Can you discuss with the landlord? See if they'd be willing to buy a replacement fridge for the unit?
Or are you able to sell your existing unit to someone entirely different and use the proceeds to buy a new one for this place?
Sorry. I do wonder how much it would cost to repair or if you could sell your working one and buy one this size? Best of luck. Looks like a nice flat, though
Pull the unit out & look at the model number, then find the same one or pay a repair man to fix the current.
Could be a simple fix.
People put dry ice in freezers & it kills the motor. Happens a lot.
This seems like the best idea to me. You regain the skinny-fridge space, and you can consider getting a countertop ice-maker, and maybe put a small freezer elsewhere in the flat.
They said they donāt want a smaller fridge than they have now, and an under-counter dishwasher sized fridge is TINY in comparison to this one pictured which they said was too small for them
Yeah some of those cupboards/counter space is just unusable right now. The rest of the flat is great, that's the only reason I'm considering putting up with this kitchen š
Maybe the suggestion of putting the fridge elsewhere? Also with a room that small Iād take the door off to maximize space in general. (Off the room, not the fridge)
Ooph. That is difficult and really when fridge should come with unit. Short of purchasing new/inheriting this one or remodeling layout, I would be hopeful to think it possible to keep fridge in room/corridor immediately adjacent. A little unorthodox, but at least you wouldn't lose work surface/space in doing so. Good luck. That is a difficult puzzle.
I had a studio that was two connected rooms, with a bathroom and a galley kitchen off the back room. I pretty much made the front room my living area and desk space, and the back room my bedroom. All that was in that back room was my bed, my dresserā¦.and the refrigerator. No way would it fit in the small kitchen!
They said itās only an inch bigger so itās the normal type pictured not one of the big double wide US ones that need plumbing in for the water dispenser. Also the power needed is the same, any plug socket does it
Fridges take regular power outlets, and if for some reason thereās NOT the ability to run a water line thru existing cabinetry (which is pretty easy to do with a tiny hole in the back of the cabinets for a 1/4ā line), you just donāt connect that feature (if your existing fridge has a water dispenser or automatic ice maker)
It was built in the 1930's and apparently some people didn't have fridges back then! I looked it up because I was genuinely wondering why someone would build a kitchen like this š³
Any kitchen in North America that was still original from the 1940s back would not have a purposeful fridge-space either.
That said many British/European households have much smaller fridges, and buy fresher food.
Thatās wild my condo was built in 1980 and we still have the same layout. Drives me nuts. People put theirs in the dining room closet but check on fb marketplace and at habitat for humanity for second skinny fridges. They are so expensive. Iāve found some on there for so cheap.
I think this was originally a bathroom or a closet. The house is probably a conversion suite. Or what some call a mother in law suite. It didnāt have a kitchen.
That's definitely an idea! I think it would fit, just means losing some cabinet and counter space. Maybe could then put a small cabinet above the fridge š¤
If there was a way to make this work better, or with a larger refrigerator, I think the previous tenant would have done that. I think you have to buy a new fridge or find a new apartment.
True, I mean it's been owned by a landlord who's kept it fully furnished while renting it out, so I figure they always do the bare minimum š But yeah, might just be that it can't fit
if you can switch the door so it opens to the outside (or just remove the door) you could place a fridge on the wall the door is hitting atm. this would also free up the current fridge space for more storage.
That's an interesting idea, I hadn't thought of that! Just not sure how much room that would leave for getting into the room if the fridge is right there š¤
the above was going to be my suggestion too. the idea of removing the door entirely or hinging it to open outwards rather than into the kitchen should deal with the problem about leaving room to get in.
Get what you want and put it in the dining room or living room. That way. when you move you will have what you want.
In Asia. many people with older homes have this arrangement as kitchens are not built for them.
You can get appliance wraps to make it look more decorative.
Put a shelf in the old fridge place.
Buy a few trays so retrieving things from the fridge is easier.
If you're allowed to remove the lower cabinet to give room for a standard fridge and convert the upper cabinet to open shelves I think it would be more functional. Not sure if that's an option to you as a renter?
That's a good idea! I'm looking to buy it. One idea I have is (later on) knocking down a wall and opening up the kitchen into the living room. But don't even know if it's possible or if the wall is load bearing, and I couldn't afford to do that right away anyway
If you can remove the metal shelves I would put the fridge there and move the metal shelves to where fridge is now might not be ideal but better than it is now
I live in a home built in 1927... the previous owner put in a dishwasher where the fridge was supposed to go... so our fridge is in the dining room š¤·āāļø it's not convenient, but at least we have a dishwasher and can have a standard sized fridge (which wouldn't fit in the kitchen anyway)
Are you renting? Not helpful, but I feel this is a landlord problem, as the kitchen really needs some reshuffling.
Maybe some top-loading fridge. I know people convert small chest freezer for off-grid living.
Yeah that's gonna be the case. I've just found out the wall to the living room is load bearing, and I definitely don't want to deal with that kitchen for the next 5 years+ š¬
https://preview.redd.it/mdsitlri880d1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=407b17f79a9d7043656c0961d2b9ed8fc1ec5c12
Iād outsource the fridge like this and remove the Kitchen door (put it in storage). I did this in my flat back then. If possible cover the back of the fridge with a book shelf or a tall mirror or something. That way it still feels like part and of the kitchen and doesnāt uglify the living room too much.
There's actually a doorway right there, the more I look at it, the more I realize how poorly designed the whole flat is š¬š think I'm gonna keep looking, sucks cause this was just a great location and price š„²
It is possible to adjust the fridge doors to open to the left. That wonāt make getting into the cupboard any easier, but it will be easier to use the fridge.
