Integrated Fridge/Freezer ventilation

[solo2]

How much is needed?

My previous unit died prematurely because I was told that I had not put in any ventilation from the bottom to the top. So now I hve bought a replacement unit I do not want the same happening again.

Not sure if I was unduly frightened but the guy said I need to put in a vent on the kick plate under the built in cupboard. Cut some slots in the base at the back and again some more in the top as the built in cupboard sits flush with the wall at the back and no air can pass around it and dispurse the heat unless I do.

Is this right? How much is really needed? And if this is the case why are the built in cupboards that are made specifically for integrated units not already cut for ventilation?

[Blakeatron]

only on the cheapest possible integrated units do you need a vent in the worktop.

you need a small air gap at the rear of the unit - 12mm+ (ideally 20mm)

and yes you need to cut the kicker to suit the front of teh machine - there should be instructions in it!

[Simpo Two]

Does the unit not have installation instructions which show this?

[LordFlathead]

Simpo Two said:

Does the unit not have installation instructions which show this?

This. Always read the installation requirements. The amount of appliances I have seen which are ruined because vents have not been fitted by so-called reputable kitchen companies. If it is a Miele integrated then it requires a 200cm squared vent at the front and a vent of some description at the rear/top of cabinet on full sized appliances (does not apply to under counter and or wine coolers).

Not having these vents will not normally hinder performance until the summer, but either way it reduces the life expectancy as the compressor is running more trying to keep the unit cool when it becomes to hot due too the ambient thermostat on the rear of the unit.

[solo2]

There probably was instructions with the first one when it was new, but my ExH always knew better. Or not as the case may be...

This time around I've had no choice but to buy a secondhand identical model which of course does not come with instructions, and being some years out of production now I somehow doubt I'll be able to find any else where.

It's a Bosch KIM29473GB if that helps at all

Edited by solo2 on Friday 23 March 21:56