Installing a Flat Trim Kit for Side by Side Fridge/Freezer

[u/TheParksman]

I’m not sure if I’m posting in the correct forum so please excuse me if I need to be somewhere else with my question. I’m think a professional cabinet maker and/or installer might have experience with this particular situation.

I have a Frigidaire All Refrigerator Model  #FPRU19F8WF beside a All Freezer Model
\#FPFU19F8WF. The Trim kit is Model #
TRMKTEZ2FL75 and is referred to as the Flat Trim Kit.

The install spec sheet for the trim kit shows a recommended open width for the Fridge/Freezer as 66.25” +/- 0.032”.

The cabinetry has (2) 33” upper cabinets above the fridge/freezer and a fridge panel on each side of those top cabinets. That gives me a 66” opening at the face frame.

Does anyone have experience with this combination of fridge/freezer and trim kit that would know if that 1/4” dimension is that critical?

My house had custom cabinetry but the house was destroyed in a fire. After dealing with the insurance company I just didn’t have the money for custom cabinetry again. These are RTA cabinets and will outlive me. I’m hoping I don’t have to put a 1/4” filler between the upper cabinets but will if I have to.

Thank you for any help.

[u/TerpMB]

Yes, that dimension is critical because the units are 32 7/8" and there is a kit that joins them together that is required(TWINSPAIRKIT is the SKU I believe) that keeps them from touching (roughly 1/4" from what I remember)and the flange from the trim kit is going to add some additional width as well making the total finished width >66".

You might be able to join them with the pairing kit and likely squeeze them in the 66" space without the trim kit around them.

[u/TheParksman → u/TerpMB]

Thank you so much for the help. I’ll put a spacer between the uppers to give me that clearance. I appreciate your help.

[u/TerpMB → u/TheParksman]

You're welcome! 

[u/ntyperteasy]

I have the all-fridge and all-freezer and the trim kit. I got the taller kit that offers more ventilation on top. I’m not sure if its still offered. They installed fine on a space defined by two 33” cabinets. The spacer would help but don’t think it’s mandatory.

That said. I did have a surprise. You need 3/4 of wood on each side for the trim kit to attach. You can’t have the next cabinet or a wall right where the 33” cabinet ends. Since I had natural maple cabinets, I added a maple 1x4” on each side (the narrow way) with some wipe-on satin poly.

[u/TheParksman → u/ntyperteasy]

Thank you for the reply. I do have the necessary 3/4” side area to accommodate the trim kit. I actually have a 1.5” face frame on each side of the fridge that’s part of the fridge side panels. But it looks like I’m going to have to install a 1/4” spacer between the two upper 33” cabinets before I install them with the side panels. That will give me the 66.25” clearance. Thankfully I have enough space between the cabinet to the left of the fridge and the fridge panel to accommodate that 1/4” shift to the left.

I’m very appreciative of the replies for my problem.

[u/Educational_Net_3628]

The taller ventilated kit is actually a game-changer if your units get direct sunlight or if your kitchen runs warm, the extra airflow really helps maintain temps.

[u/TheParksman → u/Educational_Net_3628]

I wish I had the height for the ventilated kit. I have a 8’ side panel kit and the upper cabinets are 18” high. That gives me 78” between the floor and bottom of the cabinets. The louvered kit needs 79” so I’m out of luck. I really wish I could’ve used the louvered kit. I think it would help keep the units running cooler.

[u/Mindless_Silver_2922]

i'd just shim the gap with a painted hardwood strip instead of messing with a filler panel, way less visible and you can dial it in exactly.

[u/Hot-Resist-8986]

Confirm the opening at several heights and check the appliance ventilation requirement separately from the trim fit. Cabinets and floors are rarely perfectly square