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What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

by Arnold's Appliance

Counter depth stainless steel refrigerator in a mid century modern kitchen

Do you have a refrigerator in your home? If you do, then you must be certainly pleased to have such an important home appliance in your kitchen. Refrigerators rank among some of the most essential kitchen and home appliances. This is mainly due to the fact that they offer a lot with respect to cooking efficiency and comfort. So if you don't have a refrigerator in your home, you should certainly consider getting one for yourself.

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Did you know that there are actually different types of refrigerators? If you didn't, well, now you know! A lot of people are actually unaware of the fact that refrigerators differ with respect to size and design. You should know that each of these refrigerator types has its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Types of Refrigerators

Front view of a modern kitchen with a white Kitchenaid counter depth refrigerator

As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of refrigerators. They include the following types - Click the ➕ to learn more.

➕ Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Side-by-side Refrigerators are becoming increasingly common in homes all over the world. This is major because they usually offer aesthetic elegance in addition to significant storage space. A side-by-side refrigerator has a two-door design, with each door leading to a freezer and a fridge, respectively. More often than not, the freezer door is usually the one on the left side.

One other reason why side-by-side refrigerators are so common is that they are relatively cheaper compared to other refrigerator types. However, you should know that they offer less storage capacity as well (except for the extra large refrigerator designs). Looking to get a side-by-side refrigerator for your home? Click here to discover some of the best side-by-side refrigerator options available on the market.

➕ French Door Refrigerators

French door refrigerators are actually one of the most common refrigerator types on the market, and this is totally understandable. After all, these types of refrigerators offer significant storage space, and their french door design makes it easy to store and remove items from the refrigerator. In addition to this, french door refrigerators also tend to have a very attractive appearance, one of the reasons why they are so common.

French door refrigerators have two outward-opening refrigerator doors and a slide-out freezer on the lower part. Although French door refrigerators offer significant storage space, some users (people of significant build) may find it a little challenging to access the bottom freezer. This is because they'll have to bend to open and close it. Also note that due to their exquisite build and significant storage space, French door refrigerators tend to be quite expensive. So you'll want to consider that when you're trying to decide on what type of refrigerator to go for.

➕ Top Freezer Refrigerators

Top freezer refrigerators are the most popular types of refrigerators on the market. In fact, they are so common that chances are you'll find them in one out of five homes. Although they don't offer as much storage space as french door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators, they are cheaper. As the name implies, these types of refrigerators have a small freezer at the top and a moderately-sized refrigerator right below it.

➕ Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

A Bottom freezer refrigerator is more or less an inverted top freezer refrigerator, with one significant difference; the bottom freezer is usually a slide-out design. Bottom freezer refrigerators also tend to be more expensive than their top freezer counterparts.

Although the above-discussed refrigerator types account for most of the refrigerator options on the market, you should know that there are some other types of refrigerators. One such type is a Counter Depth Refrigerator. Don't know what a counter-depth refrigerator is? Read on to find out!

What is a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?

Close view of a counter depth refrigerator

If you have a small kitchen or a kitchen with limited space and you want to add a refrigerator to your setup, then you’ll want to consider getting a counter-depth refrigerator for yourself. These refrigerators are termed “counter-depth refrigerators” because they have a counter-depth size design. This, however, raises the question, “What does counter-depth mean?”

What Does Counter-Depth Mean?

The term “counter depth” refers to the space between your kitchen backsplash/wall and the front of your kitchen countertops. This space is usually about 24 to 25 inches. A counter depth appliance is one that is designed such that its depth perfectly matches that of your kitchen cooktops.

Counter-depth refrigerators are usually the perfect option for building a “streamlined” integrated kitchen layout. The depths perfectly sync up with those of your cabinets and cooktops, ensuring you’re able to achieve that sleek, integrated kitchen look you want. In addition to perfectly fitting in with your other kitchen appliances, Counter depth refrigerators also usually come with several high-tech features that ensure you’ll be able to enjoy intelligent and convenient refrigerator operation.

Front view of a woman stocking her counter depth refrigerator

You should also know that there are several different counter-depth refrigerator manufacturers on the market, so you may find it somewhat challenging to choose one. If you’re currently confused or unsure about what manufacturer of counter depth refrigerators will offer you quality refrigerators, you could check out refrigerators made by some well-known brands like Bosch, Samsung, GE, Bertazzoni, and Café.

Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions

If you’re considering getting a counter-depth refrigerator for yourself, you should know that there are actually several different refrigerator sizes on the market. Some of the most common counter-depth refrigerator sizes on the market include 24”, 28”, 30”, 36”, and 48”. Standard counter-depth refrigerators have a depth of 23-27”. This is what actually ensures that they’ll fit in perfectly with your other appliances without jutting out. To compensate for the reduction in depth, counter-depth refrigerators tend to be fairly bigger than regular refrigerators.

