Can You Adjust the Height of a Refrigerator? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve ever wondered if your refrigerator’s height can be adjusted, you’re not alone! Maybe your fridge doesn’t fit perfectly in the space, or you’re simply curious if there’s a way to make it more level. Don’t worry, because in this article, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about adjusting your refrigerator’s height, how to deal with a fridge that’s too tall or too short, and the simple fixes that could make a world of difference. Ready to get your fridge sorted? Let’s dive in!

Can You Adjust the Height of a Refrigerator?

Have you ever looked at your fridge and thought, “Hmm, I wish I could raise or lower this thing?” Well, guess what? You might be able to adjust its height, depending on the model and type of refrigerator you have.

Refrigerators, like any major appliance, come in many shapes and sizes. Some are designed with adjustable feet that allow you to change the height, while others have fixed legs that don’t offer much flexibility. So, if you’re thinking of tweaking your fridge’s height, the first thing you’ll need to do is check if it has adjustable feet or a leveling system.

Why Would You Want to Adjust the Height?

There are a few reasons why adjusting the height of your fridge could be beneficial. First off, a fridge that isn’t level could result in inefficient cooling, leading to higher energy bills and the possibility of spoiled food. Adjusting the height can also help if your fridge is too tall or too short for the space, or if you’re simply trying to improve the aesthetics of your kitchen.

If your fridge is too high or low, it might make it harder to open or close doors. It could also cause an issue with door seals, which is a big deal when it comes to preserving the temperature inside your fridge. On the other hand, if your fridge sits too low, you might find yourself bending down a lot more to grab something. Not ideal, right?

What Do You Need to Know Before Adjusting the Height?

Before you start fiddling with your fridge’s height, it’s a good idea to first measure the space where the fridge lives. This means taking measurements of the width, height, and depth of your kitchen or wherever the fridge will go. You’ll also want to check your refrigerator’s current height to see if it’s an issue or if you’re just looking for a bit of fine-tuning.

Adjustable Feet

Many modern fridges come with adjustable feet, which are small screws that can raise or lower each corner of the appliance. These feet are typically located at the bottom of the fridge. If you need to raise or lower your fridge, you’ll use a wrench or pliers to turn the screws on these feet. You can adjust the feet on all four corners of the fridge to ensure it’s both level and positioned at the height you want.

If you want to raise the height of the fridge, simply rotate the screws clockwise. If you want to lower it, turn the screws counterclockwise. Be sure to do this slowly and check the height after each adjustment to avoid raising it too high or lowering it too much. Also, be cautious about how much you adjust these feet, as too much of a change could cause the fridge to become unsteady.

Fixed Feet

In contrast to adjustable feet, some refrigerators come with fixed feet that cannot be changed. For these models, adjusting the height is more complicated. You might need to use a fridge riser or pedestal, which is a platform that your fridge can sit on. Pedestals are often used for added storage, and in some cases, they can help adjust the fridge’s height.

If your fridge has fixed feet and you’re determined to raise or lower its height, the best course of action is to get a professional to help. You might be able to modify the feet or install a custom riser, but this could void your warranty or cause other issues.

What to Do If Your Refrigerator is Too Tall or Too Short?

Fridges that don’t fit the space properly can create some major headaches. Whether it’s too tall and doesn’t slide into its designated space, or it’s too short and leaves gaps in your kitchen layout, it can be frustrating to work around. But don’t worry—there are ways to tackle these problems. Let’s break it down.

If Your Refrigerator is Too Tall

If your fridge is too tall, there’s a good chance it won’t fit under your kitchen cabinets or in the space you’ve allocated for it. This can be a big problem if you’ve already purchased the fridge and now need to figure out how to make it fit.

First, check if the fridge is adjustable in any way. If it has adjustable feet, you may be able to lower it a bit to fit more comfortably in your space. If the fridge has a fixed height, however, you might need to consider getting a different fridge or adjusting the cabinetry around it. In some cases, you could remove a shelf or lower the height of a cabinet to create more space for the fridge.

Another option is to get creative with the fridge placement. If you have a different spot in your kitchen that allows for a taller fridge, moving the appliance there could be a good solution.

If Your Refrigerator is Too Short

On the flip side, if your refrigerator is too short, you may notice gaps between the fridge and your counters or cabinets. This can make the fridge look out of place and leave unnecessary space that can collect dust and debris. While you can’t magically stretch your fridge to make it taller, there are a few solutions to help fill the gap.

One option is to use a riser or pedestal. This is a platform that sits under your fridge and elevates it to the desired height. These risers are especially helpful if your fridge needs to be raised for aesthetic purposes or to make the kitchen layout more cohesive. Keep in mind that a pedestal might not be an option for all refrigerators, so double-check if your fridge can safely sit on one before purchasing one.

Another solution could be installing a filler panel or trim. If the gap between your fridge and cabinetry is small, you can add a custom filler panel that blends in with the rest of your kitchen. This is a great option if you want to maintain the appearance of your kitchen without the need for major changes.

Consider the Fridge Door

While adjusting the height of your fridge is important for fitting it properly in the space, you should also consider how it affects the fridge door. If the fridge is too tall or too short, the door might not close properly or could even interfere with your cabinets. To avoid this, make sure that the fridge door swings freely and doesn’t rub against anything.

If necessary, adjust the fridge door itself. Some fridges allow you to change the swing of the door, or you can shift the door to open on the opposite side. This could help make the fridge fit better in the space and solve issues with a door that doesn’t open or close correctly.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, the best solution to fixing a fridge that’s too tall or too short is calling in the professionals. They’ll be able to assess the situation and recommend ways to modify the fridge or the surrounding space to make it fit better. If you’re not sure what the best solution is for your particular fridge, this is always a smart option.

I hope this article has helped clarify how to adjust the height of your fridge and provided useful tips for dealing with fridges that are too tall or too short. Whether you need to tweak the height for practical reasons or simply want a more polished look for your kitchen, you now have the knowledge to get your fridge in the perfect spot. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different adjustments and solutions to get your fridge just right. Happy kitchen fixing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to adjust the height of a refrigerator?

Yes, it’s safe to adjust the height of a refrigerator as long as you’re following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Be sure to use the proper tools and make gradual adjustments.

Can you raise a refrigerator higher than the feet allow?

If your fridge doesn’t have adjustable feet, you can use a riser or pedestal to raise it. However, make sure it’s secure and stable.

Do I need to adjust the refrigerator height for energy efficiency?

Adjusting your refrigerator’s height to ensure it’s level can improve energy efficiency. A fridge that’s out of level can cause temperature inconsistencies and energy waste.

Is it possible to lower a fridge’s height if it’s too tall?

Yes, if your fridge has adjustable feet, you can lower it. If not, you may need to consider removing a shelf or modifying the space around the fridge.

Can I adjust the fridge door swing if it interferes with the height?

Yes, most fridges allow you to adjust the door swing to make it fit better in the space, even if the height is adjusted.

Do I need professional help to adjust my fridge’s height?

If you’re unsure about adjusting the height or modifying the space, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional for assistance.

Is it necessary to adjust the refrigerator height if it’s not perfectly level?

While it’s not strictly necessary, adjusting the height to level the fridge can prevent issues with cooling efficiency and door sealing, which are crucial for food preservation.

Can I install a riser for my fridge if it doesn’t have adjustable feet?

Yes, you can install a riser or pedestal to raise your fridge if it doesn’t have adjustable feet. Just ensure the riser is stable and fits the size of your fridge.