A kitchen is the heart of every home, and having a reliable refrigerator is essential for keeping your food fresh. KitchenAid is a well-known brand that offers a range of high-quality built-in refrigerators. However, there may come a time when you need to remove your KitchenAid built-in refrigerator, either for maintenance or when replacing it with a new one. In this simple guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of removing a KitchenAid built-in refrigerator, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Gather the necessary tools
Before you start removing your KitchenAid built-in refrigerator, it is essential to gather all the necessary tools. This will help you complete the process smoothly and efficiently. You will need a few basic tools such as a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. Additionally, it is advisable to have a dolly or a hand truck to facilitate the transportation of the refrigerator.
Shut off the power supply
The first step before removing any electrical appliance is to ensure your safety by disconnecting it from the power supply. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box that controls the refrigerator’s power and turn it off. This will prevent any potential accidents while you are removing the unit.
Empty the contents and defrost the refrigerator
Before you can remove your KitchenAid built-in refrigerator, you need to empty its contents. Take out all the food, beverages, and any removable shelves or drawers. Once the refrigerator is empty, proceed to defrost it. To do this, turn off the cooling function and let the ice melt naturally. Placing towels around the refrigerator will help catch any water runoff.
Disconnect the water supply
Many KitchenAid built-in refrigerators come with a built-in water dispenser and icemaker. If your refrigerator has these features, you will need to disconnect the water supply before removal. Locate the water supply line, which is usually at the back of the refrigerator, and shut off the valve. You may need to use pliers to disconnect the water line from the refrigerator.
Detach the doors
To make the removal process easier, it is advisable to detach the refrigerator doors. Start by removing any decorative caps covering the hinges at the top and bottom of the door. Then, unscrew the hinges using a screwdriver or a wrench, depending on the type of screws used. Be sure to hold the door securely while removing the screws to prevent it from falling off unexpectedly. Once the hinges are removed, carefully lift the door off its hinge pins.
Remove the vent grille
At the bottom of the refrigerator, you will find a vent grille that needs to be removed. This grille is usually attached with screws or clips. Use a screwdriver or simply pull the clips to detach the vent grille. Removing the vent grille will give you access to the leveling legs and mounting screws, which need to be adjusted before removing the refrigerator.
Adjust the leveling legs
KitchenAid built-in refrigerators come equipped with leveling legs that help ensure stability and proper alignment. With a wrench, adjust the leveling legs as necessary to make the refrigerator level. This will make the removal process smoother and prevent any damage to the flooring.
Loosen the mounting screws
To secure the refrigerator in place, it is typically mounted to the surrounding cabinets using screws. Locate these mounting screws, which are usually at the top corners of the refrigerator, and use a screwdriver to loosen them. Take care not to completely remove the screws at this stage. Loosening them will allow you to detach the refrigerator from the cabinet.
Time to remove the refrigerator
With all the necessary preparations complete, it’s now time to remove the KitchenAid built-in refrigerator from its designated space. Get someone to help you with this step, as built-in refrigerators can be heavy and awkward to handle alone.
Use a dolly or a hand truck
To facilitate the removal process, place a dolly or a hand truck next to the refrigerator. Carefully tilt the refrigerator backward and slide the dolly underneath. Ensure that the refrigerator is securely strapped to the dolly before attempting to move it.
Move the refrigerator out
Slowly and steadily, start pulling the dolly backward, moving the refrigerator out of its designated space. Take extra precautions while navigating corners or narrow doorways to avoid any damage to the walls or the refrigerator itself. If needed, use furniture sliders or a cardboard path to protect the flooring.
Transport the refrigerator
Once the refrigerator is out of its designated space, carefully transport it to its new location or prepare it for disposal if necessary. Be gentle while moving the refrigerator to prevent any scratches or dents.
Conclusion
Removing a KitchenAid built-in refrigerator may seem like a daunting task, but by following this simple guide, you can do it yourself with ease. Remember to gather the necessary tools, shut off the power supply, and remove all the content and defrost the refrigerator. Disconnect the water supply, detach the doors, and remove the vent grille. Adjust the leveling legs and loosen the mounting screws, and finally, use a dolly or hand truck to remove and transport the refrigerator. By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently remove your KitchenAid built-in refrigerator whenever needed.