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    What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

    by The Experts at Liddiard

    modern kitchen with counter depth refrigerator

    At a Glance:

    What’s a Counter Depth Refrigerator’s Biggest Advantage?

    What are a Counter Depth Refrigerator’s Dimensions?

    How to Buy a Counter Depth Refrigerator

    Counter Depth Refrigerator Inspiration for Your Modern Kitchen

    Why Trust Us?

    Strictly speaking, a counter depth refrigerator sits flush with the counter. That means that your new counter depth refrigerator has a depth of 24-30 inches. But it’s more than that. That’s why our experts at Liddiard Home Furnishings have created the blog to tell you everything you need to know about this refrigeration style and answer whether a counter depth refrigerator is right for you.

    Explore Counter Depth Refrigerator Deals

    Discover counter depth refrigerators from today’s best brands including Whirlpool and GE!

    Counter Depth Refrigerators

    What’s a Counter Depth Refrigerator’s Biggest Advantage?

    counter depth top freezer fridge in urban kitchen

    It’s designed to fit the space — not overwhelm it. Keeping the consistent depth of 24 inches maintains the clean lines of a modern kitchen. Also, because counter depth refrigerators don’t stick out an extra 6 inches from the countertop, they make kitchens more functional with narrower pathing — like galley kitchens.

    Let’s face it unless you have a huge kitchen, a 36-inch wide and 36-inch deep behemoth of a fridge is going to stick out and dominate the space. But a counter depth fridge is different. It’s elegant and inviting — the essence of today’s sleek, modern designer kitchen. And it’s also surprisingly affordable when compared to its built-in counterparts.

    While counter depth refrigerators aren’t for everyone and have their drawbacks, they do provide a balanced feel that plays nicely with the modern, minimalistic design that’s grown in popularity.

    With many styles and features that add functionality and ease to your home, there’s surely one that fits your lifestyle. But there are some things to keep in mind as you choose the right counter depth fridge for your modern kitchen.

    First, let’s talk about the dimensions of counter depth refrigerators because they can get confusing.

    What are a Counter Depth Refrigerator’s Dimensions?

    The exact dimensions vary slightly from one fridge to the next. But you’ll find at least three different depths when you look at a counter depth refrigerator’s dimensions.

    • The “box” or “frame” depth refers to the depth minus the doors and handles — close to 24 inches.
    • The depth with the doors adds on just the width of the doors — not the handles. That’ll be around 28 inches.
    • Finally, the depth with the handles refers to the entire depth. Usually, that’s about 30 inches depending on the style of handle.

    So, if you’re measuring the depth to see if it will fit through your front or patio doors, you want to include the handles.

    How to Buy a Counter Depth Refrigerator

    A new refrigerator is a big investment that you want to last at least 10 years. Not just any fridge will do. So, it’s important to decide what you need from your refrigerator. Here are some things to consider.

    What Size Do You Need?

    To determine how many cubic feet of fridge and freezer space you need for your family, multiply the number of people in your family by five. For example, a family of five will use about 25 cu. ft. of food storage space (5 family members x5=25).

    That’s the general rule. If you entertain a lot or like buying a lot of groceries at once, you may want something bigger.

    What Style Do You Prefer?

    Counter depth refrigerators come in nearly every style out there:

    • Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator
    • Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
    • Counter Depth Top Freezer Refrigerator,
    • Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
    • Counter Depth Four Door Refrigerator

    Some have water dispensers in the door and ice makers in the freezer. But some do not. If an ice maker is important to you, then make sure you check to see if your fridge has that option.

    Be aware that some styles will sacrifice freezer space in the counter depth models. Side by side counter depth fridges tend to have less freezer space to maximize fresh storage space in the fridge. And four-door refrigerators usually have a flex drawer that can either be a freezer or fridge compartment.

    Related: Side by Side vs French Door Refrigerator: Which is Better?

    Does Your Kitchen’s Layout Require Certain Parameters?

    If you’ve ever been in a dysfunctional kitchen, then you know the hardship it causes on a daily basis. That’s why you need to make sure you’re buying a fridge that fits your space.

    Check out the specs online. Measure the space to ensure that — whatever size or style you choose — the doors can open and close properly and the drawers can fully extend without hitting another cabinet. You don’t want to invest in a beautiful new appliance only to find out that it won’t work in your space.

    What’s Your Budget?

    Counter depth refrigerators provide that seamless modern design without the price tag of a built in refrigerator. Seriously, built-ins cost around $10,000 or more, whereas counter depth fridges cost between $3,000 and $5,000.

    With that wide range in price, there’s a counter depth fridge that’ll fit your budget. Once you’ve narrowed down the right counter depth refrigerator for you, it is time to go check out the refrigerators that check all your boxes.

