How to Reverse the Door Swing on a Top Freezer Refrigerator

How to Reverse the Door Swing on a Top Freezer Refrigerator

Changing the side your refrigerator door opens from can make your kitchen more convenient and accessible. Many top freezer refrigerators are designed with reversible doors, allowing you to move the hinges and handle from one side to the other. With a few tools and some patience, you can complete this adjustment yourself.

Safety First

  • Unplug the refrigerator before starting.

  • Remove food from the doors to make them lighter and easier to handle.

  • Have a second person help you hold the doors if possible.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Screwdriver set

  • Nut driver or socket set

  • Putty knife (optional, for prying covers)

  • OEM replacement hinge kit (if needed)

Step 1: Remove the Top Hinge Cover

  1. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the top hinge cover.

  2. Set the cover and screws aside in a safe place.

Step 2: Take Off the Freezer Door

  1. While holding the freezer door in place, remove the top hinge screws.

  2. Carefully lift the freezer door straight up off the center hinge.

  3. Place it on a soft surface to avoid scratching.

Step 3: Remove the Refrigerator Door

  1. With the freezer door out of the way, unscrew and remove the center hinge.

  2. Lift the refrigerator door straight up off the bottom hinge and set it aside.

Step 4: Move the Hinges to the Opposite Side

  1. Remove the bottom hinge assembly from its current side.

  2. Reinstall it on the opposite bottom corner of the refrigerator.

  3. Repeat for the center and top hinges, moving them to the opposite side.

Step 5: Switch the Handles and Plugs

  • Many refrigerators have screw covers or plugs where the handle and hinge screws go.

  • Use a putty knife or screwdriver to gently pop out the plugs.

  • Reattach the handles on the opposite side and insert plugs into the old holes for a clean finish.

Step 6: Reinstall the Doors

  1. Set the refrigerator door onto the bottom hinge and secure it with the center hinge.

  2. Place the freezer door on the center hinge and align it with the top hinge bracket.

  3. Secure the top hinge and reinstall the hinge cover.

Step 7: Test the Door Alignment

  • Plug the refrigerator back in.

  • Open and close both doors to ensure they seal tightly and align correctly.

  • Adjust hinge screws if needed to improve the fit.

Reversing the door swing on your top freezer refrigerator can dramatically improve kitchen flow and usability. Always use OEM hinge kits and handles to guarantee a proper fit and long-lasting reliability. 

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Visit PRS Parts Inc. at 540 Lagoon Dr. for authentic appliance replacement parts and expert repair assistance.

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