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Picture this: You're renovating your kitchen, and you've finally reached the stage of buying a refrigerator. The first (and possibly most important) decision you need to make is whether you want a reverse depth model or a full depth model. As the name suggests, the first is shallower (24 inches deep, minus the door and handle), which means the front of the refrigerator will sit flush with the counter for a sleeker look. The slim size of this model is also perfect for smaller kitchens, as it doesn't protrude from the counter or walking space.
Fortunately, if you choose the reverse depth model, your options are much more than that. Whether you're looking for top-of-the-line brands or something with an older appeal, our list of the best walk-in fridge cabinets includes models to suit just about every budget, size, need, and style. Read on for our list of eight counter-depth refrigerators we wholeheartedly approve of.
our favorites
- Best Overall:Sub Zero 48" Counter Depth Refrigerator
- Optimum panel preparation:Fisher & Paykel Professional Series Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator
- Best for entertainment:Bosch 800 Series French Door Smart Refrigerator
- Best for Small Spaces:Smeg 50s retro design fridge
- smartest:Miele MasterCool French Door Refrigerator
- Best four doors:Dacor 4-Door Counter Depth Refrigerator
- The best integrated organization:Samsung Custom Counter Depth Refrigerator
- Best customizable:French Door Refrigerator with Coffee Counter Depth
Best Overall:Sub Zero 48" Counter Depth Refrigerator
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Dimensions: 48 x 84 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: No | Ice Maker: Yes | Energy Star Eligible: No
What we like:
- Two independent refrigerator and freezer cooling systems
- NASA-inspired air purification
- magnetic door seal
Notable:
- no water dispenser
Why we chose it:Oversized, professional-quality mockups.
You probably know from your late-night Zillow searches that when a kitchen has a Sub-Zero, it deserves a mention on the list. And for good reason: These fridges have been the gold standard for savvy interior designers and homeowners for decades. We like Sub-Zero's anti-depth model not only for its size (the 48-inch width makes up for the loss of depth), but also for the high performance the brand is known for. It features dual cooling, which means the fridge stays humid and the freezer dry, an air purification system that keeps produce fresher longer, and a very strong door seal to prevent air leaks. Although the brand isgive backKnown for their high prices, these refrigerators can last at least 20 years if properly maintained. Think of them as real investments.
Optimum panel preparation:Fisher & Paykel Professional Series Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator
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Dimensions: 36 x 72 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: No | Ice Maker: Yes | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- ActiveSmart technology regulates temperature, airflow and humidity to keep food fresh
- Flexible Shelving Options
- Equipped with fast freeze mode
Notable:
- no water dispenser
Why we chose it:Professional quality machine that can be customized to fit your cabinets.
"This model is the only counter-depth, panel-mounted refrigerator that can be installed in a cabinet at an affordable price," said Jessica Petrino of AJ Madison. If you choose stainless steel front and handle hardware, you can use this refrigerator now. then remove the stainless steel front panel and mount once the conversion is complete." Finally, this model has an adjustable shelf with spill-resistant glass, so if you spill your iced coffee, most of the drops will stay on the shelf. genius.
Best for entertainment:Bosch 800 Series French Door Smart Refrigerator
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Dimensions: 36 x 72 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: yes | Ice maker: yes | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- Elastic rods for custom storage
- Door bins can hold gallon containers
- Home Connect allows you to monitor and control your refrigerator from your phone
Notable:
- Custom panels are not accepted.
Why we chose it:A unique model ideal for storing several bottles of wine or large plates.
regular customer? Consider this Bosch refrigerator, our pick for the best counter-depth French door refrigerators. "Equipped with a unique glass beverage drawer, this refrigerator provides stylish display space for up to 17 bottles of wine," explains Petrino. Plus, the refrigerator section has a full-width shelf, perfect for chilling a plate of fruit or cold cuts until you're ready to serve them. Aside from its dine-in capabilities, this is a very capable fridge: it's equipped with dual compressors and evaporators for precise temperature and humidity control, MultiAirFlow to keep the cycle running, and even drawers that can be calibrated to specific temperatures. We're also big fans of the triple freezer drawer, which makes sure your favorite pint of ice cream never gets lost under the frozen peas.
Best for Small Spaces:Smeg 50s retro design fridge
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Dimensions: 24 x 59 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: No | Ice Maker: No | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- they come in a rainbow of colors
- adjustable shelf
- Smart use of space by small appliances
Notable:
- No ice maker or water dispenser.
- just a door
Why we chose it:The quirky design is also perfect for small kitchens.
