allow your installer to align the door perfectly with the surrounding cabinetry and worktop for a seamless look. It will also ensure proper sealing; misalignment can cause operational issues or cold air leaks. Even if you’ve chosen the same split, some 70/30 models may need to be installed on a plinth to line up the doors.

3. Check your current door hinge type

There are two types of hinge systems that can be used to attach the fridge freezer doors to the cabinetry of a built-in appliance, so that the door and the cabinet door open together.

• Fixed hinge: This system only involves one hinge, where the fridge door is attached directly to the cabinet door. This means there's no space between the fridge and cabinet doors, and the fridge door sits flush with the cabinet.
• Sliding hinge: This is where the cabinet door isn't directly fixed to the fridge door, but is instead fixed on rails.

The fixed hinge system tends to be sturdier than the sliding system and allows you to open the doors much wider than a sliding hinge. However, many appliances are only suitable for one type of installation system, so be sure to check which system it’s compatible with if you want a particular system. 

Whichever type you choose, we'd recommend hiring a professional to install your integrated fridge freezer. It's important to ensure the space is the correct fit and that the appliance is level. It can also be difficult to manoeuvre the fridge freezer into the cabinet space. Some retailers will install your integrated fridge freezer for you after you've bought it, although this service usually costs extra.

Keen to get shopping? See our round up of the best integrated fridge freezers

Installing a fridge freezer water dispenser

If your fridge freezer has a water dispenser, it will need to be connected to an inlet valve via a pipe. You’ll also need a filter. With some models, an ‘inline filter’ must be fitted externally as part of the inlet pipe; others come with internal filters pre-fitted.

As always, check your manual for in-depth installation instructions. A plumbed-in fridge freezer should come with all the necessary parts.

Most manufacturers recommend a maximum distance of 3-5 meters between the water supply and a plumbed in fridge freezer.

See the results of our fridge freezer brand survey in which fridge freezer brand is the most reliable?

Using an installation service

If you don’t feel confident enough to DIY it, buy your new fridge freezer from a retailer that offers a removal and installation service. We’d always recommend it for integrated models. Major retailers like John Lewis, Currys and AO offer installation for an additional fee.

Ensure your old appliance is fully defrosted, empty of food, and dry before the collection team arrives.

Need some help getting your cabinets ready. Here’s how to find a reputable trader

Installation costs compared

Most retailer's installation services are subject to compatible plumbing and electrical services.

How to dispose of or recycle a fridge freezer