Used
Open BoxBuying Guides, Used Appliances
How to Measure Your Kitchen Space for a Used Fridge
Sep
The best deal on a refrigerator is worthless if it will not fit through your front door or slide into your kitchen cut-out. Learning how to measure for a used fridge before you shop is the ten-minute step that saves you from a failed delivery or a blocked hallway. Before you start browsing our used and open-box fridges for sale, grab a tape measure to get your kitchen dimensions and delivery path ready. This guide walks you through exactly what to measure and why every number matters.
We will cover measuring your cabinet opening, required ventilation clearances, door swing space, and the delivery path from the driveway to your kitchen spot.
Why measuring matters more with a used fridge
With a brand-new fridge, retailers can often re-order a different size if an error occurs. With a used or open-box unit, you are buying a specific one-of-a-kind model. Understanding how to measure for a used fridge ensures you choose a unit that seamlessly fits your space on the first attempt.
Measuring your kitchen first allows you to narrow down your options immediately. When you shop with precise numbers for width, depth, and height, you can quickly filter out units that will not work and focus entirely on the models that will fit.
Quick take
Measure your kitchen opening and narrowest entry points before you shop. Because used fridges are individual items, your exact measurements determine what fits.
The three measurements that decide the fit
When learning how to measure for a used fridge, focus on three primary dimensions of your kitchen opening: width, depth, and height. Always measure to the narrowest point, as cabinets and walls are rarely perfectly plumb.
- Width: Measure between the cabinets or walls at both the top and bottom, as well as the front and back. Use the smallest measurement. Check for countertop overhangs that might narrow the space.
- Depth: Measure from the back wall to the front edge of your counters or adjacent cabinets. Account for the fact that refrigerator doors and handles stick out past the main body.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the underside of any overhead cabinet or soffit. Check both the left and right sides to account for uneven flooring.
Write down these figures before browsing models. When comparing a used fridge against these numbers, remember to deduct required air clearances to ensure proper performance.
Clearances a fridge needs to run properly
Refrigerators vent heat through their sides, back, and top. Pushing a unit tightly into an opening restricts airflow, causing the compressor to overwork and fail prematurely. While clearance requirements vary significantly by brand and style—for instance, some LG models specify side clearances ranging anywhere from 1/8 inch to 2 inches—you can use these standard allowances for general initial planning:
| Location | General Planning Allowance | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Each side | 1.25 cm (0.5 in) | Allows side ventilation and space for doors to open |
| Top | 2.5 cm (1 in) | Allows rising heat to dissipate efficiently |
| Back | 5 cm (2 in) | Provides space for coils, water lines, and power plugs |
| Front (door swing) | Full door arc | Ensures doors and drawers open fully without hitting obstacles |
Note: Always check the specific refrigerator model’s installation manual whenever possible. Requirements vary widely across brands like GE, Whirlpool, and LG, so referring directly to the manufacturer manual provides the most accurate specs for your specific unit.
Door swing and the delivery path
Measuring the installation space is only half the process. You must also account for door swing clearance and the path used to transport the unit into your home. Verify that doors can swing open at least 90 degrees so interior drawers and shelves pull out freely without hitting kitchen islands or adjacent walls.
Next, map out the entire delivery path from your entryway to the kitchen. Measure door frames, entryways, narrow hallways, and stairwells along the route. Entry points should be wider than the depth or width of the unit.
Pro tip
Compare the depth of the used fridge against your narrowest doorway. Removing refrigerator doors and handles is often presented as a simple solution, but doors may contain electrical wiring and water connections. Only remove doors according to the manufacturer’s instructions or have the delivery technician do it.
How to measure for a used fridge step-by-step
Follow these straightforward steps to capture all required dimensions accurately before shopping:
- Clear the area: Pull out the existing unit or clear the enclosure to measure directly to the wall surfaces and floor.
- Measure width: Record the opening width at the front and back, using the smaller measurement while accounting for countertop overhangs.
- Measure height and depth: Record height from floor to upper cabinets, and depth from the back wall to the front of adjacent counters.
- Calculate ventilation gaps: Check the model’s manual for specific clearance requirements, or subtract standard planning allowances (1.25 cm per side, 2.5 cm at top, 5 cm at back) to establish maximum unit dimensions.
- Check door clearance: Confirm doors can swing open fully without hitting islands or walls.
- Measure the delivery route: Record narrowest entry doorways, hallways, and stairwells from the exterior entrance to the kitchen.
How much bigger than the fridge should the opening be?
Aim for an opening that is roughly 2.5 to 5 centimetres wider and taller than the refrigerator itself, with approximately 5 centimetres of space at the back. This gap ensures sufficient airflow, space to open doors, and room to maneuver the unit into place during installation. Always check the model’s manual for exact manufacturer specs.
Download the free quick guide
A one-page checklist to measure your kitchen and delivery path before buying a used fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got your numbers and ready to find the right refrigerator? Max Appliances carries quality used, refurbished, and open-box models with delivery available across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, and the wider GTA. Contact us with your dimensions today and our team will help you find the perfect match for your kitchen space.