Types of Counter Depth Refrigerators

There are four major types of counter-depth refrigerators. They include the following:

Counter Depth Refrigerator Vs. Standard Refrigerator

Stainless steel refrigerator in a modern kitchen with white walls

Counter-depth refrigerators and standard refrigerators are similar in a lot of ways. They share the same technological features and, depending on the model, can both offer significant storage space. However, there is one major difference between them; depth dimension.

Because counter-depth refrigerators are designed to fit in perfectly with your countertop and other kitchen appliances, they tend to have a smaller depth than standard refrigerators. To compensate for this loss of depth, some counter-depth refrigerator models are taller than regular refrigerator models. Beyond this, however, counter-depth refrigerators also feature all of the same technological inclusions you'll find in a regular refrigerator.

Why Should I Choose a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

More and more people are switching from regular refrigerator styles to counter-depth refrigerators, and so should you. Why? Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a counter-depth refrigerator for your home. Click to learn more.

✅ Seamless Kitchen Integration

If you're looking to build a modern kitchen with appliances that smoothly integrate with each other, then you'll need to consider getting a counter-depth refrigerator. Just like every other counter-depth appliance, counter-depth refrigerators are designed such that they perfectly fit in with your kitchen countertops. This will ensure you're able to achieve that seamless built-in look you're trying to achieve.

✅ More Clearance Space

One of the main problems you'll face if you're trying to use a regular refrigerator, especially in a smaller kitchen, is insufficient clearance space. Clearance space simply refers to how much space you have in your kitchen for your doors to swing into. Regular refrigerators tend to have bigger doors, and when you put them in a small kitchen, the doors won't be able to open all the way. This means you'll have problems putting things into and retrieving items from your refrigerator.

✅ Improved Kitchen Mobility

Another reason why you should consider getting a counter-depth refrigerator for yourself is that they offer improved kitchen mobility. Regular refrigerators, due to their increased depth, tend to jut out in your kitchen. This means they'll restrict kitchen mobility because you'll have to keep going around them to avoid hitting them.

✅ Easy Access to Stored Items

Although more refrigerator depth equals more storage room, more depth isn't always a good thing. For example, if you have a regular refrigerator, you might find it difficult to retrieve some items you stored in it, especially if you stored them all the way back. The shallower depth counter depth refrigerators offer more or less ensures you'll never have to deal with this kind of problem. You'll always be able to easily reach in and retrieve whatever item you need to.

✅ Significant Storage Space

Now, although counter-depth refrigerators offer less depth than regular ones, you should know that this doesn't mean they fall short in terms of storage space. On the contrary, many counter depth refrigerators make up for what was lost in depth with height. So you'll still have more than enough storage room for yourself.

Things To Note Before You Buy A Refrigerator

Front view of a family of three shopping for a new refrigerator

As was mentioned earlier, there are a lot of counter-depth refrigerators on the market, and they come in various sizes and styles. So you may find it challenging to deduce which counter-depth refrigerator to buy. Not to worry, though, here are some tips for you on how to select the counter-depth refrigerator that'll perfectly suit your needs.

#1 Size

The first thing you want to consider when you're trying to decide which counter-depth refrigerator to buy is the installation space you have available in your home. As mentioned earlier, counter-depth refrigerators come in different sizes. So you'll want to ensure you're selecting a counter-depth refrigerator that'll perfectly fit into the space you have available.

#2 Storage Capacity

The next thing to consider is the storage capacity you need. If you're someone who doesn't really cook and store food often, you'll be fine selecting a small counter-depth refrigerator. If, however, you have a large family or you do a lot of cooking, you'll want to pick out a bigger counter-depth refrigerator option. This is to ensure that you always have the amount of storage space you need.

#3 Preferred Style

Front view of a Cafe white french door counter depth refrigerator in a modern white kitchen

As discussed earlier, there are several different styles or types of counter-depth refrigerators. What will determine the particular one you showed is your particular preference. For example, if you prefer not to have to bend often, you'll want to pick a top freezer counter depth refrigerator instead of a bottom freezer or french door one. This is because you'll be more comfortable and won't have to bend as often when you want to retrieve or store items.

#4 Other Feature Inclusions

 You'll also want to consider if the counter depth refrigerator has other feature inclusions like rapid cooling, adjustable racks, wifi-compatibility, and so on.  This is because all of these feature inclusions will directly or indirectly contribute the experience you have using that particular refrigerator.

Featured Counter Depth Refrigerators Reviewed

Looking to buy a counter-depth refrigerator but don't know which one to go for? Here are some of the best counter-depth refrigerators on the market.

The Café™ 22.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Cafe French door counter depth refrigerator

Shop this Café™ Counter Depth Refrigerator

The Café™ Counter Depth Stainless Steel refrigerator is a refrigerator designed for optimal performance and comfortable use. This Café counter depth refrigerator has a host of impressive high-tech features such as a hot water dispenser, TwinChill™ evaporators that ensure your food is always dry and fresh, an electronic temperature-controlled drawer, and so much more! It's also WiFi-compatible, so you'll be able to easily monitor and adjust the refrigerator's settings from anywhere you are.

Key Features

  • TwinChill™ evaporators
  • 22.2 Cu. Ft. Build
  • Stainless Steel Finish
  • WiFi-compatible
  • Temperature-controlled Drawer
  • Colored LED Lighting
  • French Door Style
  • 2 Full-width Storage Baskets
  • Automatic Defrost System
  • Freestanding Installation
  • Energy Star Qualified
  • 1 Year Warranty

The KitchenAid® Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator

KitchenAid side by side refrigerator

The KitchenAid 22.6 Cu. Ft. Counter Depth refrigerator offers excellent food preservation and astounding aesthetic elegance. This KitchenAid counter-depth refrigerator has two independent cooling systems that work to ensure your stored food will always remain fresh.  In addition to this, it has a Produce Preserver feature that ensures your stored fruits will not over-ripen during storage. This KitchenAid counter-depth refrigerator also has several other amazing feature inclusions, all wrapped up in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.

Key Features

  • 22.6 Cu. Ft. Build
  • Fingerprint-resistant Stainless Steel Finish
  • Side-by-Side Style
  • Produce Preserver Feature
  • Two Independent Cooling Systems
  • FreshFlow™ Air Filter
  • Excellent LED Lighting
  • Exterior and Ice and Water Dispenser
  • Door Ajar Alarm
  • Freestanding Installation
  • 10-year Warranty

Click here for a more detailed review of these above-mentioned counter-depth refrigerators and discover some other high-quality countertop refrigerators on the market.

Counter-Depth Refrigerator FAQ

A counter-depth refrigerator typically measures 24 to 30 inches deep, so it aligns closely with the surrounding cabinets and countertops—usually around 25 inches deep. This gives your kitchen a seamless, built-in look while still offering generous storage space. Unlike standard-depth models that stick out, counter-depth fridges sit nearly flush with cabinetry for a sleek, modern aesthetic.

While counter-depth refrigerators offer a stylish, space-saving design, they often have slightly less interior storage than their full-depth counterparts. If you frequently buy in bulk or need extra freezer space, this can be a trade-off. However, smart interior layouts and flexible shelving help maximize every inch of space.

On average, you’ll lose about 4 to 6 cubic feet of storage space with a counter-depth refrigerator compared to a standard-depth model. This difference can feel noticeable, especially in side-by-side or French door designs, but many homeowners find the streamlined look and better traffic flow around the kitchen worth the trade.

Counter-depth refrigerator dimensions perfectly align with your kitchen countertops, typically 24-30 inches deep, and other appliances. So you'll be able to move freely without worrying about hitting or bumping into anything. This is one of the things that make counter-depth refrigerators perfect for use in small kitchens.

If you're searching for the perfect counter-depth refrigerator near you, look no further than Arnold's Appliance. Our Bellevue showroom features top brands, knowledgeable staff, and competitive pricing to help you find the best fit for your kitchen.

Why Trust Arnold’s Appliance?

Arnold’s Appliance started in the summer of 1956 when it opened its doors as Lakeshore Appliance in Redmond, Washington. John Arnold and his family have since grown the store from just a few brands to the large appliance store it is today and moved to Bellevue in 1999 in search of a larger building. Arnold’s Appliance now offers high-end innovative products from over 45 manufacturers.

In addition to extensive product knowledge, Arnold’s has been providing fine appliances to Northwest builders, remodelers, designers, architects and developers for over 47 years. Arnold's currently supplies products and installation to many of the finest custom and spec home builders in the Pacific Northwest. Along with single-family housing, Arnold's has also supplied products for some of the largest multi unit projects in the area. Arnold’s Now the third generation of the Arnold’s Family is dedicated to bring the best quality products, delivery services, and installation to customers for years to come.

Shop Counter Depth Refrigerators at Arnold’s Appliance

Stop by Arnold’s Appliance Bellevue, WA location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop counter depth refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you  — whether you call us at 425-454-7929, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.

Learn more: JennAir Refrigerator Reviews: Stylish Kitchen Appliances