Ever feel like your kitchen is a little… cramped? You love your big fridge, but it sticks out like a sore thumb, bumping into walkways and making your kitchen feel smaller than it is. Choosing a new refrigerator can be tough, especially when you want one that fits perfectly without sacrificing space or style. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by the many choices and unsure if a counter-depth fridge is the right fit for their home.
But what if there was a way to get that sleek, built-in look and reclaim valuable floor space? Counter-depth refrigerators offer a stylish solution that can transform your kitchen. In this post, we’ll dive into what makes these refrigerators so special and how they can solve your kitchen layout headaches. You’ll learn exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to find the perfect counter-depth model that complements your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Our Top 5 Refrigerator Counter Depth Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Refrigerator Counter Depth Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.5/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer is a stylish and modern addition to any kitchen. This 36-inch, 20 cu. ft. refrigerator offers a sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and convenient side-by-side doors. It also features a built-in filtered ice and water dispenser, making refreshment a breeze.
What We Like:
- Its counter-depth design gives your kitchen a clean, built-in look.
- The Accela Chill feature cools your food quickly.
- The factory-installed icemaker makes up to 3 lbs. of ice daily, offering cubed or crushed options.
- The Multi Flow air system ensures even cooling on every shelf, keeping your food fresh.
- A deep gallon-sized door bin provides extra storage for large items.
- Clear crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the interior space to fit taller items easily.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it’s energy efficient.
- The quiet inverter compressor provides precise temperature control and saves energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 20 cu. ft. capacity is good for many, larger families might want more space.
- Specific details about the ice maker’s production speed beyond the daily limit are not provided.
This Kenmore refrigerator combines both style and functionality, making it a solid choice for those seeking an efficient and good-looking appliance. It offers smart storage solutions and advanced cooling technology to keep your food perfectly chilled.
2. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kenmore 46-75525 is a stylish and modern refrigerator that fits right into your kitchen. It’s a counter-depth model, meaning it sits flush with your cabinets for a sleek look. With 17.5 cubic feet of space, it holds plenty of food. The French doors open wide, giving you easy access to everything inside. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean and new.
What We Like:
- It looks great in any kitchen with its modern, counter-depth design and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.
- You can store lots of food thanks to its 17.5 cu. ft. capacity and roomy gallon-sized door bins.
- Your food stays fresh longer with the Accela Chill feature and the Multi Flow air system that cools evenly.
- Keeping drinks cold is easy with the factory-installed ice maker.
- The adjustable glass shelves let you customize the space for taller items.
- It’s good for your wallet and the planet because it’s ENERGY STAR Certified and uses a quiet, energy-saving inverter compressor.
- The two-tier freezer organization makes finding frozen foods a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 17.5 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families.
- While the fingerprint-resistant finish helps, it may still require occasional wiping.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a smart choice for those seeking both style and functionality in their kitchen. Its features make it easy to keep food organized and fresh, all while saving energy.
3. LG LRRXC2606S 26 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth French Door Smart Refrigerator
Rating: 8.9/10
The LG LRRXC2606S is a sleek and modern refrigerator that brings convenience and style to any kitchen. Its counter-depth design fits seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a custom look. With a generous 26 cubic feet of space, it holds plenty of food for your family. This smart refrigerator connects to your home network, letting you control settings from your phone.
What We Like:
- It has two ice makers. One makes regular ice, and the other makes slow-melting craft ice. This is great for chilling drinks without watering them down.
- The Door Cooling+ feature keeps the temperature inside consistent, even when the door is opened often. Your food stays fresher for longer.
- The craft ice is a fun bonus. It makes round ice cubes that look really nice in beverages.
- The smart features allow you to adjust temperatures or check on your fridge using an app. This is very handy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The counter-depth design means it doesn’t stick out from the cabinets. This looks great, but it might mean slightly less space inside compared to a standard-depth model.
- For some users, the price might be a bit high. It is an investment for your kitchen.
Overall, this LG refrigerator offers impressive features for keeping food fresh and entertaining guests. It’s a smart choice for a modern, functional kitchen.
4. Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Rating: 9.1/10
The Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator is a smart choice for kitchens needing a compact yet capable appliance. Its 24-inch width and counter-depth design make it a great fit for smaller spaces, but don’t let its size fool you – it offers a generous 11.5 cubic feet of storage. This refrigerator helps you keep both your fresh foods and frozen favorites perfectly chilled and organized.
What We Like:
- The 4.2 cubic foot freezer is surprisingly spacious for all your frozen treats.
- Multi Air Flow keeps everything at the right temperature by circulating air evenly.
- Vacation Mode saves energy when you’re away by keeping the freezer on and the fridge off.
- The removable wine rack is handy for chilling your wine or showing it off.
- The Fresh Converter Drawer gives you options for keeping meats extra cold or your fruits and veggies crisp.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 11.5 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families or those who stock up heavily.
- While it has a wine rack, there are no other specialized compartments for things like dairy or deli items.
This Sharp refrigerator is a well-designed appliance that offers clever features for efficient food storage in a compact package. It’s a solid option for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen space without sacrificing functionality.
5. Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer. This fridge brings modern style and smart storage to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great and resists fingerprints, keeping it looking clean. The French doors give it a stylish, high-end feel. With 20.3 cubic feet of space, it holds plenty of food for your family.
What We Like:
- Stylish French doors and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel add a modern touch.
- Accela Chill technology cools your food quickly.
- The factory-installed ice maker makes up to 4 lbs. of ice daily.
- Gallon-sized door bins and a full-width pantry drawer offer flexible storage.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you fit taller items easily.
- ENERGY STAR Certified for energy efficiency.
- The quiet inverter compressor helps save energy and keeps your kitchen peaceful.
- Two-tier freezer organization makes finding things simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20.3 cu. ft. capacity might be small for very large families.
- Counter-depth design means less internal space than standard refrigerators.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a fantastic option for those seeking both style and practicality. It keeps your food at the perfect temperature while saving energy and looking good in your kitchen.
Choosing the Perfect Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Why Counter-Depth Refrigerators are a Smart Choice
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to sit flush with your kitchen counters. This gives your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. They don’t stick out into your walkway like standard refrigerators. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and more open.
Key Features to Look For
Capacity and Storage
- Think about how much food you buy. Families need more space than single people.
- Look for adjustable shelves. They help you fit tall items.
- Crisper drawers keep fruits and veggies fresh longer.
- Door bins are great for drinks and condiments.
Cooling Technology
- Dual-evaporator systems cool the fridge and freezer separately. This keeps food from drying out.
- Good air circulation prevents cold spots.
- Temperature controls should be easy to use.
Ice and Water Dispenser
- Many counter-depth models have dispensers. Some are in-door, others are inside.
- Consider if you want filtered water.
- Check if the ice maker is built-in or optional.
Energy Efficiency
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These refrigerators use less electricity.
- This saves you money on your energy bills.
Finish and Style
- Stainless steel is popular and durable.
- Black stainless steel offers a modern look.
- White and black are classic choices.
- Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big help.
Important Materials
Most refrigerators are made of metal and plastic. The exterior can be stainless steel, painted steel, or other finishes. The interior shelves are usually made of strong glass or plastic. High-quality seals around the doors help keep the cold air inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Refrigerator Better
- Strong build quality means it lasts longer.
- Quiet operation is a plus.
- Good temperature consistency keeps food fresh.
- Reliable ice makers and water dispensers are important.
- Smart features, like Wi-Fi connectivity, can be useful.
What Can Lower Quality
- Cheap plastic parts can break easily.
- Noisy compressors can be annoying.
- Uneven cooling can lead to spoiled food.
- Frequent repairs are a sign of poor quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Counter-depth refrigerators are perfect for smaller kitchens. They create a clean, built-in look. Many people love how much neater their kitchen looks. They are great for people who like to organize their food. The shallower depth means you can reach items in the back more easily. This prevents forgotten food.
For families, choosing a model with good storage is key. If you entertain often, an in-door dispenser can be very convenient. For busy people, fingerprint-resistant finishes save cleaning time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside?
A1: Yes, counter-depth refrigerators are typically shallower than standard ones. This means they hold a little less food overall. But, they are designed to be very efficient with their space.
Q2: Do counter-depth refrigerators cost more?
A2: Often, yes. The sleek design and the engineering to make them fit flush can increase the price. However, there are many options at different price points.
Q3: How much space do I need behind a counter-depth refrigerator?
A3: You usually need a few inches of space behind the refrigerator for ventilation. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact amount. This helps the refrigerator run well.
Q4: Can I install a counter-depth refrigerator myself?
A4: Installation is often straightforward. You’ll need to connect the water line if you have an ice maker or water dispenser. It’s a good idea to have a second person help move it.
Q5: What is the typical width of a counter-depth refrigerator?
A5: They come in many widths, but common sizes are 30, 33, and 36 inches wide. Always measure your kitchen space before buying.
Q6: How do I clean the exterior of a stainless steel counter-depth refrigerator?
A6: Use a soft cloth with a mild soap and water solution. For fingerprint-resistant finishes, a damp microfiber cloth is usually enough. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Q7: Are counter-depth refrigerators good for small kitchens?
A7: Yes, they are excellent for small kitchens. They don’t stick out and make the space feel larger. They also give a more built-in appearance.
Q8: What are the different types of counter-depth refrigerator configurations?
A8: Common configurations include French door, side-by-side, and top-freezer models. French door models are very popular for their accessibility.
Q9: How long do counter-depth refrigerators usually last?
A9: With proper care and maintenance, most refrigerators can last 10-15 years. Quality of the parts and how you use it affect its lifespan.
Q10: Should I get a counter-depth refrigerator with an external ice dispenser?
A10: This is a personal choice. External dispensers are very convenient for quick access to ice and water. However, they can take up some internal door space and might be more prone to issues than internal ones.
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!