Is Your Refrigerator Too Tall For The Cabinet? (Fix It Now!)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

When you purchase a new refrigerator, you probably assume it will be a perfect fit. However, you may find out later that the refrigerator is too large for the space. If your refrigerator is too tall, use this as a guide to figure out your next steps.

If your refrigerator is too tall for the space, you should remove the cabinet above the refrigerator. This will give you 6 to 12 inches of additional space, typically enough clearance for the refrigerator to fit comfortably. If you can’t remove cabinets, you will have to relocate your refrigerator to another location in the kitchen.

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Considerations When Your Refrigerator Is Too Tall

If your refrigerator is too tall for the space, it is an inconvenience, but you can resolve the problem.

Before you begin the process of solving this issue, there are some things you should consider:

  • Consider the size of the refrigerator.
  • Factor in the amount of space needed for the refrigerator to fit comfortably. 
  • Do you have the space and ability to relocate the refrigerator to a new area of the kitchen?

Things To Do If Your Refrigerator Is Too Tall

If your refrigerator is too tall for the space, you have a few options for solutions. You can remove the upper cabinet above the fridge, relocate the refrigerator, or remove the refrigerator caps.

Remove the Upper Cabinet

Most modern kitchens have storage cabinets above the refrigerator, which can be beneficial unless your refrigerator is too tall. Removing the upper cabinet is the first option you should consider as it’s a quick solution. Most importantly, it isn’t going to damage the refrigerator.

When you remove the upper cabinet, you can gain 6 to 12 inches of space. For most homeowners, this is enough room for the refrigerator to fit comfortably.

Relocate The Refrigerator In The Kitchen

The second option you have is to relocate the refrigerator to a different part of the kitchen. Keep in mind that this depends solely on the layout of your kitchen. Sometimes kitchens have additional spots where you can insert the refrigerator, but other times this isn’t an option.

Of course, you will want to make sure that the refrigerator isn’t too tall for the new space. This is important as you may have to redirect electrical and water lines or make adjustments to other parts of the kitchen.

Remove The Refrigerator Caps

If your refrigerator is too tall, you can remove the caps running along the top of the refrigerator. These are easy to remove and may give you a couple of inches of space. If you have other accessories on top of the fridge, now is the time to remove those, too.

Common Types Of Refrigerators

Refrigerators are not one-size-fits-all appliances. There are several different types depending on your needs, style, and available space.

French Door Refrigerator

French door refrigerators feature a pantry-style layout where two doors open up top to reveal the refrigerator. The freezer component slides out from below. These refrigerators often offer the most capacity and features compared to other refrigerators.

If you have a larger family looking for a high-end option, a french door refrigerator is for you. This style of refrigerator has wide refrigerator and freezer compartments for storing bigger items as well as exterior water and ice dispensers. There’s also more refrigerator capacity than freezer capacity with adjustable shelves, compartments, and storage.

Side-By-Side Refrigerator

A side-by-side refrigerator features two doors that open from the center. The difference between this and a french door refrigerator is that one side is a refrigerator, and the other side is the freezer. This style of refrigerator does have more capacity compared to others.

There is slightly more freezer capacity in a side-by-side refrigerator versus a french door refrigerator. There’s vertical storage to keep fresh and frozen items on eye level, as well as adjustable shelves and door bins. These refrigerators feature exterior ice and water dispensers and reduce door swing clearance, which is excellent for more narrow spaces.

Top-Freezer Refrigerators

Top-freezer refrigerators, also known as top-mount refrigerators, are a classic style where the freezer is above the refrigerator compartment. This type of refrigerator is easy to store freezer items and provides wide in-door storage. These refrigerators are also a lower price point since features like ice and water dispensers are less common.

These refrigerators offer a more traditional setup and look. While there is more refrigerator space than freezer space, it provides easy access to frozen items. Keep in mind this refrigerator has a large door, so you’ll need a larger clearance space in front of the fridge.

