Built-In Refrigerator Installation: What to Prepare

Start with the exact model's installation guide

To prepare for a built-in refrigerator installation, you need the exact model's installation guide, an opening built to it, an anti-tip bracket set before the unit goes in, a water line with an accessible shut-off, a dedicated 115-volt circuit in the right zone, panels under the weight limit, and a clear delivery path. Each of those comes from the installation guide for your model number. Pull the guide for the exact model number before the cabinets are drawn, and check its revision date. The examples below come from Sub-Zero's current Classic and Designer installation guides and a Thermador spec sheet, so a Sub-Zero refrigerator installation is the worked case throughout.

Nominal width is not opening width. Sub-Zero's Classic installation guide gives a 35 1/2-inch opening width for its 36-inch model, an 83 3/4-inch opening height, and a 24-inch opening depth for a standard installation. Its Designer guide, for the integrated column line, calls for a 36-inch-wide, 84-inch-high opening for the 36-inch column. Thermador's spec sheet for the 36-inch Freedom fresh food column lists a required cutout of 84 by 36 by 25 inches.

The installation style changes the numbers too. In the Classic guide, a flush inset installation changes the 36-inch model's opening to 38 inches wide, 84 inches high, and 26 3/16 inches deep, assuming 3/4-inch panels, and it requires at least a 1/2-inch reveal on all sides. The Designer guide notes each model is 24 inches deep and tells you to allow for panel thickness when planning the finished opening depth.

Returns, fillers, and side-by-side pairs

Sub-Zero's Designer guide requires a finished return of at least 3 1/2 inches on all sides of the opening, and framed cabinets need extra finished filler behind the face frame. The Classic guide notes that its 3 1/2-inch finished returns will be visible and should be finished to match the cabinetry.

For Designer units installed side by side, the guide calls for a dual installation kit, or a filler strip of at least 2 inches between the units if no kit is specified. For Classic units, the guide recommends a 2-inch filler strip when no dual installation kit is specified; going without a filler requires a dual installation kit and two units with opposite hinges.

Anti-tip brackets go in first

The bracket goes into the opening before the refrigerator does. Sub-Zero's guides carry a warning that the anti-tip bracket must be installed to keep the unit from tipping forward, and placement is exact.

• Classic: two brackets, set exactly 24 inches from the front of the opening to the back of the brackets and at least 4 inches from the sides. That depth becomes 26 3/16 inches for a flush inset installation with 3/4-inch panels.
• Designer: one bracket, with its back set 24 inches from the front of the unit (without panels). Its side position depends on the width; for the 36-inch model the guide gives 18 inches.
• Fastening: on wood floors, screws go through the flooring into the wall studs or wall plate at least 3/4 inch. On concrete, the guide adds 3/8-inch wedge anchors in holes at least 1 1/2 inches deep, and it does not recommend anchors in lightweight masonry such as block or brick or in concrete that has not cured.

This is the installer's work. It is here so the floor and the wall behind the opening are ready for it.

The water line cannot interfere with the bracket, so the plumber and the installer need the same drawing. The Classic unit is also anchored to the cabinetry at the top and bottom, and the guide notes extra material may be needed behind the cleat.

Water line, shut-off, and filter access

Both Sub-Zero guides call for the same supply: 1/4-inch OD copper, braided stainless steel, or PEX tubing, water pressure of 35 to 120 psi, and 36 inches of extra line for the connection. The line connects to the house supply with an easily accessible shut-off valve, and self-piercing valves are not allowed. In the Designer guide the line must be flush with the floor, and both guides say water lines cannot be exposed to freezing temperatures. Each guide draws a zone on the right side of the opening where the line must come in. If the house has a reverse osmosis system, the Classic guide asks for a constant 35 to 120 psi and recommends bypassing the refrigerator's filter.

Plan for filter changes. On Classic models the filter sits behind the grille assembly at the top. On Designer column and tall models with an ice maker or dispenser, it sits behind a water filter access door. Designer drawer models with an ice maker need an in-line filter when the water has high sediment content.

Dedicated circuit and outlet location

Sub-Zero's Classic and Designer guides both specify 115 volts AC, 60 Hz, on a 15-amp dedicated circuit with a 3-prong grounding-type receptacle. Both say a GFCI is not recommended for indoor models because it may interrupt operation. A qualified electrician should check the outlet for correct polarity and grounding.