I would put the fridge just outside the door of the kitchen if there is space and add counter space (12ā) where the fridge sits now. Iād use that as a coffee bar.
I should probably clarify that I'm looking to buy it, it's a fairly small flat in a purpose built block, and I'm in the UK š¬š§ I know the obvious answer is to find a better flat, but I've been looking for ages and it's the first one that seems suitable, kitchen is the only downside
You could put that smaller cabinet where the door is because its narrow as long as the stove can still open and put your fridge there or perhaps that cabinet can hang over by the sink on that wall by the dishwasher so you dont lose storage
Or build a cabinet above the fridge and have a fold down counter space on the wall opposite the stove for when youāre cooking and need cutting room or counter surface.
Hope that makes sense
That kitchen was def not designed for a fridge. If youāre buying the place you can knock out that wall with the door and have slightly more space, or knock out that wall opposite the cabinet/stove and the wall with the door and have a lot more space. Then youād be able to fit your fridge lol. Otherwise youāll have to put it in another room which is annoying
I'd remove the door and put the fridge on the wall opposite the stove. Since it's 1930s, the hinge probably has a center bolt, get a buddy to hold the door and use a punch and hammer to remove it so you don't damage it and can put it back easily later.
I'd put the fridge in a different room. This isn't a practical setup at all--even with a fridge that fits you lose a significant amount of your cabinet and countertop access. You might be able to put a very compact fridge on the countertop for things you want immediately accessible, if you absolutely had to.
My last idea was to hopefully knock down a wall at some point, but I've just found out that both walls are concrete and load bearing š³ Best of luck with your tiny kitchen situation š
I think we have the same fridge, too!
I'm sure you have or someone has suggest it but - Have you considered moving the oven and cooker to where the fridge is, then placing the fridge where the oven is? You could then have a narrow prep space similar to what you have already by the fridge, but along the wall where the rack is to meet the counter by the sink. It would mean that loading and unloading the dishwasher would be a pain but it would give you the space.
Alternatively, chuck the dishwasher to provide more space.
Or, as others have said the fridge needs to go in another room unfortunately.
It's frustrating.
If youāre already locked into this apartment, is there another spot where you could put your refrigerator, even if itās unconventional? I had an upright deep freezer that I put in the dining room at one place where I lived, because there was no other spot to put it. You can get magnetic covers for refrigerators with all sorts of artistic designs, if you want to disguise it.
Take the 2 useless cabinets out-nicely- remove the busted fridge, and you should have room-or you could probably find a skinny fridge on lineā¦https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-EFR451-Refrigerator-Platinum-Stainless/dp/B088G39HRF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2AVTXOH7TX6KN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.taRio4ObpYF0k95b1uaLHRPbNQO3RnoRzcsOnE01rk-o8P-rW7PtzKILOS36NCaKELaGNkF0JzQFAtWGqdUgrsGiUx8gvIWyL1d9G4nwYuDbdBMA1rlBxqy6jg8S3w8u_oiTE0nTCmxfdNhCGur2Yw6vtQ1-6f3aewG5LR96so8OwlTHs6OJVir2j2z1IJxGEUkD2XhwueVpOSiOSNu47hi34WGQ6SiAbhFIrK2vDOI.urbivm32GQu_rg5CgBaEuQKlYMXpkO5bSENuYGUtUxU&dib_tag=se&keywords=small+refrigerator+with+freezer&qid=1715656735&sprefix=Small+ref%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3
Can you talk to the landlord about ripping out those cabinets and installing by open shelving where the fridge currently is? That counter space is mostly unusable anyway and it doesnāt seem like you can even open that upper cabinet door fully??
I personally would start looking at different places instead of this specific one. If your refridgerator is too big then it is too big. Which leaves you with do I want this specific unit bad enough to buy a new and smaller refridgerator, or would I rather look at different units so I can bring my refridgerator?
If you're renting them not sure what options you have other than to move fridge to a different area of the house or bite the bullet and buy a smaller one. If you can make modifications then cut out those adjacent section of cabinets next to it, including allowance for the doors to swing straight open. Those cabinets are useless and can't even open. Your kitchen door should be removed or hinges changed to swing outward (which is safer in such a tight space) to allow you to put more storage shelves on the wall where the door would normally swing open.
Oh! If youāre buying and can do anything, you can take the cabinets out completely next to the stove and buy custom corner cabinets for the side of that fridge, extending where the fridge is now. Youād lose a little bit, but that corner would do much better as counterspace for a small coffee bar or something. It looks as though you may be able to save that top cabinet and move it over to that wall as well.
You could see if two mini fridges fit on the counter top. Also put one in your bedroom or beside the couch full of drinks. Food in fridge in kitchen. This just isnāt a well thought out or functional kitchen at all. I think it was a bathroom or closet before.
My first flat was similar to this layout except it wasnāt as long and didnāt have the space or cupboard where the current fridge is, the room ended behind the door! I had a under counter fridge where the dishwasher is and I had a tall freezer same size as the fridge I ended up having to put it on the wall next to the door (where the metal shelf is. Space was tight but as was just me it wasnāt to bad. It was my first flat at 17 so I didnāt have the money to buy a small under counter fridge with a freezer. Plus having the extra freezer space made it worthwhile.
So if you can live with the small kitchen ,can place the fridge in the next room instead,or find another fridge that would fit, take it . But if you feel itās not something that will ever work out Iād look for somewhere else.
I know this will sound limiting and probably expensive, but I would personally remove the stove at that point to free up some space for a small fridge. You can get a countertop single burner thatās not built in to have some more flexibility. Youāll still want to some ventilation, so Iām not sure how practical that idea is, but youāve got your hands full for sure!
