Does your kitchen feel a little… cramped? Maybe your current refrigerator sticks out too far, blocking walkways and ruining your sleek kitchen design. You want a refrigerator that fits perfectly, looking built-in without the actual built-in price tag. That’s where the Rated Counter Depth Refrigerator comes in, promising a seamless look.
Choosing the right one, however, can feel like a puzzle. You worry about capacity—will a slimmer fridge really hold all your groceries? You also juggle features, energy ratings, and that crucial perfect fit. Finding the balance between style, space, and performance is tough, and one wrong choice can leave you with buyer’s remorse every time you open the door.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what “rated” really means, explore the best models available, and show you exactly how to measure for that flawless integration. Keep reading to discover how to choose a counter depth refrigerator that maximizes your space and keeps your food perfectly chilled.
Top Rated Counter Depth Refrigerator Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- French Door Refrigerator – Beautifully functional this 16.6 cu. ft. stainless steel refrigerator offers ultra-large storage capacity and brilliant food accessibility.
- Spacious Freezer – Great for organization and convenience, our French door refrigerator boasts a spacious 4.9 cu. ft. freezer, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
- Gallon Door Bins – Ideal for freeing up shelf space and organizing milk, containers, snacks, and more our tall double doors each feature big bins for every big need.
- Sleek Recessed Handles – Adding to the designer style we’ve fitted our large refrigerator with recessed handles to give it a more professional finish top to bottom.
- LED Interior Lighting – Especially important for those late-night snacks our 2 door refrigerator features bright LED interior light to help you see everything with clarity.
- Premium French Door Refrigerator – The Koolmore Stainless-Steel Refrigerator Provides All The Storage And Accessibility You Need With A Built-In Ice Maker, Plenty Of Room For Food And Drinks, And Double Crispers With Humidity Control
- Spacious Capacity And Adjustable Shelving – At 22.5 Cu. Ft. This Refrigerator’S 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. Overall Dimensions W/L/H: 35.8” X 29” X 69.10
- 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
- FREEZER AND REFRIGERATOR: 585 Liter/20.7 Cubic Foot 4-door fridge and freezer provides ample fresh and frozen food storage with built-in ice maker
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Refrigerator 34 - 44°F (1 to 7℃); Freezer -8 - 9°F (-22 to -13℃); Electronic Temperature Control
- LOADED WITH FEATURES: This refrigerator has adjustable cantilever shelves, humidity controlled crispers, adjustable gallon door bins, French doors, interior light, adjustable temperature control, butter box and egg shelf
- VERSATILE FREEZER: Dual-drawer freezer at the bottom of the refrigerator for all your frozen food needs. Includes built-in ice maker with scoop
- EASY INSTALLATION: Front exhaust for built-in installation. 35 9/10 W x 28 7/10 D x 69 9/10 H
- Counter-depth design - Offers a built-in look by fitting nearly flush with surrounding cabinetry
- Internal water dispenser - Delivers filtered water with one touch
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Counter Depth Refrigerator
A counter depth refrigerator is a fantastic choice for many kitchens. It sits almost flush with your cabinets. This gives your kitchen a sleek, built-in look without the high cost of a true built-in model. But how do you pick the best one? This guide helps you decide.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how you use your new fridge.
Capacity and Configuration
- Size Matters: Counter depth models look smaller than standard refrigerators. Always measure your space! Look at the cubic feet (cu. ft.) capacity. For a family of four, aim for 20 cu. ft. or more.
- Door Style: French Door models are popular. They offer wide shelving and two doors on top for the fridge. Side-by-Side offers easy access to both fridge and freezer. Bottom-Freezer models put the fridge items at eye level.
Cooling Technology
- Dual Evaporators: Good refrigerators use separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer. This keeps food fresher longer and stops freezer smells from getting into your milk.
- Ice and Water Dispensers: Do you need filtered water or crushed ice instantly? In-door dispensers are convenient, but they take up space inside the door shelves. Some newer models offer “door-in-door” access for drinks without opening the whole fridge.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your refrigerator lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Components
- Shelving: Look for tempered glass shelves. These shelves are strong. They handle spills well and you can easily wipe them clean. Wire shelves are less common now and can sometimes snag food packaging.
- Drawers: Crisper drawers should glide smoothly. High-quality drawer slides last longer than cheap plastic ones. Look for humidity controls on vegetable drawers to keep produce fresh.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is the most common finish. Look for “Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel.” This finish resists smudges, saving you cleaning time.
- Cabinet Sides: Sometimes, the sides of the refrigerator are not stainless steel. They might be a painted metal. Check this if the sides will show in your kitchen layout.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance and longevity.
Improving Quality
- Energy Star Rating: An Energy Star certified fridge uses less electricity. This saves you money on power bills over time.
- Smart Features: Some refrigerators connect to Wi-Fi. You can adjust temperatures from your phone or even see what groceries you need while at the store.
Reducing Quality (Things to Watch Out For)
- Ice Maker Placement: If the ice maker sits inside the main refrigerator compartment, it eats up valuable shelf space. A slim, in-door ice maker is usually better for capacity.
- Noise Level: Powerful compressors can sometimes be loud. If your kitchen opens into your living room, check reviews for noise complaints. Quiet operation improves your daily experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your family uses a refrigerator every day.
For Busy Families
A counter depth fridge works well when space is tight but you still need good access. Use the door-in-door feature for milk and juice boxes. This keeps cold air inside the main compartment when someone just needs a quick drink.
For Entertainers
If you host parties, look for models with flexible storage. Adjustable door bins let you fit tall wine bottles or large soda bottles easily. Good interior lighting helps you find appetizers quickly when guests arrive.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Counter Depth Refrigerators
Q: Are counter depth refrigerators smaller inside than regular ones?
A: Yes, they are usually about 4 to 6 inches shallower than standard refrigerators. This is why you gain the flush look, but you lose some overall storage space inside.
Q: Do counter depth models cost more?
A: Often, yes. Because they use more complex engineering to fit more features into a smaller space, they sometimes carry a slightly higher price tag than their full-depth cousins.
Q: How much space should I leave around the sides for ventilation?
A: Always check the manual! Most models need at least one inch of space on the sides and back. This allows the refrigerator to breathe and cool efficiently.
Q: What is the “true” depth of a counter depth fridge?
A: The “true” depth is usually around 24 to 25 inches, not including the doors. The doors stick out past the cabinets to allow them to open fully.
Q: Is installing a counter depth model harder?
A: Not usually, but you must ensure the water line (if you get an ice maker) and electrical outlet fit behind the unit in the shallow space.
Q: What is the best door style for maximizing space in a counter depth unit?
A: French Door style is often considered the best for counter depth. It allows for wide shelves for pizza boxes or platters while keeping the doors from swinging too far out into the walkway.
Q: How do I keep fingerprints off the stainless steel?
A: Choose models specifically labeled as “fingerprint resistant.” For cleaning, use a microfiber cloth and a specialized stainless steel cleaner, wiping with the grain.
Q: Should I worry about the freezer drawer being less convenient?
A: Some users find bending down for the freezer annoying. If this is a concern, look for Side-by-Side models, even in counter depth, so the freezer stays at eye level.
Q: Are these models noisier because they are smaller?
A: Not necessarily. Noise depends on the compressor quality. Read user reviews specifically about how loud the running noise is before you buy.
Q: What is the most important measurement to take before buying?
A: Measure the width of the opening, the height of the opening, and the depth of the opening. Also, measure the path you will use to move the old fridge out and the new one in!