To measure for an undercounter refrigerator, you need more than the width of an empty cabinet. The finished opening, door movement and installation details all matter. A few careful measurements now can save an uncomfortable conversation after the cabinets arrive.
This guide helps you collect the information your dealer and installer need. The selected appliance’s specification sheet and installation manual remain the final reference for required dimensions.
Measure the finished opening
Record the clear width, height and depth of the opening where the appliance will sit. Measure in more than one place so you can spot an uneven floor or an opening that narrows toward the back. Record the smallest measurement rather than averaging the results.
Take height measurements from the finished floor to the underside of the countertop. If new flooring or a countertop is still planned, ask your contractor to confirm the final opening. Measurements taken before those finishes are installed can be misleading.
Separate cabinet depth from door depth
Decide what you want the front of the appliance to align with: the cabinet face, surrounding doors or another appliance. Then check the dimensional drawing for the selected model. Handles, door panels and a plug behind the appliance can affect the finished layout.
Do not push the appliance into a space that only fits on paper. Have the installer account for the connections and access described in the manual.
Draw the door swing
Sketch the appliance beside the neighboring cabinets, wall and island seating. Show the hinge side and the path of the open door. Include nearby handles that might meet the appliance door.
Ask whether the door opens far enough to use and remove the shelves or racks as intended. A refrigerator can fit inside its opening and still be awkward to use every day.
Check the requirements for the exact model
XO’s undercounter collection includes different appliance types and installation options. Do not transfer dimensions from one model to another because their names or nominal widths look similar.
Use the XO Document Finder to locate the matching specification sheet and manual. Review ventilation, electrical connections and the permitted installation location with your installer. If you are comparing an ice maker, also review its water and drainage requirements.
Bring this measurement sheet to your dealer
- Opening width at the front and back.
- Opening height from the finished floor.
- Available depth and planned front alignment.
- Nearby walls, cabinet handles and seating.
- Preferred hinge side and clearance for shelf access.
- Photographs of the opening and surrounding space.
- The exact model number and current installation documents.
Can I order from the nominal width alone?
No. A product described as a 15-inch or 24-inch appliance still needs its model-specific cutout and clearance requirements checked. Treat the size label as a way to narrow your search, then use the actual drawings to confirm the fit.
Find an XO dealer and review your measurements before placing the order. A shared plan between you, the dealer and the cabinet installer is the best starting point for a finished space that works.
Bring the idea home with XO.
Explore the XO collection, compare the specifications and find the right appliance for your space.
