Discount Appliance Davenport

How to Measure for New Appliances

Buying a new appliance is exciting—until you get it home and realize it doesn’t fit! That’s why it’s so important to measure for new appliances before you buy. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or upgrading your space, careful measuring is the key to avoiding frustration, delivery delays, or returns. Here’s how to do it right:

Measuring wall for new appliance

1. Measure Height, Width & Depth (Twice!)

For any appliance, grab a tape measure and record:

  • Height: Floor to top of the appliance space
  • Width: Side to side (measure at multiple points—walls aren’t always perfectly straight)
  • Depth: From the back wall to the front edge of your counters or cabinets

Tip: Measure twice to confirm—better safe than sorry!

2. Consider Door Swing & Clearance

  • Refrigerators: Will the doors fully open without hitting a wall or island? Measure clearance for drawers, doors, and handles.
  • Washers/Dryers: Front-load machines need room for the door to swing open.
  • Ovens: Will the oven door open without blocking nearby cabinets?

3. Don’t Forget Pathways

Measure hallways, doorways, and staircases the appliance will need to pass through on delivery day. Tight corners or narrow hallways can be deal-breakers if overlooked!

4. Leave Space for Ventilation

Appliances need room to breathe:

  • Fridges: Leave 1″–2″ of clearance on the sides and back.
  • Dryers: Allow space for venting in the back.
  • Ranges: Some space around sides is often needed to prevent heat buildup.

5. Watch for Hidden Obstacles

Flooring thickness, baseboards, outlets, plumbing hookups—all can affect fit. Make sure to account for these when measuring.

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Only measuring the old appliance (spaces shift with flooring/cabinets!)
❌ Forgetting about door clearance
❌ Not checking delivery pathways
❌ Forgetting room for plugs, vents, or trim

Need Help? Ask the Experts at Discount Appliance!

At Discount Appliance, we’ll help you choose an appliance that not only looks great and works perfectly—but also fits your space. We carry discounted dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves and ovens, and washers and dryers. Our team is happy to answer sizing questions before you buy.

Visit us at 1161 E Kimberly Road STE A, Davenport, IA 52807 or follow us on Facebook for the latest deals on appliances that fit your home—and your budget!