Recommendation for a fridge that opens from the right side.

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Recommendation for a fridge that opens from the right side.

CrashAndBurn

666 posts

Ultimate Geek

#275809 10-Sep-2020 14:08

Looking to buy a new fridge and most of the ones I see open from the left. I have read in other forums that some have reversible doors but will cost an additional 150-180 to have it done. Can anyone recommend one that is not too big e.g. enough for 3 people weekly?

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#2561747 10-Sep-2020 14:33

I don't think its as big a problem as you think ,

Pretty much all of the F+P fridge freezers seem to have L or R hand door options,

https://www.fisherpaykel.com/nz/cooling/refrigeration/all-refrigeration/?prefn1=configuration&prefv1=Bottom%20Freezer

I would just wander down to a big box and have a look for a fridge you like,

They seem to come in soooo many versions these days.... with regard to capacity, options , etc...

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CrashAndBurn

666 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2561755 10-Sep-2020 14:48

wellygary:

I don't think its as big a problem as you think ,

Pretty much all of the F+P fridge freezers seem to have L or R hand door options,

https://www.fisherpaykel.com/nz/cooling/refrigeration/all-refrigeration/?prefn1=configuration&prefv1=Bottom%20Freezer

I would just wander down to a big box and have a look for a fridge you like,

They seem to come in soooo many versions these days.... with regard to capacity, options , etc...

That is how I felt as well. Went to NL and HN, and was surprised that those reversible ones are just that. But you have to pay extra to switch the door. There were very few right-side opening doors but the size was a bit too big for where it will go.

timmmay

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#2561761 10-Sep-2020 14:55

My almost 10 year old F&P opens on the right, i.e. hinge on the left. Works fine. Is starting to make some odd noises, but has been making them for a good few years so probably fine.

kiwiharry

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#2561767 10-Sep-2020 15:03

With reversible doors, probably something that could be done by the purchaser.

I just looked up instruction manual for a Midea fridge with reversible door and it has instructions on how to swap the door.

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CrashAndBurn

666 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2561770 10-Sep-2020 15:11

kiwiharry:

With reversible doors, probably something that could be done by the purchaser.

I just looked up instruction manual for a Midea fridge with reversible door and it has instructions on how to swap the door.

I guess if it will be easy enough then I will do it myself. Still hoping to find something in the size I need that already have the correct door placement.

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#2561781 10-Sep-2020 15:35

Yeah, most reversible fridges are user friendly to swap them around. If sales staff said it was extra, then well... they just want the $$$ ;)

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CrashAndBurn

666 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2561786 10-Sep-2020 15:41

xpd:

Yeah, most reversible fridges are user friendly to swap them around. If sales staff said it was extra, then well... they just want the $$$ ;)

Yeah, I think that is pretty much it.

Thanks for the replies from everyone, am guessing will try a few more stores and see what else is out there.

Handsomedan

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#2561795 10-Sep-2020 15:53

Our fairly recently purchased (within last twp years) F&P smallish family fridge has a reversible door.

It came with instructions and a couple of bits to make that happen.

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mattwnz

20097 posts

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#2561797 10-Sep-2020 15:58

Some will sell reversing kits, such as F&P, although I found their support is very hard work to communicate with. They initially told me there wasn't a kit as my fridge model was too old. But eventually after I told them that the photos of one kit looked identical, they sent me a kit and it worked perfectly..

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#2561802 10-Sep-2020 16:01

I can confirm that I bought a fridge (SAMSUNG) with a reversible door and swapped it around myself. It's usually fairly easy.

CrashAndBurn

666 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2561811 10-Sep-2020 16:14

Thanks all. Gives me more confidence that I can do it myself and that the salesman was just trying to upsell.

Senecio

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#2561825 10-Sep-2020 16:42

Just check that you don't need a left hand screw driver to perform the swap.

djtOtago

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#2561848 10-Sep-2020 17:27

As others have already said, most fridges can be changed easily. See if you can get a look at the manual be for buying. And if it needs a kit, (and most do) see if it is included. They usally are.

The kits are nothing special. Just the plastic bits required to cover the old hinge spots and fixing points usally.

CrashAndBurn

666 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2561866 10-Sep-2020 18:40

djtOtago:

As others have already said, most fridges can be changed easily. See if you can get a look at the manual be for buying. And if it needs a kit, (and most do) see if it is included. They usally are.

The kits are nothing special. Just the plastic bits required to cover the old hinge spots and fixing points usally.

Thanks will definitely ask for the kit if included as they might upsell that one as well :)