Imagine walking into your kitchen and everything just… fits. No refrigerator door sticking out, no awkwardly bumping into it when you grab a snack. Sounds like a dream, right? For many homeowners, finding a refrigerator that not only works well but also looks good and doesn’t cramp their style can be a real challenge.
Counter depth side-by-side refrigerators promise this streamlined look. But with so many models on the market, how do you pick the one that’s just right for your space and your needs? It can feel overwhelming to sort through all the features, sizes, and brands. You want a fridge that keeps your food fresh, looks sleek, and doesn’t cost a fortune. The struggle is real!
This post is here to help make that decision much easier. We’ll break down what makes a counter depth side-by-side refrigerator a great choice and guide you through the important things to consider. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 9.1/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish looks great and is easy to keep clean. This refrigerator offers a generous 20 cu. ft. of space, making it ideal for families or those who love to entertain. The counter-depth design also helps it fit seamlessly into your kitchen, creating a more streamlined look.
What We Like:
- The Accela Chill feature quickly cools down new groceries.
- The Multi-Flow Air System keeps food fresh on every shelf.
- You get instant access to filtered water and ice, both cubed and crushed.
- The adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves are spill-proof and easy to clean.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, so it’s good for your wallet and the environment.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to find what you need.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish means less time spent wiping down the fridge.
- The 20 cu. ft. capacity is spacious for a counter-depth model.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers good capacity for its depth, some users might prefer even more space.
- The ice maker and dispenser, while convenient, can sometimes be a bit noisy.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great balance of style, functionality, and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen appliances.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.9/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator offers a sleek stainless steel look and smart features for your kitchen. Its counter-depth design helps it blend seamlessly with your cabinets, creating a more streamlined appearance. This fridge is designed to make storing and finding your food easy.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cu. ft. of space, this side-by-side refrigerator holds plenty of food for your whole family.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: It makes organizing and finding your fresh and frozen items a breeze.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can easily change the temperature and settings using the digital control panel inside the door.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The gallon-size bins in the doors hold lots of drinks and condiments.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights inside help you see everything clearly.
- COUNTER DEPTH: This fridge fits nicely without sticking out too far from your counters, giving your kitchen a cleaner look.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Delivery and haul-away services are available in some areas to make setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The frequency is 60 hertz, which is standard.
- The digital display is mounted inside the refrigerator door, which might require opening the door to adjust settings.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a practical choice for families needing ample storage and a modern look. Its thoughtful design aims to simplify your kitchen organization.
3. LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Rating: 9.2/10
The LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a sleek and functional addition to any kitchen. Its counter-depth design means it sits flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a built-in look. This refrigerator offers a generous 23 cubic feet of space, perfect for families or anyone who likes to stock up on groceries. The convenient external water dispenser and ice maker make getting chilled drinks and ice a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 23 cubic feet capacity holds a lot of food.
- Four adjustable glass shelves offer flexible storage options.
- The external water dispenser and ice maker are super handy.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
- The side-by-side design makes both the fridge and freezer easily accessible.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 23 cubic feet capacity a bit small for very large families or extensive entertaining.
- The counter-depth design, while stylish, can sometimes limit the depth of items you can store.
This LG refrigerator offers a great blend of style and practical features for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your food storage.
4. KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Refrigerator with Three Doors and Deep Freezer in Stainless-Steel
Rating: 9.0/10
The KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C is a stylish and smart refrigerator that makes storing your food easy. Its French door design and stainless-steel finish look great in any kitchen. This fridge offers a lot of space for everything you need to keep fresh.
What We Like:
- It has a big 18.5 cubic feet of space, so you can fit all your groceries.
- The counter-depth design means it fits perfectly against your kitchen cabinets.
- Double crispers with humidity control keep your fruits and veggies fresh for a long time.
- You get two big freezer drawers, which are great for storing lots of frozen food.
- There are six door bins, giving you extra spots to organize smaller items.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the inside for different-sized containers.
- The modern stainless-steel look matches other kitchen appliances nicely.
- Its flat finish and easy-open handles add to its sleek appearance.
- The double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control ensure even cooling.
- This keeps all your food, from milk to meat, at the perfect temperature to stay fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some kitchens, 18.5 cu. ft. might still feel a little small if you buy groceries in bulk.
- The stainless-steel finish, while attractive, can sometimes show fingerprints.
This KoolMore refrigerator is a solid choice for families looking for style and great food preservation. It offers a good balance of features for a modern kitchen.
5. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Kenmore 46-75525 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator. This stylish appliance offers a sleek, built-in look while maximizing your kitchen space. Its 17.5 cubic feet of storage is perfect for keeping your groceries fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design creates a seamless, built-in appearance and saves valuable kitchen floor space.
- Generous 17.5 cu. ft. capacity offers plenty of room for all your food.
- The Chill feature rapidly cools new groceries, and the Multi-Flow Air System ensures consistent temperatures throughout.