If mid-century modern is your thing, we couldn't think of a more perfect fridge than this vintage design from Smeg. If your kitchen is also small, then this is definitely the best option for you. What the Smeg lacks in size, it more than makes up for in style. While the exterior is entirely 1950s diner-style, the interior has been updated for 2022 living: features include a dedicated bottle storage shelf, separate compartments for produce and dairy, and three adjustable glass shelves.
Best smart fridge:Miele MasterCool French Door Refrigerator
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Dimensions: 36 x 84 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: No | Ice Maker: Yes | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- powerful ice maker
- Touch screen to change temperature and lighting
- Automatic defrost of the evaporator unit
Notable:
- no water dispenser
Why we chose it:Classic design with tons of technical bells and whistles.
Miele is one of the biggest names in kitchen appliances, and for good reason: their products are durable, high-quality, and beautiful. If you're looking for the best countertop fridge with loads of high-tech features, their MasterCool range has it all. Standout features include an ice maker that can produce up to 150 cubes per day; the patented MasterFresh system that helps maintain an ideal climate inside the refrigerator; LED light bars on the side panels to illuminate your food; and high resolution touch screen to adjust the temperature or lighting. Plus, the fridge is Wi-Fi enabled, which means you can monitor it right from your phone.
Best four doors:Dacor 4-Door Counter Depth Refrigerator
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Dimensions: 42 x 84 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: yes | Ice maker: yes | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- Convertible Refrigerator Freezer Section
- panel listo
- Triple camera for remote viewing
Notable:
- limited color options
Why we chose it:Convertible refrigerator into freezer for maximum customization.
Albert Fouerti, founder and CEO of Appliances Connection, loves the versatility and aesthetic of Dacor. "Not only does it have a compartment that converts from the freezer to a cooler space, but the stainless steel and glass interior is impressive," he says. While the main draw of a four-door refrigerator may be its ability to switch between fridge and freezer settings, there's a lot to like here. It's a capable fridge, thanks to its two compressors, and it also has high-tech features like a Wi-Fi-enabled camera inside (so you can check ifrealrun out of milk before buying another gallon). From an aesthetic point of view, double freezer doors are also ingenious. They are taller than most so if you insert them they will line up perfectly with your low cabinets allowing your fridge to really blend in with the wood.
The best integrated organization:Samsung Custom Counter Depth Refrigerator
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Dimensions: 36 x 73 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: yes | Ice maker: yes | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- amazing customization
- make two kinds of ice
- anti-fingerprint finish
Notable:
- no handle
Why we chose it:A highly customizable mockup with enough boxes and shelves to hold everything.
Since the four-door models have more compartments, they are ideal for organizing. But Samsung's forward-thinking Bespoke line is a cut above the rest. All four doors have sturdy, deep shelves (including one with a built-in carafe); refrigerator has dual crisper drawers with customizable temperature settings; slides out for easy access. As the name suggests, the exterior can be outfitted in a variety of materials and colors, from champagne pink to navy blue.
Best customizable:French Door Refrigerator with Coffee Counter Depth
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Dimensions: 36 x 71 x 24 inches | Water dispenser: Yes | Ice Maker: Yes | Energy Star Eligible: Yes
What we like:
- unique hardware options
- with water heater
- Wi-Fi para 启
Notable:
- external water dispenser
Why we chose it:The elegant designs are available in a variety of materials and hardware.
In the past few years, you've probably noticed that coffee paraphernalia has been popping up on social media. With their exciting finish options (think: matte white or black) and fashion-forward designer handles in unusual metallic colors like brushed copper and bronze, these fridges are the focal point of any kitchen they're found in. But beyond being eye-catching—and eye-catching—the coffee fridge features many details other brands don't, like hot water and precise fill settings on the dispenser and LED lighting in the full-width crisper drawer. We're also pleased that you can combine small appliances like toasters and coffee makers with your fridge, thanks to the brand's suite of matching products. Talk about an Instagrammable moment.
