Built In Bar Fridge: Height, Size and Ventilation Guide

A built in bar fridge looks neat, but not every bar fridge is designed to be built in. Fit the wrong one and it will overheat, run noisily and wear out early. This guide explains how to choose and measure a bar fridge for an under bench or joinery installation.

Front venting is the key feature

Every fridge has to dump heat. Rear-venting models push it out the back and need open space around them. A built in or under bench bar fridge should be front breathing, which draws and expels air through a grille at the bottom front, so it works when enclosed on the sides, top and back. If the product description does not say front venting, assume it needs clearance.

How to measure bar fridge height

Check three measurements before you order:

• Opening height: measure from the floor to the underside of the bench, at the lowest point.
• Opening width and depth: include any skirting, plumbing or power points that reduce the space.
• Fridge dimensions: use the width, depth and height listed in the specifications on each product page.

Kitchen and bar benchtops are commonly around 900 mm high, but joinery varies, so always measure your own space rather than assuming. Allow a few millimetres either side for fitting, and remember that adjustable feet add height.

Allow for the door and for power

Check the door swing, especially next to walls, appliances or a corner, and look at whether the door can be reversed. Make sure a power point is reachable without squeezing the plug behind the fridge, where a kinked cable can be a hazard.

Ventilation clearance

Even front-breathing models have manufacturer-specified clearances. Follow them exactly. Our example, the Schmick SK156R-HD, is a quiet running, front venting under bench glass door model designed for this type of installation.

Single or double door under bench

A single door unit suits a narrow gap in a bar or kitchen. A wider under bench unit gives you more capacity and display. Browse single door bar fridges and double and triple door bar fridges for under bench options.

Built in wine and beverage fridges

If you want wine and drinks at different temperatures in one cabinet, look at a dual zone model. Our wine and dual zone beverage fridges include under bench units suitable for cabinetry.

Checklist before you buy

• Front venting confirmed.
• Opening height, width and depth measured.
• Door swing and power point checked.
• Manufacturer clearances allowed for.

Need more help choosing? Read our bar fridge buying guide.

Built in bar fridge FAQs

Can any bar fridge be built in?

No. Only front-breathing models are designed to be enclosed on the sides, top and back. A rear-venting fridge needs clear space around it, so check the listing before you build it into cabinetry.

How much space should I leave around a bar fridge?

Follow the clearances in the manufacturer's instructions. They differ between models, and ignoring them can cause overheating, noise and a shorter fridge life.

What height is an under bench bar fridge?

It varies by model, so check the height in the specifications on each product page and compare it with the measured opening under your bench, allowing for adjustable feet.