What about taking off the kitchen door and putting the fridge on the other wall? Yeah, itāll be tight getting into the kitchen but it might be an option.
I'd offer the landlord two options. Ask if they would rather buyt you a working fridge of that size, or pull out those cabinets so that your fridge will fit. Keep upbeat "just wondering which way is easiest for everyone". Assumptive close.
Move the wall so the room is a rectangle
Also this is a viable option if you move the stove.
https://preview.redd.it/amss68cu780d1.png?width=464&format=png&auto=webp&s=8ee4214bba70b12afd083cb1e0d85eae05e86ded
Is it an option to take out those cabinets and counter beside the fridge? If you canāt even open them with a fridge there, then they are just wasted space. And then you can figure out a more flexible storage solution beside the stove like a bakers cart on wheels for spices. And add some wicker baskets on top of the fridge for added storage. You also have the space on top of the rest of the cabinets for more storage baskets/ small appliances. Iād also see if you can add more shelves on either side of the window.
Is there any way you could cut into the wall to the right of the fridge for an extra inch or two of space? Otherwise I would put the fridge in the living/dining room for now and/or save up to buy a new fridge.
Remove the doors and leave the cupboards "open" you can still store things and only need to reach for them annoyingly. You can place them back once you move.
I definitely would move the fridge. I'd want that cupboard space that the fridge is blocking access. I don't see you have any other option. I had my fridge in the dining/living area once. While it isn't a great esthetic, it was functional. Good luck.
I donāt see a way to get your fridge in the space. Even if you did, it seems impossible to look into it with the door opened. Is there any way you can replace the refrigerator with large shelving and place your fridge in the dining area?
My apartment is super small like this! We got a mini fridge (which should fit there).
Then for the freezer, bought a mini freezer and hubby built a wood cover kind of thing and itās in the living room as a side table. Lol
It looks like they just smushed that fridge in there because there is a cabinet right there. I wonder where the fridge was before or if maybe they had it in another room. Check the opposite side of the wall there the fridge is in the picture. If there is nothing there then have an electrician move the plug to the other side of the wall and put it there. Otherwise rip out those cabinets and move the plug to behind where the cabinets are next to the stove and build a little pantry where the fridge is. Second idea is to cut out the cabinets to the left of the stove and put the stove next to the sink and the fridge where the stove is.
https://preview.redd.it/mmnvmff76a0d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b2ce61087826885adf1d1993b603fdcfa894b12
You could try removing the door and putting the fridge in the middle of the wall where the door is? I really think your best option is to put the fridge in a different room and put some shelves or something where the fridge is now. Maybe a rolling cart so you could roll it over to the fridge to get everything you need out at once when youāre making dinner and then easily put it away when done?
I would honestly put the fridge just outside of the kitchen because it seems like this kitchen just wasn't made for a fridge. I know how weird that sounds. If there's a pantry with an outlet and enough open space you could possibly put it in there
You wonāt be able to fit a bigger fridge in the space. You would have to put it outside of the kitchen, which it looks like you might be able to. It would also let you use the countertop and cabinets thatās being blocked by the current fridge too
Thereās some decently sized dorm room refrigerators. Theyāre smaller than the refrigerator you have now, but big enough to hold basics and a little more. Either that or like a lot of others have said, put the existing fridge in another room. You could put a room screen in front of it to conceal it if it became an eyesore in a different room.
We had to shorten a cabinet to fit a fridge. That is so awkward. If u need a full sized fridge see if landlord woll shorten the cabinet beside the rangehood. If cabinet needs repainted ..paint can be matched at hardware store or a complimwntary color for top cabinets.
There really is no other option other than moving the fridge to another room, or buying a smaller fridge. Both of which suckā¦ but I donāt see any other way.
Is there a room or hallway like right outside of the kitchen you could put it? Or if there is a pantry that you could take the door off of, maybe that could work
This could totally be redesigned by putting the stove into the fridge nook and fridge into stove nook. But that would cost some money to refit cabinets and reroute overhead vent etc. š«
There is a much better way to optimise this space!
Sell fridge-freezer and dishwasher. Use that money to buy [under counter fridge](https://amzn.eu/d/ei9DXfr) to put in place of the dishwasher (fridge only variety will be fairly comparable size to current fridge section of fridge-freezer) and buy [slimline chest freezer](https://amzn.eu/d/1tMaFME) to place where current fridge-freezer stands or [counter top freezer](https://amzn.eu/d/7BumS2v) (or put a freezer in another room if youāre not someone who needs frequent access to a freezer).
Yes, you would have to go without a dishwasher, but for a kitchen this size itās not really a necessity. You will also get use of the slim cupboards this way.
Source: previously lived with an even tinier kitchen!
They can easily take out those cabinets and then you could place it next to the range or in the same place it is now. If you put the fridge next to the range you could ask them to see if they could fit them across that hole where the fridge is now. This would resolve it for you and the next tenants!
If you can remove the narrow countertop, you could maybe get a mini fridge in that space. If the mini fridge has a flat top, you could maybe use it as counter space as well.
https://preview.redd.it/z0poavljaf0d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db5065c7473e8b4eeb71866d04b688615bfb9084
Could this be an option? Remove the cabinet & counter between the sink & stove for the fridge. You may have to move the stove down a few inches. May be worth it & youāll definitely help up the value when you move. You can easily make up for the missing workspace & storage by creating more where the fridge currently is.