How we choose these products
To pick the best counter-depth refrigerators, we drew on the in-depth knowledge of Domino's editors, along with appliance experts AJ Madison, Jessica Petrino, and Albert Fouerti of Appliances Connection. We vetted many models, paying close attention to quality, size, durability, brand reputation, and of course, style. Our award winners will not only keep your food fresh and organized, but they will also look great in your kitchen.
our shopping list
design
"When it comes to color and finish, the sky's the limit," says Petrino of the counter-depth refrigerator. While stainless steel is still the most popular, brands like Café and Samsung are introducing more upscale finishes like pink glass or navy blue steel. "Refrigerators with select countertops are also panel-mountable, which means they're designed to accept custom cabinet fronts to match the rest of your cabinets," he adds. He does note, however, that many counter-depth freestanding models don't come with a panel-ready feature; If you absolutely want this look for your kitchen, be sure to check to see if your favorite refrigerator offers this option.
size and capacity
"Fortunately, counter-depth refrigerators come in many different shapes and sizes, so there's no standard-size freezer, or even a counter-depth freezer," says Petrino. The most popular width is 36 inches and usually has a capacity of around 22 cubic feet.
energy efficiency
"Look for an Energy Star-rated refrigerator," advises Petrino. "A typical ENERGY STAR certified appliance uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb." Also, he adds, ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use 10 percent less energy than new, non-certified models.
Functionality and Smart Technology
"At the very least, most refrigerators today, including counter-depth models, offer LED interior lighting, adjustable shelves, and crisper drawers," says Petrino. Other increasingly popular features include flexible temperature zones ("so you can switch from fridge to freezer as needed"), internal wine racks, a cool zone with adjustable humidity, and dedicated beverage storage.
Then there's the smart fridge, which can do everything from "helping you see inside the fridge at the grocery store, playing your favorite playlist, seeing who's at the door," Petrino said. But perhaps the most useful feature of a Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerator is remote diagnostics. "If you have a repair problem with your refrigerator, many smart models can diagnose the problem, simplifying the repair process."
keep
"Common maintenance tips are to periodically change the water and air filters and to vacuum the coils behind the refrigerator," says Petrino. "Don't forget to read the instructions for use and care!"
domino question
Q: Why do I need a counter depth freezer?
Two main reasons: if you're short on space, or if you want your fridge to line up visually with your countertop. "Reverse-depth refrigerators have a depth less than 24 inches (excluding doors and handles)," says Petrino. "Freestanding counter-depth models offer the look of a built-in refrigerator, but at a more affordable price."
Q: What is the best way to maximize space in my counter depth refrigerator?
Since counter-depth refrigerator shelves are, on average, 6 inches shallower than full-depth refrigerator shelves, it's certainly important to stay on top of your organization. "Fortunately, many counter-depth refrigerator models offer fun features to help you stay organized," says Petrino. "A refrigerator with a door-in-door design provides easy access to frequently used items. A four-door refrigerator offers several compartments that can be set to different temperatures. Adjustable shelves and door storage make it easy to set up the refrigerator. Make it perfect for all your shopping."
Q: Are counter depth refrigerators big enough to have an ice maker?
"Most counter-depth models offer optional water lines for ice and water dispensers," Petrino says. "While some refrigerators offer water and ice through the door, many people prefer a counter-depth refrigerator with a built-in water dispenser and ice in the freezer to save space."
Q: I am short on space in my kitchen: can I store pantry items or put appliances on top of the counter depth refrigerator?
"Although many people like to store items on top of the refrigerator, it's not recommended," Petrino cautions. "A freestanding refrigerator needs adequate airflow at the top and sides to function properly. Always refer to the product specifications and the use and care information that came with your refrigerator. The specifications will tell you how much space you need around the refrigerator. for air to circulate.
last word
If your kitchen dictates that you can only fit a deep cabinet refrigerator, don't worry—you won't be sacrificing style or space. Just about every brand, from the industry favorite Sub-Zero to newer brands like Café, make beautiful fridges that are just a little smaller.
FAQs
What is the most popular refrigerator style? ›
Among the most popular fridge styles, the French-door design (with half-width fridge doors and a pull-out bottom freezer) is the most beloved type. We've also found that shallower, counter-depth fridges with less capacity (and that tend to use a bit less energy) are big enough for most households.
What is the best size for a counter-depth refrigerator? ›Your counter-depth measurement should be about 24-25 inches. This dimension is equivalent to the depth of the refrigerator box, excluding the refrigerator doors and handles.
Which style refrigerator is most efficient? ›In the energy efficiency battle of bottom-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges or top-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges — yes, it does matter where that freezer sits: The most energy efficient refrigerator style is a top-mount freezer refrigerator.
What color refrigerator do people prefer? ›White Appliances
It isn't the most exciting option, but with a wide selection of appliances to choose from, white is always a favorable choice. White is a neutral color that can play into existing kitchen designs or work well to add value to a new kitchen remodel.
White kitchen appliances
One of the most common colors for appliances, white has been a popular choice for several decades. It offers a more traditional look and feel to your kitchen while also brightening up the space.
