How to Level a Refrigerator (With Leveling Feet or Rollers)

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Plus, how to level your fridge doors so they close properly

Co-authored by Aaron Beth

Last Updated: December 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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Leveling a Refrigerator

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Leveling Refrigerator Doors

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FAQs

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

A leveled refrigerator not only looks great in your home, but it also helps your refrigerator function properly. If your refrigerator isn't currently sitting evenly on the floor or isn't tilted at the proper angle, the good news is it's easy to level it yourself. This article will walk you through how to level your refrigerator step-by-step.

Leveling a Fridge at a Glance

Remove the front kick plate from the bottom of the fridge. Set a level on top of the fridge, then twist the feet by hand or with a wrench to raise or lower them so the level is centered. Set a level at the bottom of the fridge beneath the opening and adjust the front feet so they’re ¼ inch higher than the back feet.

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Section 1 of 3:

Leveling a Refrigerator by Adjusting the Legs

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Remove the grille from the bottom of the refrigerator. Loosen the screws holding the grille in place with a screwdriver and then pull the plate off straight toward you. If you can't find any screws, the grille is most likely held in place by clips. Pry those out of place and then pull the grille free.^{[1]
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- Consult your owner’s manual when you’re unsure how to remove the grille.
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Set a level on top of the fridge and adjust the feet until the level is centered. Leveling legs can be adjusted with a wrench or, in some cases, simply by turning them clockwise with your hand to raise them or counterclockwise to lower them. Rollers are adjusted by turning a bolt with a socket wrench. After every adjustment, check the level. When the bubble in the level is centered, that means the fridge is level from side to side.^{[2]
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- To adjust leveling legs: Ask a helper to push against the refrigerator doors to shift the weight to the back feet (this is the safest way to tilt a fridge).^{[3]
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  Research source} If that's not possible, slide a piece of cardboard near the leg you plan to adjust first. Next, set the bottom of a prybar onto the cardboard, hook it underneath the bottom of the fridge, and then tilt the fridge upward slightly.^{[4]
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  Research source} Either method will allow you to easily twist the leveling leg with your fingers or use an adjustable wrench to twist the leveling screw on both front legs until they reach the desired height.
- To adjust rollers: Ask someone to push against the fridge doors to shift the fridge's weight to the back feet. If you're working alone, leverage a prybar under the fridge to tilt it slightly upward. Next, twist the bolt next to each front roller using a socket wrench until the rollers are lowered or raised to the proper height according to your level.^{[5]
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Raise the front legs so the fridge is tilted front to back. Your fridge's front legs should sit at least ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) higher than the back legs to provide a tilt for coolant to flow properly and for your doors to shut by themselves. To check the tilt, set a level on the bottom of the fridge beneath the opening. If the level isn't centered, adjust each front foot until the bubble is exactly in the middle of the level. Lastly, reinstall the grille.^{[6]
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- On a fridge that's been properly leveled, you'll notice a slight incline running from the front of the top of the fridge to the back. Furthermore, when you look at the front of the fridge, the top will be level, not higher on one side. Finally, your doors will shut by themselves when left open.

Section 2 of 3:

Leveling Refrigerator Doors

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Adjust the alignment screws on the refrigerator doors to raise or lower them. The alignment screws are located at the bottom hinges of each door (you may need to open the doors and remove the front grille to access them depending on your refrigerator model). Twist the screw clockwise with an adjustable wrench to raise the door or counterclockwise to lower it.^{[7]
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- You'll know your refrigerator doors are properly aligned when there's no more than ¼ in height difference between them when the refrigerator is empty.^{[8]
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- Another sign of alignment is when your doors seal properly. After adjusting the doors, open and close them multiple times to ensure they close fully. If they don't, you may need to raise or lower one or both doors more until the seals no longer misalign.^{[9]
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Section 3 of 3:

Leveling a Refrigerator: Frequently Asked Questions

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How do you level a refrigerator on an uneven floor? Expert appliance technician Aaron Beth recommends placing a piece of thin plywood underneath one or more of your refrigerator legs (or wherever needed) to help it sit level on an uneven floor.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Aaron Beth
Refrigerator Technician

Expert Interview. 14 July 2022.}
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Does a refrigerator have to sit perfectly level? It's important for your fridge to sit as close to level as possible to ensure the coolant circulates and the doors shut properly. With that in mind, aim to make the front feet at least ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) higher than the back feet.
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How do you adjust the back feet on a refrigerator? In most refrigerators, only the front feet are adjustable. If your fridge model's back feet are adjustable, move the fridge out and open the back panel on the bottom. Then use an adjustable wrench to raise or lower leveling legs or a socket wrench for rollers.^{[11]
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How do I level a fridge on an uneven floor?

Aaron Beth
Refrigerator Technician
Aaron Beth is the founder of Aaron’s Refrigeration Company in New York City and a factory certified installer (FCI) for Sub-Zero products. He specializes in the service and maintenance of built-in refrigerators, wine coolers and ice machines. With over 54 years of experience, Aaron is the recipient of numerous Super-Service awards from Angie’s Lists and 2019 Best-of-the City.

Aaron Beth

Refrigerator Technician

Expert Answer

I would recommend putting thin pieces of plywood under your fridge until it's level.

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If you have an uneven floor, put a piece of plywood underneath the refrigerator to level it out.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Aaron Beth
Appliance Technician

Expert Interview. 14 July 2020.}

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Keep the front end of the refrigerator higher than the back. This helps the coolant drain, causing the refrigerator to work efficiently.

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Warnings

Tilting a refrigerator more than a fraction of an inch is dangerous. It should never be done alone. Have someone else tilt it very gently to the back so you can reach the legs.

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