Does your kitchen look like a puzzle where one piece just doesn’t fit? Many homeowners dream of a sleek, modern kitchen. They want appliances that blend perfectly with their cabinets. But then comes the refrigerator. Standard models often stick out several inches, ruining that seamless look. It’s frustrating when a big appliance dominates your beautiful design!
Choosing a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator solves this sticking-out problem. However, the search itself can be tricky. You worry about losing valuable storage space inside just to gain that flush look outside. How do you balance style and capacity? We understand these concerns. You need a fridge that looks great without making you cram leftovers into tiny spaces.
This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down exactly what counter-depth means for side-by-side models. You will learn how to compare features, understand capacity trade-offs, and find the perfect fit for your space and budget. Get ready to ditch the awkward overhang. Let’s dive into finding the ideal counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator that marries function and flawless design.
Top Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Recommendations
- Counter Depth, Large Capacity: This 36-inch, counter-depth refrigerator offers 20 cu. ft. of space-saving storage, maximizing your kitchen’s footprint while providing ample room for fresh and frozen foods - perfect for families and entertaining
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Water & Ice Dispenser with Water Filter: Enjoy fresh, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice instantly with a factory-installed ice maker and dispenser. Every drink tastes pure—perfect for any kitchen
- Adjustable, Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Sleek, spill-proof glass shelving stretches from edge to edge for a modern finish and flexible storage. Easily customize your refrigerator interior to fit platters, jugs
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Bright LED lighting illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by side doors 15.6 CuFt Capacity, perfect for all the family members
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- _Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or interchange your shelves for a personalized experience
- The Slim and Spacious 4.2 cu.ft. Freezer Fits All Your Frozen Favorites With Room to Spare
- Multi Air Flow Evenly Distributes Air Through Multiple Vents in Both Freezer and Refrigerator
- Select Vacation Mode to Turn Off The Refrigerator Cavity While Your Freezer Remains On
- Equipped With a Removable Wine Rack, Perfect For Chilling or Displaying Wine
- Fresh Converter Drawer Provides a Chiller Option for Fresh Food and a Crisper Option for Fruits and Vegetables
- Premium French Door Refrigerator – The KoolMore Stainless-Steel Refrigerator Provides All The Storage And Accessibility You Need With Plenty Of Room For Food And Drinks, And Double Crispers With Humidity Control
- Spacious Capacity And Adjustable Shelving – At 18.5 Cu. Ft. This Refrigerator Clearance Lines Up With Your Kitchen Counters But Still Provides Two Large Freezer Drawers, 6 Door Bins, And Adjustable Glass Shelving For All Your Food Items.
- Modern Stainless-Steel Design – A Flat Finish With Easy-Open Handles This Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator Fits In Seamlessly With Your Other Appliances And Sits At Just The Right Height And Depth For Contemporary Kitchens
- Precision Temperature Control Designed with a double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control our stainless-steel fridge offers equal distribution of cool temperatures to keep fruit, vegetables, and meat fresher, longer.
- RV/TRAILER COMPATIBLE: This BBQ and Grill station comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome, RV, or trailer so you can have a cookout wherever you are
- 22.3 cu ft Counter-Depth Capacity – Spacious side-by-side design offers 14.3 cu ft fresh food and 8 cu ft freezer for organized daily storage without sacrificing kitchen space.
- ENERGY STAR Certified & ADA Compliant – Efficient operation helps reduce energy costs while meeting accessibility standards.
- External Ice & Water Dispenser – Convenient chilled filtered water and cube/crushed ice available without opening the fridge, with easy-to-reach external dispenser.
- EvenTemp Cooling System – Maintains consistent temperatures throughout the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food fresh longer.
- CrispSeal Plus Crisper & Deli Drawer – Crispers with sealed humidity control and a dedicated deli drawer help keep produce and meats organized and fresh.
- Premium Side by Side Refrigerator: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators offers spacious storage capacity. The beverage fridge has a total capacity of 15.6 cubic feet, making it perfect for all family members. This refrigerator with freezer provides ample space for storing food and drinks
- Black Stainless Steel Design: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators features a flat surface design and easy-to-open handles. This beverage fridge can seamlessly match your other household appliances. With perfectly proportioned height and depth, this refrigerator with freezer fits flawlessly into modern kitchens
- Large Capacity: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a storage capacity of 15.6 cubic feet. The dimensions of this beverage fridge are 32.9 inches × 24.5 inches × 70.1 inches (width × depth × height). This refrigerator with freezer achieves separate storage for refrigerated and frozen items, with a refrigeration capacity of 9.54 cubic feet and a freezing capacity of 6.08 cubic feet
- Electronic Temperature Contro: The freezer compartment of the iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a temperature range from -10°F to 5°F, which can keep all frozen foods fresh. The refrigeration compartment of this beverage fridge has a temperature range from 32°F to 42°F. This refrigerator with freezer is equipped with 5 variable temperature settings, which can be manually switched according to your needs
- Crisper Drawers & Dairy Compartment: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has transparent humidity-controlled crisper drawers.The beverage fridge allow you to select the ideal humidity level to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.Alos the refrigerator with freezer can store all your butters and spreads at their optimal temperature
- 📊 【Spacious 4-Door Design】📊 This 21 cu.ft. French door refrigerator features a full-width opening system designed to allow flexible access to interior storage. The built-in wine cabinet offers dedicated space for beverage storage
- 🧊【 Flexible Cooling Zones】🧊 Includes dual freezer compartments and double fresh-keeping drawers intended to help maintain humidity levels for fresh produce. The bottom freezer design is configured to support organized frozen food storage
- 🌡️ 【Precision Temperature Management】🌡️ Equipped with digital temperature controls and a dual-flow cooling system designed to distribute cool air evenly. The system aims to help preserve the freshness of various food items
- ⚙️ 【Inverter Compressor Operation】⚙️ Features inverter compressor technology intended to respond to temperature changes and maintain consistent cooling. Touch controls are included for adjusting freezer and refrigerator settings
- 🍷 【Organized Storage Options】🍷 Provides adjustable shelves, door bins, and dedicated wine storage. The counter-depth design is sized to fit standard kitchen layouts while offering storage for larger items
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a fantastic choice for many kitchens. These refrigerators look sleek because they sit nearly flush with your existing cabinets. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features really matter. Look closely at these points to ensure you get a great appliance.
