When you rearrange your kitchen or move into a new space, you might realize your fridge or freezer door opens the “wrong” way for your layout. Luckily, many models are designed with a reversible door swing so you can customize the opening direction to fit your needs.
How do I know if my fridge can open the other way?
Check your owner’s manual or look closely at the door hinges. If you see small plugs or “cap covers” on the opposite side to where the door hinge is now, that’s usually a sign your door is reversible. Most manufacturers also list this feature in the product specs.
Can I switch the swing on my fridge door myself?
If you’re comfortable with a screwdriver and have some patience, you can tackle this project yourself, but it’s useful to have a second set of hands. Many manufacturers provide step-by-step guides and videos to walk you through the process.
If you’d prefer to hire someone to do it for you, appliance service technicians can handle the reversal for you. On average, you can expect to pay $150–$200 for this service, depending on the brand and where you live.
Helpful how-to videos
Ready to tackle it yourself? Check out these tutorials give you a clear picture of what’s involved:
Will I be able to see the holes from where the screws were before?
When you move the hinges, the old screw holes don’t stay exposed. Manufacturers supply matching plugs or caps that cover them neatly, so your fridge maintains a clean, finished look.