How To Install a New Refrigerator in Your Kitchen

Unpack and inspect your refrigerator before you plug it in

When your refrigerator arrives, do not plug it in right away. Open the packaging carefully and look for any visible damage — dents, cracks, or broken seals. Take photos if you see damage; you will need them if you need to contact the manufacturer. Check that all the parts listed in your manual are actually in the box: shelves, drawers, door bins, and any accessories.

Leave the refrigerator standing upright for at least 4 hours after delivery, especially if it was transported on its side. This lets the refrigerant settle and prevents damage to the compressor. If it was on its side for more than a day during shipping, wait 24 hours. While you wait, remove any transit bolts or shipping brackets from the back — these hold the compressor in place during transport and must come off before operation.

Read the first few pages of your manual now. They will tell you about any model-specific steps, what the control panel looks like, and what sounds are normal when the compressor starts. Manufacturers include this information because it saves you a phone call later.

Key Takeaways

• Unpack your refrigerator and inspect it for damage before plugging it in, then wait at least 4 hours (or 24 if shipped on its side) before turning it on.
• Remove all transit bolts and shipping brackets from the back of the unit — these protect the compressor during transport but must be taken off before operation.
• Position your refrigerator with at least 1 inch of clearance on the sides and back to allow air to circulate around the condenser coils.
• Level the refrigerator front-to-back using the adjustable front feet so that doors close on their own and water drains properly to the back.
• Plug the refrigerator into a dedicated outlet and set the temperature control to the manufacturer's recommended starting point, usually between 37°F and 40°F for the fridge section.

Position your refrigerator with proper clearance

Refrigerators need air space to work efficiently. The condenser coils — the metal tubes that release heat — sit on the back and sides of the unit. If you push the refrigerator flush against a wall or cabinet, those coils cannot breathe, and your compressor will run longer and hotter than it should. This wastes electricity and shortens the life of the machine.

Leave at least 1 inch of clearance on both sides and at least 2 inches at the back. If your manual specifies different measurements, follow those instead — some models need more space. If you have a top-freezer or French-door model, also make sure the doors can open fully without hitting cabinets or walls. Measure twice before you slide the unit into place; moving a full refrigerator is harder than moving an empty one.

If your kitchen has limited space, a counter-depth refrigerator (which is shallower than a standard model) may fit better. Check your manual to see whether your model is counter-depth or standard-depth before you commit to the space.

Level the refrigerator so doors close properly

A refrigerator that is not level will not close properly, and doors that do not seal let cold air escape. Most refrigerators have adjustable feet at the front corners. You can reach these from underneath the front of the unit. Turn the feet clockwise to raise that corner, counterclockwise to lower it.

Use a spirit level (a small tool that shows whether something is flat) to check the front-to-back tilt. Place it on a shelf inside the refrigerator, or on top of the unit. The bubble should sit in the center. Adjust the front feet until the refrigerator tilts very slightly backward — about 1/4 inch lower at the back than at the front. This slope is intentional: it helps water drain toward the back of the unit and into the drain pan, where it evaporates.

Check that the doors close smoothly and stay closed without swinging open. If a door swings open on its own, the unit is still tilted too far forward. Adjust the feet again and retest.

Connect water and ice lines if your model has them

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, you will need to connect it to your home's water supply. Locate the water inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator — your manual will show you exactly where. It looks like a small brass fitting with a threaded connection.

Turn off the water supply to your home at the main shutoff valve, or turn off the cold-water line under your kitchen sink if your home has individual shutoffs. This prevents water from spraying if you make a mistake. Attach the water line to the inlet valve using the connector and wrench provided in your manual. Hand-tighten first, then use the wrench to snug it another quarter turn. Do not over-tighten; you can crack the fitting.

Turn the water back on and check for leaks around the connection. Let the water run through the system for a few minutes to flush out any debris from the line. The first few batches of ice may taste off or look cloudy — this is normal. Discard the first two or three batches before you use the ice.

