Is it possible to put a fridge on the fridge and what is a danger of such installation?
Installing kitchen appliances often raises the question of how to use each free square meter competently.
Sometimes it is necessary to place two small refrigerators on top of each other, or to install a refrigerator on the freezer.
Let's tell you whether to do so. And what other appliances can be installed on the fridge. And in addition, we'll share secrets about how else you can save space in the kitchen.
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What are the dangers of installing a fridge on the fridge
In a small kitchen area there is a temptation to save space and install two low refrigerators on top of each other.
It is fraught with unpleasant consequences:
- Deformation of the lower fridge under the weight of the upper fridge;
- Mechanical damage to the case and damage to the integrity of the refrigerating chamber of the lower fridge because of the constant pressure and gravitation of the upper fridge;
- collapse of the upper refrigerator due to vibration and its failure;
- Overheating of the units due to lack of air circulation from below;
- frequent breakdowns and complete failure of the compressors due to the close proximity of the two units;
- Failure of the downstream unit due to liquid ingress from the defrosting of the upstream refrigerator;
- overloading of the electric network and malfunctions due to the superposition of electromagnetic fields.
The recommendations of the experts are unambiguous: it is better not to put refrigerators on top of each other. And before installing any appliance, you should carefully study the instructions to the specific model purchased.
Requirements for the installation of the refrigerator
Proper installation of the refrigerator is much more important than it may seem at first glance. It affects the efficiency, duration and safety of operation of the equipment.
Let's consider the important rules that you need to observe when installing your refrigerator:
- The choice of a suitable place. The most important parameter. The refrigerator should be placed away from heat sources, sinks and drains, and preferably away from a window. This is required to prevent overheating and premature wear, to protect against condensation and excess moisture, and to prevent the case from fading from the sun. Also, do not operate your refrigerator in freezing temperatures, such as on an uninsulated balcony in winter.
- Take into account the characteristics of the floor at the place of installation. The floor must be hard, solid and level. A floor with a concrete base and a floor tile finish is ideal. Also good thick and durable boarded floor (thicker than 30 mm and without wide cracks). If the floor is springy and thin, with many gaps and crevices, this will lead to noisier operation and soon a motor failure. On such a floor under the refrigerator you will need to put a plywood layer with a thickness of at least 5 mm for shock absorption and stability.
- Access to the power grid. Refrigerators are susceptible to voltage fluctuations, which can cause them to malfunction. Ideally, make sure the appliance is plugged directly into a grounded outlet. Using extension cords or multiple tees to connect multiple appliances can overload the network.
- Take into account the distance to the walls, floor, and ceiling. It is important to provide clearances for air circulation. For example, there should be at least 10 cm to the ceiling and about 7-10 cm to the back and side walls. The necessary clearance to the floor is regulated by the height of the rear wheels and front legs.
- Use of anti-slip elements. If the floors are slippery, it is worth buying special stickers under the legs to prevent the refrigerator from slipping.
These are the basic rules for installing your refrigerator. But even knowing them, it will not be superfluous to study the manual with recommendations for the installation of a particular model.
Some nuances may have the installation of built-in refrigerators, as well as models with ice generators.
Freezer installation
Installing a refrigerator on the freezer, or vice versa, is highly undesirable and even dangerous.
And here's why:
- The lower unit will be overloaded and subject to deformation due to the weight of the upper unit;
- The vibration of the appliances will disturb the operation of both devices, and vibration can cause the upper appliance to shift, slide and fall;
- The close proximity of the refrigerating machinery compressors to each other will overload them and as a result, the service life of the appliances may be considerably shortened;
- If the fridge or freezer on top is equipped with an automatic defrosting system, the dripping water will inevitably damage and destroy the refrigeration equipment below.
If you still neglect these precautions and install a refrigerator on the freezer compartment, it will lead to frequent breakdowns and costly repairs, as well as to the soon complete failure of the devices.
And the desire to save space in the kitchen can end up costing a lot of money to buy new appliances.
