A trim kit is an optional piece of hardware designed to fit around a built-in refrigerator or free-standing refrigerator and give it a finished, unified look. The trim kit typically includes side panels, a top panel, and hardware that fill in gaps between the refrigerator and surrounding cabinetry for a cleaner, more polished look.
The trim kit helps to create a more seamless kitchen by hiding any wires or gaps that may exist. Trim kits are typically made from metal, wood, or plastic and often come in a variety of finishes to coordinate with existing décor.
They can be professionally installed by contractors or DIY-ers to give your fridge a more integrated look.
What is a fridge trim kit?
A fridge trim kit is a type of accessory designed to give your refrigerator a more finished look. Typically, it’s a pre-molded frame that you attach to the front of your refrigerator to trim out the surrounding counter space and give it more of a seamless, built-in look.
Trim kits usually come in a variety of sizes and finishes so you can choose one that best suits your kitchen’s decor. Some may even include an installation template that helps you customize the trim for a perfect fit.
This type of kit works especially well with counter depth refrigerators, making them blend into the surrounding cabinetry and counters.
Do I need a gap around my fridge?
Yes, you do need a gap around your fridge. This is because the motor and other parts of the unit need space to draw in air and keep the fridge running properly. You should leave approximately two inches of clearance on each side and around thetop and back of the unit.
Additionally, it’s also important to make sure the back of the fridge has at least six inches of clearance away from the wall so the compressor has enough room to vent air through the back. This gap is important for the efficient working of a fridge to ensure it runs optimally.
Keeping the gap gives the necessary airflow required for your fridge to work efficiently and last for a long time.
How can I hide the gap between my fridge and cabinets?
To hide the gap between your fridge and cabinets, you can use several different methods. First, if you have a gap of less than 2 inches, you can use a t-molding. These are easily installed and come in various colors and finishes, allowing you to pick something that matches the rest of your kitchen décor.
If the gap is larger than 2 inches, a transition strip in wood, plastic, or metal can be used. You can also use paneling to cover the gap, which comes in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes. Alternatively, you can install crown molding above the tops of the cabinets and along the top of the refrigerator to draw attention to the high ceilings instead of any gaps.
Paint the crown the same color as the rest of the room for a finished, seamless look. Finally, you could fill the gap with bun feet. These are often used as cabinet leveling feet but can be used in place of a gap filler as well.
Choose bun feet in the same color and material as the rest of the existing cabinetry for a cohesive look.
What should I put between my countertop and refrigerator?
The best way to fill the gap between your countertop and refrigerator is to install a flexible filler strip. This is a flexible material that can be cut to the exact length of your gap, then painted, stained, or otherwise covered to match your decor.
It also allows you to easily move the refrigerator if necessary. This flexible material prevents food particles, dust, and other debris from collecting in the gap, while also protecting the refrigerator from being scratched by the countertop edge.
It is easily installed with adhesive, screws, or nails and comes in widths ranging from 1” to 4”, meaning you can install it on any gap regardless of size. Additionally, you can use silicone caulk to fill any large gaps, which prevents pests from entering your cabinets.
How much ventilation does a fridge need?
A fridge needs adequate ventilation in order to keep food properly chilled. The exact amount of ventilation required will depend on the size and type of fridge being used. Generally, the recommended amount of airflow for a refrigerator is 120 to 150 linear feet per minute (LFM).
This means that for a standard-sized refrigerator, it should have at least 4 to 5 cubic feet (CFM) of air passing through it per minute. It is important to ensure that the ventilation ducts are properly sized to ensure the correct amount of airflow to the fridge.
Additionally, the filter used should be regularly changed to ensure that the refrigerators ventilation system is operating efficiently. Lastly, keep in mind that certain types of refrigerators, such as those equipped with self-defrosting features, require more ventilation and overly restricting the airflow can lead to problems.
What temperature should refrigerators never be at?
Refrigerators should never be set to a temperature over 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important as a temperature higher than 40 degrees can create conditions that are ideal for bacterial growth, which can cause food spoilage or food-borne illnesses.
All refrigerators should have a thermostat that can be adjusted so that the temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the internal temperature of a refrigerator at this range will help any food stored in it stay fresh and safe to consume.
Additionally, food stored in the fridge should be wrapped or covered to protect against increased bacterial contamination.
What happens if not enough space around fridge?
If there is not enough space around the fridge, it can affect the performance of the appliance. Fridges need enough air circulation around them to prevent the motor from overheating and allow the fridge to cool properly.
If the fridge is placed in a cramped location or there are other appliances too close by, the heat generated by the motor cannot be dispersed and could cause the fridge’s internal temperature to rise.
Inadequate air circulation can also cause inefficient cooling, increased energy consumption, and potentially, mechanical failure. Additionally, if the fridge is placed on carpet, it can trap the heat, so it is advised to always place the fridge on a hard surface, such as ceramic tile, vinyl flooring, or wood.
How much space should be between fridge and wall?
Ideally, there should be around 1 inch of space between the fridge and the wall. This will ensure enough airflow and ventilation around the fridge to help it run more efficiently. It is also recommended that you leave a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to ensure that lint and dust are kept away from the refrigerator’s condenser coils and motor.
