Ever walked into a kitchen and felt like the refrigerator just… stuck out? That feeling of a bulky appliance disrupting the sleek look of your countertops is a common kitchen design headache. If you’re dreaming of a more seamless, integrated feel in your cooking space, a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator might be your answer. But navigating the world of these stylish appliances can feel overwhelming. You want that clean, built-in look, but you also need ample storage and all the features you love.
Choosing the perfect counter-depth side-by-side isn’t just about looks; it’s about finding a balance. You’re probably wondering about storage capacity, energy efficiency, and how well different models actually fit your existing kitchen layout. It’s easy to get lost in the technical specs and marketing buzzwords. This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator a great choice and help you understand the key features to look for.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident in your decision-making process. We’ll cover everything from measuring for the perfect fit to understanding the pros and cons, ensuring you can select a refrigerator that not only looks fantastic but also works perfectly for your family’s needs. Let’s dive in and find the counter-depth side-by-side that will transform your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Counter Depth Refrigerator Side By Side Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Depth Refrigerator Side By Side Detailed Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. It offers plenty of space for your family’s groceries and keeps everything organized. This fridge is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, looking sleek and modern.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 20.6 cu ft side-by-side design gives you lots of room for both fresh and frozen foods. It’s perfect for larger families.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: This layout makes it super easy to find what you need. Your fresh items are on one side, and your frozen treats are on the other.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can easily control the temperature for both the fridge and freezer. The display is right inside the door, so it’s handy.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: These bins are big enough to hold gallon jugs of milk or your favorite drinks. They help you make the most of your storage space.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights shine throughout the refrigerator. This makes it simple to see everything, even in the back.
- COUNTER DEPTH: This fridge is designed to sit flush with your countertops. It looks neat and doesn’t stick out too far into your kitchen.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: You can get delivery and even have your old fridge hauled away. This makes setting up your new appliance a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is mounted inside the door, which some users might prefer on the exterior for quicker adjustments.
- The frequency is listed as 60 Hertz, which is standard, but it’s worth noting for specific electrical needs.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers great storage and a stylish look. Its thoughtful design makes keeping your kitchen organized and your food fresh simple.
2. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.6/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a spacious 20 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for busy families. This refrigerator also boasts a sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish that looks great and is easy to keep clean. Its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far, saving valuable kitchen space.
What We Like:
- The Accela Chill feature quickly cools down your groceries.
- The Multi-Flow Air System keeps food at an even temperature.
- You get instant access to fresh, filtered water and ice with the built-in dispenser.
- The adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves are spill-proof and easy to clean.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it’s energy-efficient and saves you money on bills.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to find what you need.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking sharp.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers ample space, some larger families might wish for even more capacity.
- The counter-depth design, while space-saving, might mean slightly less internal room compared to a standard-depth model for very bulky items.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a smart choice for those seeking style, convenience, and efficiency. It’s designed to make your kitchen life easier.
3. LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
Looking for a sleek and functional refrigerator that fits seamlessly into your kitchen? The LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator offers a modern look and smart features to keep your food fresh and your drinks cold. Its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far, giving your kitchen a cleaner, more built-in appearance. This fridge is a great option for families who want a stylish appliance that performs well.
What We Like:
- Generous 23 cubic feet of storage space holds plenty of groceries for your family.
- Four sturdy glass shelves provide flexible organization for all your food items.
- The convenient external water dispenser and ice maker offer quick access to chilled water and ice without opening the refrigerator door.
- The stainless steel finish looks great and is easy to wipe clean.
- The side-by-side design makes it easy to see and reach items in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 23 cubic feet capacity a bit small for very large families or those who do a lot of bulk shopping.
- While generally user-friendly, the ice maker mechanism might require occasional cleaning or troubleshooting.
This LG refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking both style and convenience in their kitchen. Its thoughtful features and modern design make it a worthwhile addition to most homes.
4. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 8.7/10
The Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge brings a sleek, modern look and lots of smart features to your kitchen. It offers a generous 20 cubic feet of space, with a freezer on the left and a fridge on the right. This design makes it easy to store all your groceries and keep them organized. Plus, it has a handy water dispenser and makes both nugget and cube ice, so you’re always ready for a cool drink.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity, so it holds a lot of food.
- The French door design looks very modern and stylish.
- It keeps food fresh with a special cooling system.
- An alarm reminds you if a door is left open.
- You don’t have to defrost it manually because it does it automatically.
- The door seals are easy to remove and clean.
- It has smart controls that let you set the temperature for the fridge and freezer separately.
- You can get ice cubes, crushed ice, and cold water right from the door.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for some kitchens, so measure carefully.