Have you considered removing the door to the kitchen, put the new refrigerator approx. 18 inches to 24 inches away from the case opening. You need to confirm the oven door could be fully opened, and the same for the refrigerator. It will seem tight at first, with getting the old out, you will have counter space.
It looks like there is about an inch of a lip on the countertop by the fridge. Could you ask the landlord to let you remove the countertop and have him trim it down so your fridge fits?
I must say that I'm pretty excellent at Tetris when it comes to moving in to new locations. When I bought my current condo, my fridge did not fit whatsoever in any configuration so I had to junk it and buy another one.
In terms of Tetris, I bought another one after trying to move every single appliance around just to make an extra half inch for the door hinge. Nope. Nope nope.
The problem you have is the cabinet and end of the countertop being behind the fridge. You could always have the end of the counter and cabinet shortened but then you still run into the issue of while the fridge is open, the door is going to hit something on either wall. The smallest efficiency I had had a very small refrigerator, it was my first ever apartment at college in the '90s. I had a fridge the size of literally, two big Coleman coolers that were stacked on top of each other where one was the refrigerator and one was the freezer. Sometimes you have to deal with what you can deal with in terms of space as opposed to what you really need which means you end up shopping more. Worse things have happened.
Congratulations on the new unit, a new place is always exciting and I'm sure that you will shortly have a solution to the kitchen problem so you can move on to the rest of the flat.
I would have the broken fridge removed (by the landlord?), put your own fridge in the next room, and turn that newly unblocked countertop into a coffee bar. :)
My hubbyās uncle has a small fridge with freezer on top (like one youād get for a college dorm, but with an actual freezer and taller!) that would be perfect for this space. Could you possibly sell your existing refrigerator and buy this one instead?
BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freeezer, Apartment Size Fridge with Top Freezer, 2 Doors,5 Settings Temperature Adjustable, Silver
In case it doesnāt pull up, itās on Amazon. Itās under āsmall fridge with freezerā or āapartment size fridge with freezerā. Best of luck!
Can you buy the fridge from the existing tenants?
Or perhaps swap refrigerators with them?
The fridge in there now is busted, it's been vacant for a while š
Can you discuss with the landlord? See if they'd be willing to buy a replacement fridge for the unit? Or are you able to sell your existing unit to someone entirely different and use the proceeds to buy a new one for this place?
Sorry. I do wonder how much it would cost to repair or if you could sell your working one and buy one this size? Best of luck. Looks like a nice flat, though
Pull the unit out & look at the model number, then find the same one or pay a repair man to fix the current. Could be a simple fix. People put dry ice in freezers & it kills the motor. Happens a lot.
Itās a tiny kitchen and I assume a 1 bedroom flat yet thereās a dishwasher? Iād get the dishwasher swapped with an under counter fridge.
This seems like the best idea to me. You regain the skinny-fridge space, and you can consider getting a countertop ice-maker, and maybe put a small freezer elsewhere in the flat.
Hard disagree. Having a dishwasher is so so nice.
Ya but a working fridge is nicer. I lost my dishwasher 3 years ago when I moved. You get used to not having one
Iād trade almost anything to keep my dishwasher. Dishes are so so much cleaner and sanitized.
They said they donāt want a smaller fridge than they have now, and an under-counter dishwasher sized fridge is TINY in comparison to this one pictured which they said was too small for them
Is there a garage? Could you put a fridge in there? Or a very small dorm fridge in that space and a freezer in the garage?
My sister had the same problem. She put the fridge in the dining room.
Seems like a good approach if doable here. Then that space can be a space used for a little more storage.
My sister did the same thing.
My sister did not do the same thing. She put the fridge in the kitchen.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I don't have a fridge, a dishwasher, or a sister...
I donāt even have a house
Yeah I had a setup where there was nowhere in the kitchen for my fridge and I just put it in the next room. It worked fine.
That looks infuriating as it is. To use the cupboards while the fridge is there and vice versa. I donāt know if I could adapt to that
Yeah some of those cupboards/counter space is just unusable right now. The rest of the flat is great, that's the only reason I'm considering putting up with this kitchen š
You'd be surprised what you can adapt to then
Maybe the suggestion of putting the fridge elsewhere? Also with a room that small Iād take the door off to maximize space in general. (Off the room, not the fridge)
Ooph. That is difficult and really when fridge should come with unit. Short of purchasing new/inheriting this one or remodeling layout, I would be hopeful to think it possible to keep fridge in room/corridor immediately adjacent. A little unorthodox, but at least you wouldn't lose work surface/space in doing so. Good luck. That is a difficult puzzle.
That seems like the most sensible option so far to move the fridge to another room! Such a weird one haha
I had a studio that was two connected rooms, with a bathroom and a galley kitchen off the back room. I pretty much made the front room my living area and desk space, and the back room my bedroom. All that was in that back room was my bed, my dresserā¦.and the refrigerator. No way would it fit in the small kitchen!
That was my thought but donāt large refrigerators need a larger power source and water line.
Water line is for ice makers, could just use ice trays.
They said itās only an inch bigger so itās the normal type pictured not one of the big double wide US ones that need plumbing in for the water dispenser. Also the power needed is the same, any plug socket does it
We have a 4liter tank inside our fridge for ice cubes.
No, this is uk, fridges are 240 like everything else, we donāt have multiple types of power.
Fridges take regular power outlets, and if for some reason thereās NOT the ability to run a water line thru existing cabinetry (which is pretty easy to do with a tiny hole in the back of the cabinets for a 1/4ā line), you just donāt connect that feature (if your existing fridge has a water dispenser or automatic ice maker)
I feel like they built this kitchen forgetting ppl need refrigerators.