How to secure a refrigerator from above
Almost all refrigerators were originally conceived for floor installation. Therefore, fixing to the wall is not provided. In addition, the very idea of installing refrigerators on top of each other is fraught with many troubles in practice.
But if the square footage of the kitchen makes it necessary to take such a desperate risk, it is worth taking a closer look at hinged refrigerators or refrigerated cabinets.
This is a small segment of small-capacity refrigeration equipment. It is possible to install it on another refrigerator or hang it on a special bracket.
However, it is unlikely to replace a full-fledged refrigerator. Rather, the refrigerated cabinet is useful for storing medicines, cosmetics or drinks. But its weight will not create such a serious load on the bottom refrigerator. And if you use a bracket, it won't affect the operation of the bottom refrigerator at all.
The main thing is that the mounting of the hinged refrigerator should be strong and carefully calculated for its weight in the filled state.
It is important that the question was about the possibility of top installation only for small and light models. Heavy full refrigerators to fasten on top is not only not practical, but also dangerous.
What appliances can be mounted on the refrigerator
Only lightweight appliances that are not exposed to excessive heat and will not be an additional source of heat can be installed on the refrigerator.
The following appliances can be installed:
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- A radio receiver. The device weighs little, does not heat up, and is able to brighten the time for cooking.
- Electronic clock. It can be placed on the fridge without damaging it. And the clock itself will be reliably protected from moisture in such a place.
- Digital photo frames. You can arrange a photo gallery of electronic frames with changing frames on the fridge. But it is necessary to take into account the distance from the stove to avoid the splashing grease.
- A blender, mixer, coffee maker, juicer or electric kettle for storage. These appliances may well be stored there between uses. But the appliances must be clean and dry. For example, you can't put an electric kettle with water on the refrigerator that is used routinely.
- Microwave oven without grill function. It should be placed on the refrigerator only if it is used solely for heating. But the microwave, in which it is planned to cook food, as well as models equipped with a grill, should not be kept on the fridge. They will generate a lot of heat.
- Lightweight TV with a small screen. Only nonheavy modern models with a small diagonal are allowed. They will not be very hot and their weight will not overload the fridge. It is even better to put the TV not on the fridge, but on a special bracket in the area above the refrigerator. This separation will be good for both devices.
- A beautiful electric samovar. It will serve as an original décor of the kitchen, and just to use the free space above the refrigerator. It can be a souvenir or a full-fledged version of the technique. The main thing is that it should go on the fridge only when it is clean and dried.
More ways to save space
Consider how else you can save space and make good use of the free area above the refrigerator.
The easiest option is to choose boxes, containers, drawers, boxes and baskets that match the style of the kitchen. They can be placed on the refrigerator and organize there additional storage space for household items.
Potted plants can also be placed there. But in this case the pots must not have drainage holes, or the risk of water spilling on the appliance must be excluded. Drought-tolerant succulents that do not require frequent watering are ideal.
A bottle rack can be placed above the refrigerator. In addition to its practical purpose of storing drinks, it will also become a worthy decoration of the kitchen, giving it a special charm and zest. In addition, above the fridge drinks in fragile containers will be safely protected from access by pets and children.
Bottle holder can be simply put on the fridge. And it can also be an extension of the niche, in which the refrigerator is "hidden", or as a separately hanging shelf with slots.
Above the fridge you can hang shelves for storing decorative items, small dishes and appliances, souvenirs and even books. This way you can relieve the other storage areas in the kitchen, and at the same time add coziness to the room.
Another good use of space is the effort involved. But it will pay off with extra storage and a clean, finished look for your kitchen design. To do this, you need to add an extension to the kitchen, extending it into the area above the refrigerator.
The upper level of the additional area should be flush with the rest of the height of the set. Skilful people can try to implement this idea on their own. But it is easier and more reliable to turn to professionals.
Now any furniture salon on individual measurements will produce the required product in a short time.
Useful video
On whether you can put heavy objects on the refrigerator (using the example of the microwave), tell in the video:
