Imagine this: you open your kitchen door, and your refrigerator sticks out like a sore thumb, bumping into the walkway. It’s a common problem, especially in smaller kitchens where every inch counts. Choosing a refrigerator that fits perfectly can feel like a puzzle, and finding one that’s not too deep but still offers good storage space is a real challenge.
That’s where shallow depth refrigerators come in. They are designed to solve this exact problem, sitting flush with your cabinets for a sleek, built-in look. But with so many models and features, how do you know which one is the best fit for your home and your family’s needs? It can be overwhelming to sift through all the technical details and compare different brands.
This post is here to help you navigate the world of shallow depth refrigerators. We’ll break down what makes them special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to find a model that works for you without sacrificing valuable storage. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to upgrade your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Shallow Depth Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shallow Depth Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler – 120 Can Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Soda Beer or Wine – Small Drink Dispenser Machine for Office or Bar with Adjustable Removable Shelves
Rating: 9.0/10
The hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler is a stylish electric chiller that keeps your drinks perfectly cold. It’s a spacious cooler for beer and wine, fitting up to 120 cans. You can trust its precise temperature regulation to keep your beverages just right. This mini fridge is a great addition to any office or home bar, offering convenient access to chilled drinks.
What We Like:
- Stylish Electric Beverage Chiller: It looks great and keeps drinks cold.
- Spacious Beer & Wine Cooler: Holds a lot of cans, so you won’t run out.
- Precise Temperature Regulation: You can set the exact temperature you want.
- Efficient Cooling Mechanism: It cools drinks quickly and keeps them cold.
- Automatic Defrost Feature: No need to worry about ice buildup.
- Adjustable Removable Shelves: You can easily organize your drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The glass door can sometimes show smudges.
- It might be a bit noisy for very quiet spaces.
This hOmeLabs cooler makes enjoying cold drinks easy and stylish. It’s a practical choice for anyone who loves chilled beverages.
2. Honeywell Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Rating: 9.4/10
Keep your drinks perfectly chilled with the Honeywell Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler. This 115-can mini fridge is ideal for your office or home bar. Its sleek glass door lets you see all your favorite sodas, beers, or wines without opening it. It’s designed to keep everything at the right temperature, so your beverages are always ready to enjoy.
What We Like:
- The three-pane glass door does a fantastic job of keeping the cold air inside.
- You can easily set your desired temperature with the electronic digital thermostat control panel.
- The slide-out, plastic-coated shelves make it simple to organize and access your drinks.
- Adjustable legs help you level the fridge on any surface.
- An interior LED light makes it easy to find what you need, even in dim lighting.
- It’s built with commercial-grade quality, meaning it’s made to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it holds a lot, some users might wish for even more capacity for larger gatherings.
- The fan noise, though generally quiet, can be noticeable in very silent environments.
This Honeywell mini fridge is a solid choice for anyone who loves having perfectly chilled drinks on hand. It offers great features and reliable performance for everyday use.
3. Summit 24” Built-In Beverage Center
Rating: 9.0/10
The Summit 24” Built-In Beverage Center (SDHG2443) is a stylish and practical solution for keeping your drinks perfectly chilled. Its shallow depth makes it ideal for tight spaces, and the stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen or bar area.
What We Like:
- Its front-breathing design allows for easy installation under counters, but it also looks good enough to stand on its own.
- The slim 18-inch depth means it won’t stick out too far, saving valuable space.
- You get a good amount of storage with 3.5 cubic feet of space for all your favorite drinks.
- Three adjustable glass shelves make it easy to organize your beverages, and they’re spill-proof.
- The cool LED lights show off your drinks nicely and make them easy to see.
- You can set the temperature exactly how you want it with the digital thermostat.
- It’s great for many different places like home bars, apartments, gyms, or even small businesses because it meets commercial standards.
- It uses energy-saving technology to help keep your electricity bills down.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s versatile, the 3.5 cu.ft capacity might be a bit small for very large gatherings or commercial settings with high demand.
- The specific temperature range for optimal beverage storage is not detailed, which might be a consideration for collectors of specific beverages.
This beverage center offers a great blend of style and function for keeping your drinks cold. It’s a smart addition to any space where you want convenient and attractive drink storage.
4. Summit 19” Refrigerator
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a reliable refrigerator that fits perfectly into your outdoor entertainment space or a tight indoor spot? The Summit SPR196OS is a fantastic option. This 19-inch outdoor refrigerator offers a shallow depth, making it a smart choice for home wet bars, kitchen islands, or any area where space is limited. It’s built to withstand the elements and can even be used freestanding if needed. Plus, its ENERGY STAR certification means it’s energy-efficient, saving you money.
What We Like:
- Its 17.25-inch shallow depth is perfect for tight spaces.
- It’s weatherproof and designed for outdoor use.
- The dial thermostat allows for easy temperature control with seven settings.
- Three glass shelves with a brake system offer secure storage.
- Two chrome racks provide flexible storage options.
- It meets strict UL-471 and ETL-S standards for safety and quality.
- A factory-installed lock adds extra security, and two keys are included.
- The black interior makes cleaning simple and helps organize your items.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3.13 cu.ft. capacity might be small for larger gatherings.
- While it has a lock, a more advanced security feature might be desired by some.
This Summit refrigerator is a high-quality and practical solution for keeping your drinks and snacks cool outdoors or in compact indoor areas. Its thoughtful design and durable build make it a worthwhile addition to your home.
