Undercounter fridge - cutting ventilation slot in worktop

pinkteapot

I need a new undercounter fridge and am eyeing up a Bosch model. However, in a couple of customer reviews that I've read it says that you should cut a ventilation slot in the worktop above, per the instruction manual.

I've never heard of a free-standing undercounter fridge needing this. Has anyone else ever done it? I don't even know how I'd go about cutting holes in my worktop! And I don't want to make a complete mess of the worktop.

The model is the Bosch KTR18P20GB but I haven't been able to find the instruction manual online to see what it says (whether the slot is necessary or recommended).

keith969

Funny that, I have the exact same model (KTR18P20GB, nice fridge btw) under the kitchen worktop between two units. There is no vent in the worktop and only about a 0.5cm gap between the top of the fridge and the worktop, but it doesn't get at all hot.

Now it says in the instruction manual that you should fit a ventilation grille above the fridge, but I obviously didn't read that when I put it in... :rotfl:

It's been there 2 years and works fine.

pinkteapot

Just looked around and one site selling it has a Q&A including 'do you need a ventilation slot?' Answer there is that better ventilation extends the life of any fridge and so long as it has small gaps around it then it should be fine. We'll have 2cm either side and about the same at the top so think I'll take my chances rather than attempting to hack at my worktop.

And yes - trust me to like about the most expensive fridge at the retail park. Loving the pull-out drawers though - no more scrabbling around to find the smelly out of date food at the back of the fridge.

HappyMJ

Another option is to cut a hole in the side panel of the adjoining cupboard and install a low powered fan to move the heat around. If you don't do it technically the warranty is invalid.

keith969

You can tell if it's not ventilated enough as the motor will be on for long periods as it's got to work harder.

pinkteapot

Hmm not sure I'll be installing a fan either.

Got a Bosch tall fridge freezer that was a hand-me-down from mum when I moved out of home and must be at least 10 years old now. Since moving here last August it's been in the garage as we don't have space for a tall one and it worked fine throughout that shockingly cold winter we had. Fingers crossed this one is as hardy even if not properly ventilated. I'll see what it says about the worktop but I don't have a jigsaw so not sure how I'd cut through it.

When we moved in we bought the cheapest Proline fridge there was as the original plan was to replace and redesign the kitchen. Since decided not to change the kitchen and at 13 months old the Proline has started making a shocking noise while the motor is running. Would never buy one again. Or maybe it's not well ventilated enough.

27col

We've had the same Hotpoint fridge, with only a 20 mm gap at the top and virtually no gap at the sides, under the worktop for over 30years, without any adverse effects whatever.

peediedj

i have under counter fridge and freezer and neither has a counter vent,mind you the freezer packed up about 2 months ago , i defrosted it and it never froze since then just makes a noise and notihng else

pinkteapot

Also ordered this afternoon from Appliances Online with free next day delivery and Quidco.

Apparently it's coming tomorrow 7am-noon (did pay extra to specify morning rather than a 12 hour delivery slot).

Will be dead impressed if so - ordering on a Sunday for next day Monday delivery is pretty cool. Have Amazon Prime and can't even get them to deliver on Mondays as they don't do weekend dispatch.

I have a fitted bedroom being put in tomorrow while I have some painting to do so the ventilation headache will have to wait. I'm sure a short period of sub-optimal ventilation won't hurt it.

Thanks for the advice. I know virtually every trade among my circle of friends but not a carpenter. Will ask around though - guessing someone will have a jigsaw.

pinkteapot

Thanks Andrew. Strangely they didn't mention the fact that you will get a delivery slot if you leave it open - I just thought it was literally one of those all day ones. Oh well, it's only £9.99 and they were still £40 less than anywhere else.

27col

If you must make a ventilation slot it would be much easier to drill a couple of holes and find circular ventilation grills to fit in them.