Fit a matching kitchen door panel to an integrated fridge-freezer using its sliding fixing brackets, correctly aligned and adjusted.
FD-01Check the parts and read the fixing kit instructionsEvery integrated fridge-freezer uses a slightly different bracket system, so check the fixing kit leaflet that came with the appliance or the door panel before starting. Lay out the sliding brackets, screws, spacers and plinth clips so you can see what you have. Confirm the decor panel is the right height and width for the appliance aperture, matching your other kitchen doors.
FD-02Unplug the appliance and pull it forwardSwitch off and unplug the fridge-freezer at the socket before you touch any fixings. Gently pull the appliance forward out of its housing on its feet, keeping the door shut, so you have room to work. Do not disconnect any plumbed water line unless you know how to isolate it.
FD-03Remove any temporary or old panelIf the appliance came with a plain foil-faced panel or you're swapping an old decor door, unscrew it from the fixing brackets and set it aside. Check the brackets themselves for damage or missing screws before reusing them.
FD-04Check the panel against the weight and size limitEvery integrated appliance has a maximum door panel weight, usually stated in the manual, because the hinges and closing mechanism can't cope with an over-heavy door. Weigh or check the spec of your kitchen door panel against this limit before fitting it. A panel that's too heavy will sag, fail to close properly, or strain the hinges over time.
FD-05Fit the sliding fixing brackets to the appliance doorScrew the top and bottom sliding brackets to the appliance's inner door face using the screws supplied, sitting them in the slotted holes so they can still move up, down, left and right. Don't fully tighten yet — you need this play to align the panel in a later step.
FD-06Attach the decor door panel to the bracketsRest the decor panel against the appliance door and locate it onto the sliding brackets. Fix it using the small screws provided, driving them into the back of the panel — these are short screws meant for chipboard or MDF, not for masonry or stud walls, so don't substitute wall fixings here.
1 each · Decor door panel (matching kitchen style)
FD-07Align the gaps and adjust the sliding bracketsWith the panel loosely fitted, close the appliance door and check the gap around the panel against neighbouring cabinet doors — aim for an even 3-4mm gap all round. Slide the brackets left, right, up or down through their slots to correct any unevenness, then tighten all the bracket screws fully once you're happy.
FD-08Fit the plinth panel to the baseClip or screw the matching plinth panel to the brackets at the bottom of the appliance, following the same alignment approach as the door. Check it sits flush with the kitchen plinth run either side.
FD-09Fit the door handleMark handle hole positions on the panel using the manufacturer's template or by matching the height of your other kitchen door handles. Drill pilot holes through the panel face only — never drill into the appliance door itself, as this can pierce the insulation or damage internal parts. Fit the handle with the bolts supplied.
FD-10Adjust the hinges, feet and check the door sealOpen and close the door several times to check it swings freely and self-closes over the last few degrees without catching on neighbouring units. Adjust the appliance's levelling feet with a spanner if the door doesn't sit square, and check the rubber door seal touches evenly all round with no gaps.
FD-11Slide the appliance back into its housingPush the fridge-freezer back into place slowly, checking the new panel doesn't catch on the cabinet frame. Leave the manufacturer's recommended clearance gaps at the back and sides for ventilation — check the manual, as blocking these can make the appliance run hot and less efficiently.
FD-12Reconnect and testPlug the appliance back in and check it's running. Open and close the door a final time to confirm the panel still aligns correctly once the unit is back in its housing, then tidy away packaging and offcuts.
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