The design of a refrigerator's door being opened on the left side is not a universal standard. In fact, many refrigerators have reversible doors, meaning you can choose to have the door open on either the left or right side based on your preference or the layout of your kitchen.
However, historically, the left-hand hinge orientation was more common for refrigerators for a few reasons:
User Convenience: In many countries, people are used to having the refrigerator door open on the left side because it tends to align with the natural motion of the dominant hand (right hand for the majority of the population). This makes it more convenient to open the door and access the contents of the refrigerator with the dominant hand.
Consistency in Kitchen Layouts: In kitchen design, appliances are often arranged in a specific layout for efficiency and convenience. Having the refrigerator's door open on the left side allows for a more consistent flow of movement in the kitchen. For example, if the sink is to the right of the refrigerator, it's easier to move food items from the refrigerator to the sink for cleaning.
Standardization: In the past, left-hand hinge orientation became somewhat standardized, and manufacturers continued to produce refrigerators with left-hand hinges to meet the expectations of consumers.
Energy Efficiency: Some early refrigerators had the compressor (the part responsible for cooling) on the back right side. With the door hinging on the left, it allowed for easier access to the compressor for maintenance or repair.
It's worth noting that as refrigerator designs and kitchen layouts have evolved, manufacturers recognized the need for versatility. Reversible doors or models with doors that can be hinged on either side are becoming more common. This allows consumers to choose the orientation that best suits their needs and the layout of their kitchen, promoting user-friendly customization.