Imagine opening your refrigerator and everything is perfectly organized and easy to see. No more digging for that carton of milk! But when it comes to choosing a side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want a fridge that looks sleek and fits your kitchen, but also keeps your food fresh and organized.
Many people find themselves staring at endless model numbers and confusing features. It’s tough to know which one will actually work best for your family and your space. You might worry about getting one that’s too small, or one that doesn’t cool evenly, or even one that sticks out too far and ruins the clean lines of your kitchen.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator. We’ll look at the most important things to consider, like how much space you really need, cool features that make life easier, and how to pick one that looks amazing in your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the perfect fridge to keep your food fresh and your kitchen looking its best.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.7/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and counter-depth design give it a modern look that fits seamlessly into your cabinetry. This refrigerator offers a generous 20 cu. ft. of space, making it ideal for families. You’ll love the convenience of the filtered water and ice dispenser, providing refreshing drinks right at your fingertips.
What We Like:
- The side-by-side doors offer easy access to both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Accela Chill technology quickly cools your groceries.
- The Multi Flow air system keeps food evenly chilled throughout the unit.
- Deep door bins are great for storing gallons of milk or juice.
- Clear crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize storage for taller items.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it saves energy and money.
- The quiet inverter compressor provides efficient and peaceful operation.
- The built-in ice maker makes up to 3 lbs. of ice daily, in your choice of cubed or crushed.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families.
- While fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel still requires regular cleaning to maintain its shine.
Overall, the Kenmore 46-51805 is a solid choice for those seeking a modern, efficient, and well-featured refrigerator.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.5/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is a stylish and practical refrigerator that offers a lot of space for your food. Its side-by-side doors make it easy to find what you need, and the stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This fridge is designed to fit nicely with your countertops, so it won’t stick out too far. Plus, Hamilton Beach offers convenient delivery and installation options to make getting your new fridge a breeze.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cubic feet of space, this fridge holds plenty of food for a large family.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: It helps you keep your fresh and frozen foods organized and easy to find.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can easily change the temperature and settings using the control panel inside the door.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The large door bins can hold gallon-sized drinks and other tall items.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights illuminate the entire fridge, so you can see everything clearly.
- COUNTER DEPTH: This fridge is less than 30 inches deep, so it sits flush with your countertops for a cleaner look.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Hamilton Beach offers delivery, unboxing, installation, and haul-away services in many areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator door, which might be less convenient for some users to access.
- While the capacity is large, the counter-depth design might mean slightly less interior shelf depth compared to a standard-depth model.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is a solid choice for families needing a spacious and stylish refrigerator that fits well in their kitchen. Its user-friendly features and convenient delivery options make it a worthwhile upgrade.
3. LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Rating: 8.7/10
The LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator offers a sleek and modern look for any kitchen. Its counter-depth design helps it blend seamlessly with your cabinetry, creating a more built-in appearance. This refrigerator is designed to make your life easier, keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold.
What We Like:
- The 23 cubic feet of space is great for families. You can fit plenty of groceries.
- The four glass shelves are strong and easy to clean. Spills won’t be a problem.
- The external water dispenser and ice maker are super convenient. Get ice and cold water with just a touch.
- The stainless steel finish looks really nice and matches other appliances.
- The side-by-side doors make it easy to see and reach everything.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users found the ice maker to be a little noisy at times.
- While it’s counter-depth, the actual interior space might feel a bit less than a non-counter-depth model of the same cubic footage.
- The price point might be a bit high for some budgets.
Overall, the LG LRSXC2306S is a stylish and functional refrigerator that brings convenience to your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a modern appliance with useful features.
4. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer. This stylish stainless steel appliance offers a spacious 20 cubic feet of storage and a built-in ice maker, making it a fantastic addition to any home.
What We Like:
- Generous 20 cubic feet of total storage space, with 13.48 cu. ft. for the fridge and 6.53 cu. ft. for the freezer.
- Frost-free, free-standing design with a multi-air flow cooling system keeps food fresh.
- Adjustable glass shelves, gallon bin, and crisper drawers provide flexible storage for fresh foods.
- Two freezer drawers and side-door shelves offer organized freezer space.
- Convenient built-in ice maker dispenses both solid and crushed ice.
- Intelligence chip temperature control and digital display allow for precise temperature management.
- Useful features like child lock, vacation mode, and Sabbath mode add convenience and safety.
- Interior LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- Energy-star rated for efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions “easy access drawers when doors are open at 90°,” which is a standard feature, but doesn’t highlight any unique accessibility benefits.
- The “soft alert sound if the door is left open” is a good feature, but the description doesn’t specify how loud or noticeable this alert is.
- The “White plastic air duct cover” and “White glass shelves trim” might not match every kitchen’s aesthetic preferences.
The Forno Salerno refrigerator offers a blend of style and functionality, perfect for keeping your groceries fresh and organized. It’s a solid choice for those looking to enhance their kitchen’s capabilities.
