Can You Put A Mini Fridge In A Cabinet? (Find Out Now!)
One of the great conveniences that many people enjoy is having a cold beverage within easy reach, especially in an office or workspace. The solution for many of these installations is a mini-fridge close at hand. People are often concerned with décor in an office or workspace and wonder if you can put a mini-fridge in a cabinet or closet.
It is possible to install a mini-fridge under the counter. The key to installing a mini-fridge in these locations is the preparation you make beforehand to allow the mini-fridge to operate normally and safely. This usually involves making sure that there is plenty of airflow around the fridge. You may also need an electrical outlet in the space.
Understanding how your mini-fridge operates and its requirements are key to providing a space to meet the requirements. For example, putting a mini-fridge under a cabinet or in any enclosed space needs to be done correctly to ensure the mini-fridge can operate safely. You should consult the owner manual that comes with your mini-fridge for the exact specifications if you want to enclose the mini-fridge.
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Keeping Your Minifridge Cool and Comfortable
Just like your big refrigerator in your kitchen, your mini-fridge needs lots of air circulation to operate efficiently and effectively. Remember that your mini-fridge has the task of removing the heat from the inside air to the outside air.
Putting any refrigerator in an enclosed space depends on how you manage the airflow in and around the refrigerator. Too little airflow and the refrigerator must work overtime to transfer the heat. Overworking the refrigerator results in a shorter life span.
Each mini-fridge manufacturer has their recommendations and minimum requirements for space around the mini-fridge and the ventilation for airflow. Before you stick your mini-fridge in a confined space, make sure the space meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
What Are the General Requirements for Putting a Mini-Fridge in a Cabinet?
The first requirements you should consider are the dimensions of the space into which you want to put a mini-fridge. Make sure you measure the space carefully for height, width, and depth before purchasing your mini-fridge. Buying a fridge too large can lead to frustration and expensive work. You should have this information with you when you start shipping for your mini-fridge.
Check Your Space Size Against the Mini-Fridge Requirements
Be careful when shopping for a mini-fridge to install under a cabinet or in an enclosed space. All too often, the dimensions listed on the mini-fridge packaging will list the mini-fridges physical dimensions. However, the space requirements may be very different.
The best way to know if the mini-fridge is compatible with your space is to look at the installation documentation that comes with the mini-fridge. These instructions will list the clearances required around the mini-fridge. The requirements for airflow should also be in the installation instructions.
Airflow and Openings
If your space is adequate to provide the required clearances for your mini-fridge, it must also allow airflow around the mini-fridge. In addition, the opening of your space must allow adequate airflow in and around the mini-fridge that you choose.
Putting your mini-fridge in a closed space, even if it has the required clearances, is not enough to ensure airflow. There must be an opening in the space to allow outside air to enter and the hot air inside to escape. This often requires cutting holes in the sides of the space. In some instances, the front of the space can be vented at the top and the bottom.
In any case, you must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for clearance distances and airflow requirements. Otherwise, you risk voiding the warranty on your mini-fridge.
Additional Considerations
When you are preparing your space for your mini-fridge, there are some additional considerations. Having these preparations made in advance will make your mini-fridge installation much easier.
Electrical Wiring
Your mini-fridge will need an electrical outlet close by. Most people who install a mini-fridge in a cabinet have an electrical outlet installed in the cabinet. This prevents the need to have an extension cord running into the cabinet from somewhere else. This is much more aesthetically pleasing.
Clearances from Other Cabinets or Furniture
When installing your mini-fridge under a countertop or in a cabinet. Make sure that there is enough clearance for the mini-fridge door to swing. If the mini-fridge sits too far inside a cabinet, the door may not open fully, making it a chore to get anything in and out of the refrigerator.
Don’t Leave Carpet Under the Mini-Fridge
If your mini-fridge sits directly on the floor under your cabinet, don’t leave or install carpet in the cabinet. Thick carpet can seriously hamper the air circulation under your mini-fridge. This can cause the mini-fridge to work harder to keep the inside cool. Lint from the carpet can build up on the coils causing further problems. Eliminate the carpet to help your mini-fridge operate more efficiently.
I bought My Mini-Fridge Used and Don’t Have a User Manual
It is not unusual to purchase a used mini-fridge and not have the user manual. In most cases, you can search the internet and find a copy of the user manual. This is the best option to get the required information about installing your mini-fridge under a cabinet.
If this proves impossible, these are our recommendations for installing a mini-fridge under a cabinet or in a confined space.
- The space should be at least 3 inches larger on each side, including the top and bottom, than the mini-fridge itself.
- Don’t put the mini-fridge on the carpet. Remove the carpet from the space and install tile or other hard surface floorings.
- Provide some form of vents to allow free circulation of outside air around the mini-fridge. These can be vents in the front at the top and bottom. Preferably, vent holes of adequate size can be cut into the sides or back of the cabinet space.
These are just basic requirements. You should do your best to find the exact installation specifications from the manufacturer of your mini-fridge.
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Having the Convenience of a Mini-Fridge
Your home office, recreation area, craft room, or even a workshop are convenient for a mini-fridge. Ensuring the life and efficiency of your mini-fridge is important. Following the manufacturer’s directions will allow you to put your mini-fridge under the counter or even in cabinet spaces behind a cabinet door.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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