How to Extend the Size of a Built in Wire Refrigerator

Extending the size of a built in wine refrigerator can prove to be a difficult task, especially if you have never done it before. Here are a materials and tools that you will need, along with a few steps that can help guide you through the process.

Before beginning this project, make sure that the fridge is unplugged and isn't attached to any electricity while working. You want to keep yourself and your fridge safe and working.

Step 1 - Remove Fridge

Although the fridge is built in, typically you will be able to remove it from the area or counter space that it is attached to. The first thing you will want to look for is a panel along your counter or cabinet. If it is attached, then you will need to remove the panels as well as the screws that are holding it together and then take the fridge out of the area. If not, then you you can just pull the fridge out of its space and work on it that way. many times they will have wheels. If not, you might want to consider putting something down on your floor so that it doesn't get damaged when moving it back and forth.

Step 2 - Install Expansion

Now you can use a saw to cut out even sections from both the top of the fridge and the bottom. Then, measure out insulation as well as plywood so that together they are the same thickness of the top and bottom. Also, choose a length that you are comfortable with. While you do want to expand the fridge, you don't want to do it too much so that it doesn't fit back into the same spot and look bad.

Once you have cut the pieces out with a saw, you can use a drill to insert them into the spots. You will want the insulation to go in and then the plywood on top of it. This way, you will still have the same effect of the fridge and won't loose any of its chilling factor. Then, make sure that everything is secure so that no air is getting in or out.

Step 3 - Replace Fridge

Once you have finished with the expansion, you can replace the fridge where you removed it from. Since you are making it bigger, you may want to consider cutting further into the wall so that it doesn't stick out further now. If this doesn't bother you though, you can replace the fridge back where it came from and allow it to stick out a little bit. Now that it is in place, you will want to consider replacing the shelves to make them bigger as well. If you want to keep it that way and just have the bottom shelf bigger, then that is fine. Or you can go to a hardware store and purchase shelves that are longer to allow you more space.