At a Glance:
What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
Counter Depth Refrigerator vs. Standard Refrigerator
3 Best Counter Depth Refrigerator Brands
3 Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Sometimes refrigerators don't fit perfectly in your kitchen. Standard refrigerators can actually protrude up to 6 inches past counters and kitchen cabinets, ruining the aesthetics of your kitchen and possibly posing a problem with refrigerator door clearance. What exactly is a counter depth refrigerator, then? Your kitchen will be more harmonious with these refrigerators in line with the cabinets and counter.
When choosing the best counter depth refrigerator for your kitchen, you have a ton of options to consider, but with so many different types and brands to consider, you might feel a little out of your element. In this feature, we'll review the features you should look for when shopping and share our list of the top counter depth refrigerators.
Related: Keep Your Cool With Our Refrigerator Buying Guide
What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
Since counters can differ from home to home, the term "counter depth" for refrigerators can be misleading. In general, a kitchen's counters will measure somewhere around the 25-inch mark, and its cabinets are usually 24 to 24 1/2 inches deep. As a result, the edges of your countertops protrude by several inches from the standard refrigerators of today, which have a depth of about 30 inches.
Counter depth refrigerators are specially made to fit as flush as possible with your kitchen cabinets and countertops for a cleaner, more tailored appearance. However, it's important to keep in mind that since you'll need room for the doors to open, counter depth refrigerators won't necessarily be exact to the measurements of your countertops. The refrigerator's doors will frequently protrude far enough to allow for easy opening without scuffing up against the adjacent counter. Counter depth refrigerators are ideal for kitchens with small walkways because they are smaller than standard refrigerators.
What are the Benefits of a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
- Reduced open depth: You will have more space to open the refrigerator doors with this shallow depth refrigerator style without running into islands or other kitchen accessories.
- More space: You may find it easier to move around the kitchen even when multiple cooks, children, or pets are running around because counter depth fridges give you a few extra inches of space in front.
- Low profile refrigerator, same capacity: Space and style don't have to be mutually exclusive. Since they typically have a little more width and height than standard refrigerators, counter depth refrigerators offer the same amount of usable space.
- Seamless integration: The sleek, seamless look of refrigerators flush with cabinets is perfect for modern kitchens.
- Many styles: Counter depth refrigerators are available in all configurations, including French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer, just like standard-depth refrigerators.
Counter Depth Refrigerator vs. Standard Refrigerator
Counter depth refrigerators are roughly the same depth as kitchen counters at 24 to 25 inches. Standard depth refrigerators are typically 30-36 inches deep and can protrude half a foot or more past countertops, as opposed to counter-depth refrigerators, which are almost flush with counters and cabinets.
Counter depth refrigerators can also be a few inches wider or taller than standard refrigerators, though depth is the main distinction between the two. This added width or height can compensate for the lost depth and provide a capacity similar to a regular refrigerator with a more streamlined design.
3 Best Counter Depth Refrigerator Brands
Here are four brands to take into account when buying a counter-depth refrigerator to replace or upgrade your old one. Scroll down to learn more about the best-performing companies and the refrigerators they produce.
KitchenAid Counter Depth Refrigerators
With KitchenAid freestanding counter depth refrigerators, you can achieve a custom kitchen's appearance without the need for specialized cabinetry. They're especially useful if your kitchen is small or if you prefer an open floor plan. Customers can choose from a variety of colors and finishes, as well as a PrintShield finish that hides fingerprints and smudges for a spotless kitchen. You can also find the ideal KitchenAid counter depth fridge that saves you space, blends in with your kitchen's layout and design, and gives you a sleek and streamlined appearance. KitchenAid offers counter depth refrigeration model in both side-by-side and French door configurations.
Spotlight Feature: KitchenAid® 20.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Why We Like It:
- ExtendFresh Temperature Management System
- FreshChill Temperature-Controlled Pantry
- Produce Preserver
- Interior Water Dispenser
- Automatic Ice Maker
Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions (DxWxH): 29 x 36 x 70 inches | Total Capacity: 20 cubic feet | Refrigerator Capacity: 14.13 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 5.62 cubic feet
LG Counter Depth Refrigerators
With a uniform profile that aligns with countertops and cabinetry, LG counter depth refrigerators give off a sophisticated built-in appearance without the pricey tag. The innovative counter depth refrigerator from LG adds a chic and sophisticated touch to your kitchen by aligning with your counter space for a uniform profile. With a unit that blends in with your counters, LG's modern units present the appearance of a built-in refrigerator in your home. Each counter depth refrigerator combines cutting-edge features and a gorgeous design to help you build the ideal kitchen. LG offers a choice of counter depth styles that best suits your space's aesthetic and functional requirements, from a French door refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerator, bottom freezer refrigerator, or counter-depth refrigerator with an ice maker.