- GE French Door Refrigerator. If you have a large family or cook often and need to store large containers of leftovers, the GE French Door fridge is a great choice. ...
- Samsung Counter-Depth Side by Side. ...
- LG Side by Side.
Energy efficiency is important to you, both Samsung and LG offer a strong lineup of refrigerators. Generally, side by side refrigerators tend to be the most energy-efficient fridge style, and LG offers more models than Samsung. You want a reliable refrigerator brand that's also affordable, Samsung beats out LG.
What is the most reliable brand of appliances? ›2023 America's Most Trusted Kitchen Appliance Brand
The most trusted kitchen appliance brands in order were Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, and Amana. Bosch received the best reviews and trust ratings among the most popular kitchen appliance brands as judged by consumers.
DO YOU LOSE SPACE WITH A COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATOR? Counter-depth refrigerators help save kitchen space but can offer slightly less capacity than standard models. However, some counter-depth models are wider or taller than standard options to help minimize this difference in capacity.
What does a counter-depth refrigerator look like in a kitchen? ›A counter-depth refrigerator is around 24–25 inches deep, about 9–10 inches less than a standard fridge. This is about the same depth as most kitchen counters, which means a counter-depth fridge will sit virtually flush with countertops, allowing you to create a built-in look with your cabinets.
How do I know if I need a counter-depth refrigerator? ›
If your home is smaller in size, or you have a tight kitchen, a counter-depth fridge may be an ideal option. Smaller dimensions and shorter doors mean you'll have more room to move about your kitchen and have more floor space. They also are flush with your cabinets and easily customizable.
Which style of refrigerator has least repairs? ›Most Reliable Refrigerator (Side by Side)
Refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom are more likely to need repair than top freezer refrigerators. Bottom freezer refrigerators of all brands with an ice dispenser are more likely to have problems than bottom freezer refrigerators that do not have an ice dispenser.
ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized and trusted label on products that meet strict energy-efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR certified products are third-party certified and subject to ongoing verification testing.
Do refrigerators run better full or empty? ›The food that you do have in the fridge may spoil (especially delicate items such as lettuce). It's actually better to fill your fridge three-quarters full of food. That way there's enough space for the air to circulate freely inside and, at the same time, sufficient food to help each item cool its neighbour down.
What is the most popular appliance color for 2023? ›"Neutrals like white, cream, gray, and greige are trending in 2023," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company.
What color appliances never go out of style? ›Select Neutral Colors
Neutral colors will never go out of style. When you choose neutral colors, the kitchen can act as a blank slate and be decorated with the style and liking of whoever lives there. It is easy to update artwork and other accents to keep up with changing styles.
Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
Black is the new Neutral in 2023. The PPG Porter Paints color of the year 2018 was a faded black called Black Flame. A more elegant version of black, I think we'll be seeing it more in appliances.
What color sells best in kitchen? ›- White. Shades of white tend to brighten and open up a room, emphasizing natural lighting and making a kitchen appear larger than it actually is.
- Gray. ...
- Blue. ...
- Red. ...
- Yellow. ...
- Green.
The Kitchen Color That Increases Value
Instead of a red kitchen, try white. White brings a fresh, bright palette to the kitchen and is the most attractive for potential homeowners. In fact, it was found that light, neutral colors will increase interest in a property as well as potential offers.
Is a 10 year old refrigerator worth buying? ›
But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.
What brand of kitchen appliances last the longest? ›High quality gas ranges, such as the Bosch 800 Series or the Café slide-in gas smart rangecan last up to 20 years, which is the longest life expectancy amongst cooking appliances. This is followed closely by built-in or wall ovens, like the 30-inch Bertazzoni with a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.
Are there any American made refrigerators? ›Whirlpool Refrigerators
As the largest of all the American Appliance companies, the answer is yes. Based in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, with major manufacturing centers throughout North America, Whirlpool employs tens of thousands of American workers. The company has been making refrigerators since 1955.
The most common culprit is a faulty seal, which can stop the compressor from being able to run. So, if your fridge is running but not cooling, then there is a good chance you have an issue with your compressor. If this is the issue, you will need to call in a licensed technician to repair it.
Is Samsung or Whirlpool better? ›They make the appliance more energy efficient. But, Samsung is more advanced than Whirlpool in terms of the compressor. They have significantly invested in the Digital Inverter compressor. Most of the Samsung models have now shifted to this compressor from the traditional start and stop the compressor.
