I’m remodeling my kitchen[galley style] and the new layout ends up putting the refrigerator next to the wall. It has about 3/4″ of space to the wall and is a side by side refrigerator, the door will open into a cased opening. I don’t want to reduce any cabinet sizes and I’m already using minimized fillers. Does anybody see a real problem with having the refrigerator next to the wall?
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what style is the ref. ?.. side-be-each ? freezer over ?..
a ref. should have access from each side.. also.. esthetically.. it sucks.. way out of balance... maybe you have some other alternatives.. you usually do..
scan your plan and post it
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
My old house had an L shape kithen with the frig ending up net to a wall and a door opening. Was bad layout that I heard about daily from DW. Refrig. door opened into the door opening.
Like Mike says, you need access from both sides, and definately don't want to block an opening when getting in the refrigerator.
Hi Dave, What is DW? Dish Washer? Dog Window? Divorced Wife? In any event, maybe I did not explain clearly before; however, we have a Galley Style Kitchen with cased openings on each end which we are not structurally changing. The sink and stove need to be in the "middle," or there about, therefore the refrigerator needs to go at one end otherwise the countertop run is broken up(how our kitchen is today) and the design stinks....
P.S. Design for the South Wall(SW) is attched for Mike and Dave, et al.
Your attachment didn't come through
You need to give it time to upload until it is listed on the attachments screen, then hit, "done" and post here.
Some refers are designed to work against a wall, ecven though it isn't the best thing to do. With others, you cannot work the slide out trays or drawres, etc..
Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks Piffin, Good point about drawers, etc. opening... I'll try the attachment again(thanks I'm a new computer nerd).
i reduced it and changed the orientation..
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
side by side.. you can't put it against the wall..
you might try changing the wall 27"s to 24"'s and losing one of the 6" drawer base. then add a 6" utility to the right of the ref..
or change them to 21" and lose both 6" DB...put a 12" utility to the right of the ref...
the ref . has to pull just enough forward so the door can open beyond 90 deg... so you can get the drawers out for cleaning
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
FWIW,
I'd delete the full height pantry in favor of more counter space. It looks a bit overpowering on that short wall.
They're cute, but I'd also lose the pigeon hole drawers in favor of a pair of 27" base cabs and if you need drawer space change one base to a stack.
If you must keep the pantry and are not opposed to asymmetry, place the pantry to the right of the fridge, which should solve the door clearance issue.
so, ralph... when do we see the cruise pics ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
There is at least one refer designed to fit against a wall like this and still have the drawers operate - I think it is a Kitchen Aid. Problem is - the salesmen don't have a clue when you ask about it. Don't know their products. You have to do all the hard work, prowling manufacturers sites and e-mailing them.
Or going to kitchen and bath confrences and product shows.
Now in Joe's neighborhood, they probably have good floor displays of everything under the sun...
Good draws Joe.
Excellence is its own reward!
Piffin,
Actually, I just get the complete specifications on all the appliances the client wishes to use and then build accordingly. Appliance fits can be one of the touchiest parts of a kitchen design.
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You're right, it is an emotional issue, complicated by the salesmen in the showrooms, but I try to work with them onb it when starting the design to design a total kitchen, not just the cabinetry.
Most of them appreciate it.
Then there's other's who, after spending all the time designing to a certain size and unit, go out and buy something else because it's on sale, and wonder why it won't fit. LOL.
Excellence is its own reward!
our kitchen designs never get past preliminary until i get the specs from the customer.. or we go shopping together and narrow down the choices..
luckily we have a great appliance store 10 miles from here.. with good pricing and excellent service..
and the specs and dimensions are all available on line...so the catalogs are never out of date... do we live in wondrous times or what ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thanks Mike for staying up late and helping...
JRMint,
Personally I think your layout is just fine and really don’t see a problem with where your refrig. is. The only issue that comes to mind is the operation of the doors on your particular type of side by side.
Whether the doors open flush with the side of the refrig or swing past. If they swing past, you’ll need to provide the additional space for that amount. Also whether they are of the “built-in” type. If they are, they will have a flange that will rest against the cabinet. This would bring the operation of the doors pass the opening of the cabinet. All you would need is to make sure the opening was correct so the body of the refrig could slide in.View Image
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JRMint,
Here’s a drawing with the built in flang.
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>> What is DW?
In this context, Dear Wife (Darling Wife, Devoted Wife, etc.). Also, as you guessed, dishwasher. You'll also see it for drywall. And I think there was at least one other, but I forgot what it was.
Remember DW is a proper noun, and should be capitals. The others I guess are improper, or for a divorced wife could be indecent.....:-)