Related: 6 Best Products from LG on the Market Now
Spotlight Feature: LG 27 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Smart InstaView® Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Why We Like It:
- Door Cooling+
- ThinQ Technology
- Ice Maker
- Internal Water Dispenser
- Edge-to-Edge InstaView Window
Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions (DxWxH): 32 x 36 x 69 inches | Total Capacity: 26.5 cubic feet | Refrigerator Capacity: 17.8 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 8.7 cubic feet
Whirlpool Counter Depth Refrigerators
Under the Whirlpool brand, there is a wide selection of counter-depth refrigerators for every kitchen that come in various sizes, hues, and configurations. You can get a modern look with the family's necessary storage space, counter depth side-by-side, and French door refrigerators. Or consider counter-depth bottom freezer or top-freezer refrigerators for a more traditional setup. Whirlpool counter-depth refrigerators also come with a variety of features that keep food readily available and fresh.
Related: Explore Our Whirlpool Refrigerator Models [Buying Guide]
Spotlight Feature: Whirlpool® 20.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Why We Like It:
- EveryDrop Filtration
- In-Door-Ice Storage
- Accu-Chill Temperature Management System
- FreshFlow Air Filter
- LED Dispenser Night-Light
Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions (DxWxH): 30 x 36 x 69 inches | Total Capacity: 20.6 cubic feet | Refrigerator Capacity: 13.62 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 6.97 cubic feet
3 Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
In addition to the previously mentioned brands, we also offer four other incredible counter-depth refrigerators that can be customized to your needs and space. Take a look at some of the experts' picks from Colder's.
Best Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator: Frigidaire® 17.4 Cu. Ft. Brushed Steel Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator
This cost-effective counter depth French door refrigerator from Frigidaire allows you to fit all your family's favorites while keeping everything organized. You can arrange your food, beverages, and leftovers however you like with the refrigerator's organization system, which includes: two Store-More crisper drawers, Store-More gallon door bins, Space Wise adjustable glass shelves, and adjustable freezer storage. Additionally, you can keep your food cool and fresh with TwinTech dual evaporators in your refrigerator for the tastiest fruits and vegetables. Plus, thanks to the 4-door design, you can quickly locate what you need and simplify mealtime with this organization system that easily stores both fresh and frozen foods.
Why We Like It:
- 17.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- 4-door design
- TwinTech dual evaporators
- Easy Access Control Panel
Why Our Colder's Customers Like It: "Excellent product! Love the Deli Drawer. The finish is easy to keep fingerprint and streak free. Great subtle lighting on door for water and ice maker." -MBBW
Best Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator: LG 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Technology and food are two of the most popular things for people, and they are combined in this traditional counter depth side-by-side refrigerator from LG. With this 23-cu.-ft. refrigerator, stock up on everything your family needs, and quickly check what you need for your next grocery run by knocking on the InstaView window. The Door Cooling+ and Linear Cooling systems keep your ingredients fresh for twice as long while cooling the interior to the perfect temperature with proper circulation through the bins, crispers, and shelves. It has multiple cooling systems. Best of all, the Dual ice maker produces slow-melting Craft Ice for happy hour weekends with friends and cubed and crushed ice for family life.
Why We Like It:
- 23 cu. ft. capacity
- Edge-to-Edge InstaView Window
- Smooth Touch Ice Dispenser with UVnano
- ThinQ Technology
Why Our Colder's Customers Like It: "Love the craft ice. Love the window. My fridge is noticed & examined and loved by every guest in my home." – Robby Houston
Best Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: Beko 16.2 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Free Stainless Steel Freestanding Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
As you store the ingredients for your entrées, appetizers, and other meals in this Beko counter depth refrigerator, you can have confidence that they will be secure in the future. Give your fruits, vegetables, and frozen foods the best refrigeration storage possible with interior theater lighting, a freeze guard, EverFresh+ technology, NeoFrost Dual Cooling, and a cutting-edge ion guard that will simplify your life and reduce your environmental impact. Along with these fantastic features, this Beko refrigerator will keep your groceries odor-free and help your fruits and vegetables stay fresher for up to 30% longer!
Why We Like It:
- 16.2 cu. ft. Capacity
- NeoFrost Dual Cooling Technology
- EverFresh+
- Active Fresh Blue Light
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Counter-Depth Refrigerator
It's important to think about which refrigerator style will best suit your needs and the most important features of your family because there are so many different refrigerator styles available. You can choose the best option for your new fridge upgrade with the help of the following guide.