Additionally, it is important that the refrigerator is able to tilt out at least 1 inch from the wall during installation to facilitate the connection of the water line. Leaving some space between the wall and refrigerator will create an optimal temperature inside the fridge, reduce the temperature of the motor and improve its performance.
How do I make my refrigerator look built-in?
To make your refrigerator look built-in, start by measuring the area where you want the refrigerator to be. Then, buy a refrigerator that will fit the space, preferably with slightly larger dimensions than those of the area.
Next, build a wooden frame around the refrigerator and secure it with screws. You want the frame to be flush with the wall. Then, cover the existing walls and frame with a moisture-resistant material, such as hardboard, to match the rest of the wall.
Finally, apply the same material to any visible part of the refrigerator and blend in trim pieces to give an even more finished look. With a few slight modifications such as replacing the standard handle with a cabinet handle, your refrigerator will look completely built-in.
How do you fill a gap between cabinets and countertops?
Filling a gap between cabinets and countertops can be done in a few different ways. It is important to assess your individual situation before deciding how to proceed. The first option is to use a filler strip, which is a thin piece of wood or metal that is cut to the exact width of the vertical gap between the cabinet and the counter.
Drill small pilot holes into the cabinets on each side of the gap and then secure the filler strip in place with screws.
The second option is to use construction adhesive. First make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly and then apply the adhesive to the back of a thin piece of wood that fits between the cabinet and counter.
Wipe off any excess adhesive and then press the wood into place. Clamp the wood overnight to ensure that it adheres properly.
The third option is to use caulk. Choose a color that matches your cabinetry and countertops, and then apply the caulk to the gap. Make sure you smooth out the caulk with a damp cloth to give it a finished look.
Ultimately, the choice of how to fill the gap between cabinets and countertops is up to you and should depend on the needs of your specific situation. Whichever method you choose, it will help to create a unified, polished look for your kitchen.
How do you cover a gap above cabinets?
Covering a gap above cabinets is best done by using crown molding. Crown molding is a decorative trim that adds a beautiful finish to the top of the cabinets, instantly giving your kitchen a customized visual appeal.
To install the crown molding, you’ll need a miter saw and the proper tools. Use a combination square and a level to ensure the top of the crown molding is even with the surrounding walls and the cabinets.
Cut the lengths of crown molding carefully and before installing, use wood glue and brad nails to secure the molding in place. Fill any nail holes with wood filler and caulk the seams between the crown molding and the walls and cabinets.
Taking the time to install crown molding around the tops of cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen.
Can you put panels on any refrigerator?
No, you cannot put panels on any refrigerator. Refrigerator panels are used to dress up a refrigerator to conceal the presence of a refrigerator and to create a more finished, custom look. Therefore, the panels are only suitable for certain types and styles of refrigerators.
Generally, refrigerators with full-depth doors, such as French door and side-by-side models, are designed to accept panels. Built-in refrigerator models have the brackets, grilles and other necessary attached components to accommodate the panels.
Additionally, some refrigerator models feature a create-a-style door, allowing consumers to customize their refrigerator exterior with panels. Before purchasing refrigerator panels it is important to check your appliance’s owner’s manual or contact a professional to determine if the refrigerator is suitable for panel installation.
Can you make a normal fridge integrated?
Yes, you can make a normal fridge integrated. While it is not a simple task, there are some things you can do to make a regular fridge fit with the rest of your kitchen cabinets.
The first step would be to measure the space where you plan to integrate the fridge and any connecting cabinets, and find a fridge that will fit in that space. If you want to ensure the fridge looks as if it is integrated, you may need to get a cabinet maker to build out frames around the fridge so it can fit seamlessly with the other kitchen cabinets.
You should also make sure to take measurements of the connecting cabinetry to ensure the fridge will properly fit within the space and will not block any essential elements or create awkward gaps. If needed, an experienced cabinet maker or carpenter can help adjust the size of the fridge and make sure it is properly secured to the walls and other cabinetry.
Once the fridge is installed, you should seal any visible edges of the fridge to ensure a smooth transition between the fridge and the other cabinets. Finally, if you are installing any custom door panels, these should be done last to keep the fridge looking fully integrated.
Overall, it is possible to make a regular fridge fit with the rest of your kitchen cabinets, although it may take some extra modifying and measurements to ensure it is done properly.
How can I hide my refrigerator gap?
One option is to build a wooden panel or shelf that covers the gap, painting or staining the wood to match your refrigerator. If you don’t want to tackle a DIY project, there are also a variety of cabinet panels, trims, and other pieces of decorative hardware that you can purchase from home improvement stores to conceal the gap.
For example, you could install a fluted filler strip made from stainless steel, or a more decorative panel like a chimney hood or crown moulding. You can even buy custom-made solutions from refrigeration companies that fit exactly the size gap between your refrigerator and the wall.
Some people also opt to hide the gap by adding artwork such as a painting or a poster on the wall next to the refrigerator that camouflages the gap. Depending on your decorating style, there are lots of creative ways to hide the space between your fridge and the wall.