How to Reverse the Door on Your Fridge or Freezer

Have you ever wondered if you can change the side your fridge door opens from? Many New Zealand households ask this question when they move into a new home, renovate a kitchen, or simply find that the current swing direction is awkward. The process is called a fridge or freezer door hinge conversion, and it is surprisingly common. With the right fridge door conversion kit, most people can do the job themselves in under an hour.

Why Would You Change the Door Opening Side?

There are many reasons why reversing your fridge door might be the perfect solution:

• Kitchen layout: In tight spaces, the door may hit a wall or block cabinets.
• Ease of access: A left-hinged door may be inconvenient if your food prep area is on the right-hand side, or vice versa.
• Moving house: A fridge that suited one kitchen may not work well in another.
• Accessibility: Some families reverse doors to make the fridge easier for left-handed or right-handed members to use.

These are all situations that lead people to search online for things like “how to change fridge door from left to right” or “how to swap fridge handle sides.” The solution is almost always the same: use a genuine hinge conversion kit designed for your model.

Can You Reverse a Fridge Door Yourself?

The short answer is yes. Manufacturers such as Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Electrolux, and Simpson design their appliances with reversible hinges in mind. That means with the right kit and a bit of patience, you can do the job yourself. All you need are some basic tools (usually a screwdriver and possibly a socket wrench) and the correct parts.

A fridge door conversion kit typically includes replacement hinges, cover caps, and the brackets required to secure the door once it has been swapped. The exact pieces vary by model, but the idea is always the same — the kit provides everything you need to move the hinges from one side to the other so the door swings in the opposite direction.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reversing a Fridge Door

If you’re considering tackling this job yourself, here’s a general overview of the process. Always remember to check your specific manual, as each brand and model can have small differences.

1. Unplug the fridge: Safety first. Always disconnect the power before starting work.
2. Empty the door shelves: Remove drinks, jars, or anything heavy from the door to make it lighter and safer to handle.
3. Remove the top hinge cover: Depending on your model, you may need to pop off a small plastic cover to access the hinge screws.
4. Detach the top hinge: Use a screwdriver to unscrew the hinge and carefully lift the door off the bottom pivot.
5. Move the bottom pivot: Unscrew the base hinge or pivot and attach it to the opposite side.
6. Swap over handles and covers: Many models include handle brackets that need to be shifted. Small plastic plugs or covers will need to be swapped from one side to the other to keep the fridge looking tidy.
7. Re-attach the door: Place the door back on the new pivot, screw in the top hinge on the opposite side, and replace any covers.
8. Check the seal: Once reassembled, close the door slowly and make sure the gasket seals properly all the way around. A poor seal can waste energy and reduce cooling performance.

This process is straightforward, but having the correct kit makes all the difference. Using the wrong parts can leave your fridge unbalanced or prevent the door from sealing correctly.

Examples of Conversion Kits

For many popular models, conversion kits are easy to source. For example, if you own a Fisher & Paykel fridge and need to switch from a left-hand hinge to a right-hand hinge, you may require the Fisher & Paykel LH to RH conversion kit (05453). Likewise, if you own a Westinghouse, Electrolux, or Simpson model, you may need the Westinghouse and Electrolux door hinge conversion kit. These are just two examples — there are many kits available for different models.

How to Find the Correct Kit for Your Fridge

Because conversion kits are model-specific, it’s important to check compatibility before buying. There are two easy ways to do this on our website:

• Search by model number: Enter your fridge’s model number into our search bar and browse through the parts listed for your appliance until you find the conversion kit.
• Contact our team: If you’re not sure, send us your model number and we’ll identify the correct kit for you.

Both options ensure you receive the right kit the first time, saving you hassle and avoiding wasted costs.

Tips for a Smooth Conversion

Based on years of customer feedback, here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Lay a towel or blanket on the floor to protect your fridge and kitchen surfaces while handling the door.
• Have a second person help lift the door, especially on larger or double-door models.
• Keep all screws and covers in a small container as you go to avoid losing them.
• Double-check that the fridge sits level once the conversion is complete, as this ensures the door seals correctly.

Why Genuine Conversion Kits Matter

Some people attempt DIY fixes with spare screws or generic brackets, but this can lead to misaligned doors, poor seals, or even damage to the appliance. Genuine kits are designed for your specific model, ensuring the hinges line up perfectly and the seals remain airtight. This protects your food, saves energy, and extends the life of your fridge.

Final Thoughts

Reversing your fridge or freezer door is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to improve your kitchen layout. Whether you are renovating, moving house, or just want a more convenient setup, the process is straightforward with the right parts. By using a genuine fridge conversion kit, you can confidently change the hinge side and enjoy a fridge that finally works with your space instead of against it.