Tired of a refrigerator that sticks out like a sore thumb in your kitchen? You’re not alone. Many homeowners dream of a sleek, built-in look, but finding the perfect counter-depth refrigerator with an ice maker can feel like a treasure hunt with too many confusing clues.
These refrigerators offer a stylish, streamlined appearance, making your kitchen feel more spacious and modern. However, the “perfect” one isn’t always obvious. You might worry about ice maker reliability, storage capacity, or if it will even fit your space. It’s a big purchase, and you want to get it right.
Don’t fret! This guide is here to make your journey easy. We’ll break down what really matters when choosing a counter-depth refrigerator with an ice maker. You’ll learn how to compare features, understand different models, and finally pick the appliance that makes your kitchen both beautiful and functional.
Our Top 5 Counter Depth Refrigerator With Ice Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Depth Refrigerator With Ice Maker Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer is a stylish and modern addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and side-by-side doors offer a clean look. This 20 cu. ft. refrigerator is designed to keep your food fresh and your family refreshed with its convenient filtered ice and water dispenser. It’s also built with energy efficiency in mind.
What We Like:
- It has a stylish, modern look with a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
- The filtered ice and water dispenser makes getting a cold drink easy.
- Accela Chill helps cool your food down quickly.
- The factory-installed ice maker makes up to 3 lbs. of ice daily, either cubed or crushed.
- The Multi Flow air system ensures cool air reaches every shelf, keeping food evenly chilled.
- A deep gallon-sized door bin offers plenty of space for large containers.
- Clear crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the interior space to fit taller items.
- This refrigerator is ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it saves energy.
- The quiet and energy-efficient inverter compressor provides precise temperatures and operates silently.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families.
- While counter-depth is stylish, it does mean less overall storage space compared to standard-depth models.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great blend of style, convenience, and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and good-looking appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER 18 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice Maker
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER 18 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its modern design, with a stainless steel look, brings elegance to your home. This refrigerator offers plenty of space for all your groceries, keeping them perfectly chilled and organized. Plus, it even makes ice for you!
What We Like:
- The French door style looks very modern and makes it easy to see everything inside.
- It has a lot of room, with a big fridge section and a good-sized freezer.
- The built-in ice maker is super handy and can make up to 3.5 pounds of ice a day.
- You can easily set the right temperature for both the fridge and freezer using the digital controls.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, which means it saves energy and money on your electricity bill.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer drawer, while spacious, might require a bit more effort to pull out when fully loaded.
- The “stainless look” might not be actual stainless steel, which some people prefer for durability.
This BLACK+DECKER refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing a good amount of storage and modern features. It offers a great balance of style, space, and energy efficiency.
3. Kenmore 30 in. 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a refrigerator that’s both stylish and functional? The Kenmore 30 in. 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer is a fantastic option. It fits easily into your kitchen with its 30-inch width, but still offers a generous 18.1 cubic feet of space. This means you can store all your groceries without feeling cramped. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking sharp, and the inside is designed for easy organization.
What We Like:
- The 30-inch wide design saves kitchen space while providing 18.1 cu. ft. of storage.
- An included, factory-installed ice maker makes up to 3 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice daily.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the interior for tall items.
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh.
- A clear dairy compartment is perfect for butter and spreads.
- Clear door bins, including ones large enough for gallon milk jugs, help you stay organized.
- The ENERGY STAR certification means it’s energy efficient, saving you money.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is easy to clean and looks great.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has good capacity for its size, larger families might need more storage.
- The freezer capacity is not specified, which could be a factor for some buyers.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a great blend of modern looks and practical features. It’s a smart choice for many kitchens.
4. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Kenmore 46-75525, a sleek, counter-depth French door refrigerator that brings both style and smarts to your kitchen. Its 17.5 cubic feet of space is designed to hold all your groceries, keeping them perfectly chilled. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish means it always looks clean, even with busy hands around. This fridge is a fantastic addition to any modern home, offering great organization and energy savings.
What We Like:
- Stylish, Modern Design: The French doors and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish give your kitchen a clean, updated look.
- Keeps Food Fresh: Accela Chill technology and the Multi Flow air system ensure consistent, even cooling for all your food.
- Smart Storage Solutions: Deep door bins hold gallons of milk or juice. Crisper drawers keep fruits and veggies crisp. The two-tier freezer makes finding things easy.
- Customizable Shelving: Adjustable edge-to-edge glass shelves let you fit taller items, making organization a breeze.
- Energy Efficient and Quiet: It’s ENERGY STAR Certified and uses an inverter compressor for quiet operation and lower energy bills.
- Convenient Ice Maker: A factory-installed ice maker makes up to 4 pounds of crescent-shaped ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity Might Be Small for Large Families: At 17.5 cu. ft., it might be a bit tight for households that buy groceries in very large quantities.
- Limited Freezer Organization Options: While the two-tier system is good, some users might prefer more drawer flexibility.
The Kenmore 46-75525 is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish, efficient, and well-organized refrigerator. It balances modern features with practical storage to make everyday kitchen life easier.
