KITCHEN SIZE GUIDE
American fridge freezer dimensions
American-style (side-by-side) fridge freezers are roughly half as wide again as a standard fridge freezer, and deeper than most kitchen units. Here are typical sizes, the gaps manufacturers ask for, and what to measure before you order.
Typical sizes
Manufacturers’ size guides group American fridge freezers by width. Exact figures vary by model, so treat these as ranges and confirm the specification of the one you are buying.
| Type | Width | Height | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slim | 70–85 cm (28–33 in) | 160–185 cm (63–73 in) | 60–80 cm (24–31 in) |
| Standard | 86–95 cm (34–37 in) | 160–185 cm (63–73 in) | 60–80 cm (24–31 in) |
| Wide | 96 cm (38 in) and over | 160–185 cm (63–73 in) | 60–80 cm (24–31 in) |
Many popular models sit close to 91 cm wide, 178–179 cm tall and 70–73 cm deep. LG’s UK range, for example, runs from 90 to 91.3 cm wide, 70 to 73.5 cm deep and about 179 cm tall. Some tall models reach over 2 m.
An example model
| Model | Width | Height | Depth | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Series 8 RS68CG885ES9 | 91.2 cm (35.9 in) | 178 cm (70.1 in) | 71.6 cm (28.2 in) | 635 litres |
At over 70 cm deep, it stands proud of standard 60 cm-deep worktops. Plan for that, or look for a model sold as counter-depth.
Gaps to leave around it
Fridge freezers need air to move around them to run efficiently. Manufacturer guidance varies, so follow the installation manual for your model. As a guide:
| Where | Typical guidance |
|---|---|
| Sides | About 2–5 cm (¾–2 in) |
| Back | About 4–5 cm (1½–2 in) |
| Top | At least 5 cm (2 in) below a ceiling or wall unit |
| Front | Enough to open both doors to at least 90° and pull out drawers |
So for a 91 cm-wide model, a gap of roughly 95–101 cm (37½–40 in) between units is a sensible starting point. A plumbed-in ice and water dispenser also needs a water supply within reach of the back.
What to measure before you buy
- The space: width between units or walls, height to the lowest thing above (wall unit, boxing or ceiling) and depth from the wall to where the doors must clear.
- Door swing: check the doors will open fully without hitting an island, a wall or a radiator, and that drawers can slide out.
- The delivery route: every doorway, hall and turn on the way to the kitchen. Compare the narrowest point with the appliance’s depth and ask the retailer whether the doors can be removed for delivery.
Check it in your own kitchen
The planner has an American fridge freezer item at 90 × 75 cm (about 35½ × 29½ in) which you can resize to your model. Place it in your kitchen plan to see what it does to the worktop run and walkway, then switch to 3D. Start from your own room or an editable layout in the kitchen planner.
Try this in your room. Draw your kitchen to size, add the American fridge freezer at your model’s measurements and check the doors and walkway in 3D.
Open the kitchen planner →More size guides
Questions
How wide is an American fridge freezer?
Most are between 86 and 95 cm (34–37 in) wide. Slim models start at about 70 cm (28 in) and wide models are 96 cm (38 in) or more.
How deep is an American fridge freezer?
Typically 60–80 cm (24–31 in). Many popular models are 70–73 cm deep, so they stand forward of standard 60 cm worktops.
How much gap do you need around an American fridge freezer?
Manufacturers commonly ask for about 2–5 cm at the sides, 4–5 cm behind and at least 5 cm above, plus room in front to open the doors fully. Check the manual for your model.