Kitchen appliances have lots of flexibility for transport, but when your appliance keeps moving at will, it can be dangerous. How can you lock or unlock the wheels of a KitchenAid refrigerator? We've researched this question and found rather curious answers.
To lock the wheels of your KitchenAid refrigerator, you could put shims to lift them. Alternatively, you could adjust the levelers in the front of the refrigerator to lock or unlock its wheels.
The levelers in a KitchenAid fridge play an essential role. Please continue reading to see how they assist in locking or unlocking the wheels without damaging them.
Locking And Unlocking The Wheels Of A KitchenAid Fridge
Not all refrigerators have wheels that can help you reposition or relocate it when you want to do so. However, KitchenAid refrigerators have wheels or rollers, but they can move when you open or close the doors.
You'll need to adjust the levers that double up as legs to lock or unlock the wheels. To do this, follow these easy steps.
- Start by removing the base grille and brake foot covers to access the legs or levelers. You can remove it quickly using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Raise the levelers or brake feet to get the wheels or rollers on the floor. The manufacturer suggests turning the leveler to raise them. The raised levers allow the fridge to unlock and stand on the wheels or rollers.
- Lower the levelers, and make several turns to raise the refrigerator off its wheels. You've now locked the wheels, and the fridge will stay put.
- Remember to adjust evenly to stop the fridge from tilting to one side. Leveling the brake feet helps align the refrigerator doors if your floor is uneven.
- The ideal tool for most models is a 1/4 open-end wrench. However, some models have a wrench provided by the manufacturer.
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- If you don't want to raise or lower the brake feet, jam the wheels with shims to stop the fridge rollers from moving. Some shims have adhesive that will fix them firmly on the floor.
Have a look at these shims on Amazon
Here's a short tutorial on how to do this.
Adjusting A KitchenAid Fridge's Doors
After you have made sure your KitchenAid refrigerator won't take off, you might need to adjust the doors. Manufacturers intentionally leave the doors unregulated for appliance owners to regulate once they have them in their homes.
To adjust the doors, open them and turn the adjustment screw at the bottom of the door. You could use an ordinary open-end wrench or a hex key.
How To Safely Handle Your Refrigerator
You should adhere to safety precautions when handling a refrigerator. Every appliance manual has spelled out what to do and what not to. The main points to consider when adjusting, moving or cleaning a fridge are:
- Always have someone helping you because refrigerators are very heavy.
- Ensure you unplug the fridge to avoid electrocution.
- Cut the water supply for ice dispensing fridges.
- Protect your floor when moving the refrigerator.
Popular Types Of KitchenAid Refrigerators
Generally, refrigerators are classified according to heir style. You can choose a fridge to fit your kitchen decor. However, before you decide, scout around because they are costly appliances.
Homeowners have the following installation options to pick from:
Built-In Refrigerators
The built-in feature applies to side-by-side and French door refrigerators. They are wider and taller to compensate for the depth.
They can fit in with custom-made or standard cabinets. These refrigerators are a more permanent option because they are fixed to the wall. You can achieve a seamless look and open your kitchen area more.
Free-Standing Refrigerators
Most homeowners prefer free-standing refrigerators. These fridges can be placed in any available space with a socket and water supply outlet.
Almost all refrigerator styles available have free-standing options.
Therefore, you could pick a style of fridge you prefer from the following to suit the required installing option. Here are five refrigerator styles out there.
Bottom Mount Freezer
These are more traditional refrigerators with a freezer at the bottom. It leaves the upper half with more room for the fridge.
You'll find more compact options in the market. Additionally, you can have an upgrade, such as an ice maker.
Side-By-Side
This fridge style offers a practical pairing of fresh and frozen side-by-side. In most cases, the freezer side comes readily equipped with an ice maker and water dispenser.
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Although an array of options are available, the side-by-side refrigerators have narrow doors and fit perfectly in smaller kitchens.
Top Mount Freezer
A top mount freezer refrigerator is a reversed option of the bottom freezer version. It's a classic option, and you may find much smaller sizes.
It offers easy access to frozen items, and additional features are available for expensive ones.
Countertop-Depth
A countertop depth fridge might be what you need for a more streamlined look in your kitchen. The refrigerators don't protrude and are taller and broader than their counterparts.
Luckily for homeowners, they have all the standard features with some additional perks.
French Doors
French door refrigerators are similar to side-by-sides. The freezer is at the bottom in a pull-out drawer.
However, they are often larger and more spacious. The storage compartments are broader and easy to organize.
Please note that all the refrigerators mentioned above have wheels and are easy to move.
What To Look For When Buying A Refrigerator
It might seem trivial, but purchasing a kitchen appliance can be a considerable part of the family budget.
You have an idea of what kind of fridge you'd like in your home. But before you settle on any purchase, check the following pointers to see if your choice fits.
1. Energy-Saving
More and more homeowners want environmentally friendly appliances. An energy-saving fridge is a step in the right direction.
It will also help cut the energy bills while keeping your food fresh or frozen. Look at the information sticker to determine if your desired refrigerator is energy-saving.
2. Fits The Space
You should measure the available slot for the fridge and check if the models you like can fit there. Ensure you provide an inch extra to enable the fridge to slide in properly. Don't assume or use "eye measurements," because you might be disappointed when your appliance is delivered.
3. Features
Each refrigerator model has some extra features which will make it more appealing. These features might make you pay more for the fridge, so decide if you need them.
Features might also apply to the connections and supply lines. Ensure you have the correct ones installed.
4. Design
Refrigerators are enormous; if they don't suit the interior decor, they'll look obnoxious. No homeowner wants to stare at an ill-fitting fridge in a state-of-the-art kitchen. Please take some time to choose a more fitting fridge in your kitchen.
Which Brands Are Comparable To KitchenAid?
KitchenAid is a household name. Naturally, other name brands rival it. Refrigerators made by KitchenAid are durable and reliable.
Another household name brand that will give you the same quality is Whirlpool. It isn't surprising because KitchenAid is a company under Whirlpool that has been specializing in household appliances for over a century.
Other name brands that come close are Samsung, LG, GE, and Bosch.
What Is The Lifespan Of A KitchenAid Fridge?
The average lifespan of a KitchenAid refrigerator will depend on the model. Your KitchenAid fridge can last 14 to 17 years with proper maintenance and usage.
If you didn't buy a new refrigerator, you might want to ask the previous owners how long they've had it. Then deduct from the average lifespan to see how many more years of service you can get from it.
Are KitchenAid Refrigerators Affordable?
Brand new KitchenAid refrigerators can be costly. The brand is considered high-end. Basic models may be under $2000, while others can go up to $7,500 to $10,000.
Moreover, the most popular models fall between $2,000 and $3,000. But don't despair; you can enjoy massive discounts on KitchenAid refrigerators.
In Conclusion
You can rest assured that when you've unlocked the wheels of a KitchenAid refrigerator, you can conveniently move it. The locked wheels prevent injuries or food from falling out of the fridge when you open it.
Once your KitchenAid fridge is stationary, you won't think it is poltergeist!
Here are more posts for your perusal:
Does A KitchenAid Refrigerator Have A Reset Button?
How Long Before You Can Use A New Refrigerator?