5. French Door Refrigerator 22.5 cu.ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with this stylish and functional 22.5 cu.ft French Door Refrigerator. It offers plenty of space for all your groceries, keeping them fresh and organized. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 22.5 cu.ft capacity with separate refrigerator and freezer sections.
- Independent temperature controls help keep food at the perfect coolness.
- Built-in ice maker provides a constant supply of ice.
- Dual airflow cooling ensures everything stays fresh.
- Counter-depth design fits beautifully in your kitchen.
- Adjustable shelves and three lockable crisper drawers make organizing easy.
- A special beverage compartment keeps your drinks chilled.
- Frost-free operation means no more messy defrosting.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel stays looking clean.
- Simple controls are easy to understand and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer temperature range could be a bit colder for optimal long-term storage.
- While it has a beverage compartment, it could benefit from a more dedicated design for various bottle sizes.
This refrigerator is a smart addition to any home, offering great features and a modern look. It’s a reliable choice for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen organized.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Counter Depth Refrigerators with Ice Makers
Finding the right refrigerator can make a big difference in your kitchen. A counter-depth refrigerator with an ice maker is a popular choice for many homes. It looks sleek and fits nicely into your cabinets. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you need to store? Counter-depth fridges are usually smaller than standard ones. Think about how many people are in your household and how often you shop.
- Ice Maker Type: Some fridges have in-door ice makers, while others keep them inside the freezer. In-door ice makers are convenient but can take up freezer space.
- Water Dispenser: Do you want chilled water on demand? Many models have this. Check if the dispenser is easy to use and if the filter is easy to replace.
- Adjustable Shelving: Can you move the shelves around? This helps you fit tall items like milk jugs or soda bottles.
- Smart Features: Some refrigerators connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or get alerts.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge uses less electricity, saving you money.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect how your fridge looks and lasts:
- Stainless Steel: This is a very common and durable material. It resists rust and looks modern. Some stainless steel finishes resist fingerprints, which is a big plus!
- Plastic: The inside of the fridge, like drawers and door bins, is usually made of strong plastic. High-quality plastic won’t crack easily.
- Glass: Shelves are often made of tempered glass. This glass is strong and easy to clean. If something spills, it won’t leak through to the shelves below.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a refrigerator better or not as good:
- Build Quality: A well-built fridge feels solid. Doors should close smoothly. Drawers should slide out easily. Poorly made fridges might feel flimsy.
- Temperature Control: Good refrigerators keep food at the right temperature. This helps food stay fresh longer. Some models have special drawers that keep meat or vegetables at their ideal temperatures.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be noisy. Look for models that are known to run quietly. This is especially important if your kitchen is near living areas.
- Reliability: Read reviews from other customers. Some brands are known for making refrigerators that last a long time without problems.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your refrigerator:
- Kitchen Layout: Counter-depth fridges are perfect for kitchens where space is tight. They don’t stick out past your countertops, giving your kitchen a cleaner look.
- Family Needs: If you have a large family, you’ll need more storage space. A counter-depth fridge might be enough if you shop often or have a second fridge.
- Entertaining: If you often have guests, an easy-to-access ice maker is very useful. A water dispenser is also a nice touch for serving drinks.
- Cleaning: Easy-to-clean surfaces inside and out will make your life simpler. Removable shelves and drawers help a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a “counter depth” refrigerator?
A: A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to sit flush with your kitchen counters. It doesn’t stick out very far, which gives your kitchen a built-in look and saves space.
Q: How much more does a counter-depth refrigerator cost than a standard one?
A: Counter-depth refrigerators can sometimes cost a little more than standard-depth models. This is because of their special design and finishes.
Q: Do counter-depth refrigerators have less storage space?
A: Yes, they usually have a bit less storage space inside compared to standard-depth refrigerators. This is because they are shallower.
Q: Is the ice maker included in all counter-depth refrigerators?
A: No, not all counter-depth refrigerators come with an ice maker. You need to check the product details to make sure it has one.
Q: How do I know if a refrigerator will fit my space?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space where the refrigerator will go. Also, measure any doorways it needs to pass through.
Q: What is the difference between an in-door ice maker and an in-freezer ice maker?
A: An in-door ice maker is built into the refrigerator door, making ice easily accessible. An in-freezer ice maker is located inside the freezer compartment.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators harder to clean?
A: No, they are generally just as easy to clean as standard refrigerators. Many have features like spill-proof shelves that make cleaning simpler.
Q: What does “ENERGY STAR certified” mean for a refrigerator?
A: ENERGY STAR certified appliances use less energy than standard models. This helps you save money on your electricity bills and is better for the environment.
Q: How often should I replace the water filter in my refrigerator?
A: Most manufacturers recommend replacing the water filter every six months. Check your refrigerator’s manual for specific instructions.
Q: Can I install a counter-depth refrigerator myself?
A: While some people can, it’s often best to have a professional install it, especially if it has a water line for the ice maker or dispenser.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!