4 best open box counter depth refrigerators

A Counter-depth refrigerator is that, which gives your kitchen a beautiful and uniform look. In addition to this, it also streamlines your workflow. Refrigerators usually do not always seat flush and uniform with your kitchen setting. As a matter of fact, you may find some protruding, about 6 inches past countertops and kitchen cabinets- this placement can throw off the look in your kitchen and potentially cause door clearance issues. Hence, counter-depth refrigerators are installed in kitchen spaces to align with the counter and cabinets, bringing a harmonious look to your kitchen. 

So, obviously, counter-depth refrigerators are quite different in form and size compared to standard ones. Standard refrigerators are about 30 to 36 inches deep or more. In comparison, standard refrigerators are about 25 inches deep( 24 inches for the base cabinet with a 1-inch overhang), which means that a standard refrigerator will stick out from adjoining countertops by six inches or more. A kitchen with a built-in look that is desired can interfere with the sleek lines. 

It is essential to know that there are several options when you are going for a counter-depth refrigerator. With so many brands and models out there, making up your mind may become more problematic than you think, especially if you are obsessed with getting the best, just like me. However, selecting the best counter-depth refrigerator does not need to make you feel exasperated all the time. In this guide, we’ll share our list of the best counter-depth refrigerators and review which features you should consider when shopping. But first, let us discuss the dimensions of a Counter-Depth refrigerator. 

Dimensions of Counter-Depth Refrigerators

As described above, refrigerators dubbed ‘counter-depth’ are typically side-by-side models which are slightly shallower than standard refrigerators. In the counter-depth refrigerator, you will find ample space because it is slightly taller and wider than standard refrigerators; also, because it is a ‘side-by-side’- side-by-side refrigerators are naturally more spacious than regular refrigerators, apart from french doors. Counter-depth refrigerators have basic boxes that are typically between 23 and 27 inches deep, but the overall depth (with doors included) varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. You also may see refrigerators with overall depths of 28 3/4 inches (LG and Samsung), 30 3/4 inches (GE), or 27 1/2 inches (Whirlpool), all marketed as countertop-depth units.

Choosing a Counter-Depth Refrigerator 

With numerous variations of counter-depth refrigerators on the market, it is important to make an informed decision when it is finally time to visit the stores for a new refrigerator. It is necessary to choose the counter-depth that best suits your needs and that of your family if you must enjoy the immense benefits of counter-depth refrigerators. Before we go deep down into the specific considerations to be made before choosing a countertop, it is essential that we see some peculiarities of counter-depth refrigerators and their compatibility with various countertops. When choosing a refrigerator to match the depth of cabinets and countertops, keep the following issues in mind:

Kitchen countertops can have subtle variations in depth: Very often, base cabinets are mostly around 24 inches deep, but in exceptional cases, they are structured slightly forward from the kitchen wall to create space for backsplash treatments. And the countertop overhang may add around 1 1/2 inches on some decorative treatments. It is not uncommon for the front edge of a countertop to extend as much as 28 to 30 inches from the back wall. The overall depth can be less or less if the cabinetry or countertop has been custom-made.

Counter-depth refrigerators rarely fit the countertops perfectly enough: It is essential to bear in mind that, in some cases, counter-depth refrigerators may not match your countertop, contrary to your expectations. Typically, the overall depth, measured from the back of the appliance to the front of the handles, is about 30 inches. However, the depth of the refrigerator box—measured without the doors—is often about 24 to 25 inches, which matches the depth of standard cabinetry and countertops. The implication of this is that your refrigerator may extend forward from the rare front of standard countertops.

Manufacturers’ Measurement of Counter-depth Refrigerators: Manufacturers have several ways to describe the size of their refrigerators, but there is usually some variance in this measurement, by as much as 6 inches, from the actual size. This is the case because manufacturers measure the appliance depth to the edge of the box without the doors; some measure all the way to the front of the door, while others measure only to the door handles. Just ensure that you understand the dimensions that are referenced by the measurements. 

Other Crucial Considerations for Choosing a Counter-depth

Available Space: An important consideration to have is the space where a counter-depth will fit in. To ascertain this space, measure the height, width, and depth of the space assigned for the fridge. You’ll notice that refrigerator openings are not perfectly square. Hence, take each measurement from several locations and use the smallest size. Taking accurate measurements and understanding various size limitations helps one house a refrigerator conveniently. After getting an accurate measurement, you may even proceed to leave some extra inches for some ventilation around the refrigerator.

Storage Capacity: You do not want to purchase a counter-depth that cannot accommodate all your produce at once. Hence it is important to understand its storage capacity before buying. it. It is essential to consider the fact that counter-depth refrigerators have lesser capacity than standard-depth refrigerators, even when they are larger in size. While standard refrigerators have 25 to 28 cubic feet of available space, typical counter-depth refrigerators have 20 to 22 cubic feet of storage space.

Finish: It is no news that refrigerators come in various finishes. Counter-depth refrigerators have more modern and high-end finishes compared to standard options. Due to this, you’ll often find counter-depths with stainless steel finishes and black stainless coating.  The finish is a personal preference; however, you probably want to coordinate it with your other kitchen appliances to create a cohesive style.

Ice and Water Dispenser: Once upon a time, having an ice dispenser feature in a refrigerator was a luxury. It appears that high-end, even mid-end refrigerators are incomplete without them. Since most counter-depth refrigerators fall in the high-end category, they will have water dispensers. However, it is still necessary to take a look.

