Does your kitchen feel a little cramped? Maybe you love cooking and entertaining, but your current refrigerator sticks out like a sore thumb, bumping into walkways and breaking up the sleek look of your cabinets. It’s a common problem for many homeowners, and finding a refrigerator that fits perfectly without sacrificing storage space can feel like a puzzle.
Choosing a counter-depth refrigerator is a smart move for a more streamlined kitchen. But with so many brands and features out there, how do you know which one is the best for you? You want one that keeps your food fresh, looks great, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what “rated” really means and which models deliver the best performance.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a counter-depth refrigerator “rated” and highlight some top picks. You’ll learn what to look for to ensure you get a reliable appliance that fits your kitchen and your budget. Get ready to discover the perfect refrigerator that will make your kitchen feel more open and functional!
Our Top 5 Rated Counter Depth Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Counter Depth Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. 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: 8.9/10
Meet the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C, a 30-inch counter-depth French door refrigerator that brings style and smart storage to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless-steel finish and three-door design make it a modern addition to any home. This fridge offers a generous 18.5 cubic feet of space, perfect for keeping all your groceries fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- This refrigerator gives you plenty of room for food and drinks with its 18.5 cu. ft. capacity.
- It has two large freezer drawers, making it easy to store and find your frozen items.
- Double crispers with humidity control keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Adjustable glass shelving allows you to customize the space inside to fit your needs.
- The counter-depth design fits perfectly with your kitchen cabinets for a seamless look.
- A modern stainless-steel design with easy-open handles adds a touch of elegance.
- The double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control ensure even cooling throughout the fridge.
What Could Be Improved:
- For a larger family, 18.5 cu. ft. might feel a bit small.
- While the stainless steel is attractive, it can show fingerprints easily.
This KoolMore refrigerator is a fantastic choice for those looking for both style and practical storage. It’s designed to keep your food fresh and your kitchen looking great.
2. LG 24 cu. ft. Counter Depth MAX Zero Clearance 3-Door French Door Refrigerator with Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel LF24Z6530S
Rating: 8.9/10
The LG 24 cu. ft. Counter Depth MAX Zero Clearance 3-Door French Door Refrigerator with Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel LF24Z6530S is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers smart features and a sleek design that makes storing and accessing your food a breeze. This refrigerator is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen space, giving it a custom look without the custom price tag. Plus, the Craft Ice feature adds a fun touch for entertaining!
What We Like:
- The Craft Ice maker creates slow-melting round ice cubes, perfect for drinks.
- Zero Clearance doors mean you can open them fully even when the fridge is right against the wall.
- PrintProof Stainless Steel resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping your fridge looking clean.
- It offers a generous 24 cu. ft. of storage space in a counter-depth design.
- The 3-door French door style is easy to organize and access.
- It’s a great tool for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial cost a bit high, but the value is excellent.
- The availability of this specific model could be limited at times.
- For some, the ice dispenser might require a brief learning curve to operate perfectly.
Overall, this LG refrigerator delivers on its promise of great tools at a great price. It’s a smart investment for any home looking for both style and functionality.
3. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Kenmore 46-75525, a 29.88-inch counter-depth French door refrigerator that brings style and smart storage to your kitchen. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets, giving your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. This fridge offers 17.5 cubic feet of space, which is plenty for most families. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean, and an ice maker means you always have chilled drinks ready. Plus, it’s quiet and energy-efficient, saving you money on your electricity bill.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design is a real space saver, making your kitchen feel bigger and look more modern.
- It cools food quickly with a special chill feature and keeps everything at the right temperature thanks to the multi-flow air system.
- Gallon door bins hold big drink bottles easily, and the two-tier freezer drawer makes finding frozen foods a breeze.
- You get ice whenever you need it with the built-in ice maker, and bright LED lights help you see everything inside.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish means less wiping, and its ENERGY STAR certification and quiet inverter compressor help lower energy costs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 17.5 cu. ft. is good for many, larger families might find it a bit small for their grocery needs.
- Some users might wish for more adjustable shelving options within the main refrigerator compartment.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a fantastic option for those seeking a stylish, space-saving, and efficient way to keep their food fresh. It balances modern features with practical storage solutions.
4. Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Two Freezer Drawers
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Two Freezer Drawers, 17.9 cu ft, Stainless offers a stylish and practical solution for your kitchen. Its full-size, counter-depth design fits seamlessly into most kitchen layouts, while the stainless steel finish adds a touch of modern elegance. This refrigerator is designed to make storing and accessing your food simple and efficient.
What We Like:
- Generous 17.9 cu. ft. capacity with French doors provides plenty of space for family groceries.
- Two separate freezer drawers keep all your frozen items perfectly chilled.
- An adjustable thermostat lets you easily control the temperature, keeping food fresh longer.
- You can customize your storage with adjustable shelves.
- The built-in lamp makes finding what you need inside quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the capacity is good, very large families might find it a bit tight for bulk shopping.
- The stainless steel finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints and may require regular wiping.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a solid choice for families seeking both style and functionality in their kitchen. It offers smart features that help keep your food fresh and organized.
5. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless steel is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers plenty of space for your groceries and keeps them organized. This fridge is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, looking sleek and modern.
What We Like:
- The 20.6 cu ft capacity is large enough for big families.
- The side-by-side doors make it easy to see and reach your food.
- You can easily change the temperature with the digital display.
- The door bins are big and can hold lots of drinks.
- Bright LED lights help you find things quickly.
- Its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far from your cabinets.
- Delivery and setup options are available to make things easier for you.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which might be a slight inconvenience for some users.
- While the capacity is large, some may prefer even more space for very large families.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers a smart blend of style and practicality. It’s a solid choice for families needing ample, accessible storage in their kitchen.
Finding Your Dream Fridge: A Guide to Counter-Depth Refrigerators
So, you’re looking for a new refrigerator! Maybe your old one is on its last leg, or perhaps you’re remodeling your kitchen. Whatever the reason, you’ve stumbled upon “counter-depth refrigerators.” What are they, and are they right for you? Let’s dive in!
What is a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?
Think of a standard refrigerator. It usually sticks out past your kitchen cabinets, right? A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to be more flush with your countertops. It’s shallower, so it looks more built-in and less like a big box in your kitchen. This gives your kitchen a sleeker, more modern look.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: Even though they are shallower, counter-depth fridges come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually store. Measure your space to make sure it fits!
- Configuration: Do you prefer a French door style (two doors on top, one drawer below), a side-by-side (fridge on one side, freezer on the other), or a top-freezer model? Each has its pros and cons.
- Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: Many counter-depth fridges offer these handy features. Some have them inside the freezer to keep the outside looking clean.
- Smart Features: Some newer models connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control temperatures, get alerts, and even see what’s inside from your phone.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge uses less electricity, saving you money on your power bill and helping the environment.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. It looks modern and is generally strong. However, it can show fingerprints and smudges. Some stainless steel finishes are smudge-proof, which is a big plus!
- Black Stainless Steel: This offers a sleek, dark look. It can be a good option if you want something different from regular stainless steel.
- White or Black (Enamel): These are classic choices. They are usually more affordable and easier to clean than stainless steel.
- Interior Shelving: Look for adjustable glass shelves. They are strong and easy to wipe down. Spill-proof shelves are also great because they contain messes.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a refrigerator better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built fridge feels sturdy. Doors should close smoothly, and drawers should glide easily. Feel the materials and check for any wobbly parts.
- Cooling Performance: Does the fridge keep food at the right temperature? Good temperature control helps food stay fresh longer. Some fridges have dual cooling systems, which means the fridge and freezer have separate air flows. This prevents odors from mixing and keeps food from drying out.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be quite loud. Check reviews or try to listen to a display model to see how noisy it is. Quieter models are usually a sign of better engineering.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Brands that have been around a long time and have good customer reviews often make higher-quality products. Reading what other people say is very helpful.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your refrigerator? Think about your daily life.
- Small Kitchens: Counter-depth fridges are perfect for smaller kitchens. They don’t stick out and make the space feel bigger.
- Entertaining: If you often have parties, you might need a fridge with good organization and enough space for drinks and appetizers.
- Families: Larger families might need a fridge with a bigger capacity and easy-to-reach shelves for kids. French door models are often good for families because the wide refrigerator section makes it easy to see everything.
- Single People or Couples: Smaller counter-depth models can be ideal for those who don’t need a massive amount of storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside?
A: Yes, they are shallower, which means they have a bit less usable space inside compared to a standard-depth fridge of the same height and width. However, many are designed with smart storage solutions to maximize the space.
Q: Do counter-depth refrigerators cost more?
A: Generally, yes. The sleeker design and often more advanced features can make them more expensive than standard-depth models.
Q: Will a counter-depth refrigerator fit in my existing space?
A: You need to measure carefully! While they are shallower, they can still be tall and wide. Measure the height, width, and depth of your opening, and also consider the space needed for the doors to open fully.
Q: How much space do I need around a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, you need a little space at the back for ventilation and at the sides and top for the doors to open without hitting anything.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators harder to install?
A: Not necessarily. The installation process is usually similar to a standard refrigerator. However, if you’re replacing a standard-depth fridge, you might need to adjust your cabinetry or flooring due to the different dimensions.
Q: Can I get a counter-depth refrigerator with an external ice and water dispenser?
A: Yes, many counter-depth models offer external dispensers. Some are designed to be more streamlined to maintain the flush look.
Q: Do counter-depth refrigerators have good freezer space?
A: Freezer space can vary. French door models with a bottom freezer drawer often offer good usable freezer space. Side-by-side models will have a dedicated freezer compartment that is also shallower.
Q: Is a counter-depth refrigerator worth the extra cost?
A: This depends on your priorities. If a streamlined, built-in look is important to you and you have the budget, then it can be a great investment for your kitchen’s aesthetic. If storage space is your absolute top concern, a standard-depth model might be better.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth and a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. Microfiber cloths work best.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Like most refrigerators, a well-maintained counter-depth model can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
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!