A mini fridge is a convenient appliance to have in any home, and it’s usually small and lightweight enough that it can be easily transported.
When purchasing a new mini-fridge, people always wonder how to transport the appliance without damaging it.
While some people recommend you only transport the mini fridge upright to prevent damage, transporting it on its side is another option.
We’ll go over whether it’s safe to transport a mini fridge on its side and what steps to take to prevent any potential damage.
Can a Mini Fridge Be Transported on its Side?
Yes, you can transport a mini fridge on its side. However, you will need to take some precautions to make sure that the fridge does not tip over or leak.
Unlike the large-sized refrigerator, the mini-fridge has the potential to be transported on its side without causing any major damage.
This is possible because the mini fridge is designed with a sturdy build that can withstand being placed on its side.
Additionally, many mini fridges have a special “lock” feature that helps to keep the door securely shut while the appliance is being transported.
Most experts agree that the best way to transport a mini fridge is by upright position. But if you don’t have enough space in your car, you can put the fridge on its side. This is not a big issue, and you can do it without problems.
Just make sure that the fridge is well secured and will not tip over or fall out of the vehicle.
If you plan to transport your mini fridge on its side, make sure to cover the appliance with something soft to avoid scratches. You should also strap down the fridge, so it doesn’t move around during transport.
However, it’s not recommended to keep your mini fridge on its side for extended periods of time as this can cause the compressor to overheat. So, once you reach your destination, make sure to put the fridge back in an upright position.
When transporting a mini fridge on its side, it is important to secure the fridge with straps or tie-downs. You should also avoid putting any heavy items on top of the fridge. If possible, it is best to transport the fridge in an upright position.
It’s not as easy as it seems. In order to safely transport a refrigerator, the appliance needs to be upright and balanced.
If you try transporting one on its side, it will likely tip over or slide out of position during transit. The best way to avoid damage is to empty the fridge completely and unplug it before transport.
For extra protection, you can also secure the doors with bungee cords or rope.
With a little care and preparation, you can safely move your mini-fridge without any problems.
Does a Mini-fridge Need To Be Transported Upright?
Mini fridges can be carried upright or on their sides.
Transporting a mini fridge on its side will not damage it but moving experts recommend transporting it in an upright position.
For fluids to return to their original location, you really should let your mini fridge stand up straight for at least one day before you plug it into the wall socket.
Also, prior to transport, make sure your mini fridge is completely empty.
The general consensus is that in order to prevent damage, it’s best to transport a mini fridge in an upright position. This will keep the appliance from tipping over or leaking during transit.
You should also empty the fridge and then unplug it, so it doesn’t wobble during transport.
For extra protection, you can secure the doors with bungee cords or rope. With a little care and preparation, you can safely move your mini fridge without any problems.
What Can Happen When a Mini fridge is Transported on its Side?
More than one issue can arise if your mini fridge is transported in a sideways position.
1. Fluid shifting
The worst-case scenario is that your mini fridge starts to lose efficiency, resulting in a broken refrigerator.
The reason is that when you transport the mini fridge on its side, the fluids shift around and may damage the compressor.
Chemicals such as coolant, lubricants, and oil are found in mini fridges. In a tilted position, fluids from your mini fridge could reach areas that could cause harm.
The most dangerous scenario is if oil leaks from the compressor and gets into the refrigerant lines, which is extremely likely.
Once you plug your mini fridge back in, the compressor will be stuck because oil is not a compressible chemical.
In order to allow the oil to return to its original location, leave the mini fridge upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.
2. Shelving can break
Also, the shelves can be disrupted and may break – that’s if you don’t take them out and place them separately while transporting the minifridge.
Mini fridge shelves are sensitive when transported. Even if you think the fridge can hold up, it doesn’t mean the shelves inside can.
This is another reason why it’s essential to unload the fridge before transport. It’ll give you an opportunity to clean the interior and make sure everything is in its place – especially the shelves.
Other issues that may arise
- The fridge could start to leak
- If you don’t unplug the mini fridge, it could overheat and catch fire
- Coolant lines could be damaged
- The compressor could come loose
For these reasons, it’s best to be careful if transporting your mini fridge on its side.
How Long Can a Mini fridge Lay on its Side?
A mini fridge can lay on its side for an indefinite amount of time without any damage.
The main concern would be if something was blocking the ventilation on the side that is now facing up. As long as the fridge can ventilate, it can lay on its side.
How Long Do You Wait to Plug in a Mini fridge After Moving it?
It’s best to wait at least 12- 24 hours before plugging in a mini-fridge after moving it.
This gives the fridge time to settle and prevents any damage from being done to the compressor.
It also gives the fluids a chance to return to their original location.
Since the fridge is full of liquids, plugging it in without letting it settle could cause them to leak and damage the fridge.
Also, this is unsafe because the liquids could come into contact with the electrical components of the fridge.
Can a Mini fridge Be on a Carpet?
No, the mini fridge should not be installed on top of a carpet.
Make sure you don’t put your fridge right on the carpet. Place a piece of linoleum or vinyl flooring between the carpet and the fridge.
Alternatively, you can put a solid wooden board, a plastic chair mat, or a movable adjustable base. This will help to prevent water damage to the carpet and promote proper airflow.
Technically, a mini fridge can be placed on a carpet, but it’s not recommended.
Carpets can impede the ventilation of the fridge and cause the compressor to overheat. It’s best to place the fridge on a hard, level surface.
Now you’re likely wondering if the mini fridge has to be on a level surface?
No, the mini fridge does not have to be on a level surface. However, it’s important that the fridge is stable and not tipping over. If the fridge is tipping over, it can cause the compressor to overheat and break.
The carpet is pretty close to a level surface though so you should be good but be sure to add some flooring between the carpet and fridge.
Tips on moving a mini fridge safely:
Some things to keep in mind when transporting a mini fridge on its side:
- Make sure the fridge is empty before moving it. This will make it lighter and easier to carry.
- Before you move the mini fridge, be sure to empty it of all food and storage containers and ensure the defrost tray is empty.
- Use a dolly or another hard level surface to move the fridge. This will prevent you from damaging the fridge or your back.
- Make sure you don’t walk or wiggle the mini fridge while transporting it, and if necessary, cover the floor with cardboard for additional protection.
- Be careful when going up or downstairs with the fridge. Take your time and don’t drop it!
- Have someone help you move the fridge. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- When placing the fridge into a vehicle, make sure the ventilation grilles are not blocked.
- Place a towel or blanket under the fridge to protect it from scratches.
- Secure the fridge with straps or rope to prevent it from moving around during transport.
- Make sure the fridge is in an upright position before plugging it in. This will prevent damage to the compressor.
There you have it! You now know everything you need to know about moving a mini fridge on its side.
Conclusion
There’s nothing wrong with transporting a mini fridge on its side as long as the fridge can ventilate.
While it’s best to transport the appliance in an upright position, you can lay it on its side for an indefinite amount of time without any damage.
Now you know everything you need to know about moving a mini fridge.
