How to Measure Refrigerator Space [And Related FAQs]

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, surely the refrigerator is the pulse. From keeping your homecooked lasagna fresh to storing healthy fruits and vegetables to carrying snacks for hungry kiddos, our refrigerators keep us from losing our momentum.

With that in mind, industry experts assess that the typical refrigerator performs optimally for approximately 13 years. Since the fridge is arguably the hub of any kitchen, isn’t it worthy of the utmost level of investment? We think it’s time for a kitchen upgrade—no remodeling required.

As you check out Big Sandy Superstore’s catalog of top-performing fridges, here is how to measure refrigerator space to fit your new appliance! 

When it comes to picking out the right freestanding refrigerator for your home, as is the case with most things in life, one size does not fit all.

Since the size of a refrigerator varies between models and brands, carefully measure, check, and double-check the height, width, and depth of your kitchen space.

In part, the dimensions of a new freestanding refrigerator can be estimated based on its configuration or “type.” For your calculations, we listed the four most popular types of fridges along with their range of dimensions.

NOTE: There are also special considerations for full-size fridge and freezer, freezerless refrigerator, and counter-depth refrigerator sizes. Be sure to read product pages closely.

1. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

• Height: From 67 to 70 inches
• Width: From 29.5 inches to 32.75 inches
• Depth: Around 33.38 (33 3/8) inches

Pictured: GE® Series 20.9 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator-Stainless Steel (GBE21DSKSS)

2. Top Freezer Refrigerator

• Height: From 61.75 to 66.25 inches
• Width: From 28.75 to 32.75 inches
• Depth: Around 34.25 inches

Pictured: Samsung 18 Cu. Ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator-Stainless Steel (RT18M6215SR)

3. Side-by-Side Refrigerator

• Height: From 65.88 (65 7/8) to 71.25 inches
• Width: From 32.75 to 39.75 inches
• Depth: From 28.75 to 34.25 inches

Pictured: Frigidaire® 25.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Standard Depth Side By Side Refrigerator (FFSS2615TS)

4. French Door Refrigerator

• Height: From 67 to 70.13 (70 1/8) inches
• Width: From 29.5 to 36 inches
• Depth: From 29.38 (29 3/8) to 34.63 (34 5/8) inches

Pictured: Samsung 22.2 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator (RF22R7551SR) in Tuscan

Before you narrow down your options, it is recommended that you first scope out the space you hope to fill with your new appliance.

As we’ll explain later, you will use a tape measure to determine the full height, width, and depth of your available space. Be sure to record these measurements (in inches) so that you can refer to them when you’re clicking through our digital catalog or browsing our in-store selection.

If you’re no stranger to online shopping, you know you can filter through a catalog based on personal specifications, including cost range and brand. On our Big Sandy Superstore catalog, you can also find the following filters:

• Appliance Fit Width (in.)
• Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
• Height (in.)
• Depth (in.)

To apply them, simply hover over to the left pane of the results page and expand filter options by clicking on any of the “+” buttons. There, you can mark your preferences (several at a time) and narrow your potential purchase to selections that fit your criteria.

With these shopping considerations in mind, here is how to measure the space with a tape measurer.

Step 1: Measure the Perimeter for Ventilation Space

We previously mentioned that your first bout of measurements should denote the full extent of the available space you hope to fill with your new fridge.

To help the refrigerator run efficiently (and last its full lifespan), air must be able to circulate around the box to avoid overheating. Industry experts assess that a fridge requires at least: two (2) inches from the back wall, one (1) inch of overhead space, and an 1/8 of an inch on either side of the fridge.

As you’re shopping our inventory, subtract these minimum clearances from your initial measurements to discover the maximum dimensions for fridge models that are actually compatible with your kitchen.

We recommend checking the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding ventilation space for each contending option and adjusting your measurements accordingly—as well as noting other considerations for installation, like whether you need to add a water line. This information can be found on our product pages as you scroll down.

Step 2: Take Careful Considerations of the Fridge Door(s)

As we are sure you sensed, the maximum width for your new refrigerator points to how wide your fridge door can be so that it fits comfortably within your cabinetry or against the available wall space. But aside from that, it is important to ensure the door outswing and the drawer path (if you’re considering a bottom-freezer or a French-door refrigerator) are not obstructed.

By this, we mean you need to make sure there is enough room in front of the fridge to accommodate the unit when it is open.  Will the doors clear the cabinet(s) on either side? Notice your body position as you open the door or pull out the freezer drawer of your current refrigerator to check that there is enough space for you to stand in front of the unit with these compartments fully opened.

When shopping for a standard-depth refrigerator, the height to the top of the case (rather than the hinge) is the most pertinent measurement of height, since the hinges are on the front of the fridge, rarely interacting with cabinets or enclosures. For counter-depth fridges, the hinge height definitely matters.

All we’re saying is, as you’re taking measurements, make sure you can open and close your fridge compartments without a hitch.

Step 3: Strategize the Delivery Path

In addition to measuring the refrigerator dimensions, you should calculate the route of your new appliance when it arrives—from the truck to your kitchen space.

As you map out this path, make sure you avoid tight turns and stairs as much as possible.

We recommend measuring the height and width of doorways and hallways. Be sure your fridge clears these. If not, try to find a less direct route with fewer obstacles. You might need to temporarily remove doors off their hinges along with other obstructive furnishings like rugs, side tables, and sitting furniture.

Step 4: Install!

At this point, you’re well prepared to buy and install your new appliance when it arrives! We’ll leave it up to you if you’d like to employ our delivery and installation services or if you’d rather follow manufacturer instructions to do it all yourself.

Reaping the benefits of a brand-new fridge starts with a little heavy lifting. Not only do you need to figure out transport and installation, but you need to know how to move your old refrigerator out of your kitchen.

Use a floor protector to spare your kitchen flooring when moving the emptied fridge. Alternatively, you can use felt furniture slider pads. As you start shimmying your old refrigerator out of its tight spot, tilt the fridge slightly away from you so that the front casters hover, allowing you to slide the protector under the left and right sides.

Then, gently slide the refrigerator away from the wall and/or surrounding cabinets and counters. Once the fridge is freed of its surroundings, you can determine whether you need to safely remove adjustable shelves, hardware, doors, and drawers before you secure it onto an appliance dolly and move the fridge out of your home.

For all questions related to refrigeration appliances, contact our experts at Big Sandy Superstore. Whether you visit us in-store or call any of our customer service lines, we are always happy to help. Shop for the kitchen of your dreams today!