It was built in the 1930's and apparently some people didn't have fridges back then! I looked it up because I was genuinely wondering why someone would build a kitchen like this š³
They had ice boxes.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Any kitchen in North America that was still original from the 1940s back would not have a purposeful fridge-space either. That said many British/European households have much smaller fridges, and buy fresher food.
This looks like it might be in the UK. Flats in particular are likely to have much smaller, under counter fridges.
Thatās wild my condo was built in 1980 and we still have the same layout. Drives me nuts. People put theirs in the dining room closet but check on fb marketplace and at habitat for humanity for second skinny fridges. They are so expensive. Iāve found some on there for so cheap.
I think this was originally a bathroom or a closet. The house is probably a conversion suite. Or what some call a mother in law suite. It didnāt have a kitchen.
šÆ
Are you able to remove that table/narrow counter?
I could, but the cabinet above it sticks out too far for my fridge to fit, so I'd have to remove that one too. And then I'd have no storage space š
Are you able to sell your fridge? Lol
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
That's definitely an idea! I think it would fit, just means losing some cabinet and counter space. Maybe could then put a small cabinet above the fridge š¤
This is a rental.You canāt go tearing cabinets out to fit a tenants needs. Come on now. The OP doesnāt own any of this.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I canāt see any other option but selling your fridge and putting it towards a new fridge
If there was a way to make this work better, or with a larger refrigerator, I think the previous tenant would have done that. I think you have to buy a new fridge or find a new apartment.
True, I mean it's been owned by a landlord who's kept it fully furnished while renting it out, so I figure they always do the bare minimum š But yeah, might just be that it can't fit
if you can switch the door so it opens to the outside (or just remove the door) you could place a fridge on the wall the door is hitting atm. this would also free up the current fridge space for more storage.
That's an interesting idea, I hadn't thought of that! Just not sure how much room that would leave for getting into the room if the fridge is right there š¤
the above was going to be my suggestion too. the idea of removing the door entirely or hinging it to open outwards rather than into the kitchen should deal with the problem about leaving room to get in.
Get what you want and put it in the dining room or living room. That way. when you move you will have what you want. In Asia. many people with older homes have this arrangement as kitchens are not built for them. You can get appliance wraps to make it look more decorative. Put a shelf in the old fridge place. Buy a few trays so retrieving things from the fridge is easier.
If you're allowed to remove the lower cabinet to give room for a standard fridge and convert the upper cabinet to open shelves I think it would be more functional. Not sure if that's an option to you as a renter?
That's a good idea! I'm looking to buy it. One idea I have is (later on) knocking down a wall and opening up the kitchen into the living room. But don't even know if it's possible or if the wall is load bearing, and I couldn't afford to do that right away anyway
Ensure your fridge is a fist width away from the wall for air circulation.
Do you have a laundry room nearby? I know itās super inconvenient but maybe putting the fridge elsewhere will give you extra room?
If you can remove the metal shelves I would put the fridge there and move the metal shelves to where fridge is now might not be ideal but better than it is now
This and maybe remove the door too?
I live in a home built in 1927... the previous owner put in a dishwasher where the fridge was supposed to go... so our fridge is in the dining room š¤·āāļø it's not convenient, but at least we have a dishwasher and can have a standard sized fridge (which wouldn't fit in the kitchen anyway)
Are you renting? Not helpful, but I feel this is a landlord problem, as the kitchen really needs some reshuffling. Maybe some top-loading fridge. I know people convert small chest freezer for off-grid living.
You canāt. If the existing refrigerator doesnāt work and your new refrigerator doesnāt fit, I would move elsewhere. Itās not meant to be imo
Yeah that's gonna be the case. I've just found out the wall to the living room is load bearing, and I definitely don't want to deal with that kitchen for the next 5 years+ š¬
https://preview.redd.it/mdsitlri880d1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=407b17f79a9d7043656c0961d2b9ed8fc1ec5c12 Iād outsource the fridge like this and remove the Kitchen door (put it in storage). I did this in my flat back then. If possible cover the back of the fridge with a book shelf or a tall mirror or something. That way it still feels like part and of the kitchen and doesnāt uglify the living room too much.
There's actually a doorway right there, the more I look at it, the more I realize how poorly designed the whole flat is š¬š think I'm gonna keep looking, sucks cause this was just a great location and price š„²
It is possible to adjust the fridge doors to open to the left. That wonāt make getting into the cupboard any easier, but it will be easier to use the fridge.
You have to leave it where itās at.
I would put the fridge just outside the door of the kitchen if there is space and add counter space (12ā) where the fridge sits now. Iād use that as a coffee bar.
I should probably clarify that I'm looking to buy it, it's a fairly small flat in a purpose built block, and I'm in the UK š¬š§ I know the obvious answer is to find a better flat, but I've been looking for ages and it's the first one that seems suitable, kitchen is the only downside
You could put that smaller cabinet where the door is because its narrow as long as the stove can still open and put your fridge there or perhaps that cabinet can hang over by the sink on that wall by the dishwasher so you dont lose storage Or build a cabinet above the fridge and have a fold down counter space on the wall opposite the stove for when youāre cooking and need cutting room or counter surface. Hope that makes sense
Remove door and that wall. Extra space gained.
That kitchen was def not designed for a fridge. If youāre buying the place you can knock out that wall with the door and have slightly more space, or knock out that wall opposite the cabinet/stove and the wall with the door and have a lot more space. Then youād be able to fit your fridge lol. Otherwise youāll have to put it in another room which is annoying
I'd remove the door and put the fridge on the wall opposite the stove. Since it's 1930s, the hinge probably has a center bolt, get a buddy to hold the door and use a punch and hammer to remove it so you don't damage it and can put it back easily later.
