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Can You Put Fridge in Cupboard? (Quick Answers)

There is a common concern among homeowners regarding the placement of their fridges.

Many prefer keeping it in the storeroom, while others prefer keeping it inside a cupboard. However, there are several issues associated with keeping your fridge in an enclosed space.

In this article, we will discuss whether you can put the fridge in a cupboard. We will also discuss how to put a fridge inside a cupboard to best utilize the space and keep the fridge safe. So without further ado, let’s read ahead to learn more about it. 

Can you put fridge in cupboard?

You can put a fridge in a cupboard. But there are several safety concerns that you will need to address. You will need a modified cupboard that is specifically designed to store the fridge inside, ensuring proper ventilation, a cooling system, and more.

You can keep a fridge inside a cabinet. This will help you store the fridge gracefully as well as keep things tidy in your kitchen. Placement of a fridge is a common concern among homeowners, and rightly so.

Here, we will help you figure out whether you can put a fridge in a cupboard. Let’s take a look at different kinds of fridges and whether you can put that particular type of fridge in a cupboard.

Mini fridge:

You can keep a mini-fridge in a cupboard without any worry. Mini fridges are generally not designed for the kitchen. These fridges are meant to be placed around the home so that they can come in handy.

You can keep mini-fridges within reach. And putting them in a cupboard often seems like a viable option. However, there are several factors that you will need to consider before putting a mini-fridge inside a cabinet.

You will need to allow ample space inside the cabinet around the sides of the mini-fridge.

Make sure that you are allowing proper ventilation for the mini-fridge. You should know by now that a fridge needs proper ventilation in order to release heat without any trouble.

And it usually happens through the back of the fridge. So make sure that the mini-fridge has a good ventilation system through the back. 

Normal fridge:

It is not recommended that you put a normal fridge inside a cabinet. However, if you have to put it inside a cabinet, make sure that the cabinet is customized for the fridge. Allow enough room for its ventilation.

Freestanding fridge:

No, you should not put a freestanding fridge inside a cupboard. It is not recommended because these fridges need a good ventilation system and a cabinet may hinder its heat-releasing mechanism.

Table top fridge:

You can keep a tabletop fridge inside a cabinet. Much like a mini-fridge, you will need to ensure its safe ventilation system inside the cabinet.

Wine fridge:

You can keep a wine fridge inside a cabinet. A wine fridge has a mechanism that is similar to a mini fridge. You will need to customize the cupboard and allow enough space around the sides.

Is it good to keep the fridge in the cupboard?

It is not ideal to keep a fridge in the cupboard. If you want to put a fridge in the cupboard, you can’t do it in a regular, unmodified cupboard. Instead, you will need to customize a cupboard, ensuring a proper cooling and ventilation system.

Fridges need proper ventilation and you will need to ensure enough space around the sides of the fridge. There are many such customization goals that you will need to ensure if you want to keep a fridge in a cupboard.

Can you put a fridge in an understairs cupboard?

Yes, you can put a fridge in an understairs cupboard. This used to be the norm back in the days. And if you figure that placing your fridge in the understairs cupboard will save you some storage space, then you should definitely go for it.

However, there are some precautionary measures that you should take. Make sure that the understairs cupboard is fireproof. In addition, you should ensure that your understairs cupboard has been modified to fit the fridge.

A fridge releases heat continuously. And if you cannot allow enough room for ventilation inside the fridge, then it will end up causing trouble for you. Make sure that the cupboard allows enough space along the sides of the fridge.

This will ensure the proper functionality of the fridge. If you have space available under your stairs to fit an understairs cupboard and if the fridge fits the cupboard, then it will be no issue at all.

2 reasons why you should not keep a fridge in the cupboard

While it is not ideal to keep a fridge in the cupboard, many do it anyway. But you should ensure modification in the cupboard before putting a fridge in it. In the following section, we will take a look at the scenarios in which you should not keep a fridge in the cupboard:

Lack of ventilation:

A fridge needs ample space for ventilation. If your cupboard fails to provide enough ventilation space for the fridge, storing it in the cupboard will be counterproductive.

The fridge will not be able to function properly in such a case. So you should ensure proper ventilation in a cupboard before putting a fridge in it. And if you fail to ensure ventilation, then you cannot keep a fridge in the cupboard.

Needs customization:

You cannot keep a fridge in a regular, unmodified cupboard. You will need to ensure proper modification and customization of the cupboard before you can install a fridge in it. Otherwise, your cupboard will fail to accommodate the fridge.

When can you put a fridge in a cupboard?

You can put a fridge in a cupboard when you have modified the cupboard to fit the cooling requirements of the fridge. In addition, you will have to make sure that the fridge has a function cooling system.

Ventilation is the main concern when you are putting your fridge in a cupboard. If you cannot ensure proper ventilation of the fridge, storing it will prove to be counter productive. It will not be functional.

So you can put a fridge when you confirmed that there is enough space around the sides of the fridge. You will also need to ensure that there are some ventilation openings at the back of the cupboard.

Most of the cooling fans are placed around the back, so a good ventilation system is needed there.

How to put a fridge in a cupboard?

Here are the steps that you will need to follow to put a fridge in a cupboard. Read ahead:

Measure the dimensions:

Check the dimensions of both the fridge and the cupboard. Make sure that the cupboard has a larger dimension than the fridge.

You will need to ensure at least 2 to 3 inches space around the sides of the fridge. This will allow the fridge enough space to breath.

Remove shelving’s if there are any:

If your cupboard features any shelves, make sure to remove them first. The shelves will otherwise get in the way.

Make way for the wiring:

Create necessary openings for the wiring system of the fridge. If the cupboard is specifically designed for a fridge, then it is supposed to come with openings at the back. Otherwise, you will have to create the openings yourself.

Plug the fridge in:

Now it is time to place the fridge inside the cupboard. Make sure to run the power cords and necessary wires into the cupboard through the openings that you made at the back.

Make sure that is enough distance between the fridge and the wall to place the wiring.

Connect the plugs with a power source and turn the fridge on. Check if everything is alright and running.

Note that you should operate fridges in a space that is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. So it is necessary that you place the cabinet, along with the fridge in a place that is not too hot.

Once you have found that the fridge is working well, you can establish the setup. But make sure to monitor the fridge and check if its working.

Final Thoughts

You can put a fridge in the cupboard. But you will need to make sure that the cupboard has enough breathing space. It will need a proper ventilation system in order to accommodate the fridge. Also, make sure to keep the fridge in a cool space, preferably below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.