How to Install a Fridge

If you’re intent on installing your refrigerator yourself, then we’re going to lay out the process here so you can do it safely and not make any mistakes on the way. We’re going to assume you already know where it’s going and that it’s a fridge with a  water line. The process is the same if you don’t have a water line, you can just ignore any instructions referring to it.

Installing the refrigerator yourself can save you some money, and is useful to know. Before we go any further, please be aware that a fridge is a very heavy appliance and if you are going to install it yourself, please make sure you have someone with you and you take special care.

If you have any conditions that may make moving a fridge dangerous, please draft in some help, whether that be in the form of a professional or some friends or family.

Installing a Refrigerator

When installing a fridge, there are certain stages and steps that you need to go through. You may think it’s self-explanatory, but there are some things that you may not have considered that make things easier. Here’s our guide to installing your refrigerator. 

Open Packaging Outside 

Your fridge will come in a large cardboard box. It’s easier to unpack it outside where you have more space. Remove the packaging and set them aside. 

Then you’ll need to remove any loose components from the fridge like the shelves. Put these to one side and ensure they don’t take any damage. This will make your fridge easier to move by reducing its weight.

Plan Your Route 

Make sure you’ve planned out your moving route. You need to know where you’re going to be taking it. Have you measured the fridge? Is it going to fit through your doorways? Often,people focus on measuring where it’s going that they forget you have to measure the route it’s going to take to get there. 

If your new fridge is a bit too big for the doorway, then you may need to remove the doors. Check the user manual for this as there may be a special knack or particular order that you have to do things in. This will make moving easier.

How Do I Move My Fridge?

The best way to move your fridge is with a dolly. We really do not recommend moving the fridge by hand, no matter how strong you may be, or how many people you have to hand. A dolly will always be a much safer and efficient way to move the fridge.

This is also because the fridge should not be put on its side as this may disturb the cooling gases inside it. So if you’re trying to lift and carry the fridge by hand, you’re risking serious injury to yourself and damage to your fridge. 

If your fridge needs to be carried upstairs, try to keep it upright at all times and move it carefully to avoid any bumps. We would still recommend having it on a dolly going up stairs. 

Check Your Space

Double check the space your fridge is going into. Make sure you’ve got enough allowance for ventilation as recommended and it is going to fit in all dimensions. Check your cables are in order and they’re ready to be attached.

Attach Power & Water Supply

Attach your water line and power supply at the back of the refrigerator and make sure that these aren’t going to get caught when you slide the refrigerator back into place. 

Slide Fridge into Place

Slowly and carefully move your fridge into place. Take this opportunity to level your fridge so it’s flat and nothing will roll out when it’s open. Put all your shelves and any other components you removed back in and leave your fridge for a couple of hours to let the cooling gases settle. 

Turn it on, give it a few more hours to cool down and there you have it!

Installing your fridge yourself isn’t exactly a difficult process to wrap your head around, it is very physically demanding however, and so we do recommend using professional help.

If you’re buying a new fridge, take the time to learn how to recycle your old one,  or let us do it for you! More information on our recycling service here.

Head to our Refrigeration section for all our fridges, freezers and fridge freezers. We also have a range of stylish wine coolers too. With free delivery in the UK and competitive prices, save money when you buy online today!