Installation of a Refrigerator Drawer

Selecting a Location

• Refrigerator drawers are appropriate for many different spaces in your kitchen. Some are even rated for outdoor use under a bar or countertop on a patio or deck. The space you choose should be large enough to accommodate the refrigerator drawer cabinet. It should also be as far as possible from sources of heat, such as direct sunlight and cooking appliances, to reduce the strain on its cooling mechanism. Finally, the space must be close to a grounded electrical outlet. Extension cords are not recommended for plugging in refrigerator drawers.

Brackets and Legs

• A refrigerator drawer is held in place by a combination of adjustable leveling legs and brackets. The brackets attach to the back wall of your cabinet recess and to the back of the refrigerator drawer, preventing it from tipping forward or moving from side to side. Leveling legs support the refrigerator drawer from below, carrying the weight of the appliance and its contents. Once the refrigerator drawer is securely in position, you can add trim to conceal the gaps around it and integrate it into your kitchen visually.

Drawer and Dividers

• The individual slide-out drawers in a refrigerator drawer unit are usually captive in the case itself. This means that when you install the refrigerator drawer case using brackets, you're also installing the drawers under your countertop. Some drawers include plastic dividers to help you organize your food. You can place them in position during installation or when you stock the refrigerator with food once it's had time to cool to the desired temperature.

Operation

• Before turning your refrigerator drawer on, make sure its bottom grate is clear. As the compressor runs, it will vent air through this grate and into your kitchen. Proper ventilation is important for normal function and lifespan. Refrigerator drawer removal is a reversal of the installation process. Be careful to unplug the refrigerator drawer by removing the cabinet and then pulling out the plug head instead of pulling the cord taut while you remove the cabinet.