Capacity and Organization
- Cubic Feet: This tells you how much food fits inside. For a family of four, look for 22 cubic feet or more.
- Adjustable Shelving: Can you move the shelves around easily? Flexible shelving helps you store tall bottles or large platters.
- Door Bins: Deep, sturdy door bins hold gallons of milk or juice without tipping over.
Cooling Technology
- Dual Evaporators: Some high-end models use separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer. This keeps food fresher longer and stops freezer smells from creeping into your milk.
- Ice and Water Dispensers: Decide if you need an external dispenser. While convenient, external dispensers often take up valuable door space inside.
Smart Features
- Temperature Control: Digital controls offer precise temperature settings. Avoid old-style knobs if possible.
- Smart Diagnostics: Some fridges can tell a technician what is wrong before they even arrive.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your refrigerator lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Construction
- Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves are superior to wire shelves. Glass contains spills easily.
- Plastic Drawers: Look for thick, sturdy plastic in crisper drawers. Thin, flimsy plastic breaks easily when overloaded.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is popular, but fingerprints show easily.
- Fingerprint-Resistant Finishes: These special coatings wipe clean with just a cloth, saving you time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality relates directly to performance and longevity. A few factors really move the needle.
Improving Quality
- Quiet Compressors: A high-quality compressor runs almost silently. Loud humming reduces the enjoyment of your kitchen space.
- Good Seals: Thick, strong door gaskets (seals) keep the cold air in. Poor seals make the fridge work harder and waste energy.
Reducing Quality
- Shallow Depth: Remember, counter-depth means less interior space than standard models. If you buy groceries for a very large family every week, you might feel cramped.
- Ice Maker Placement: If the ice maker sits inside the upper freezer section, it often eats up usable storage space.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your family uses the kitchen every day.
Daily Use Cases
- Small Kitchens: Counter-depth models shine here. They prevent the refrigerator doors from sticking out into walkways.
- Entertaining: If you often host parties, ensure the door bins are large enough for wine bottles or beverage cans.
- Accessibility: Side-by-side doors mean you don’t have to bend over to reach freezer items like you do with a bottom-freezer model. This feature is great for older users or those with back trouble.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What exactly does “counter depth” mean?
A: Counter depth means the main body of the refrigerator is about the same depth as your kitchen counters, usually around 24 to 26 inches deep (not including handles). This creates a built-in look.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside than standard ones?
A: Yes, they usually are. Because the exterior is shallower, the interior storage capacity is slightly reduced compared to a full-depth model of the same height and width.
Q: Which brand offers the best reliability for side-by-side models?
A: Brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool often receive high marks for modern features and reliability in their side-by-side lines. Check recent customer reviews for the specific model you like.
Q: How much more expensive are counter-depth models?
A: Counter-depth refrigerators typically cost 15% to 30% more than comparable standard-depth models because of the specialized design required to keep them shallow.
Q: Do side-by-side units use more energy?
A: Not necessarily. Modern Energy Star rated models are very efficient. The efficiency depends more on the insulation quality and the compressor technology than the side-by-side style itself.
Q: Is the freezer section bigger or smaller in a side-by-side compared to a French door model?
A: The freezer section in a side-by-side is usually narrower but runs the full height of the unit. French door freezers are wider but often shallower drawers.
Q: How do I clean the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel?
A: For these finishes, you usually only need a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the protective coating.
Q: Should I worry about handle clearance?
A: Yes. If you choose models with protruding handles, measure the space needed for the door to swing open fully, even if the body sits flush with the counter.
Q: What is the lifespan of a good side-by-side refrigerator?
A: With proper maintenance, a high-quality side-by-side refrigerator should last between 12 to 17 years.
Q: Are smart features worth the extra cost?
A: Smart features like remote temperature monitoring or internal cameras are nice additions. They are worth the cost if you frequently travel or like managing your home tech.