Does your kitchen feel cramped because your refrigerator sticks out too far? Many homeowners love the convenience of a side-by-side refrigerator, but they often clash with modern kitchen designs. That awkward gap between your fridge and the cabinets can be a real eyesore. Finding a model that fits perfectly—offering both ample storage and a sleek, built-in look—feels like a treasure hunt.
Choosing the right counter-depth side-by-side model involves balancing size, features, and budget. You worry about losing interior space or finding a unit that truly aligns with your counters. This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what you need to know before buying.
By the end of this post, you will feel confident selecting a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator that maximizes your space and elevates your kitchen’s style. Let’s explore the best options available right now to achieve that seamless, professional look!
Top Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth 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
- 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
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by Side 20.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity, perfect for all the family members.Frequency : 60 hertz
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: LED lighting throughout the refrigerator for better visibility
- RV/TRAILER COMPATIBLE: This BBQ and Grill station comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome, RV, or trailer so you can have a cookout wherever you are
- 22.3 cu ft Counter-Depth Capacity – Spacious side-by-side design offers 14.3 cu ft fresh food and 8 cu ft freezer for organized daily storage without sacrificing kitchen space.
- ENERGY STAR Certified & ADA Compliant – Efficient operation helps reduce energy costs while meeting accessibility standards.
- External Ice & Water Dispenser – Convenient chilled filtered water and cube/crushed ice available without opening the fridge, with easy-to-reach external dispenser.
- EvenTemp Cooling System – Maintains consistent temperatures throughout the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food fresh longer.
- CrispSeal Plus Crisper & Deli Drawer – Crispers with sealed humidity control and a dedicated deli drawer help keep produce and meats organized and fresh.
- 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 is a fantastic choice for modern kitchens. It gives you that built-in, sleek look without the huge price tag. These fridges fit almost perfectly with your existing counters, making your kitchen look tidy and spacious. But choosing the right one takes a little know-how. This guide helps you find the best fit for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at these important features:
- Capacity and Dimensions: Measure your space! Counter-depth models usually stick out a little, but they should be close to your counters. Check the cubic feet inside. More space means you can store more food.
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Most side-by-sides have this on the door. Check if it offers crushed ice, cubed ice, or both. Some models also have filtered water dispensers.
- Adjustable Shelving: Good shelves move up or down easily. This helps you fit tall items like milk jugs or big salad bowls.
- Smart Features: Some newer models connect to Wi-Fi. You can check the temperature or even see what’s inside using your phone.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how good it looks.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is the most popular. It looks professional. Look for fingerprint-resistant coatings; these save you time wiping smudges.
- Black or White Finishes: These are often cheaper and easier to keep clean than standard stainless steel.
Interior Components
- Shelving Material: Glass shelves are best. They are strong and easy to wipe clean if something spills. Plastic shelves can sometimes crack over time.
- Drawer Construction: Check the quality of the crisper drawers. They should slide smoothly, even when full. Metal drawer glides usually last longer than plastic ones.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a refrigerator isn’t just about the brand name. Pay attention to these details:
What Improves Quality?
- Dual Cooling Systems: Some high-end fridges use separate cooling systems for the freezer and the refrigerator. This keeps food fresher longer and stops freezer odors from spreading.
- LED Lighting: Bright, energy-efficient LED lights let you see everything clearly inside, reducing the time you leave the door open.
What Reduces Quality?
- Thin Plastic Components: If the door bins or interior plastic feels flimsy, it might break easily. Test how much pressure they take.
- Basic Ice Makers: Simple ice makers often break down or make ice slowly. A more robust system is worth the extra money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your family actually uses a refrigerator. This helps you decide on the best layout.
For Busy Families
If you grab drinks and snacks all day, an external door dispenser is essential. Counter-depth models fit well in standard kitchens, which is great if you have a smaller space but still need full capacity.
For Frequent Entertainers
Look for flexible door storage. You need space for wine bottles or large platters. Some newer models have “flex zones” that let you change a drawer from a freezer to a fridge setting when you need extra chilling space for a party.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Q: How much deeper are counter-depth fridges compared to standard ones?
A: Standard fridges stick out about 4 to 6 inches past your counters. Counter-depth models aim to be only 1 to 2 inches deeper than your cabinets, giving that built-in look.
Q: Do counter-depth models have less storage space?
A: Yes, they usually have slightly less cubic footage than their full-depth counterparts because the sides are shallower. You trade a little space for a much better look.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators better than French door models for counter depth?
A: Both work well. Side-by-sides use the full depth of the unit for the narrow doors, meaning the doors don’t swing out as wide into your walkway when opened.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a good quality side-by-side?
A: With good maintenance, most modern refrigerators last between 10 and 15 years. Quality compressors and good seals help them reach the longer end of that range.
Q: Is the ice maker usually located on the door in these models?
A: In side-by-side models, the ice maker is almost always inside the freezer section on the door to save space inside the refrigerator section.
Q: How do I clean the exterior stainless steel finish?
A: Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaner specifically made for stainless steel. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.
Q: What does “Energy Star Certified” mean for my electric bill?
A: Energy Star appliances use less electricity than standard models. This certification helps you save money on power over the life of the refrigerator.
Q: Should I worry about the hinge clearance when installing?
A: Yes. You must check the required clearance space for the door hinges to swing open fully, especially if the fridge sits right next to a wall or cabinet.
Q: Are these models more expensive than regular fridges?
A: Generally, yes. The engineering needed to make them slimmer while maintaining capacity adds to the cost, but prices are becoming more competitive.
Q: What is the most common repair issue for side-by-sides?
A: The most common issues involve the water filter replacement or problems with the automatic defrost system in the freezer section.
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!