Mason,

About 12 years ago we had our kitchen remodeled in our 1925 home in Northside. It's a very narrow galley-style kitchen, and it requires having a side-by-side refrigerator--there's not enough swing space for a full-door model. We dislike the side-by-side because you can't really fit anything of any size in either side, but at the time that was our best option. So now, the fridge is dying, and we've started looking at 3-door models with the freezer on the bottom.

This is great, except that we can't seem to find one that will fit into the space that our current 66-1/4"-high model tucks into. The kitchen cabinets were custom made, and we like them very much. Is it possible to shorten the cabinets that are just above the fridge to allow for a taller unit without having to entirely re-do the kitchen? Or should we just router out the floor where the fridge stands?

We have two kids in college right now, and aren't really prepared for a MAJOR overhaul...we just want to keep our groceries cold in a fridge we love! Also, is it advisable to purchase the refrigerator and start using it before we resolve the cabinet-fitting issue, or do we need to continue camp-style by keeping our perishables in coolers?

Help!

Cathy V.  Richmond, VA

Dear Cathy,

The newer French-door-style refrigerators are a great solution, aren't they?  Most major manufacturers are producing this style now, although I do not know of a model that's less than about 70" in height.

I would suggest modifying the cabinet above to accommodate this retrofit.  Depending on the conditions of the opening and the cabinet, this might be a relatively simple project (trimming off the lower frame filler) to more complex (rebuilding the bottom of the cabinet which would also likely entail making a new set of doors to fit). 

The best situation I can imagine would be for your original cabinet-maker (was it a local shop?) to agree to come out and do the work.  Otherwise, a very skilled carpenter should be able to attend to it.  Cabinet work demands the highest levels of carpentry skill and precision.  As well, the technician will need to be adept at matching old finishes, to make the modified cabinets appear as original.

I know you are chomping at the bit to get your new fridge.  It would be a good idea to find someone to do the work first, along with an assessment of what you're getting into.  If everything looks doable, you might continue with your purchase and plug it in elsewhere.

It's not just an appliance - it's an adventure!  Best of Luck!

Mason

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