Imagine opening your refrigerator and having everything neatly organized, easy to see, and right at your fingertips. That’s the dream, right? But when it comes to choosing a side-by-side refrigerator that fits perfectly into your kitchen, the dream can quickly turn into a puzzle. You want that sleek, built-in look, but you also need enough space for all your groceries. It’s a balancing act many homeowners face, and figuring out which counter-depth model is the best fit for your needs can feel overwhelming.
That’s exactly why we’re diving deep into the world of counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators. This guide is designed to cut through the confusion and help you find the perfect appliance. We’ll explore what makes these refrigerators so special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your choice, ready to upgrade your kitchen with a refrigerator that’s both stylish and super functional.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 9.3/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer offers a blend of smart features and a sleek design that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. Its counter-depth profile maximizes your kitchen’s space without sacrificing storage. This refrigerator is designed to keep your food fresh and accessible, making everyday life a little easier.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The 36-inch counter-depth model gives you 20 cubic feet of storage. This means more room for your groceries without your fridge sticking out too far. It’s great for families and when you have guests over.
- Quick Cooling and Even Temperatures: The Accela Chill feature quickly cools down new groceries. The Multi-Flow Air System makes sure the temperature is the same on every shelf. This keeps all your food fresh.
- Convenient Water and Ice: Get filtered water and ice (cubed or crushed) right from the dispenser. The built-in ice maker means you always have ice ready. Every drink will taste clean and pure.
- Flexible Storage: The adjustable glass shelves are spill-proof and go from edge to edge. This gives you a clean look and lets you fit tall bottles or large platters easily.
- Energy Efficient and Stylish: It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, so it saves energy. The bright LED lights help you see everything inside. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking good with minimal cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity for Large Families: While 20 cu. ft. is good, very large families might find it a bit snug for their weekly shopping.
- Counter-Depth Limits Full-Size Storage: The counter-depth design, while space-saving, might mean some larger items don’t fit as easily as in a standard-depth model.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for many households, offering convenience and style. It’s designed to make your kitchen more functional and your life easier.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.9/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers plenty of space for your family’s groceries and a sleek, modern look.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cu. ft. of space, this fridge easily holds enough food for everyone in the family.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: You can keep your fresh and frozen foods neatly organized and find what you need quickly.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Adjusting temperature and settings is simple with the easy-to-use digital display inside the door.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The large door bins hold gallons of drinks, freeing up shelf space.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside, even in the back.
- COUNTER DEPTH: This fridge fits perfectly into your kitchen design, sticking out less than standard models.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Convenient delivery and haul-away services are available in some areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is mounted inside the refrigerator, which might require opening the door to make adjustments.
- Availability of delivery and haul-away options can vary by location.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing ample storage and a stylish, space-saving design. Its user-friendly features make keeping your food fresh and organized a breeze.
3. LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Rating: 8.9/10
The LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish complements modern decor, and its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far into your kitchen space. This refrigerator offers a generous 23 cubic feet of storage, providing ample room for all your groceries.
What We Like:
- Generous 23 Cu. Ft. Capacity: This fridge holds a lot of food, making it great for families or those who like to stock up.
- Adjustable Glass Shelves: Four sturdy glass shelves offer flexibility for organizing different-sized items. You can easily move them to fit tall bottles or large platters.
- Convenient External Water Dispenser & Ice Maker: Get chilled water and ice without even opening the refrigerator door. This feature saves time and energy.
- Counter Depth Design: The refrigerator fits flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a more built-in and polished look.
- Side-by-Side Layout: Easy access to both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. You can see everything at a glance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity Might Be Tight for Very Large Families: While 23 cu. ft. is good, extremely large households might find it a bit snug.
- Limited Customization Options on Shelving: While the shelves are adjustable, some users might prefer more granular shelf height adjustments.
This LG refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking both style and practicality. Its smart features and ample storage make it a valuable asset to your kitchen.
4. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 9.3/10
The Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge is a stylish and functional appliance that brings convenience to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and French door design offer a modern look. With a generous 20 cubic feet of space, it provides ample room for all your groceries. The side freezer and built-in water dispenser with dual ice makers make it a practical choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- Large capacity (20 Cu Ft) and a modern French door design fit well in most kitchens.
- Keeps food fresh with a multi-airflow cooling system and a helpful door alarm.
- No more manual defrosting! The automatic defrosting program makes maintenance easy.
- Removable door seals are simple to clean, helping the fridge work efficiently.
- Intelligent microcomputer control lets you easily adjust fridge and freezer temperatures with an LED display.
- Enjoy ice in multiple ways: cube ice, nugget ice, and cold water from the convenient external dispenser.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (30.79″D x 35.75″W x 69.68″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While the ice maker is automatic, the manual doesn’t specify how quickly it produces ice.
This Antarctic Star refrigerator offers a great combination of features and style. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and convenient appliance.
5. Kenmore 36″ French Door Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Kenmore 36″ French Door Refrigerator with Freezer. This stylish appliance brings smart features to your kitchen, keeping your food fresh and your space looking neat. Its sleek design and helpful functions make it a great addition to any home.
