Help with cutout size for new refriderator

[GregorHochschild]

Hi,

I am building cabinets for our kitchen and I am a little confused about what looks like a discrepancy in the installation guide of the refrigerator. Maybe someone can help me clarify this or confirm that it is a discrepancy.

The installation details are attached and the relevant numbers are highlighted with red. Here is the problem:

Width of cutout (bottom sketch): 914mm (36'')
Width of refrigerator (top right sketch): 905mm (35-5/8'')
Reveal on right and left of refrigerator (center figure): 3mm (1/8'')

Width of refrigerator + 2*reveal should be the cutout width. But it is 911mm or 35-7/8'' (not 914mm or 36''). Am I missing something? I would like to go for a 911mm cutout with 3mm reveal, which is the same reveal I am using for cabinet fronts. But I also want our refrigerator to fit...  [crying]

Any suggestions?

 

[Grev]

This is the standard cutout for a counter depth refer that is sized to look like a more built-in look (without actually being built-in) ... 36" x 72" is the actually clearance.  I've found the height to be fine with all the differ refers .. but on some the width is a little tight, but does work.  If you're building the cabinets and want a little extra room, just open up the width by 1/8" - 1/4" and you'll be fine.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I would make it 914. You want proper clearance around the fridge for ventilation. You're not gonna notice the 3 mm extra.

 

[Dr. P. Venkman]

I would make it 914. You want proper clearance around the fridge for ventilation. You're not gonna notice the 3 mm extra.

This is what I was going to say, especially if the fridge doors are protruding from the cabinets by almost 100mm as shown in the drawings.

 

[tsmi243]

Appliance guy here.

DO NOT make the opening exactly 36".  Take a straight edge to the side of any refrigerator you have access to, and look for the bulge in the outside wall.  They all have it (unless you're talking about a true built-in, with unfinished sides).  If you shoot for perfection, you're gonna have a bad time.  The width is NEVER what they say it is.

Even if you did nail the dimensions exactly, the curved side of the fridge and the dead-straight (I hope..) counter edge will look goofy. 

Leave at least a 1/4", and me personally, I'd leave about 2" total so I won't have to worry about scratching the sides, when I inevitably have to pull it out for maintenance. 

**EDIT**  After reading more carefully, you might be totally enclosing the fridge?  So no countertop contact.  In that case, wait until you have the fridge on-hand, and trim it out to fit.  Don't count on those dimensions for anything but rough framing.

 

[Packard]

The top drawing has the dimensions for the refrigerator. 

The bottom drawing has the dimensions for the cavity that will house that refrigerator.

The cavity includes a clearance to allow a reasonable fit and to provide ventilation. 

They also include a minimum space behind the refrigerator and a minimum space above the refrigerator.  Those also for ventillation.

Nothing is likely to be perfectly plumb or square.  I personally would leave a little more room than indicated to cover for that.  Or double check to see that the verticals, are perfectly plumb and that the floor is level.