Level a refrigerator so it stops rocking

Why a fridge needs to be level and tilted back

A refrigerator sits on two rear rollers and two front legs or rollers. The front ones adjust up and down, so you can make up for an uneven floor. When the fridge is level side to side and both front legs carry weight, it sits solidly and doesn't rock. Its doors and drawers line up too. On models with a door hinge adjustment, that's the last step, after the cabinet itself is level.

Manufacturers also suggest a slight tilt toward the back. Whirlpool and KitchenAid say the front should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch higher than the rear, and Samsung says a little higher for safety. That tilt uses gravity: a door opened about halfway swings back on its own and presses the gasket closed. A fridge that leans forward does the opposite, so the doors drift open, cold air leaks, and you may see frost or condensation. Check your owner's manual for your model, since the numbers and tools vary.

Why a fridge rocks or its doors won't close

Let's fix it

1. Check the level and find the problemSet a bubble level on top of the fridge, or on a flat glass shelf inside. Check it side to side first, then front to back. Next, press on each top front corner. If the fridge rocks, one front leg isn't touching the floor. Then open each door about halfway and let go. Whirlpool says a properly leveled fridge has doors that close on their own from about halfway. If the fridge rocks or leans sideways, go to Step 4. If it's level but the doors drift open, go to Step 5. If one door sits lower than the other, go to Step 6. If the door closes but cold air leaks, see our door seal guide.
   Done

   Something went wrong?

   • You don't have a level A free level app on a phone works for a quick check. Lay the phone flat on a shelf, not on a curved top.

   Enlarge

2. Take off the toe grilleYou can usually leave the fridge plugged in and in place, since you'll only work at the bottom front. Whirlpool's guide does say to unplug it, so do that if you pull it out or reach toward the back. Don't tip or rock the fridge to reach the legs; it's top-heavy. If it has to move, get a helper. Open the doors, since some grilles only come off with the doors open. Grip the toe grille, also called the kick plate or base grille, at both ends. Pull it straight toward you. Some snap on and some have two screws at the ends. Set it and the screws aside.
   Done

   Something went wrong?

   • The grille won't come off Look for screws at the ends or underneath. Don't pry hard; the plastic clips break easily.

   Enlarge

3. Find the leveling legs or roller screwsShine a flashlight under the front corners. Most fridges use one of two setups. Leveling legs are threaded feet that screw up and down under each front corner; some have a hex nut on the stem and some have a notch for a flat screwdriver. Roller models have front wheels, raised by a screw with a hex head, often pointing forward near the grille. GE's manual for one model calls for a 3/8 inch hex socket or wrench on the roller screws. Many models have both, with rollers for moving and legs that take the weight. Check your manual for the right size, or try a combination wrench until one fits snugly. Some legs turn by hand.
   Done

   Enlarge

4. Level side to side and stop the rockingStart on the low side. On GE, Whirlpool and Samsung guides, turning a front leg or roller screw clockwise raises that corner and counterclockwise lowers it. Some models work the other way, so watch the level as you turn. Fit the combination wrench snugly on the nut so it doesn't round off. Turn about a half turn, then check the level again. Keep going until the bubble is centered side to side. Then lower the high-side leg until it touches the floor firmly too. Press the top corners again; the fridge shouldn't rock. If a leg spins without moving the fridge, it's stripped or the foot is missing.
   Done

   Something went wrong?

   • The leg won't turn The weight may be on it. Lower the other front leg a turn to take some load off, adjust this one, then reset the other. Don't tip or rock the fridge to free it.
   • The wrench keeps slipping Try the next size down, or the box end of the wrench, which grips all six sides of the nut.

   Enlarge

5. Tilt it back slightly so the doors closeOnce the fridge is level side to side, raise both front legs the same amount. Turn each one about a half turn clockwise, then recheck. Whirlpool and KitchenAid suggest the front sit about 1/8 to 1/4 inch higher than the back. Samsung says to set the front a little higher than the rear for safety. On a level set front to back, the bubble should sit just slightly toward the back. Turn both legs equally so you don't undo the side-to-side setting. Then do the halfway door test from Step 1. If the doors still drift open, add a quarter turn to each leg. If they slam hard, lower each a quarter turn.
   Done

   Enlarge

6. Even up the doors and testLook at the tops of side-by-side or French doors. If one sits lower, check the bottom hinge for an adjustment screw. Whirlpool's guide says to turn it right to raise and left to lower. Samsung uses a 5/32 inch (4 mm) hex key in the hinge on some models. GE lists a 7/16 inch wrench for the door screw on one model. Make one or two turns, then close the doors and look again. When the tops line up, put the toe grille back on. Close each door on a dollar bill and pull; you should feel a tug. If you don't, see a refrigerator door not sealing. Stop if a hinge is bent or cracked.
   Done

   Something went wrong?

   • The door won't stay aligned The hinge may be loose or bent, often from heavy door bins. Lighten the bins and tighten the hinge screws; call a tech if it's bent.

   Enlarge

Watch it done

GE Refrigerator: Level Legs and Door ClosureBy HD Supply on YouTube. Their method may vary a little from ours.

Watch on YouTube

If it rocks or the doors open again

If the doors close but you still feel cold air or see frost, the gasket may be dirty, folded or torn. Our guide to a refrigerator door not sealing covers cleaning and replacing it. If frost keeps building inside, see freezer frost buildup.

If the fridge goes out of level again within weeks, check the floor under the front legs. A soft spot, a loose tile or a floor that flexes lets a leg sink. Put the leg on a solid spot or a hard floor protector pad. A new rattle or buzz after leveling can mean the fridge is touching a cabinet; see a refrigerator making noise.

If a leg spins without lifting, or the foot is cracked, order a replacement leveling leg by your model number. They usually cost about $10 to $30. The same idea, turning the feet until it's level and solid, is how you fix a washing machine that shakes, though a washer also needs its locknuts tightened.