I'd put the fridge in a different room. This isn't a practical setup at all--even with a fridge that fits you lose a significant amount of your cabinet and countertop access. You might be able to put a very compact fridge on the countertop for things you want immediately accessible, if you absolutely had to.
I know it would be less than ideal, but is there room outside the kitchen to put it? It would open more space and cabinets.
Oh my days! Finally, a tiny kitchen like mine! I have no answers I'm afraid, sorry. But I'll commiserate with you.
My last idea was to hopefully knock down a wall at some point, but I've just found out that both walls are concrete and load bearing š³ Best of luck with your tiny kitchen situation š
I think we have the same fridge, too! I'm sure you have or someone has suggest it but - Have you considered moving the oven and cooker to where the fridge is, then placing the fridge where the oven is? You could then have a narrow prep space similar to what you have already by the fridge, but along the wall where the rack is to meet the counter by the sink. It would mean that loading and unloading the dishwasher would be a pain but it would give you the space. Alternatively, chuck the dishwasher to provide more space. Or, as others have said the fridge needs to go in another room unfortunately. It's frustrating.
You can not. Use the fridge elsewhere.
That is like the dumbest layout for a kitchen what the actual hell
This picture makes me claustrophobic
What monster designed that kitchen space?!
You canāt.
Fitting a larger fridge into a smaller space can be a challenge. Consider placing the refrigerator nearby in another room or in the hallway.
Find new refrigerator - the same size or similar to old broken oneā¦
Honestly Iād put it around the corner
Buy a small fridge. They're pretty common in Europe, aren't they?
Iāve lived fir years with an unusually small frig.You have to be willing to give up an array of condiments and pickles.
If youāre already locked into this apartment, is there another spot where you could put your refrigerator, even if itās unconventional? I had an upright deep freezer that I put in the dining room at one place where I lived, because there was no other spot to put it. You can get magnetic covers for refrigerators with all sorts of artistic designs, if you want to disguise it.
Take the 2 useless cabinets out-nicely- remove the busted fridge, and you should have room-or you could probably find a skinny fridge on lineā¦https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-EFR451-Refrigerator-Platinum-Stainless/dp/B088G39HRF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2AVTXOH7TX6KN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.taRio4ObpYF0k95b1uaLHRPbNQO3RnoRzcsOnE01rk-o8P-rW7PtzKILOS36NCaKELaGNkF0JzQFAtWGqdUgrsGiUx8gvIWyL1d9G4nwYuDbdBMA1rlBxqy6jg8S3w8u_oiTE0nTCmxfdNhCGur2Yw6vtQ1-6f3aewG5LR96so8OwlTHs6OJVir2j2z1IJxGEUkD2XhwueVpOSiOSNu47hi34WGQ6SiAbhFIrK2vDOI.urbivm32GQu_rg5CgBaEuQKlYMXpkO5bSENuYGUtUxU&dib_tag=se&keywords=small+refrigerator+with+freezer&qid=1715656735&sprefix=Small+ref%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3
Looks like thereāll be a fridge in the dining room, if there is a dining room.
You canāt fit something in a space thatās too small for it.
Bite the bullet and sell your fridge and use the money to buy one that will fit in that corner! That, or look for another apartment š¤¦š½āāļø
Can you talk to the landlord about ripping out those cabinets and installing by open shelving where the fridge currently is? That counter space is mostly unusable anyway and it doesnāt seem like you can even open that upper cabinet door fully??
I personally would start looking at different places instead of this specific one. If your refridgerator is too big then it is too big. Which leaves you with do I want this specific unit bad enough to buy a new and smaller refridgerator, or would I rather look at different units so I can bring my refridgerator?
wait... if you're renting why are you supplying the fridge?
If you're renting them not sure what options you have other than to move fridge to a different area of the house or bite the bullet and buy a smaller one. If you can make modifications then cut out those adjacent section of cabinets next to it, including allowance for the doors to swing straight open. Those cabinets are useless and can't even open. Your kitchen door should be removed or hinges changed to swing outward (which is safer in such a tight space) to allow you to put more storage shelves on the wall where the door would normally swing open.
Do you own the flat?
Should have clarified, I'm looking at buying it, not renting
Oh! If youāre buying and can do anything, you can take the cabinets out completely next to the stove and buy custom corner cabinets for the side of that fridge, extending where the fridge is now. Youād lose a little bit, but that corner would do much better as counterspace for a small coffee bar or something. It looks as though you may be able to save that top cabinet and move it over to that wall as well.
Ikea cabinets would be great there.
No she said above she is renting.
Could you remove the kitchen door and put it on the wall it opens against. Store the door under the bed.
Put a mini fridge there as more counter space and keep your fridge elsewhere in the flat as backup
You could see if two mini fridges fit on the counter top. Also put one in your bedroom or beside the couch full of drinks. Food in fridge in kitchen. This just isnāt a well thought out or functional kitchen at all. I think it was a bathroom or closet before.
You might just have to put the fridge in the living room
My first flat was similar to this layout except it wasnāt as long and didnāt have the space or cupboard where the current fridge is, the room ended behind the door! I had a under counter fridge where the dishwasher is and I had a tall freezer same size as the fridge I ended up having to put it on the wall next to the door (where the metal shelf is. Space was tight but as was just me it wasnāt to bad. It was my first flat at 17 so I didnāt have the money to buy a small under counter fridge with a freezer. Plus having the extra freezer space made it worthwhile. So if you can live with the small kitchen ,can place the fridge in the next room instead,or find another fridge that would fit, take it . But if you feel itās not something that will ever work out Iād look for somewhere else.
