Can You Put Mini Fridge in Closet? (Quick Answers)

If anything, that fits just about anywhere is a mini-fridge. If you live in a dorm room or want to set up a creative snack station in your bedroom or living space, a mini-fridge will come in handy.

No matter where you put a refrigerator, you must make sure it has enough airflow to get rid of the heat properly.

No matter if the device is in an open space or a closet, it needs to be set up in the right way for it to work well and last longer.

Putting freezer in closet

Yes, you may indeed install a mini-fridge in the closet. Any refrigerator, though, needs enough ventilation to prevent heat buildup around the appliance. In order to ensure optimum performance, efficiency, and a longer lifespan for your fridge, a good setup is required.

If you need to place your mini-fridge in a closet, you need to keep certain things in your mind because,

Convection Process:

Any refrigeration process works through convection. It pumps out heat from the inside. Cooling components in the back of the fridge generate heat while replacing warm air with the cooler parcel of air.

Proper Ventilation:

If you want your fridge to run properly, your fridge needs an effective convection process. To do that, you need to ensure ventilation. Ventilation will ensure that hot air can escape from above the rear and cooler air freely flow in from underneath.

For a thorough, effective ventilation procedure, it is advised that the refrigerator be kept 5 cm away from the wall.

Placement of Coil:

The location of the coil in the refrigerator varies. It can be on the side or underneath. You need to make sure your refrigerator can breathe correctly no matter where the coil is. Make sure there is a three-inch minimum space.

Custom Made Closet:

Installing a mini-fridge in a typical closet will be difficult. Your mini fridge needs to be specially designed and equipped with characteristics if you want to install it in a closet for a great setup.

Electricity Supply:

Power cords would be trouble to fit in any closet structures built against a solid wall. Permanent socket accommodation must be made to ensure an uninterrupted flow of electricity.

How much clearance does a mini fridge need?

You must make sure your tiny fridge has adequate ventilation if you want to benefit from longer shelf life and quiet operation. You can do that if you are aware of your refrigerator’s clearance. You must search for two different types of clearance, side and cabinet.

The standard older refrigerator types require a side clearance of roughly 4.5 inches. Despite the fact that modern models with zero clearance only require 0.25 to 0.50 inches of side clearance are also available.

For adequate ventilation and heat release from the refrigerator’s back coils, there should be roughly 1 to 1.50 inches of clearance.

However, exact measurement varies from model to model. For the precise clearance for your refrigerator, consult your user manual. Additionally, the space must be left open so that you may use a vacuum or mop to keep the area surrounding the refrigerator clean.

Mini fridge in closet: Things to Consider

There are several things for a user to think about while installing a mini-fridge in a closet. Before placing your refrigerator in a closet, the following items need to be on your list of things to consider.

Strong Surface:

At first, you need to find a hard and stable surface to keep your fridge. You need to make sure the bottom of the fridge is not unstable or has enough grip. Failing to ensure a hard surface might make your fridge tip over and cause unpleasant events.

Away from Heat Source:

Place your mini-fridge away from any heat source, your window or direct sunlight. Intense heat or temperature will ruin its internal components to work properly. It will be difficult for the fridge to keep the foods at a reasonable temperature.

Open Closet:

While considering placing a mini-fridge inside a closet, the back of the area needs to be open for enough ventilation. A mini-fridge cannot be placed in a closed closet as the area around the fridge will heat up.

Trapped Cord:

Usually, a lot of things are kept inside a closet. If the closet is not specially made for keeping a fridge, cords can get trapped and fire or electricity hazard can occur. Make sure you are connecting your fridge to direct electric outlet.

Maintaining Distance:

You must ensure the cords are not exposed. You can sleep and maintain your daily routine around a mini fridge since a lot people consider placing their fridge in the bedroom or living. But it is safe to maintain at least 1-2 feet distance from the fridge.

Front Venting:

If it is not possible for you to remove backing on cabinets, it is better to purchase a front venting mini fridge for your closet. In this case make sure there is no door in the front of the closet.

Where should you not put a mini fridge?

A mini-fridge installation requires a suitable setup. A location must meet a number of criteria in order to be ideal for setting a refrigerator.

Additionally, there are several locations that you should never think of using for your mini fridge. These places consist of,

A place with No Ventilation:

Having sufficient ventilation is part of a refrigerator’s natural operation. A location with inadequate ventilation will result in a lower lifespan for your refrigerator. You shouldn’t choose a location that is totally enclosed and has no ventilation to allow for convection.

Unleveled or Tilted Surface:

You must consider a surface that is stable and hard. If the location is uneven or unlevel, your fridge could topple.

Close to Hot Temperature:

Avoid placing your mini-fridge close to any high temperature. This will ruin the normal functioning of your fridge. Excessive heat from the outside will ruin internal components. The food particles will be ruined because the refrigerator won’t be able to maintain a constant temperature inside.

Arrangement on Carpet:

Don’t put your refrigerator on the carpet. In particular, you must exercise caution and never place your mini-fridge on the carpet if it has coil arrangements in the bottom. Burning risk is a possibility. Mini fridges cannot be placed on the carpet because it interferes with the convection process.

To prevent unwanted events, keep these locations in mind and refrain from placing your refrigerator there.

How to safely put a mini-fridge in a closet?

Mini fridges require cautious installation, despite their diminutive size and cuter appearance than standard refrigerators. You must be quite cautious when setting up a setup for your mini-fridge.

Here are steps you can follow to make the installation process more organized,

Measure Your Desired Closet and Fridge:

First, the closet you have chosen to put your fridge, measure carefully. Keep in mind that you need to provide your fridge with proper ventilation. Your Closet needs to be wider and larger than your fridge.

You must keep at least a 2 to 3 inches gap between your fridge and your closet. The more spacious, the better.

Choose your Mini-Fridge Type:

You need to choose your fridge type considering your closet. If you do not have an option to remove the blackening of your closet, choose a front venting mini-fridge. If it is convenient for you to remove blackening, you can simply choose a usual mini-fridge.

Remove Unnecessary Shelving:

Placing your mini-fridge at the base of the closet is the best option. Remove any unnecessary shelving as needed that might block the airflow. If you do not need the shelving above the fridge, carefully remove it to dissipate heat.

Create Arrangements for Wiring:

You need to make sure your mini fridge is connected with a direct electric outlet. Avoid any electric extension. Make arrangements for wiring by creating holes and as proper arrangements are needed. This way, it will be easier for you to hide any extra wiring.

Secure Plugging in Fridge:

Make sure you keep your fridge always plugged in. Avoid unplugging the fridge often. Occasional unplugging of the fridge will use more energy to maintain its regular temperature.

It is advised that temperatures be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the quality and safety of your food.

These are the steps that need to be followed to safely and successfully install a mini fridge so that it can run its operation efficiently.

Final Thoughts

In general, open areas are ideal for mini fridges, however they can also be stored in closets. One must ensure safety, sufficient ventilation, and closet organization when storing the refrigerator in a closet. Any lapse in the arrangement will deteriorate the state of the refrigerator and closet.