Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jul 07, 2012 08:38pm | #1

   Read the specs for the fridge.  It may need ventilation behind.

1. 
   handyone1 | Jul 09, 2012 09:26am | #4

   refrigerator in closet

   Thanks for your input, Scott and Dan H.

2. 
   Scott | Jul 08, 2012 07:49pm | #2

   What Dan said.

   I doubt there are any code restrictions, but you won't be doing yourself any favors in terms of energy consumption or appliance lifespan if you impede it's ability to dump heat into ambient air.

1. 
   DanH | Jul 08, 2012 08:30pm | #3

   Details...

   Some (generally expensive) refrigerators are designed to be put in a restricted space, and have all their air intake/output on the front.  But most need air from the back.

3. 
   hammer1 | Jul 09, 2012 10:51am | #5

   Most average Refs do their venting through the toe space. It's not unusual for them to be enclosed by cabinetry and side panels which wouldn't be any different than being placed in a closet. There are coils behind the toe kick cover and these need to be cleaned regularly for efficiency. There are long vacuum brushes made for this purpose. The doors need to be proud of the enclosure so they can open, typically, there is a separate electrical circuit for a ref.

1. 
   DanH | Jul 09, 2012 06:51pm | #6

   They vent OUT through the toe space, but often draw air IN from behind.

4. 
   hammer1 | Jul 10, 2012 05:40pm | #7

   I'm having a hard time remembering the last kitchen I installed that had a free standing refrigerator, the majority are enclosed all around, even the commercial ones like Sub-Zero. A standard part for kitchen installations is known as a refrigerator panel. It just a 24" x 84" piece of finished plywood and we use them for all kinds of things in kitchen installations, not only on the sides of refs. These days, the ref may be enclosed with pantry or other deep cabinets, sometimes completely hidden. Pick up any kitchen magazine while waiting in line at HD and you'll see most refs enclosed. There is no need to have an open back and there is no code against it in my area. A closet wouldn't be any different.

   
1. 
   DanH | Jul 10, 2012 09:07pm | #8

   Well I still say read the spec.

2. 
   Scott | Jul 14, 2012 01:49am | #9

   >>>Beat it to fit / Paint it

   >>>Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

   Holy Carp.

   BTW, those pics belie your moto.  ;-)

   Nice work.