The expert’s guide to seamless fridge, freezer, and dishwasher installation

One of the hallmarks of a luxury, modern kitchen is the completely seamless, uncluttered look achieved by hiding appliances behind matching cabinet doors. However, integrated appliance installation is a precise art. If done incorrectly, doors won’t align, hinges will fail, and the whole kitchen will look cheap and function poorly. This job is a perfect example of why you need a professional fitter with a keen eye for detail and the necessary carpentry skills.

1. Understanding integrated hinge mechanisms

The key complexity in integrated appliances lies in the hinge mechanism that links the cabinet door to the appliance door.

• Fixed hinge (door-on-door): The appliance door is directly attached to the cabinet door via a set of fixed hinges. When the cabinet door opens, the appliance door opens with it. This is the most popular, simple, and reliable method, but requires meticulous alignment during the fitting.
• Sliding hinge (runner system): The appliance has its own hinge mechanism, and the cabinet door is attached to the appliance door via sliding runners. When the cabinet door opens, the runners allow the cabinet door to slide across the appliance door. This is often used for heavier or older appliances but can feel less secure than the fixed hinge.

Fitting an integrated fridge freezer door: The precision challenge

The most common issue a fitter faces is the integrated fridge-freezer door, particularly when matching a split door (fridge above, freezer below) to a cabinet unit.

• Split ratio and hinge points: The fitter must measure the exact split ratio required by the appliance (e.g., 70/30) and mark the corresponding hinge points on the cabinet door with laser accuracy. Incorrect marking means the doors will never align perfectly with the surrounding units.
• Ventilation is vital: Fridge-freezers generate heat and need constant ventilation. The fitter ensures that the cut-outs in the kickboard (plinth) and the top of the cabinet are clear and sized correctly. Ignoring these ventilation gaps (often 50mm to 100mm) traps heat, forces the appliance compressor to work harder, and drastically reduces the appliance’s lifespan.
• Final alignment: After securing the appliance and fitting the door, the fitter meticulously adjusts the hinge screws until the gap around the cabinet door is perfectly uniform—typically 2-3mm—matching every other door in the kitchen.

Dishwashers and utility connections

When tackling dishwasher installation problems, the fitter must also consider plumbing and level.

• Levelling and tilt: Dishwashers must be perfectly level to drain correctly. The fitter uses a spirit level and adjusts the screw-feet to ensure no water remains in the sump.
• Utility routing: Before pushing the unit into its final home, the fitter ensures all water inlet/outlet pipes and electrical cables are routed through the correct service cut-outs at the back of the cabinet, avoiding kinks or pressure points that could lead to leaks or electrical faults over time.

Why hire a kitchen fitter with Rated People?

Integrated appliance fitting is a specialist job where the margin for error is zero. You need confidence that your fitter possesses carpentry, plumbing, and electrical awareness.

• Verified skills: Rated People connects you with professional fitters who have the demonstrated experience and reviews for integrated kitchens.
• Peace of mind: You reduce the risk of structural damage, ensure flawless aesthetic alignment, and guarantee proper ventilation—all vital for preserving the appliance warranty and your home insurance.
• Trusted reviews: You can view testimonials from homeowners whose appliance doors are now perfectly aligned, ensuring your new kitchen achieves that expensive, seamless look.

Trusting a professional to handle these details guarantees the seamless, high-quality finish you expect from a new kitchen.

With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.