undercounter freezers and ventilation gap

matty2767

I have just had a new undercounter freezer delivered. it is the first time we haven't had a fridge freezer so we are new to them as it were. the thing is we wernt told that they need a ventilation gap of 5cm between the top of the freezer and the underneath of the worktop. the manual recommends cutting a hole in the worktop but I don't really want to do this as we will lose the worktop space. the gap I have it in isn't a tight fit. it has a 3cm gap along the top and 2cm down the sides.

can anyone give an opinion as to whether this will give a similar gap as the recommendations? or if we do need to cut the hole

thanks a lot

matt

never_enough

I have only ever had a vent in the work surface above the fridge & freezer in one of my kitchens. The rest have just had a gap all around the appliance. I've never noticed it being a problem, but maybe they did have to work harder to keep cool? I guess if there is good ventilation in the room/house the air should circulate anyway, so hot air shouldn't build up above the fridge.

kwatt

Hi Matty,

Yes you will need to vent it correctly. Most appliances need air and this is especially so with cooking products, dryers and refrigeration.

The reason in this case is that, if there is not enough airflow, the compressor will overheat and trip on the thermal overload. Using it not properly vented for a period of time will almost certainly cause early failure of the compressor. This could happen in a few weeks or a few years.

It can also cause other problems, such as ice build up, insulation failure and general temperature stability issues. None of which are good news.

As with all appliances, if it isn't installed correctly and it does fail then the manufacturer can refuse any warranty claim as it isn't their fault that the machine wasn't fitted in accordance with their instruction so it can invalidate any warranty as well.

All in all, I'd install it correctly.

HTH

K.

Loobysaver

I had the same problem too. I had a brand new kitchen fitted and ordered a new fridge and freezer which fitted lovely in the gap. It was only when reading the manual that I realised that there was supposed to be a bigger gap.

I have probably got the same size gaps as you. My freezer is 6 years old now and still working ok (touch wood). The only thing I have noticed is that when I pull it out to clean it etc there is some dampness/condensation on the sides.