In all the the places i lived in the gap equaled 1.5 to 2". Whether this was an ideal gap or excessive i don't know. This is an interesting question in the sense that we just brought a brand new frig and in all the literature that came with it the manufacturer didn't list any recommended gap. Geez. But i gave it a 1.5" gap anyway

1" or 2" is normally enough. You should be able to look up the installation instructions for that particular model online. I often put a 2" recess in the wall where the fridge will go.

Hmmm, Curt. The last few I looked up on line all had clearances listed. Oddly enough, one discontinued model from last year said 1" and this year's almost identical model said 2". I doubt they have it down to an exact science. It is still more about total airflow from all directions, where 2" would be a worst case scenario with panels on both sides of the fridge.....I think.

Fred, i no doubt you found them on-line, but why didn't the lit that came with our frig say the clearance. The frig came with more literature (seriously) than what comes with buying a new car

Yeah, i read stories like that here in the states. If the engineer's recommend the best (in no matter the field, can be frigs to cars to stoves to you name it) and if they are wrong then the company opens themselves to all kinds of lawsuits. By not recommending nothing the end user is the fault of premature demise of appliance(s).

Well anyway, the back wall of the frig should be an exterior wall. On the exterior side of this wall it should be shaded so it is relativity cooler (heat from frig coils being released will naturally travel to cooler regions..like the wall. The gap is needed for natural (wind) convection currents (windspeed).

So i will leave minumum 1 to 2 inches at the back, On one side 2 inches and the other is open to dining with no wall. Top of fridge no cabinets it will be empty space only. Thanks all. I live in India and I dont know much about the litigations. The fridge comes wiht a 10 yrs warranty on compressor. I will try to find the instruction manual online and see if there is anyting given about ventilation etc.

Usually when you get side panels you automatically have space on the sides. If you have a full depth cabinet on the top, you automatically have space at the top and in most cases you will have leave at least 1 inch of extra room for the back of the refrigerator, so there is always air circulation since everything is enclosed.

In the 70's they use to make a small recessed space behind like Fred said, today you don't have to do that, most Ref have flat backs, recessed wiring, not to mention the supply for ice-maker also comes in a flush mounting kits for the wall... so pretty much everything is recessed and only space you need is for air circulation and 1" is more then enough. In addition, if you make recessed area now and you push ref to far you will never get your doors open so doing all that is a waste of time, in addition most manufacturers starting to make 30" side panels.

XD I love that you're fighting over how much space to put between your fridge and the wall.

It matters in my case.