Question: What is a Right Hand Refrigerator & How Does the Door Open?

What way does a right hand refrigerator door open? How do I know which door opening to buy?

Answer: You will most often see right handed standard refrigerators on appliance displays. Unless the refrigerator has a built-in water or ice dispenser in it or through the door unit, the door is probably reversible, but you should confirm this before buying if the displayed door configuration is not suited to your kitchen format.

To simplify the set up of your new refrigerator, you can look for one that opens on the side that would be the most convenient for your kitchen area. Otherwise, you can follow the steps in your product manual for reversing the door. This is usually a simple procedure.

Side by side and french door refrigerators do not have reversible doors, and bottom freezer models may also not have this option.

For a visual, check the images to the right of this article.

A right hand refrigerator opens left-to-right with door hinges on the right. You would probably use your right hand to open it.

A left hand refrigerator opens right-to-left with door hinges on the left. Typically opened by the left hand.

To save steps and provide quick and easy transfer of food in and out of the refrigerator, always install the appliance with the door opening to the counter, workspace or range.