To check an American fridge freezer will fit, measure two things: the space it will stand in and the route it takes to get there. In the kitchen, measure the height, width and depth of the gap at several points, then allow extra room at the sides, top and back for air to circulate, as set out in the model's installation instructions. Check the doors can swing open fully and that the drawers can slide out, especially if the fridge sits beside a wall or tall cabinet. Then measure every doorway, hallway and corner from your front door to the kitchen. Compare the narrowest gap with the fridge's depth as well as its width, because it can often be turned to go through depth-first while staying upright, and allow room for the people carrying it. If you want water and ice from a plumbed model, check there is a cold water supply close by. Get these numbers right before you order and delivery day goes smoothly.
With Christmas coming, plenty of families in Northern Ireland are looking for more room for the turkey, the trifle and everything else. An American fridge freezer gives you that space, but it is a big appliance, and a few minutes with a tape measure now saves a lot of bother later. Here is how we suggest going about it.
How much space does an American fridge freezer need in the kitchen?
Start where the fridge freezer will live. Use a metal tape measure and write everything down.
- Height: measure from the floor to the underside of any wall cupboard or bulkhead above. Measure at the front and the back, as floors and ceilings are not always level.
- Width: measure across the gap at the top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest figure.
- Depth: measure from the wall to the front edge of your worktops. Skirting boards, pipes and sockets can steal a few centimetres, so measure from whatever sticks out furthest.
- Air gaps: an American fridge freezer needs breathing room at the sides, top and back to run properly. The installation instructions for each model give the recommended gaps, so add those to the appliance's own size before comparing.
- Power: check there is a socket within easy reach that will still be accessible once the fridge is in place.
Many American models are around 91cm wide, but narrower ones are available, such as an 81.7cm model in our range, which can help in a tighter kitchen.
Will the doors and handles open properly?
A fridge that fits the gap but cannot open its doors fully is no use at Christmas or any other time. Check:
- That each door can swing open far enough to pull out the salad drawers and shelves, especially if one side sits tight against a wall or tall unit.
- That handles will not catch on a neighbouring cupboard, worktop edge or door frame.
- That there is room to stand in front of the open doors without blocking a walkway or the oven.
- For French door and three-door styles, that every door and drawer has room to open fully.
Will it get through my front door and hallway?
This is the step people most often forget. Walk the route from the van to the kitchen and measure as you go:
- Front door: the clear opening with the door fully open, not the frame. Door stops, letterbox cages and handles all reduce it.
- Porches and steps: note any steps, a narrow porch or a tight turn straight after the front door.
- Hallways: the narrowest point, including radiators, coat hooks and banisters.
- Corners: a tall, deep appliance needs room to turn. A hallway can be wide enough in a straight line but too tight at a right-angle turn into the kitchen.
- Kitchen doorway: often the narrowest door in the house.
Compare your smallest measurement with the fridge's depth and width, and leave room for the people carrying it. If it will be close, phone us before you order and we will talk it through with you.
Plumbed or non-plumbed: do I need a water supply?
Some American fridge freezers connect to your mains water to give chilled water and ice. These plumbed models need a cold water supply close to where the fridge stands, and a plumber to connect it.
Non-plumbed models need no water connection at all, so you can put them anywhere there is space and a socket. Check the product page if water or ice matters to you.
What happens on delivery day?
We deliver American fridge freezers across Northern Ireland and set them into place in your kitchen. We do not set them up or plumb them in, so please plan for that: if you choose a plumbed model, arrange for a plumber to connect the water, and read the instructions for how long to leave it standing before switching on. Clear the route and measure it beforehand, as a fridge that will not fit through the door has to go back on the van.
If you would rather collect, Click & Collect is available from our shops in Banbridge and Portadown. Bring a vehicle big enough to carry the fridge upright, and a helper.
Which American fridge freezers should I look at?
You can browse our full range of American fridge freezers, or read our fridge and freezer buying guide for more help choosing. A few to look at now:
- Samsung RS57DG400EM9EU 91cm Frost Free American Fridge Freezer in silver, £799: a straightforward frost free choice for a standard 91cm space.
- Samsung RF50C532EB1/EU 81.7cm American Fridge Freezer in black, £999: worth a look if your gap or doorways are on the narrow side.
- Hisense RF815N4SESE Total No Frost Plumbed American Fridge Freezer in silver, £1,029: for kitchens with a water supply nearby, if you want a plumbed model.
- Hotpoint HPKF 5351 XP4UK Dual No Frost 3 Door American Fridge Freezer with VitalCare in brushed steel, £679.99: a three-door layout, so check each door has room to open.
- LG GMM42ABBEH No Frost American Fridge Freezer in matte black, £949: a no frost model with a matte black finish.
Offers running now
Our Black Friday deals are live. Samsung's Claim Your VAT Back and DA Warranty Extension offers run until 1 December, so see our Samsung American style fridge freezers. The Liebherr 10-Year Guarantee sign-up runs until 31 December. Check each offer's terms before you buy.
Prices correct at 10 November 2026.
Questions people ask
How much space should I leave around an American fridge freezer?
Leave the gaps at the sides, top and back recommended in the model's installation instructions, so air can circulate and the fridge runs properly.
Will an American fridge freezer fit through a standard door?
Often, because it can be turned to go through depth-first while staying upright. Measure the clear door opening and compare it with the fridge's depth and width, allowing room for the people carrying it.
Do I need a plumber for an American fridge freezer?
Only for a plumbed model with water and ice from the mains. It needs a cold water supply nearby and a plumber to connect it. Non-plumbed models just need a socket.
Do Lunneys install American fridge freezers?
We deliver across Northern Ireland and set the fridge freezer into place, but we do not set it up or plumb it in, so plan for that before delivery day.
Are narrower American fridge freezers available?
Yes. Many are around 91cm wide, but narrower models are available, which can help in a tighter kitchen or with narrow doorways.