- Gallon door bins easily hold large drink bottles, and the two-tier freezer drawer makes organizing frozen items a breeze.
- Enjoy ice anytime with the factory-installed ice maker.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside, even in the back.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking clean.
- An inverter compressor runs quietly and helps save on energy bills, making it an ENERGY STAR certified appliance.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 17.5 cu. ft. is ample for many, larger families might desire even more freezer space.
- The 30-inch width, while space-saving, might be a tight fit for some existing kitchen layouts.
The Kenmore 46-75525 is a smart and stylish choice for kitchens needing a space-saving and energy-efficient refrigerator.
Choosing Your Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Welcome to our guide to picking the perfect counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator! These fridges offer a sleek look and handy organization. Let’s dive in.
Why a Counter-Depth Side-by-Side?
A counter-depth fridge sits flush with your kitchen cabinets. This gives your kitchen a built-in, custom look. Side-by-side models have the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. They make it easy to see and grab both your frozen and fresh foods.
Key Features to Look For
Storage and Organization
- Adjustable Shelving: You want shelves you can move around. This lets you fit tall bottles or large platters.
- Door Bins: Look for sturdy door bins. They hold condiments, drinks, and more. Some bins are extra deep.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Some have special humidity controls.
- Deli Drawer: A dedicated drawer for meats and cheeses keeps them at the right temperature.
Cooling Technology
- Dual Evaporators: This system keeps the freezer and refrigerator temperatures separate. It prevents odors from mixing and keeps food fresher.
- Temperature Control: Digital controls let you set precise temperatures for each section.
Convenience Features
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Many models have this on the door. Look for filtered water and different ice types (cubed, crushed).
- Smart Features: Some fridges connect to Wi-Fi. You can control temperatures or get alerts on your phone.
- Door Alarm: This beeps if you leave the door open too long. It saves energy and keeps food cold.
Important Materials
Exterior Finishes
- Stainless Steel: This is popular for its modern look. It resists rust and is easy to clean. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus.
- Black Stainless Steel: A stylish alternative to regular stainless steel.
- White or Black: Classic colors that fit many kitchen styles.
Interior Materials
- Tempered Glass Shelves: These are strong and easy to wipe clean.
- Plastic Drawers: Look for durable, clear plastic so you can see what’s inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Refrigerator Better?
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These fridges use less electricity, saving you money.
- Build Quality: Sturdy hinges, smooth-sliding drawers, and solid construction mean your fridge will last longer.
- Quiet Operation: A well-built fridge runs quietly.
What Can Lower Quality?
- Cheap Plastic: Flimsy plastic parts can break easily.
- Noisy Fan: A loud fan can be annoying.
- Poor Temperature Consistency: If temperatures fluctuate a lot, your food might not stay fresh.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Use
Counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators are great for families and busy individuals. The side-by-side layout makes it easy to find what you need quickly. The counter-depth design keeps your kitchen looking neat and spacious. People love how they don’t have to bend down to reach frequently used items in the refrigerator section.
Specific Needs
- Small Kitchens: The slim profile fits well in smaller kitchens without sticking out too far.
- Entertainers: The organized shelves and door bins are perfect for keeping party drinks and snacks accessible.
- Health-Conscious Individuals: Crisper drawers and deli drawers help keep produce and meats fresh, supporting healthy eating habits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “counter-depth” mean for a refrigerator?
A: Counter-depth means the refrigerator is about the same depth as your kitchen countertops. It sits almost flush with your cabinets, giving a more built-in look.
Q: How much storage space do counter-depth refrigerators have compared to standard ones?
A: Counter-depth models usually have slightly less interior space than standard-depth fridges because they are not as deep. However, they offer better kitchen flow.
Q: Are counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators good for small kitchens?
A: Yes, they are excellent for small kitchens. Their shallower depth prevents them from jutting out and making the space feel crowded.
Q: What are the advantages of a side-by-side refrigerator layout?
A: The main advantage is easy access to both refrigerator and freezer items at eye level. You don’t have to bend down as much.
Q: Do counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators come with ice makers and water dispensers?
A: Many models do. You can find options with in-door ice and water dispensers, often with water filtration.
Q: How do I clean the exterior of a stainless steel counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth dampened with water and mild soap. For stainless steel, you can also use a specialized stainless steel cleaner. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive than standard ones?
A: They can sometimes be a bit more expensive due to their specialized design and sleek appearance.
Q: What is the typical width of a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator?
A: They commonly come in widths of 30 to 36 inches, similar to standard models, but their depth is the key difference.
Q: How do I ensure my counter-depth refrigerator doors can open fully?
A: Measure the swing of your refrigerator doors and ensure there’s enough clearance in your kitchen layout, especially near islands or walls.
Q: What should I do if my refrigerator is making strange noises?
A: Check that the refrigerator is level. Make sure nothing is touching the back of the unit. If the noise continues, consult your owner’s manual or contact customer support.
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!