Fridge top insulation

[fred1diver]

Hello all,
We did a lot of work on our countertops this season, but one thing we keep noticing is that the area above the fridge is always wet from condensation.

what would you all recommend to insulate the inside top of the fridge?

I was thinking of reflectix, what do you think?
Or I also thought of adding a foam board lined with thin plywood and Formica to add to the top of the counter but that means I would loose space.
So I do not know how to proceed, please give me guidance on this

thank you in advance

 

[Tally Ho]

I keep a piece of Reflectix, cut to snugly fit in the top of my fridge opening (actually a bit larger than the opening) and find it really helps to reduce or eliminate the condensation around the opening. It isn’t too hard to move it aside for a quick “reach in” or to remove it when loading or removing a bunch of stuff.

Greg

 

[fred1diver]

The opening is not having any condensation, it is behind the opening, on the counter itself that is causing trouble

 

[dmax]

You need to add some foam like you said, as much as you can tolerate. Use closed-cell foam (a little higher R Value vs. open cell). Or, for the ultimate solution, go with a vacuum panel, R 40 per inch! Since you only need a small piece for the top of the fridge it wouldn't be too expensive: RPARTS.COM - Vacuum Insulation Panels - Powerful Ecommerce Shopping Cart

 

[Tally Ho]

a bigger piece of Reflectix, to cover the whole fridge top?

Greg

 

[LLoyd B]

Since Reflectix is non metallic I'm guessing it's mostly non conductive so 1/4 inch sheet of that glued to the bottom of the countertop should prevent heat transfer from the top of the countertop, bubble wrap would probably also work. Just a guess

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I usually covered the countertop with neatly placed towels when I left the boat. When I came back they would sometimes be damp from condensation (depending on the weather). Now, I have a custom-cut yoga mat to cover the entire counter area over the fridge. It keeps everything dry and it actually makes it very handy place to put things down so they don't slide around when the boat is in motion. I usually toss my winch handles there when I leave. The plus side of the yoga mat is that I can just fold it back when I want to open the fridge and it falls right back in place when I close the fridge. If I really want it out of the way, it rolls up and I can just stow it somewhere.

I don't think it has much insulation value but it does keep things dry. You can double up yoga mats if you want to add thickness. I find that it is a perfect counter cover with a nice cushioned feel and it looks as nice as you want to make it. I didn't want to add insulation on the underside that would always be damp, messy and take up fridge space.

 

[Tally Ho]

Scott’s idea of putting some folded towels on the counter is good. I have done that too.

But when put some Refexite in the top of my fridge, my condensation problem went away…


Greg