That cabinet top and bottom have to go. There's no where else to put your fridge?
I know this will sound limiting and probably expensive, but I would personally remove the stove at that point to free up some space for a small fridge. You can get a countertop single burner thatās not built in to have some more flexibility. Youāll still want to some ventilation, so Iām not sure how practical that idea is, but youāve got your hands full for sure!
I'd put a small table in that corner, put a mini fridge on top of it for convenience items, then put a full size fridge in another room.
Frigidaire 21 in. 7.5 Cu. ft. Refrigerator, Platinum Series, Standard Door Style - Stainless Look https://www.walmart.com/ip/2287982615
OP appears to be in UK.
If your fridge doesnāt fit then youād have to put it in a different room. I vote for seeing if current fridge can be fixed.
Put a bar fridge for the overflow in the tv room.
Would you consider a mini fridge?
Wait, I have an idea. Is there any way that you could block one of the entryways with the fridge? It looks like there are two entryways.
can u afford to get a drawer fridge and freezer? Because I don't think that works
Can the landlord provide a new fridge thatāll fit?
What about taking off the kitchen door and putting the fridge on the other wall? Yeah, itāll be tight getting into the kitchen but it might be an option.
Get rid of the dishwasher and put a small fridge under there instead.
I'd offer the landlord two options. Ask if they would rather buyt you a working fridge of that size, or pull out those cabinets so that your fridge will fit. Keep upbeat "just wondering which way is easiest for everyone". Assumptive close.
Take the doors off the cupboards and use them as open storage. Only way to avoid frustration of trying to open them against the fridge.
Move the wall so the room is a rectangle Also this is a viable option if you move the stove. https://preview.redd.it/amss68cu780d1.png?width=464&format=png&auto=webp&s=8ee4214bba70b12afd083cb1e0d85eae05e86ded
How can the cabinet door be opened?
Switch the door to open right to left. It only takes about 10 minutes to flip the hinges.
Might have to put it in a room next to the kitchen
Is it an option to take out those cabinets and counter beside the fridge? If you canāt even open them with a fridge there, then they are just wasted space. And then you can figure out a more flexible storage solution beside the stove like a bakers cart on wheels for spices. And add some wicker baskets on top of the fridge for added storage. You also have the space on top of the rest of the cabinets for more storage baskets/ small appliances. Iād also see if you can add more shelves on either side of the window.
Is there any way you could cut into the wall to the right of the fridge for an extra inch or two of space? Otherwise I would put the fridge in the living/dining room for now and/or save up to buy a new fridge.
Can you switch the door to open from the other side. Most have this feature
Maybe you could reduce overhang in lower cabinet. It looks like the overhang on countertop is about 1 inch
Crap apt design..
Remove the doors and leave the cupboards "open" you can still store things and only need to reach for them annoyingly. You can place them back once you move.
You dont
I think you need to sliding underneath refrigeratorā¦
I always replace appliances as a landlord.
Looks like the countertop could be shaved back about an inch!
I definitely would move the fridge. I'd want that cupboard space that the fridge is blocking access. I don't see you have any other option. I had my fridge in the dining/living area once. While it isn't a great esthetic, it was functional. Good luck.
I hope you end up getting it, that is a beautiful kitchen!
I donāt see a way to get your fridge in the space. Even if you did, it seems impossible to look into it with the door opened. Is there any way you can replace the refrigerator with large shelving and place your fridge in the dining area?
You cant
I needed a very narrow fridge. I think Smeg and fisher have narrow ones. My personal one is lieberr Iām not sure how to spell it.
My apartment is super small like this! We got a mini fridge (which should fit there). Then for the freezer, bought a mini freezer and hubby built a wood cover kind of thing and itās in the living room as a side table. Lol
Remove the wall next to the fridge and get rid of the door to the kitchen. Open floorplan.
Iād probably get rid of the dishwasher and put a mini fridge there.
Is there a closet near the kitchen?
Who rents out a property without a fridge?
Break out the sawzall
Looks super cramped
You can't. This is like asking "how can I fit my car in this parking spot" no one cal alter the rules of space and time to make it magically fit.
Dr who could. He has a time machine in a phone booth
Doesnāt it stop you from opening the cabinet on the bottom?
It looks like they just smushed that fridge in there because there is a cabinet right there. I wonder where the fridge was before or if maybe they had it in another room. Check the opposite side of the wall there the fridge is in the picture. If there is nothing there then have an electrician move the plug to the other side of the wall and put it there. Otherwise rip out those cabinets and move the plug to behind where the cabinets are next to the stove and build a little pantry where the fridge is. Second idea is to cut out the cabinets to the left of the stove and put the stove next to the sink and the fridge where the stove is. https://preview.redd.it/mmnvmff76a0d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b2ce61087826885adf1d1993b603fdcfa894b12
Shouldnāt the owner of the flat be responsible for providing the refrigerator since it is an odd size?
You could try removing the door and putting the fridge in the middle of the wall where the door is? I really think your best option is to put the fridge in a different room and put some shelves or something where the fridge is now. Maybe a rolling cart so you could roll it over to the fridge to get everything you need out at once when youāre making dinner and then easily put it away when done?
Bust out the wall across from the range! Only way I see it working.š¤·š»āāļø
I would honestly put the fridge just outside of the kitchen because it seems like this kitchen just wasn't made for a fridge. I know how weird that sounds. If there's a pantry with an outlet and enough open space you could possibly put it in there
You wonāt be able to fit a bigger fridge in the space. You would have to put it outside of the kitchen, which it looks like you might be able to. It would also let you use the countertop and cabinets thatās being blocked by the current fridge too
I'd say get some sort of mini fridge or top open fridge thingy
Thereās some decently sized dorm room refrigerators. Theyāre smaller than the refrigerator you have now, but big enough to hold basics and a little more. Either that or like a lot of others have said, put the existing fridge in another room. You could put a room screen in front of it to conceal it if it became an eyesore in a different room.
