Does your kitchen feel a little cramped, or maybe your current refrigerator sticks out too far into your walkway? Many homeowners face this exact problem. Standard refrigerators often jut out past your cabinets, creating a bulky look and sometimes even bumping into things. You want that sleek, built-in style without the high price tag or major construction work.
Choosing a Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator seems like it should be simple, but it’s not! You have to balance style, storage space, and special features like ice makers or water dispensers. Will it actually fit your groceries? Will it look good next to your cabinets? These tough questions often leave shoppers feeling stuck between choosing a fridge that looks great and one that actually holds everything.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a counter depth model the perfect fit for your kitchen layout. You will learn the key features to look for, how to measure correctly, and which models give you the best value for your money. Get ready to transform your kitchen design!
Top Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator Recommendations
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by side doors 15.6 CuFt Capacity, perfect for all the family members
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- _Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or interchange your shelves for a personalized experience
- Counter Depth, Large Capacity: This 36-inch, counter-depth refrigerator offers 20 cu. ft. of space-saving storage, maximizing your kitchen’s footprint while providing ample room for fresh and frozen foods - perfect for families and entertaining
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Water & Ice Dispenser with Water Filter: Enjoy fresh, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice instantly with a factory-installed ice maker and dispenser. Every drink tastes pure—perfect for any kitchen
- Adjustable, Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Sleek, spill-proof glass shelving stretches from edge to edge for a modern finish and flexible storage. Easily customize your refrigerator interior to fit platters, jugs
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Bright LED lighting illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: 9.5 cu. ft. refrigerator capacity and 6.1 cu. ft. freezer capacity provide ample space for fresh and frozen foods.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Compact yet functional layout offers easy access to both refrigerator and freezer sections.
- ADJUSTABLE GLASS SHELVES & CRISPERS: Three adjustable/removable glass shelves and two clear-view crispers in both the refrigerator and freezer for flexible storage.
- ELECTRONIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Easily adjust and monitor temperature settings with the front-facing digital display.
- SLEEK & SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Stainless steel doors with recessed handles provide a modern look, perfect for apartments, condos, and vacation homes.
- 【Premium Side by Side Refrigerator】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators offers spacious storage capacity. The beverage fridge has a total capacity of 15.6 cubic feet, making it perfect for all family members. This refrigerator with freezer provides ample space for storing food and drinks
- 【Black Stainless Steel Design】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators features a flat surface design and easy-to-open handles. This beverage fridge can seamlessly match your other household appliances. With perfectly proportioned height and depth, this refrigerator with freezer fits flawlessly into modern kitchens
- 【Large Capacity】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a storage capacity of 15.6 cubic feet. The dimensions of this beverage fridge are 32.9 inches × 24.5 inches × 70.1 inches (width × depth × height). This refrigerator with freezer achieves separate storage for refrigerated and frozen items, with a refrigeration capacity of 9.54 cubic feet and a freezing capacity of 6.08 cubic feet
- 【Electronic Temperature Contro】 The freezer compartment of the iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a temperature range from -10°F to 5°F, which can keep all frozen foods fresh. The refrigeration compartment of this beverage fridge has a temperature range from 32°F to 42°F. This refrigerator with freezer is equipped with 5 variable temperature settings, which can be manually switched according to your needs
- 【Crisper Drawers & Dairy Compartment】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has transparent humidity-controlled crisper drawers.The beverage fridge allow you to select the ideal humidity level to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.Alos the refrigerator with freezer can store all your butters and spreads at their optimal temperature
- Dual Ice Makers
- Door Cooling+
- Slow Melting Craft Ice
- Counter Depth, Space-Saving Capacity: This 36-inch counter-depth French door refrigerator offers 20.3 cu. ft. of interior space in a sleek, built-in look that fits flush with cabinetry—ideal for a modern kitchen layout
- Quick Cooling with Accela Chill + Inverter Compressor: Accela Chill blasts cold air to cool fresh groceries fast. The Inverter Compressor maintains even temps with less noise and wear, helping your food stay fresher longer
- Customizable Storage with Pantry Drawer: A full-width pantry drawer holds party platters and deli trays. Adjustable glass shelving, deep gallon door bins, and humidity-controlled crispers let you organize food your way
- Factory-Installed Icemaker + LED Lighting: A built-in icemaker produces up to 4 lbs. of crescent ice daily. Bright, energy-saving LED lighting helps you find what you need without wasting energy or space
- ENERGY STAR Certified + Even Cooling System: This ENERGY STAR certified fridge uses a Multi-Flow Air System and Dual Evaporator technology to circulate cold air evenly across shelves - keeping fruits, veggies, and leftovers at ideal temps
- Spacious Fresh Food Storage - 9.54 cu. ft. fresh food capacity with 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 crisper drawers, 2 door basket bins, and 1 gallon door bin, providing flexible organization for produce, beverages, and everyday essentials.