Noise Level: Scroll through the buyer comments about any fridge, and you’ll likely see numerous comments regarding noise level. Low noise tends to rank high on the lists of demands for refrigerators. Crosley professional refrigerators are a good example of this. 

All refrigerators use a compressor to create cold air, and the compressor makes noise when it turns on. Manufacturers design compressors that are quiet and insulated to mute that noise. The normal decibel range of a refrigerator is 32 to 47 dB, and any fridge operating under 40 dB is considered a quiet model. That said, whether the noise level of a refrigerator is too loud is mostly subjective. What is a barely perceptible hum to one homeowner might be an irritating roar to another.

Types: Counter-depth refrigerators come in various types, and they include;

French Door: This counter-depth style consists of upper and lower compartments- it has two swing-out doors on top, allowing you access to the refrigerator’s content, while the bottom consists of a large pull-out freezer drawer. The height of the refrigerator compartment makes it really convenient to access food. Also, while you reach for these foods, you can also easily see them. 

Some French-door fridges feature four swing-out doors: two for the refrigerator and two for the freezer. Others feature two drawers below: a freezer compartment and a drawer for frequently accessed food. While these options add versatility, they also limit the total amount of freezer capacity.

Bottom Freezer: Bottom freezers feature one large door for the refrigerator and a pull-out freezer drawer below. This style offers more capacity than any other type. Both bottom-freezers side-by-side and French-door styles feature a wide swinging door that requires more clearance to open. This can create a problem in kitchens with narrow walkways.

Side-By-Side: They are called side-by-side because they have two side-by-side doors. The refrigerator compartment is on the right, and it’s typically wider than the left side, which functions as the freezer. This refrigerator style provides the greatest amount of freezer space and the least amount of refrigerator space. A good example is a Crosley side-by-side refrigerator.

Some Counter-Depth Refrigerators On The Market

In case you are wondering- what are the best counter-depth refrigerators for 2022? this section discusses a list of the best Open box counter depth refrigerators available on the market

Frigidaire Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator – FRFS2823AS

This counter-depth refrigerator is a must-have refrigerator in the kitchen because it is reliable, durable, and efficient. From providing perfect storage for produce to keeping them extremely chilled, this Frigidaire counter-depth will be worth the cost. Its sleek stainless steel finish will easily match your other appliances and wipes clean. A very stand-out quality of this refrigerator is its CrispSeal feature which helps trap cold air within the refrigerator and provides crispy produce. The fridge also features larger door bins for enhanced storage that won’t sacrifice shelf space, offering plenty of room for condiments, pickles, and preserves. The full-width deli drawer ties it together, offering convenient deli meats and cheese access. Overall, the French door design offers wider shelves for more food storage potential. It may also interest you to know that this Frigidaire refrigerator also has wheels.

Another interesting feature of this refrigerator is the PurePour technology filters your water and removes up to 99 percent of contaminants. It also reduces the amount of plastic water your household produces because you will spend less money on bottled water. Lastly, if you are wondering -what is the best refrigerator brand?- this model will come as a very great pick.

Samsung ADA 22, Counter-Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator

This side-by-side Samsung counter-depth refrigerator is a perfect blend of beauty and function. To start, it has an incredible finish; With its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, this appliance resists sticky smudges and is also easy to clean; stainless steel adds a modern feel to any kitchen as well, especially if the other appliances are stainless steel. With it side-by-side build, you can easily place the size of your fresh and frozen food by the side, allowing easy access to any snacks, drinks, condiments, or meal ingredients. This style is also known for its ample in-door storage, which is ideal for storing beverages and condiments. With 5 different gallon door bins, you can easily organize your groceries. The interior LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside as well.

Samsung ADA 19.5, 3-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator- RF20A5101SR/AA

This Samsung counter-depth refrigerator is 33 inches wide and is beautifully designed with a modern look that blends seamlessly into your kitchen. Its modern exterior features a beautiful flat door design. It is easy to open due to its recessed handles. It is also fully functional with automatic controls- you can use the Samsung smart things App on your phone to remotely control and monitor this Samsung refrigerator. It has Bright LED Lighting, designed to beautifully light up the interior of your fridge so you can quickly spot what you want. To top it all off, it freezes quickly with the Power Freeze or Power Cool options – It lowers the temperature with the push of a button.

Whirlpool Side-By-Side Refrigerator in Monochromatic Stainless Steel

This product is proudly referred to as the monochromatic stainless steel design. It is made by Whirlpool and sleek and stylish addition to the kitchen. Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are ideal for various households as they place the fresh and frozen items alongside each other so neither is neglected. Like many other models, this fridge features adjustable gallon door bins; however, this particular Whirlpool refrigerator has adjustable bins, allowing you to customize your food storage and make space for taller items like wine bottles. For additional storage flexibility, this appliance is equipped with frameless glass shelves that offer extra storage space while also looking great.

FAQs

How far should a fridge stick out past the counter?

A refrigerator that sticks a few inches beyond your counter level does not make it any less effective. However, it is important to keep it leveled in order to achieve a uniform look for your kitchen space. Standard refrigerators are usually found protruding beyond the counter level, which is majorly why counter-depths are preferred. Even if counter-depths stick out, they may not be past 6 inches.

Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive?

In most cases, a counter-depth refrigerator is more expensive than any other type of refrigerator. This is because it doesn’t have a standard, top-freezer design and usually comes with other features like a dispenser, ice maker, or flexible compartment. These features, in addition to French doors, can help to maximize the fridge’s storage space and your overall experience. However, they can boost the price of the model by a significant amount.