A KitchenAid® French door refrigerator next to terracotta cabinets

How To Shop For a Counter Depth Refrigerator

Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to be installed nearly flush with most cabinets, and offer a contemporary upgrade to most kitchens without the need for a full remodel. Read this guide to discover the top features to consider when deciding which counter-depth refrigerator is right for your kitchen to ensure you purchase the best model for you.

A stainless steel KitchenAid® French door refrigerator
22 Cu. Ft. 33-Inch Standard-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Internal Water Dispenser
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7 key considerations to make when shopping for a counter-depth refrigerator

When exploring whether a counter-depth refrigerator is right for your kitchen, it’s important to consider the functional aspects and design elements of these models. 

Keep reading to review the seven key considerations that can help inform your purchase of a counter-depth refrigerator.

A KitchenAid French door refrigerator surrounded by wooden cabinetry and next to a KitchenAid double wall oven.

1. Configuration

Counter-depth refrigerators come in a variety of configurations, each designed for various spaces, preferences and needs, and each may offer counter-depth design. 

  • Side-by-Side: A tall freezer on one side and a refrigerator of equal size on the other, this configuration helps store both fresh and frozen items, keeping them visible and accessible. It’s a popular option for those who want equal refrigerator and freezer space.

  • French Door: This option combines a two-door top refrigerator, providing convenient access to fresh foods, with a bottom freezer drawer, which is ideal for storing wide items. French door refrigerators typically offer large capacities to help you store a wide variety of ingredients.

  • Four Door: A newer type of French door refrigerator with four compartments. Four-door models are comprised of two top refrigerated sections and two lower freezer sections, delivering a stylish twist on a well-known design while offering a convenient way to store and organize ingredients.

  • Bottom Freezer: Ensuring that fresh food is stored at eye level, this classic configuration is designed with a pull-out freezer drawer below the refrigerator compartments. This configuration often works for those who want quick access to frequently used fresh food.
A KitchenAid® four door refrigerator with all compartments fully stocked and opened

2. Size and capacity

For hosting dinner parties, cooking for large holiday gatherings or simply making sure your family always has their favourite foods available, a refrigerator’s capacity plays a pivotal role. While counter-depth models offer smaller depths than standard models, their height and width can still provide the space you need.

 

Typical counter-depth refrigerator dimensions and capacity are:
 

  • Width: About 76.2 cm (30 inches)

     

  • Depth: 61.0 cm to 76.2 cm (24 to 30 inches), not counting the handles

     

  • Height: Anywhere from 154.9 cm to 182.9 cm (61 to 72 inches)

     

  • Capacity: Anywhere from 15 to 25 cubic feet
Three small bundt cakes with berries inside a KitchenAid® refrigerator

3. Storage

Opting for a counter-depth refrigerator with various storage options can help you adapt whenever inspiration strikes in the kitchen. Some interior storage options available on select models include:

  • Retractable or sliding shelves
  • Undershelf storage
  • Soft-close drawers

Select counter-depth models, such as this model from KitchenAid brand, have an Under-Shelf Prep Zone, which turns empty space below the shelf into a prep zone for dough, desserts or marinating meats. This 15 cm x 25 cm x 5 cm (6" x 10" x 2") slide-out pan is oven- and dishwasher-safe, and lets you transfer it from the refrigerator to the oven with ease.

Fresh crab legs inside a KitchenAid® refrigerator

4. Features

Learning how features can complement the way you create in the kitchen can help determine which are most important to be included in your counter-depth refrigerator. 

Some features to consider include:

  • Water dispensers
  • Ice makers
  • Temperature management systems
  • Customizable interiors

If your priority is keeping items fresh, consider a KitchenAid® counter depth refrigerator model with the Preserva® Food Care System. This feature offers two independent cooling systems: a dedicated refrigeration unit designed to help keep food fresh longer, and a separate system for frozen food. There’s also the FreshFlow™ Air Filter, which helps reduce odours, while the FreshFlow™ Produce Preserver can help delay over-ripening.

5. Price

Shopping with a budget for kitchen appliances can help you narrow your options. From relatively inexpensive options to more premium models, counter-depth fridges are available in a range of prices. It’s recommended to make a list of the features you consider to be a must and those that aren’t important, so you can focus on models that have the best chance to satisfy your needs and meet your budget.

6. Energy efficiency

Certain counter-depth fridges may be designed with energy-efficient features, such as LED Lighting found on select KitchenAid®refrigerators, which uses less energy than incandescent bulbs without sacrificing a bright interior light. Select models are also ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they exceed government standards for energy efficiency while helping lower your utility bills.

7. Style and finishes

Style options for counter-depth fridges range from panel-ready models to those with PrintShield™ Finishes that resist smudges and fingerprints. KitchenAid® counter-depth refrigerators are available in a variety of styles to suit many kitchen interiors. One option is to match your refrigerator to an existing suite of appliances or stray from the course by choosing a bold statement piece.

 Shop large capacity counter depth refrigerators from KitchenAid brand

Search for counter-depth refrigerators with a sleek, flush design without compromising on cubic footage. Select KitchenAid® counter-depth fridges deliver spacious capacities with enough room for every grocery haul or afternoon at the Farmers’ Market. Select models have up to 22.6 cubic feet of interior storage, providing specialized spaces for your must-have ingredients.

A side-by-side image of two KitchenAid® French door refrigerators inside cabinet cutouts A side-by-side image of two KitchenAid® French door refrigerators inside cabinet cutouts

Counter-depth vs. built-in refrigerators: What’s the difference

Counter-depth fridges offer shallow enough depth to sit almost flush with most cabinetry, offering a built-in look without any additional renovations or installation requirements. Built-in refrigerators, however, must be professionally installed into cabinets, but the upside is that they offer a more integrated and tailored aesthetic

Stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator

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Pros and cons of counter-depth refrigerators

Counter-depth refrigerators might be the right choice for someone looking to streamline their kitchen style and create a more modern and efficient space.

To ensure you’re making the right choice for your household and family, explore the pros and cons of counter-depth refrigerators.

Pros

  • Typically sits flush with cabinetry, creating a seamless design

  • Can achieve a built-in appearance without requiring remodeling

  • Shallower models, which often result in ingredients being easier to see and find

  • Often ideal for smaller kitchens or those who want an open layout

Cons

  • May offer less interior capacity than standard-depth models
A black stainless steel KitchenAid® French door refrigerator with a bag of fresh produce beside it A black stainless steel KitchenAid® French door refrigerator with a bag of fresh produce beside it

How to choose the best counter-depth fridge for you

To select the best counter-depth fridge for your home, consider your available dimensions, kitchen layout and how you want to utilize your space. To find the model that’s the best fit for your household, measure the designated refrigerator area and then make a list of the features that excite you and can help with your typical meal prep, cooking and hosting needs.

Shop KitchenAid® counter-depth refrigerators

Enjoying a kitchen that marries style and function can be possible with refrigerators from KitchenAid brand. Available in multiple configurations, such as side-by-side and French door, KitchenAid® refrigerators with counter-depth design sit nearly flush with existing cabinetry, delivering a built-in look that allows more room to move in your kitchen.

Find more inspiration from KitchenAid brand