- Large Freezer Capacity - 6.08 cu. ft. freezer section includes 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 drawers, and 3 door bins, ensuring easy access and organized storage for frozen foods.
- Advanced Cooling Functions - Equipped with Fast Freeze & Fast Cool modes for rapid temperature recovery, plus a multi-airflow cooling system that maintains consistent frost-free performance.
- Durable & User-Friendly Design - Features spill-proof shelves for effortless cleanup, LED touch controls for precise settings, bright LED interior lighting, and Sabbath Mode for added convenience.
- Stylish & Fingerprint Resistant - The stainless steel finish with a counter-depth design creates a seamless built-in look while resisting smudges, keeping your refrigerator sleek and modern.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
A counter depth side-by-side refrigerator looks great in your kitchen. It sits almost even with your counters. This gives a sleek, built-in look. But buying one needs a little planning. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features make a big difference in how you use your fridge.
Capacity and Size
- Cubic Feet: Check the total storage space. A family of four usually needs 22 to 26 cubic feet.
- Actual Dimensions: Measure your space carefully! Counter depth means it won’t stick out far, but you still need room for the doors to open fully.
Cooling Technology
- Dual Evaporators: This is important. One system cools the freezer, and another cools the fridge. This keeps food fresher longer and stops smells from mixing.
- Electronic Temperature Control: Digital controls let you set exact temperatures. This is better than old-school dials.
Convenience Features
- Through-the-Door Ice and Water Dispenser: Most models have this. Make sure the dispenser fits your favorite water bottles.
- Adjustable Shelving: Look for spill-proof shelves that move up or down easily.
- Door Alarms: These sound if you leave the door open by accident.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your refrigerator lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Materials
- Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves are best. Spills stay on the shelf, not on the floor of the fridge.
- Durable Bins: Look for sturdy plastic bins in the doors. Cheap plastic cracks easily when cold.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is popular. Many newer models offer “Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel.” This finish wipes clean easily.
- Black or White Finishes: These are often cheaper. They show smudges less than standard stainless steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a refrigerator better to own. Others are just extra fluff.
Quality Boosters (What Improves Quality)
- Inverter Compressors: These run more quietly and use less energy than traditional compressors. They last longer too.
- LED Lighting: Bright LED lights illuminate the whole interior. They do not create much heat, which helps keep food cold.
Quality Reducers (What Lowers Quality)
- Internal Ice Maker: While it saves space on the door, an internal ice maker takes up valuable freezer room.
- Too Many “Smart” Features: If you don’t need a screen that shows your calendar, features like that raise the price but do not improve cooling performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you actually use your kitchen. Counter depth side-by-sides are excellent for certain needs.
Best For:
- Smaller Kitchens: Because they don’t stick out, they keep pathways clear.
- Organization Lovers: The side-by-side design lets you see everything in the fridge section easily. You do not have to bend down to see items in the back, unlike a French door model.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Wide Item Storage: Narrow door bins mean large pizza boxes or wide casserole dishes might not fit well. Measure those items before you buy!
- Freezer Access: If you store many bulky frozen items, the freezer space might feel tight compared to a top-freezer model.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Q: How much space do I really need for a counter depth fridge?
A: Counter depth models are about 24 to 25 inches deep (not including the doors). You must leave at least one inch behind the unit for ventilation. Always check the required door swing space too!
Q: Are counter depth refrigerators smaller inside than standard ones?
A: Yes, they usually are a little smaller inside. They trade depth for a better look. Make sure the cubic footage meets your family’s needs.
Q: What is the main difference between side-by-side and French door models?
A: Side-by-side models have a narrow freezer on one side and a narrow fridge on the other. French door models have two narrow doors on top for the fridge and one large freezer drawer on the bottom.
Q: Do all counter depth models have ice makers?
A: Most do, but not all. If you do not want ice or water, you can often find a simpler, less expensive model without a dispenser.
Q: Which finish is easiest to keep clean?
A: Matte or fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is generally the easiest. High-gloss black shows every single smudge and fingerprint.
Q: How long should I expect my new refrigerator to last?
A: With good maintenance, a quality modern refrigerator should last between 10 and 15 years. Inverter compressors often help it reach the longer end of that range.
Q: Is a dual evaporator system worth the extra cost?
A: Yes. It keeps your lettuce crisp and stops the freezer smells from getting into your milk. It is a major factor for food preservation quality.
Q: How do I measure for the delivery path?
A: Measure the doors, hallways, and stairwells the delivery team must use. Sometimes the refrigerator doors must be removed temporarily to fit through tight spots.
Q: Are these models generally louder than others?
A: Not necessarily. Models with modern inverter compressors run very quietly. Always read reviews mentioning noise levels before purchasing.
Q: What should I do if the freezer section is too cold but the fridge section is too warm?
A: This often means the air damper between the two sections is stuck or blocked. Check the vents inside both compartments first. If that fails, you need a service technician.
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!