When choosing a built in fridge, it’s important to select the right door system. This not only determines how the fridge functions, but also how it fits into your kitchen. In this article we discuss the different door systems and provide advice on which best suits your situation.
There are 2 types of door systems for your built‑in fridge: the door‑on‑door system and the sliding‑door system. Both are very robust systems that securely attach your built‑in fridge door. One system isn’t better than the other, but each has its own small advantages. Discover which door system best fits your kitchen.
Door‑on‑door
With a door‑on‑door system, the fridge door is attached directly to the cabinet using a hinge. This means both doors open and close at the same time. This door system is also known as a flat hinge. An advantage of the door‑on‑door system is that you only need the fridge’s hinges for installation.
Sliding door
With a sliding‑door system, the fridge door and the cabinet door are connected with a sliding rail or guides. The fridge door moves along the rail or guides when you open the fridge. This essentially happens independently of the panel door. The sliding‑door system is the most commonly chosen and has the advantage that the fridge door wears out less quickly.
When buying a new built‑in fridge, it’s very important to check which door system your current fridge has. We recommend choosing the same door system for your next fridge as your old one. If your old fridge has a door‑on‑door system, it isn’t possible to switch to a sliding‑door system. In principle, it’s possible to change from a sliding‑door system to a door‑on‑door system. To do this, you need to reposition the hinges and guides. It’s therefore easier to keep the same door system.
You’ll notice quickly if you accidentally use the wrong hinge for your built‑in fridge’s door system. The following problems may occur.
Door doesn’t close properly
With the wrong hinges for your built in fridge’s door system, your door won’t close properly. You’ll notice the door always stays slightly ajar. As a result, the fridge won’t cool properly, food will spoil and the fridge will use more energy, leading to a higher energy bill.
Fridge door sags
If there are issues with the hinges, your fridge door will eventually sag. This means the hinges can no longer support the door, it won’t fit perfectly in the niche and therefore won’t close properly.
Do you have an IKEA kitchen? Then you always need a built‑in fridge with a sliding‑door system. An IKEA kitchen isn’t set up for door‑on‑door mounting. In doubt? Check which built‑in fridges fit an IKEA kitchen to be sure.
Have you bought a new fridge from MediaMarkt and would prefer us to install your new built‑in fridge? We’ll be happy to deliver, build in and install your built‑in fridge. When ordering your built‑in fridge online, simply select one or more of our services. Note: these services do not apply to Marketplace products.
When mounting a built‑in fridge, you choose either a door‑on‑door system or a sliding‑door system. That choice largely depends on the system your old fridge used. The easiest and safest choice is to keep the same system. Do you have an IKEA kitchen? Then you always need a built‑in fridge with a sliding‑door system.