Available Space
The amount of space used for it is the most important thing to consider when selecting a shallow-depth refrigerator. The new refrigerator's space needs to be measured for height, width, and depth. Use the smallest size after taking multiple measurements of each because refrigerator openings are frequently not square. Measurements should also consider the cabinet trim and floor molding, which reduce the amount of space that can be used.
Knowing the size restrictions helps focus the search. Bring a tape measure with you when making store comparisons to ensure precise measurements. Manufacturers frequently tack on an inch to their size specifications to account for installation. Do leave an inch or so of space for proper ventilation and airflow.
Storage Capacity
It's time to consider the interior space after determining the necessary exterior dimensions. Counter-depth refrigerators have a smaller capacity than standard refrigerators of the same width and height when compared to standard-depth refrigerators. Standard counter-depth refrigerators typically have 20 to 22 cubic feet of storage space, compared to the 25 to 28 cubic feet of space offered by standard refrigerators.
Some counter-depth refrigerators are wider and taller than standard-depth refrigerators to compensate for the depth difference. Counter-depth refrigerators are now simpler to organize as a result. Thanks to the wider, shallower shape, there is no need to dig around in the back for food.
Refrigerator Types
Counter-depth refrigerators come in a variety of configurations:
- Side-by-Side: Two side-by-side doors are present in this kind of refrigerator. The right side serves as the refrigerator compartment, which is typically wider than the left side, which serves as the freezer. This type of refrigerator offers the most freezer space and the least amount of refrigerator space.
- French Door: There are upper and lower compartments in this design. Two swing-out doors on top open to reveal the refrigerator. Fresh foods are easier to access at or near eye level due to the refrigerator section's height. A sizable pull-out freezer drawer makes up the bottom storage area. Modern designs expand this setup's options. Four swing-out doors, two for the freezer and two for the refrigerator, are a feature of some French-door refrigerators. Others have a freezer compartment and a drawer for frequently used food items below. These choices increase adaptability but also reduce the freezer's overall capacity.
- Bottom Freezer: With a bottom freezer, the refrigerator has a single large door and a pull-out freezer drawer below. Compared to other types, this style has a larger capacity. French-door and bottom-freezer side-by-side designs both have a wide swinging door that needs more space to open. This could become problematic in kitchens with small walkways.
- Door-in-Door: Modern fridges with French doors and side by side cabinets have a door-in-door design. This kind of refrigerator has a smaller outer door integrated into one of the doors that lets you see what's inside before opening it so you can access frequently used items without opening the entire door. By reducing the number of times, the door is opened, door-in-door adds convenience while enabling the fridge to maintain its temperature more effectively.
- Smart Tech: The time for pinning family schedules and pictures from trips to the refrigerator is over. Smart refrigerators come with built-in screens in the door that let you watch TV or listen to music, add notes, keep a calendar, and store recipes. If the refrigerator is left open or runs out of ice, these cutting-edge iceboxes will text you. To lock your front door, access your doorbell cameras, and even control the temperature of your oven, they can also connect with other smart devices. While these cutting-edge features may be appealing, their high cost may cause you to reconsider replacing the area where your child's artwork is displayed with a touch screen.
Noise Level
You'll probably find a lot of comments about noise level if you scroll through the customer reviews for any refrigerator. The top requirements for refrigerators frequently include low noise levels.
To produce cold air, every refrigerator uses a compressor, which generates noise when turned on. To reduce this noise, manufacturers create insulated, quiet compressors. A refrigerator's typical decibel range is 32 to 47 dBs, and any model operating at less than 40 dBs is considered quiet. However, it depends on the individual whether a refrigerator's noise level is too high. To one homeowner, what may be a barely audible hum may be a grating roar.
For this year, LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, LG, and KitchenAid have produced counter-depth refrigerators of the highest caliber. Your decision will be based on your particular circumstances, including how your kitchen is set up, how much food you need to store, your budget, and your priorities. But any of the six mentioned above will provide you with flexible food refrigeration, high-quality features, a fashionable design, and enduring dependability. Visit one of our Colder's locations to browse our enormous selection of refrigerators when you're ready to snag a counter depth refrigerator for yourself from one of these brands!
Why Trust Colder's?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder's is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder's is committed not only to continuously offering can't-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that's our best price guarantee.
Shop Counter Depth Refrigerators at Colder's
Don't put off happiness — and shop refrigerators online for unbeatable prices at Colder's. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find a counter depth refrigerator that is the best fit for your kitchen, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder's locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: Beko Refrigerator Reviews: When Style Meets Efficiency