5. Weili 20 Inch Built in Beverage Refrigerator with Lock
Rating: 9.0/10
Keep your drinks perfectly chilled with the Weili 20 Inch Built-in Beverage Refrigerator. This stylish cooler fits right into your life, whether you tuck it under a counter or let it stand on its own. It holds a lot of drinks and looks great doing it.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: It holds up to 120 cans, so you’ll always have plenty of drinks ready.
- Adjustable Temperature: You can set the perfect cool temperature for your beverages, from 34°F to 50°F.
- Sleek Design: The stainless steel and clear glass door looks modern and lets you see your drinks.
- Flexible Use: It works perfectly as a built-in unit or as a freestanding cooler.
- Quiet Operation: The fridge is very quiet, so it won’t disturb you.
- Easy to Use: It’s ready to go right out of the box – just plug it in.
- Removable Shelves: You can move the shelves around to fit different sized drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup: You need to let it stand upright for 24 hours before turning it on.
This Weili beverage refrigerator is a fantastic addition to any home, office, or bar. It’s a convenient and stylish way to keep your favorite drinks cold and ready to enjoy.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Shallow Depth Refrigerator
A shallow depth refrigerator is a smart choice for kitchens with limited space. These refrigerators fit snugly against your cabinets, giving your kitchen a more streamlined and finished look. They are perfect for smaller homes, apartments, or anyone who wants to maximize their kitchen’s layout. Let’s dive into what makes a good shallow depth refrigerator.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: Measure your space carefully. Even shallow depth models come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually store. Most shallow depth refrigerators offer around 20-25 cubic feet of space. This is usually enough for a small to medium-sized family.
- Configuration: Do you prefer a top freezer, bottom freezer, or side-by-side? Each has its own advantages.
- Top Freezer: These are often the most budget-friendly and have a familiar layout.
- Bottom Freezer: These put your fresh food at eye level, making it easier to access.
- Side-by-Side: These offer easy access to both the fridge and freezer compartments.
- Adjustable Shelving: Flexible shelves let you change the layout to fit taller items or larger containers. This is a big help for organizing.
- Crisper Drawers: Look for humidity-controlled crisper drawers. They keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Energy Efficiency: An Energy Star certification means the refrigerator uses less electricity. This saves you money on your energy bills and is better for the environment.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be quite loud. Check reviews for information on how quiet the model is.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect its durability and appearance.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. Stainless steel is also quite durable. However, it can show fingerprints easily. Many models have “fingerprint-resistant” finishes now.
- Plastic: The interior of the refrigerator, including shelves and drawers, is usually made of strong, clear plastic. This makes it easy to see what’s inside.
- Glass: Many shelves and crisper drawer covers are made of tempered glass. This glass is strong and easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a shallow depth refrigerator better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built refrigerator feels sturdy. Doors should open and close smoothly. Drawers should slide easily.
- Cooling Performance: The refrigerator should maintain a consistent temperature. This keeps your food safe and fresh. Some models have advanced cooling systems that help with this.
- Durability: High-quality components mean the refrigerator will last longer. Look for brands known for reliability.
- Noise: A noisy compressor or fan can be annoying. Read reviews to see if others complain about noise.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and removable shelves make cleaning much easier.
User Experience and Use Cases
Shallow depth refrigerators are designed for specific needs.
- Small Kitchens: This is the most common use case. They fit perfectly in kitchens where a standard depth refrigerator would stick out too far. This creates a more open and functional space.
- Apartments and Condos: Many smaller living spaces have limited kitchen footprints. A shallow depth model is ideal here.
- Second Refrigerator: Some people use a shallow depth refrigerator as an extra fridge in a garage or basement. It’s great for drinks or overflow groceries.
- Aesthetic Appeal: For those who want a seamless look, these refrigerators blend in better with cabinetry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “shallow depth” mean for a refrigerator?
A: Shallow depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard model. It usually measures about 24 inches from front to back, so it sits flush with your kitchen cabinets.
Q: Will a shallow depth refrigerator hold as much food as a regular one?
A: Generally, no. They typically have a bit less capacity because they are not as deep. However, many shallow depth models offer smart interior design to maximize storage space.
Q: Are shallow depth refrigerators more expensive?
A: They can sometimes be slightly more expensive than standard depth models with similar features. This is due to the specialized design needed to fit them into shallower spaces.
Q: How do I measure my space for a shallow depth refrigerator?
A: Measure the width and height of the opening. Also, measure the depth of the opening. Make sure to account for any space needed for doors to open fully and for ventilation.
Q: What is the typical width of a shallow depth refrigerator?
A: They come in various widths, but common sizes range from 24 inches to 36 inches wide, similar to standard refrigerators.
Q: Are there different types of shallow depth refrigerators (e.g., French door, side-by-side)?
A: Yes, you can find shallow depth models in most popular configurations, including French door, top freezer, bottom freezer, and side-by-side.
Q: How much clearance do I need around a shallow depth refrigerator?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s manual. Generally, you need a few inches of clearance at the back for ventilation and some space on the sides and top.
Q: Is a shallow depth refrigerator good for families?
A: It can be, especially for smaller families or those in smaller homes. You just need to be mindful of the capacity and how much food you typically buy.
Q: How do I clean the exterior of a stainless steel shallow depth refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth and a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. Microfiber cloths work well.
Q: Where can I find reviews for shallow depth refrigerators?
A: You can find reviews on appliance retailer websites, consumer review sites, and dedicated product review blogs like this one!
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!