5. Forno Guardia 46.8″ Side by Side Refrigerator with Touch Control & LED – 21.6 cu.ft Bottom Freezer Refrigerator – Swing Double Door Fridge with Adjustable Glass Shelves
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Forno Guardia 46.8″ Side by Side Refrigerator! This fridge is designed to make your life easier with its smart features and large capacity. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, keeping your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It has a huge storage space, 21.6 cu.ft., so you can fit all your groceries.
- The frost-free design means you never have to defrost it, saving you time and hassle.
- The multi-air flow system keeps all your food at the perfect temperature.
- The sleek finish resists fingerprints, so your fridge always looks clean.
- You can easily control the temperature with the user-friendly LED touch controls.
- It comes with adjustable glass shelves, multiple crisper drawers, and door bins for super easy organization.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might not fit in every kitchen space.
- The touch controls, while modern, might take a little getting used to for some users.
This Forno Guardia refrigerator offers a fantastic blend of capacity, convenience, and modern technology. It’s an excellent choice for families and anyone who wants a well-organized and efficiently cooled kitchen.
Choosing Your Perfect Side-By-Side Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Why Counter-Depth?
A counter-depth refrigerator sits flush with your kitchen cabinets. This creates a sleek, built-in look. It doesn’t stick out into your kitchen space. This is great for smaller kitchens or if you want a cleaner design. Side-by-side models have the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. They offer easy access to both sections.
1. Key Features to Look For
Storage and Organization
- Adjustable Shelving: You can move shelves around. This helps you fit tall items or reorganize when needed.
- Door Bins: Look for deep door bins. They can hold gallons of milk or large bottles.
- Crisper Drawers: Special drawers keep fruits and veggies fresh longer. Some have humidity controls.
- Full-Width Drawer: This is good for deli items or platters.
Cooling and Freshness
- Dual Evaporators: These systems keep the fridge and freezer air separate. This stops odors from mixing and keeps food fresher.
- Temperature Controls: Digital controls let you set exact temperatures for the fridge and freezer.
- Air Filters: Some models have filters that remove odors and bacteria.
Convenience and Extras
- Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: Most side-by-side models offer this. Check if it’s in-door or internal. In-door is more convenient.
- Smart Features: Some refrigerators connect to Wi-Fi. You can control settings with your phone or get alerts.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. It means the fridge uses less electricity.
2. Important Materials
Exterior Finishes
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is durable. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a plus.
- Black Stainless Steel: Offers a sophisticated look.
- White or Black: Classic options that are often more affordable.
Interior Materials
- Glass Shelving: Easy to clean and looks good. Tempered glass is strong.
- Plastic Drawers and Bins: Durable plastic is used for drawers and door bins.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better?
- Build Quality: Sturdy construction and smooth-gliding drawers show good quality.
- Quiet Operation: A well-built refrigerator will run quietly.
- Consistent Cooling: The fridge should maintain stable temperatures.
What Can Lower Quality?
- Flimsy Shelving: Shelves that bend under weight can be frustrating.
- Noisy Fans: Loud fans can be disruptive.
- Poor Sealing: Gaps in door seals can let cold air escape.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who is it for?
- Families: The side-by-side layout is easy for everyone to use. It’s great for grabbing snacks or drinks.
- Apartment Dwellers: Counter-depth models fit well in smaller kitchens.
- Style-Conscious Homeowners: The sleek design complements modern kitchens.
Everyday Use
You’ll enjoy easy access to both frozen and fresh foods. The divided layout means you don’t have to bend down to reach frozen items. The ice and water dispenser is a daily convenience. Organizing groceries is simple with clear shelving and drawers.
When choosing, think about your kitchen space and how you use your refrigerator most. A good counter-depth side-by-side will make your kitchen more functional and stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a counter-depth and a standard-depth refrigerator?
A: A counter-depth refrigerator is shallower. It sits closer to your cabinets, creating a more built-in look. A standard-depth refrigerator sticks out further into your kitchen.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside?
A: Yes, they typically have less usable space than standard-depth models. This is because the walls are often thicker, and the ice maker can take up internal space.
Q: How much space do I need for a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: You need to measure the width of your cabinet opening. Also, check the height and depth. Make sure there’s enough space for the doors to open fully and for ventilation.
Q: Is a side-by-side refrigerator good for organizing frozen food?
A: Yes, the vertical shelves in the freezer make it easy to see and access frozen items. You can arrange things by category.
Q: Do side-by-side refrigerators have good freezer space?
A: Freezer space can vary. Some models offer more freezer capacity than others. Look at the cubic feet listed for the freezer section.
Q: Are fingerprint-resistant finishes worth it?
A: If you have kids or pets, or if you dislike constant wiping, fingerprint-resistant finishes are very helpful. They keep your fridge looking cleaner.
Q: How important is an internal water filter?
A: An internal water filter improves the taste of your water and ice. You will need to replace it periodically, usually every six months.
Q: Can I install a side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator myself?
A: Installation can be complex, especially connecting the water line for the ice maker. Many people hire professionals to ensure it’s done correctly.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator?
A: A well-maintained refrigerator typically lasts between 10 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and maintenance help extend its life.
Q: Are side-by-side counter-depth refrigerators more expensive than other types?
A: Generally, yes. The counter-depth design and the side-by-side layout often make them a bit more expensive than standard-depth or top-freezer models.
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!