- While the ice maker is great, it might take up a little bit of freezer space.
This refrigerator is a fantastic addition to any home, offering both style and practical features. It makes keeping your food fresh and enjoying cold drinks easier than ever.
5. Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Two Freezer Drawers
Rating: 9.2/10
The Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator is a great addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks modern. This fridge offers a generous 17.9 cubic feet of space, which is plenty for a busy family. The French door design makes it easy to access your fresh food. It also has two freezer drawers, keeping your frozen items neatly organized and easily reachable.
What We Like:
- The 17.9 cu. ft. capacity is large. It holds a lot of groceries for everyone.
- The French doors give it a stylish look. They make it simple to grab what you need.
- The separated freezer compartment keeps food frozen solid.
- You can easily adjust the thermostat. This helps keep your food fresh for longer.
- The adjustable feet make it stable. You can also move or swap shelves for your needs.
- The built-in lamp helps you see inside. Finding your food is much quicker.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a full-size counter-depth model, some families might need even more freezer space.
- The stainless steel finish, though attractive, can show fingerprints.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers a good balance of style and functionality. It’s a solid choice for families looking for a spacious and organized kitchen appliance.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Looking for a refrigerator that looks great and fits your kitchen perfectly? A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator might be just what you need. These fridges are designed to sit flush with your kitchen counters, giving your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. Let’s dive into what makes them special and how to pick the best one for your home.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: Think about how much food you usually store. Counter-depth models are a little shallower than standard ones, so check the cubic feet to make sure it’s enough for your family.
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Most side-by-side models have these. Some offer filtered water and crushed ice, which are super handy.
- Adjustable Shelving: Being able to move shelves around helps you fit taller items or create more space when you need it.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers control humidity to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Look for ones with adjustable settings.
- Door-in-Door Feature: Some refrigerators have a smaller door within the main door. This lets you grab frequently used items like drinks without opening the whole fridge, saving energy.
- Smart Technology: Some newer models connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control temperatures, get alerts, and even order groceries from your phone.
Materials That Matter
The materials used in your refrigerator affect its look, feel, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks modern and is pretty durable. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus, as they help keep your fridge looking clean.
- Other Finishes: You can also find refrigerators in black, white, or custom panels to match your kitchen cabinets.
- Interior Shelving: Look for tempered glass shelves. They are strong and easy to wipe clean if something spills.
What Makes a Refrigerator Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can change how good your refrigerator is.
- Build Quality: Sturdy doors that close smoothly and drawers that glide easily show good build quality.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These refrigerators use less electricity, which saves you money on your bills and is better for the environment.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be loud. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
- Cooling Performance: The fridge should keep food at the right temperature consistently. Good air circulation helps with this.
User Experience and Everyday Use
Think about how you’ll use your refrigerator every day.
- Kitchen Layout: A counter-depth fridge fits well in smaller kitchens or ones where you want a cleaner look. Measure your space carefully before buying.
- Organization: The side-by-side layout means you have shelves in both the fridge and freezer sections. This makes it easy to see what you have in both.
- Family Needs: If you have a big family, you’ll need a larger capacity. If you often entertain, features like a good ice maker are important.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable shelves and drawers make cleaning much simpler. A good fingerprint-resistant finish also cuts down on cleaning time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is “counter depth”?
A: Counter depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard refrigerator. It sits almost flush with your kitchen cabinets for a more built-in look.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside?
A: Yes, they are usually a little shallower, which means they might have a bit less storage space than a standard-depth model of the same width.
Q: How do I measure for a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Measure the width of the space, the height from the floor to the top of your counter, and the depth from the wall to the front of your counter. Also, check for door swing clearance.
Q: Is a side-by-side refrigerator good for organizing?
A: Many people find them very organized. You have easy access to both the refrigerator and freezer sections with shelves at eye level.
Q: Do counter-depth refrigerators cost more?
A: Often, yes. The sleeker design and advanced features can make them a bit more expensive than standard-depth models.
Q: How much space do I need around the refrigerator?
A: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations. You usually need a little space at the back for ventilation and some space on the sides for the doors to open fully.
Q: What is the benefit of a fingerprint-resistant finish?
A: This finish helps hide fingerprints and smudges, so your refrigerator looks cleaner for longer without constant wiping.
Q: Are counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many newer models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they use less energy than older or non-certified models.
Q: Can I install a counter-depth refrigerator myself?
A: Installation can be tricky, especially with water lines for ice makers. It’s often best to have a professional install it.
Q: What if I need more freezer space with a counter-depth fridge?
A: Side-by-side models offer freezer space on one side. If you need a lot of freezer room, a French door or bottom freezer model might be a better fit, though they are often not counter-depth.
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!