Is LG best or Samsung? ›Is LG better than Samsung in TV? When it comes to Samsung TV vs LG TV, QLED TVs from Samsung is the superior of the two brands. Along with this, for people who are looking for an enhanced contrast ratio and a wider viewing angle, LG OLED TVs are a good way to go.
What is the No 1 kitchen appliances brand? ›- Samsung.
- Bajaj Electricals.
- Philips.
- LG.
- Panasonic.
- Havells.
- Kaff.
- Whirlpool.
Whirlpool is an American brand and is roughly valued at $16.16 billion. Whirlpool is the most dependable and best kitchen appliance brand on the planet in 2022. It is a multinational brand and specialises in household appliances.
What's the best time of year to buy appliances? ›In addition to holiday weekends, fall and early winter (from September through December) are typically the best times of year to buy appliances. This is when new models begin to roll out before the holiday season.
Why counter-depth refrigerators are more expensive? ›To achieve the same capacity as a standard appliance, a shallower counter-depth appliance needs to be considerably wider. This can mean a reduction in countertop space, as well as a wider door that requires a larger swing radius. And this special design may cost more than a standard appliance.
Can you fit a turkey in a counter-depth refrigerator? ›
We managed fine with just the counter-depth fridge with our family of four. Sometimes it can feel like it's tight on space but it makes us not so wasteful. I mean, it's only a few inches so we don't noticed what we're not missing! And it does hold a full uncooked turkey no problem.
What is common kitchen counter-depth? ›Standard countertop depths range from 24 to 25.5 inches from wall to edge, or edge-to-edge across the island. Most countertop boxes measure 24 inches in depth, with an inch and a half overhang for the countertop, making the overall depth of the countertop 25.5 inches.
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer? ›Heavier Items on the Bottom
Frozen foods can be weighty, especially frozen turkeys and hams. Because your freezer is on the bottom, removing these items will require more work. This can be a safety concern for seniors and anyone who has trouble bending and lifting heavier objects.
The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils. The refrigerator's compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function.
Who makes the most reliable long lasting refrigerator? ›GE. Like other appliance giants, GE (which stands for General Electric) manufactures a variety of kitchen and household appliances. This brand is best known for its durability and reliability. The price point of GE refrigerators, compared to other brands, isn't too high either.
Which type of refrigerator is most energy efficient? ›In the energy efficiency battle of bottom-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges or top-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges — yes, it does matter where that freezer sits: The most energy efficient refrigerator style is a top-mount freezer refrigerator.
What is a good star rating fridge? ›Most modern fridges have up to 6 stars. Some of the newer, very energy saving models can have up to 10 stars. Generally speaking, anything above 4 stars is considered an energy efficient fridge.
What is the difference between a 2 star and 3 star refrigerator? ›2-star vs 3-star refrigerator: The difference
A 2-star refrigerator consumes around 15% more energy than a 3-star refrigerator, which will reflect on your electricity bill. A 3-star refrigerator is more expensive, but in the long run, it will prove more economical since the electricity bill will be much lower.
Milk, no matter if it's whole or skim, is best kept at around 37°F, which, depending on your fridge, usually means somewhere in the back on a lower shelf. You may need to store the milk on its side so that it fits easily. Avoid keeping milk in one of the door's shelves.
Do more expensive refrigerators last longer? ›Longer lifespan: Superior construction, vigorous testing and excellent service mean high-end refrigerators can last years beyond standard models. This longer lifespan could even translate to comparable costs per year when compared to a standard refrigerator.
Should I unplug my refrigerator if away for four months? ›
If you are going to be away for more than a month (or will be placing the unit in temperature-controlled storage), we recommend the following: Remove all food and turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the refrigerator or unplug the cord from the wall receptacle.
What is the difference between American and French style fridge? ›The key difference between the two is that an American style provides the fridge and freezer displayed side by side. Whereas a French style uses the top section as a spacious fridge and the bottom half as a large freezer compartment.
What do modern refrigerators use? ›Compressor refrigerators are still the most common form of home refrigeration, though they now use alternative refrigerants such as HFO-1234yf as Freon was phased out as it came to light that such chlorofluorocarbons endanger the ozone layer of the planet.
What are the 4 types of refrigerator? ›The six types of fridge configurations are top or bottom freezer, French door, side-by-side, undercounter, and quad door refrigerators. Most refrigerators are freestanding but you can find built-in fridges and counter depth models among the types of refrigerators.
What is commonly used as a refrigerator for most refrigerators? ›While R-12 was once the go-to choice for residential/domestic refrigeration systems, Freon™ R-134a refrigerant is now most commonly used.