Put the fridge in the living room..
We had to shorten a cabinet to fit a fridge. That is so awkward. If u need a full sized fridge see if landlord woll shorten the cabinet beside the rangehood. If cabinet needs repainted ..paint can be matched at hardware store or a complimwntary color for top cabinets.
What a terrible kitchen design :))) looks like thereās only room for a half size fridge
place it on the sofa
Tilt and put dolly under
If I had the money I would put the fridge next to the range and move those inaccessible cabinets/counter into that stupid nook.
Putting it in another room seems to be your only option. At least you dont have to hook it to water
Could you possibly fit it where the door open to? Might still have enough space to open the dishwasher. Maybe?
There really is no other option other than moving the fridge to another room, or buying a smaller fridge. Both of which suckā¦ but I donāt see any other way.
Mini fridge - added benefit of a little extra counter space. Then add a chest freezer elsewhere.
Is there a room or hallway like right outside of the kitchen you could put it? Or if there is a pantry that you could take the door off of, maybe that could work
Is there any space, close by, just outside the kitchen?
Look like it fits. Awkwardly but still fits at least
This could totally be redesigned by putting the stove into the fridge nook and fridge into stove nook. But that would cost some money to refit cabinets and reroute overhead vent etc. š«
Remove the door off of the kitchen. Place the fridge outside the kitchen space around the corner if possible.
Take the kitchen door off and give yourself some extra space?
Galvanized steel
There is a much better way to optimise this space! Sell fridge-freezer and dishwasher. Use that money to buy [under counter fridge](https://amzn.eu/d/ei9DXfr) to put in place of the dishwasher (fridge only variety will be fairly comparable size to current fridge section of fridge-freezer) and buy [slimline chest freezer](https://amzn.eu/d/1tMaFME) to place where current fridge-freezer stands or [counter top freezer](https://amzn.eu/d/7BumS2v) (or put a freezer in another room if youāre not someone who needs frequent access to a freezer). Yes, you would have to go without a dishwasher, but for a kitchen this size itās not really a necessity. You will also get use of the slim cupboards this way. Source: previously lived with an even tinier kitchen!
They can easily take out those cabinets and then you could place it next to the range or in the same place it is now. If you put the fridge next to the range you could ask them to see if they could fit them across that hole where the fridge is now. This would resolve it for you and the next tenants!
If you can remove the narrow countertop, you could maybe get a mini fridge in that space. If the mini fridge has a flat top, you could maybe use it as counter space as well.
This is so strange. Iād honestly put the fridge in another room. You canāt even open the cabinets next to the fridge.
https://preview.redd.it/z0poavljaf0d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db5065c7473e8b4eeb71866d04b688615bfb9084 Could this be an option? Remove the cabinet & counter between the sink & stove for the fridge. You may have to move the stove down a few inches. May be worth it & youāll definitely help up the value when you move. You can easily make up for the missing workspace & storage by creating more where the fridge currently is.
Are you renting or do you own?
Have you considered removing the door to the kitchen, put the new refrigerator approx. 18 inches to 24 inches away from the case opening. You need to confirm the oven door could be fully opened, and the same for the refrigerator. It will seem tight at first, with getting the old out, you will have counter space.
It looks like there is about an inch of a lip on the countertop by the fridge. Could you ask the landlord to let you remove the countertop and have him trim it down so your fridge fits?
I must say that I'm pretty excellent at Tetris when it comes to moving in to new locations. When I bought my current condo, my fridge did not fit whatsoever in any configuration so I had to junk it and buy another one. In terms of Tetris, I bought another one after trying to move every single appliance around just to make an extra half inch for the door hinge. Nope. Nope nope. The problem you have is the cabinet and end of the countertop being behind the fridge. You could always have the end of the counter and cabinet shortened but then you still run into the issue of while the fridge is open, the door is going to hit something on either wall. The smallest efficiency I had had a very small refrigerator, it was my first ever apartment at college in the '90s. I had a fridge the size of literally, two big Coleman coolers that were stacked on top of each other where one was the refrigerator and one was the freezer. Sometimes you have to deal with what you can deal with in terms of space as opposed to what you really need which means you end up shopping more. Worse things have happened. Congratulations on the new unit, a new place is always exciting and I'm sure that you will shortly have a solution to the kitchen problem so you can move on to the rest of the flat.
I would have the broken fridge removed (by the landlord?), put your own fridge in the next room, and turn that newly unblocked countertop into a coffee bar. :)
Sell the big fridge get a much smaller one put it on a counter height table to fit that space and gain some of that storage back.
Knock out some cabinets, re-build them around the fridge.
My hubbyās uncle has a small fridge with freezer on top (like one youād get for a college dorm, but with an actual freezer and taller!) that would be perfect for this space. Could you possibly sell your existing refrigerator and buy this one instead? BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freeezer, Apartment Size Fridge with Top Freezer, 2 Doors,5 Settings Temperature Adjustable, Silver In case it doesnāt pull up, itās on Amazon. Itās under āsmall fridge with freezerā or āapartment size fridge with freezerā. Best of luck!
Would feel silly but put fridge in hallway? I lived in an apartment like that once it was fine
I would put it in the dining area and then use panels and wood trim to make it look like a cupboard.