If you do not have a water line running to your kitchen, or if you prefer not to connect one, your refrigerator will work fine without it. You simply will not have ice or water from the dispenser. Some models let you remove the water line entirely; others have a plug you can install in its place. Check your manual.

Plug in and set the temperature controls

Use a dedicated outlet for your refrigerator — one that does not share power with other appliances. Refrigerators draw a lot of current when the compressor starts, and sharing an outlet with a microwave or toaster can trip a circuit breaker. If your kitchen does not have a spare outlet, ask an electrician to install one. Do not use an extension cord or power strip; these are fire hazards with refrigerators.

Plug the refrigerator in and listen for the compressor to start. You may hear a hum, a click, or a brief whooshing sound. These are all normal. The compressor may not start immediately — it can take a few minutes. Do not unplug and replug the unit; let it sit for at least 5 minutes before you assume something is wrong.

Once the compressor is running, locate the temperature control dial or digital display. Most refrigerators have separate controls for the fridge section and the freezer section. Your manual will show you what the settings mean — some use numbers (1 to 5, or 1 to 9), others use temperature ranges in Fahrenheit. Start with the manufacturer's recommended setting, usually around 37°F to 40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer. You can adjust these later once you see how cold the unit gets.

Let the refrigerator run empty for 2 to 4 hours before loading food

After you plug in your refrigerator, do not fill it with food right away. Let it run empty for 2 to 4 hours so the interior can reach the target temperature. If you load warm food into a warm refrigerator, the compressor has to work much harder and longer to bring everything down to safe temperature. Starting empty lets the unit reach its set point faster and more efficiently.

While you wait, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue from manufacturing and shipping. Check that all the shelves and drawers slide smoothly and sit level. Make sure the door seals close tightly all the way around — run your finger along the rubber gasket to feel for gaps or damage.

After 2 to 4 hours, place a thermometer on a shelf in the middle of the fridge (not on the back wall, where it is coldest). Wait another 30 minutes and check the reading. It should be between 37°F and 40°F. If it is warmer, adjust the control dial toward colder and wait another hour. If it is colder than 35°F, adjust toward warmer. Once the temperature is in the right range, you can start loading food.

Adjust shelves and organize before you stock food

Most refrigerator shelves are removable or adjustable. Before you fill the unit, arrange them to match how you plan to use the space. Put taller items like milk cartons or juice bottles where they fit without blocking air vents. Leave the bottom shelf or drawer for raw meat and fish — these should be stored separately from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Check your manual to see which shelves are adjustable and how to remove them safely. Some shelves slide out on rails; others rest on pegs or clips. Do not force a shelf — if it does not slide smoothly, you may have it in the wrong position. Once you have arranged the shelves, load food slowly. Overstuffing blocks air circulation and creates cold spots where some food stays warmer than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lay a refrigerator on its side during delivery?

Refrigerators should stay upright during transport whenever possible. If yours was on its side, stand it upright and wait 24 hours before plugging it in. This lets the refrigerant settle back into the compressor. If you plug it in too soon, you risk damaging the compressor.

What if my refrigerator does not have a water line connection?

Many refrigerators work perfectly without an ice maker or water dispenser. If your model does not have these features, or if you choose not to connect the water line, the refrigerator will cool and freeze food normally. You simply will not have ice or chilled water from the door.

How long does it take for a new refrigerator to get cold?

Most refrigerators reach their target temperature within 2 to 4 hours of being plugged in. Freezers may take longer — up to 24 hours. Do not load food until the fridge section has reached 37°F to 40°F. Check with a thermometer to be sure.

Do I need a dedicated outlet for my refrigerator?

Yes. Refrigerators draw high current when the compressor starts, and sharing an outlet with other appliances can overload the circuit. Use a dedicated outlet only. If you do not have one, contact an electrician to install one.

What should I do if the refrigerator is making loud noises?

Some noise is normal — compressors hum, and refrigerant moves through the lines with whooshing sounds. If you hear grinding, squealing, or rattling that does not stop after a few minutes, check that the unit is level and that nothing is loose inside. If the noise continues, contact the manufacturer's support line.