ᐅ Plinth at the refrigerator and countertop above the refrigerator

Created on: 22 Jan 2014 19:37
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Nordkäppchen
N
Nordkäppchen
22 Jan 2014 19:37
Hello,

we bought an IKEA kitchen and now face a problem that wasn’t really clear to us before.

Here is the kitchen layout first:


Modern bright kitchen with oven, dishwasher and wooden countertop in 3D render


1. Problem: How do I secure the countertop above the refrigerator? Should there always be a small gap between the fridge and the countertop, or can it simply rest on it? I originally thought I would install a side panel next to the fridge, on top of which I would screw the countertop. But I have now noticed that on the right side of the fridge the side panel cannot be screwed on, only glued. I don’t want to do that. It’s unfortunate that we were sold a side panel without any indication of this.

2. Problem: The baseboard at the bottom needs to connect with the refrigerator legs. However, these are different from the Faktum legs, meaning the clips of the baseboard do not fit. Are there special clips for the Frostig refrigerator?

Are there any solutions for these problems, or only DIY workarounds?
I would be grateful for any tips!
N
Nordkäppchen
22 Jan 2014 22:34
Hi

Take a look at the assembly instructions here:

https://www.ikea.com/de/de/assembly_instructions/frostig-sc-einbaukuhlschrank__AA-499816-3.pdf

From page 12 onwards, the attachment of the refrigerator to the countertop is explained.
At the very top on page 5 of the manual, you can see the list of materials. Under F G you find the mounting brackets, which are first attached to the refrigerator, see position 2 on page 12.
On page 15, position 6 shows how the overhang on the countertop and side cabinets is screwed in place.

Regarding the plinth, I would imagine it does not need to be attached separately to the refrigerator. It should be enough if the plinth is clipped firmly into the cabinets on the left and right, since it is only 60cm (24 inches). For an 80cm (31.5 inches) wide cabinet body, there are also only two legs to fasten.
Just one question... is the refrigerator actually placed next to the stove?

Best regards
Nordkäppchen
N
Nordkäppchen
23 Jan 2014 07:49
Hello,

thank you for your great reply and the link! I have the Frostig SC136, but I think the process should be the same. If I understand you correctly, the refrigerator is screwed in firmly and flush with the countertop at the top (without any gaps). That’s how I would interpret the manual.

The refrigerator is on the far right, not next to the stove – that’s the issue with the plinth. If it were in the middle, I wouldn’t need to fix the plinth at the bottom, but unfortunately, it’s on the right, so if the plinth is not secured, it will eventually come loose.

The refrigerator itself is still a bit of a mystery: on the top and back, there is a kind of corrugated cardboard attached (labeled Pantene), which the manufacturer says must stay on, but the Ikea hotline says it must be removed. On one hand, it looks like cheap insulation, but it could also just be packaging material used to prevent damage during transport. Two experienced kitchen installers weren’t sure whether it should be removed or left on.
N
Nordkäppchen
23 Jan 2014 09:35
Hi

If the holes for the brackets on the top are covered, the cardboard definitely needs to be removed. I believe it is just protective packaging for transport.
If possible, I would simply attach the base with double-sided tape.

Best regards
Nordkäppchen
I
IKEA-Experte
23 Jan 2014 09:59
If there are any drill holes. The illustration in the installation manual could also show that the refrigerator is pushed 42 mm (1.7 inches) back into the niche, with the brackets mounted beforehand to the adjacent cabinets and countertop. You really need to have the appliance in front of you to interpret this correctly.

I have never seen packaging material completely glued to an appliance.

To what extent should the base stand out?

I would prefer installing a side panel to the right of the refrigerator.
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Nordkäppchen
23 Jan 2014 12:29
If there are any drill holes at all.....

I’m not familiar with this refrigerator, but the brackets F and G shown look like the ones on page 12 of the assembly manual:

https://www.ikea.com/de/de/assembly_instructions/frostig-sc-einbaukuhlschrank__AA-499816-3.pdf

The holes on the top are probably for securing the brackets, or
I assume the refrigerator must be fixed somehow, otherwise it would move every time you open the door... the 42mm (1.65 inches) likely refers to the refrigerator door front to ensure everything closes flush.

If in doubt, I would go to Ikea again, find a consultant, and have the installation explained directly on a unit. It’s also a good idea to take some pictures of your own appliance and ask about the purpose of the cardboard.

Best regards
Nordkäppchen