What We Like:
- It has a counter-depth design. This means it fits perfectly with your kitchen cabinets for a built-in look.
- The 20.3 cu. ft. capacity is spacious enough for your groceries.
- Accela Chill quickly cools down new food. The Inverter Compressor keeps temperatures steady and quiet.
- You can organize your food easily with adjustable glass shelves and a full-width pantry drawer.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep fruits and veggies crisp.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking clean.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it saves energy and is good for the planet.
- Bright LED lights help you see everything inside.
- The factory-installed icemaker makes up to 4 lbs. of ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some kitchens, 20.3 cu. ft. might be a bit small if you store a lot of food.
- While it has good cooling, some users might prefer even faster freezing for certain items.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great blend of style and smart features. It’s a solid choice for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen looking modern.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen with a refrigerator that’s both stylish and functional? A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator might be the perfect fit. These refrigerators offer a sleek look by sitting flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a more built-in appearance. Plus, the side-by-side doors make it easy to grab what you need without bending down. Let’s dive into what makes these fridges a great choice.
Why Choose a Counter-Depth Side-by-Side?
These refrigerators are designed to blend seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry. Unlike standard refrigerators that stick out, a counter-depth model gives your kitchen a cleaner, more organized feel. The side-by-side layout means the freezer is on one side and the refrigerator on the other, with doors that open outwards. This setup is great for smaller kitchens or for anyone who wants a more streamlined look.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Adjustable Shelving: This lets you customize the space inside to fit taller items like milk jugs or large platters.
- Crisper Drawers with Humidity Control: These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Many models come with this handy feature, often located on the outside of the freezer door.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity, saving you money on your bills and helping the environment.
- Smart Features: Some refrigerators connect to Wi-Fi. You can control temperatures, get alerts if a door is left open, and even troubleshoot problems using an app on your phone.
- Door Alarm: This feature beeps if a door is left open for too long, preventing food from spoiling.
Important Materials
The materials used in your refrigerator impact its durability and appearance. Most refrigerators have stainless steel exteriors, which are durable and easy to clean. Some models offer fingerprint-resistant finishes, which are a lifesaver if you have kids or pets. Inside, you’ll find glass shelves, which are strong and easy to wipe down. Plastic bins and drawers are also common for storing produce and deli items.
What Affects Quality?
Several things can make a refrigerator better or worse:
- Build Quality: A well-built refrigerator feels sturdy. The doors should open and close smoothly, and the drawers should glide easily.
- Cooling System: A good cooling system keeps food at the right temperature throughout the fridge and freezer. Look for models with dual-cooling systems, which keep different compartments at optimal temperatures.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be quite noisy. Check reviews for information on how loud the appliance is.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands that have good customer service and offer reliable products.
User Experience and Use Cases
Counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators are fantastic for busy families. The easy access to both refrigerated and frozen items means quick meal prep and snack grabbing. They are also a great choice for people who entertain often, as the layout makes it easy to see and reach all your party foods. If you have a smaller kitchen or want a more polished look, the counter-depth design is a winner.
The side-by-side layout is especially useful for those who don’t like bending down. You can keep frequently used items at eye level in both the fridge and freezer. This makes finding ingredients for dinner or snacks for the kids much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “counter-depth” actually mean for a refrigerator?
A: Counter-depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard refrigerator. It is designed to sit flush with your kitchen cabinets, creating a more built-in look.
Q: How much storage space do counter-depth side-by-sides typically have compared to standard models?
A: Counter-depth models generally have a bit less storage space inside than standard-depth refrigerators because they are shallower. However, the organizational features often make up for this.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators good for storing large items?
A: They can be. While the shelves might be narrower than in a French door or top-freezer model, adjustable shelving helps accommodate taller items. The vertical split makes it easy to store long items like pizza boxes on their sides.
Q: What is the average price range for a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Prices can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a good quality counter-depth side-by-side model, depending on features and brand.
Q: How do I measure my space for a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Measure the width and height of the opening where the refrigerator will go. Also, measure the depth of the opening, but remember that the refrigerator itself will be shallower than this to sit flush with your cabinets. Allow for some space for ventilation.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators harder to clean?
A: No, they are generally just as easy to clean as standard refrigerators. The exteriors are often made of materials like stainless steel that wipe down easily.
Q: What are the pros and cons of an ice and water dispenser?
A: Pros include convenience and saving space inside the freezer. Cons can be that they sometimes require more maintenance and can be a point of failure. Some models may also reduce the internal storage space on the freezer door.
Q: How important is the energy efficiency rating?
A: It’s quite important. An ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator uses less energy, which saves you money on your electricity bill and is better for the environment.
Q: What should I do if my refrigerator is making unusual noises?
A: First, check if the refrigerator is level. Sometimes, unbalanced fridges can make noise. If the noise continues, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support.
Q: Can I install a counter-depth refrigerator myself?
A: While some people do install them themselves, it’s often recommended to have a professional do it. This ensures proper installation, especially for water lines if you have a dispenser.
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!