The Classic guide places its electrical zone high in the opening on the right side, measured from 75 1/2 inches above the floor. The Designer guide places it low on the left side, with the offset varying by width. Thermador lists 110 to 120 volts and 15 amps for its 36-inch Freedom column, with a 118-inch power cord.

Panels: weight, thickness, and door swing

Sub-Zero's Designer guide lists maximum weight per panel: 45 pounds for an 18-inch column, 60 pounds for a 24-inch column, 75 pounds for 30- and 36-inch columns, 50 pounds for a 30-inch tall door, 60 pounds for a 36-inch tall door, and 15 pounds for a drawer panel. Panels must be at least 5/8 inch thick and can be thicker as long as they stay under the weight limit. Above 1 inch, the 90-degree door stop may be needed to protect the unit and the cabinetry next to it.

Classic doors have a 1/4-inch frame that the panel slides into, so a thicker panel needs a routed edge or has to be mounted on a 1/4-inch sheet. Classic panel sizes are in the Sub-Zero Design Guide.

Finish all sides of a panel, because the edges show when the door is open. The Designer guide calls 1/8-inch reveals typical and warns that tighter ones can pinch fingers. Classic doors swing to 110 degrees and Designer tall and column doors have a 105-degree stop built into the hinge, and both ship with 90-degree stops, so check the swing against an island or a wall. Panels come from the cabinet shop, so choose a custom cabinet maker who builds to the appliance template, such as DreamLine Custom Cabinetry, and hand over the installation guide before any doors are made. If you haven't settled on paneling yet, start with choosing a panel-ready refrigerator format.

Ventilation at the toe kick and grille

Yes, a built-in refrigerator still needs ventilation, and the installation guide shows where. On Designer units the toe kick has vented louvers, and the toe kick and, on Classic units, the grille belong to the refrigerator, so the trim you design has to work around them. A decorative kickplate up to 6 inches can be attached on indoor models, and the louvers can be covered when the door panel sits at least 4 inches above the finished floor. Toe kick heights from 2 to 3 7/8 inches need a reduced toe kick accessory. On both lines the kickplate has to stay removable for service, and the floor cannot block its removal.

Leveling and floor support

Thermador lists its 36-inch Freedom fresh food column at 406 pounds net and 449 pounds gross, so the floor in the opening should be finished and solid before delivery. Sub-Zero says to level the unit to the floor, not to the surrounding cabinetry, and warns that the front leveling legs must touch the floor to reduce the chance of tipping. Rear legs are adjusted from the front.

The delivery path

Measure each door, hallway, stair, and turn along the route and compare them with the width, depth, and height on the spec sheet. Sub-Zero's guides say to secure the doors closed, protect finished flooring, and move the unit with an appliance dolly. For Classic units, the grille assembly comes off before the move. If a unit has to lie on its back or side to clear a turn, it must stand upright for at least 24 hours before power is connected.

Who does what

• Our team: confirms the exact model, pulls the current installation guide and spec sheet, and orders the accessories the plan calls for, such as a dual installation kit, stainless panels, a reduced toe kick, or extra door stops. We offer delivery and installation too; see our delivery and installation service.
• Cabinet maker: builds the opening, returns, fillers, and panels to the guide.
• Plumber: runs the water line and shut-off valve to the zone the guide shows.
• Electrician: brings a dedicated circuit and outlet to the right location and checks polarity.
• You or your contractor: clear the path and check permits with your local building department.

The same planning applies to Sub-Zero, Thermador, Fisher & Paykel, and True Residential built-ins: plan from the exact model's guide. See also our Sub-Zero refrigerator review and the full built-in refrigeration range.

Replacing an older built-in

Don't assume a new unit drops into the old opening. Within Sub-Zero alone, the 36-inch Classic calls for a 35 1/2-inch opening and the 36-inch Designer column for 36 inches, and the two guides put the electrical zone on opposite sides of the opening. Check the new model's guide against the opening, outlet, and water line you have before you order.

Questions to ask in the showroom

• Which installation guide applies to my exact model?
• Is the opening for a standard or a flush inset installation? The depth and reveals change.
• Will I pair two columns? That decides between a dual installation kit and a filler strip.
• Where exactly do the water line and outlet go for this width?
• What is the maximum panel weight, and will my door style stay under it?
• Will the unit fit through every door and turn on the way in?

Next steps in the Sacramento area

Sacramento-area buyers can start with our appliance store serving Sacramento. Bring your cabinet drawings and opening measurements to the Roseville showroom, and we can pull the installation guide and spec sheet for your model and go through the numbers with you before anything is ordered.