What’s The Average Size Of A Refrigerator

Refrigerators come in several styles, capacities, and sizes. Standard refrigerators range in size from 24 to 40 inches wide, 62 to 72 inches tall, and 29 to 36 inches deep.

Typically, french door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators are larger in width and height. Counter-depth refrigerators are also available too. Top and bottom-freezer refrigerators are often available in smaller sizes.

How To Choose The Right Size Refrigerator

When it’s time to buy a new refrigerator, be sure that the dimensions of the fridge coincide with the available space. Keep in mind that refrigerators are available in different models, sizes, and capacities.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Measuring tape 

Step 1: Select The Type of Refrigerator You Want

Refrigerators come in different styles and are available in a range of sizes. Choose the type of refrigerator you want, then measure the space where the fridge will go. Be sure to measure the depth, width, and height of the space.

Step 2: Measure The Depth Of The Refrigerator

When measuring for a refrigerator, you’ll want to decide the depth you prefer. Refrigerators are available in standard-depth and counter-depth.

The standard depth of a refrigerator is measured from the wall and extends past the cabinets. You measure counter depth from the wall to the edge of the counter.

You’ll also want to keep other depths in mind within your kitchen. If you have an island, measure the space in front of the refrigerator. You should be able to open your doors and drawers without making contact with anything else.

Measure the depth of the drawer when open and measure the depth of the doors when open. Also, take measurements with and without handles.

Step 3: Measure The Width Of The Refrigerator

Measure the minimum width needed for your cutout. Measure the width of the refrigerator by measuring from one side of the space to the other. This can be from the wall to the counter, cabinet to cabinet, or whatever is on either side of the refrigerator space.

Keep in mind that if the refrigerator is next to a wall, leave 3 ¾ inches of space. This is to allow room on the hinge side of the door so that it can swing open.

Step 4: Measure The Height Of The Refrigerator

Measure the minimum height needed for the cutout. If you have cabinets above your cutout, measure from the floor to the bottom of the cabinets. Keep in mind any added height due to door hinges at the top of the refrigerator.

Step 5: Keep In Mind Space Around The Refrigerator

Remember to keep some space around the refrigerator. You want a little bit of space on all sides of the fridge for proper ventilation so that your refrigerator doesn’t overheat.

There should be at least 1 inch of space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall. There should also be ½ inch of space on all sides.

Step 6: Determine How You Will Install The Refrigerator

The final step is to map out a plan of how you’ll install your fridge. Once it arrives at your home, will it go through the entrance, hall, and doorway? Measure the width of those areas to make sure the fridge will fit through the space.

If you think it will be a tight squeeze, remove the doors of the refrigerator during transportation. This will reduce the depth by about 6 inches, depending on the model.

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Related Questions

Can the height of the refrigerator be adjusted?

You can adjust the height of most refrigerators, but it varies by model. In most cases, refrigerators have leveling legs. These are adjustable-height legs that you can tweak using a screwdriver or even by simply rotating them. To find out what your refrigerator has, you’ll have to read through the manual to see if it’s possible.


What’s the average cost of a new refrigerator?

Installing a new refrigerator costs about $1,500 on average. This price includes the cost of the fridge and labor. Some homeowners can pay as little as $800, while others can spend upwards of $12,000 or more. However, most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $2,000. Your installation cost will depend on two factors: the type of refrigerator you’re installing and the type of installation necessary. The type of refrigerator is a factor as some models, like built-in refrigerators, are more expensive. If your installation requires putting in a new outlet or water line, expect to pay more, as well. 


How big of a refrigerator do I need?

As a rule of thumb, you usually need 4 to 6 cubic feet of storage per person in your household. Most refrigerators list their cubic foot capacity, but if not, you can determine it by the width, depth, and height. Most manufacturers recommend 19 to 22 cubic feet of capacity for a family for four. If you buy in bulk or make regular big shopping trips, you may need 30 to 33 cubic feet. 

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Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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