    Here are a few to get you started!

    Counter Depth Refrigerator Inspiration for Your Modern Kitchen

    counter depth french door fridge modern kitchen

    There are several styles, finishes, and features to choose from when it comes to counter depth refrigerators. Here’s some inspiration.

    GE Cafe™ 21.9 Cu. Ft. Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator

    GE Cafe™ 21.9 Cu. Ft. Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator

    The GE Café counter depth refrigerator combines sleek lines and an industrial look with its sturdy handle design. With 21.9 cu. ft. storage space and a large ice maker in the freezer, this fridge is a good size for a family of four.

    The GE Café counter depth refrigerator side by side style is good for narrow spaces because the doors don’t require much clearance. And in a typical kitchen, one person can open the door while another can pass by without squeezing by. That keeps your kitchen running smoothly.

    With its brilliant illumination, the LED interior lighting will ensure you’ll never have trouble seeing what’s in the back.

    In fact, you can see the six-month GE water filter clearly in the top right corner of the fridge. Easy access to the filter means changing twice a year is easy. Top it off with an ice and water dispenser in the door, and you’re on your way to a beautiful, functional kitchen.

    What Do Customers Say?

    “Our new GE Cafe-line refrigerator is great. It’s a high-quality appliance in materials, features, and looks. It works great and adds a little class to our kitchen. We are very happy with our purchase.”  —Chuck1202

    Whirlpool® 11.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth Top Freezer Refrigerator

    Whirlpool® 11.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth Top Freezer Refrigerator

    This Whirlpool counter depth refrigerator has a smooth front design with integral side handles that fit seamlessly into a modern minimalist kitchen design. At 11.6 cu. Ft., this top freezer Whirlpool counter depth refrigerator is big enough for a couple or small family. LED interior lights make it easy to see your food. And the fresh storage bin at the bottom keeps your fruits and veggies separate from the rest of the fridge.

    This model, though smaller in size, comes with the option of an ice maker in the freezer. Simply smooth. It’s Whirlpool.

    What Do Customers Say?

    “This little fridge is perfect for a single person with a small kitchen. I sold my huge old fridge online and was happy to see it go! The new one is so quiet, I thought at first it wasn’t running. I’ve had it for a month, and it’s working well on factory settings--frozen foods firmly frozen.” —Pearl

    GE® 11.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

    GE® 11.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

    Here’s a unique refrigerator from GE that features a clean, built-in-inspired design with refrigerator space, a freezer drawer, and a third space: the Temp Zone Drawer. In the Temp Zone, you can choose one of three preset temperatures.

    Like to keep the drinks at the perfect 33 degrees Fahrenheit? This is the drawer for you! You can also use it as a place for snacks for the kids or deli meats that like to stay cooler. This GE counter depth refrigerator is also an ice maker if you install an icemaker in the freezer.

    What Do Customers Say?

    “Great refrigerator, a lot of interior space in both fridge and freezer. The drawers are the BEST!” —Christopher

    Kitchen Aid® 23.8 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless French Door Refrigerator

    Kitchen Aid® 23.8 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless French Door Refrigerator

    If you’re looking for a statement piece that still fits effortlessly into your modern design, then this KitchenAid counter depth refrigerator is what you’re looking for. The black stainless finish and the industrial handles are eye-catching enough to dazzle without overpowering the overall look. And with the PrintShield™ finish that resists fingerprints, the KitchenAid French door refrigerator counter depth model is a statement piece you don’t have to worry about cleaning when last-minute guests arrive.

    The 23.8 Cu. Ft. proves that counter depth fridges can cater to the needs of a family. With gallon storage bins in the door, fully extending crisper drawers, and a separate deli tray, this KitchenAid delivers the look, style, and size you need for a family of five.

    What Do Customers Say?

    “We fell in love with the Kitcken Aid [KitchenAid] refrigerator style before we even opened up the doors. The sleek handles and no smudge metal save us from always cleaning the doors. The Led interior lights are extra bright. Large storage area. Fruits and veggies last 2x longer with the advanced filtration system.” —Father Flanigan

    A counter depth fridge won’t work in every space or lifestyle. If you need to maximize your refrigerated space, you may want to use a larger traditional refrigerator. But if you’re looking to create that modern feel where everything fits in its place, and no one appliance steals the show, then a counter depth fridge is what you’re looking for.

    Take the time to stop by Liddiard Home Furnishings, and we’ll be happy to help you select the right fridge for your space. No matter the style, price, or size, we have something for everyone within their budget.

    Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?

    For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.

    Shop Refrigerators at Liddiard Home Furnishings

    For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop refrigerators online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you answer questions like ‘what is a counter depth refrigerator’ — whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!

    Learn More: What to Expect with Your New Appliance Purchase