Measurements Matter, Especially with Home and Kitchen Appliances

[tweetmeme source=”plassappliance”]Wait, stop a minute, before you head off to shop for your new appliances, get out your tape measure and take your measurements. Measure your existing appliance and your appliance opening before you run out that door. These measurements are more important than you think and not having them at the appliance store with you, will leave you ill-prepared to make a decision. Here are some key measurements to consider for three free-standing appliances you may have in your home; refrigerators, ranges,  and laundry machines.

Refrigerators: When you’re about to shop for a new refrigerator knowing your allowable height, width, and the depth are very important. Refrigerators are manufactured in many different sizes. From standard depth, to counter-depth, to built-ins knowing the measurements of your existing refrigerator and refrigerator opening will help in selecting your new model. First, measure your width from counter to counter, or counter to wall. For free-standing units, refrigerators most commonly come in standard widths of 30, 33, or 36 inches. For built-ins, refrigerators can vary from 36, to 42, to 48 inches wide. Measure the height from the floor to the tip-top of the unit. If there’s a cabinet above the unit, take the measurement from the bottom of the floor to the bottom of that cabinet. Also, measure from the back wall to the front of the unit. Standard depth units run approximately 33 inches deep, counter depth units approximately 27 inches deep, and built-ins are built-ins, they’re flush with your cabinets, approximately 24 inches deep. Write your measurements down, study them, and do your research. Use these measurements to compare what units are currently available to your space requirements in order to narrow down your selection. This will prepare you better for when the time comes to visit the appliance store so you can select the right refrigerator for your home.