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Where Should I Place My Fridge? The Pros and Cons of Different Locations.

"Golden Rules for Fridge Placement: Insights from an Appliance Repair Expert."

14 September, 2025

We finally decided to seek the advice of an experienced home appliance repairman with 20 years of experience. After hearing his analysis, we immediately moved the refrigerator elsewhere that very night!

According to this repairman, about 40% of the refrigerator issues he has fixed over the years were related to improper placement. Here are the “golden rules for refrigerator placement” he shared. After hearing these, you may want to reconsider where your fridge is located!

1. Place the refrigerator in the kitchen

Many households keep their refrigerators in the kitchen for convenience during cooking and food preparation. However, according to this repairman, this placement can pose several risks.

Firstly, there’s the issue of grease buildup. Statistics from repair cases show that the amount of grease accumulated on the refrigerator’s cooling system in kitchens is 3–5 times higher than in dining rooms. Not only does this grease look unsightly, but it also obstructs heat dissipation, causing the refrigerator to consume more energy—up to 30% more.

Secondly, there’s a safety concern. There was once an incident in a residential area where a gas leak combined with an electrical spark from a refrigerator starting up caused a serious explosion. While the probability of such an event is low, the consequences can be severe.

Lastly, kitchen spaces tend to be limited. When a refrigerator is placed against a wall, its heat dissipation is affected. Regardless of where you choose to place your fridge, ensure there’s adequate clearance—at least 10 cm on both sides and more than 30 cm at the back—to guarantee the appliance’s efficient operation.

2. Place the refrigerator in the dining room

According to the repairman, modern apartments increasingly feature designated spaces for refrigerators in dining rooms—a choice considered more rational and scientific.

In terms of movement, placing the refrigerator in the dining room balances the distance between the kitchen and the living room. While it may require a few extra steps during cooking, it saves many steps when getting drinks from the living room, ultimately making daily life more convenient.

Additionally, the dining room environment is more suitable for long-term refrigerator operation due to less oil and fire exposure and stable humidity. Real-world data indicates that placing the refrigerator in the dining room can extend its lifespan by 2–3 years and reduce malfunction rates by up to 40%.

Furthermore, the noise from the refrigerator (around 40 decibels) is less disruptive to daily life when located in the dining room, providing a more peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for the family.

3. When to place the refrigerator in the living room

Although not a common choice, the repairman mentions certain scenarios where placing the refrigerator in the living room can be considered.

This is especially suitable for small apartments with open-plan kitchens, maximizing space while maintaining convenience. Additionally, for families who frequently entertain guests or need quick access to drinks and fruits, having the refrigerator in the living room makes sense.

Another case is when renovating older homes with extremely small kitchens that lack the space to accommodate a refrigerator safely and practically.

However, when opting for this placement, homeowners should consider essential factors such as pre-planning the electrical system to avoid unsightly and unsafe exposed wiring, and prioritizing refrigerators with low noise levels to minimize disruption to communal living.

Additionally, ensure that the refrigerator’s style, color, and size complement the overall interior design aesthetic of the living room.

Regardless of the chosen location, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for refrigerator placement. The most important considerations are safety, convenience, and aesthetics.