Replacing an old fridge: a checklist

Measure the space, not the old fridge

Your old fridge’s size tells you what fitted, not what the space allows or what gaps a new model needs. Pull the old fridge out if you can and measure the space itself. How to measure.

If you know your old model number, the finder can use its layout and capacity as a starting point.

Checklist

• Space: width, height and depth at the narrowest points, and what’s above.
• Air gaps: the new model’s installation guide will say how much space it needs around it. The finder uses these figures.
• Doors: can the doors stand in front of the cabinets? Is a wall right beside the hinge side? Some doors can be swapped to open the other way; check the model’s guide.
• Water: ice and water models usually need a cold-water connection, installed by a qualified plumber. Some have a refillable tank instead.
• Power: a power point you can reach, ideally one the fridge doesn’t share.
• Delivery: doorways, hallways, stairs and lifts on the way in. Ask the retailer whether doors need to come off.
• Old fridge: ask the retailer whether they take the old one away and what it costs, or check your council’s collection or recycling options.
• Costs: ask for the delivered and installed price, not just the appliance price.
• Food: plan for a day without a fridge, and let the new one settle before switching it on if the instructions say so.

Is it worth replacing?

Newer fridges are often more efficient, but test methods have changed over time, so old and new label figures don’t always compare directly. We don’t calculate replacement savings without a figure for your old fridge that can be compared fairly. For repair-or-replace advice, a qualified technician’s quote is the best starting point.