Imagine this: you’ve just remodeled your kitchen, and it looks amazing! But then you notice it – your refrigerator sticks out like a sore thumb, ruining the sleek, built-in look you worked so hard for. Does that sound familiar? Many homeowners face this frustrating problem when trying to find a refrigerator that fits perfectly and looks great.
Choosing a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator can feel overwhelming. You want a fridge that offers good storage, keeps your food fresh, and most importantly, doesn’t break up the clean lines of your kitchen. But with so many models and features, how do you know which one is right for you? It’s easy to get lost in all the technical jargon and end up with a fridge that’s either too big or doesn’t have enough space.
In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators. We’ll help you understand what makes them special, what to look for when shopping, and how to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to enjoy a more stylish and functional kitchen.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Detailed Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator in stainless steel offers a great solution for busy households. Its large capacity and smart design make it easy to keep your food fresh and organized. This fridge is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, blending style with practical features.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cubic feet of space, it easily holds enough food for your whole family.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: This layout lets you see and grab your fresh and frozen items quickly.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can easily change temperature settings with the simple digital controls inside the door.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The big door bins hold gallons of drinks and other tall items, freeing up shelf space.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights shine throughout the fridge, making everything easy to find, even in the back.
- COUNTER DEPTH: This fridge is less than 30 inches deep. It sits flush with your counters, so it doesn’t stick out and block walkways.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: You can choose delivery, unboxing, installation, and even haul-away of your old fridge in some areas. This makes getting a new fridge much easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which might be slightly less convenient than an external display for quick adjustments.
- While the capacity is large, some very large families might still find themselves needing more space, depending on their shopping habits.
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing ample storage and a sleek, counter-depth design. Its user-friendly features and convenient delivery options make upgrading your kitchen a breeze.
2. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 9.0/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 20 cubic feet of storage, perfect for families and those who love to entertain. This refrigerator is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen with its counter-depth design, which doesn’t stick out too far. Plus, its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking sleek and clean.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The counter-depth feature makes your kitchen feel bigger.
- Ample Storage: 20 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food for everyone.
- Fast Cooling: Accela Chill gets your groceries cold quickly.
- Even Temperatures: Multi-Flow Air System keeps food fresh on all shelves.
- Convenient Dispenser: Get filtered water, cubed, or crushed ice easily.
- Flexible Shelving: Adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves make organizing simple and spills easy to clean.
- Energy Efficient: ENERGY STAR certified means it saves energy and money.
- Bright Lighting: LED lights help you see everything inside.
- Quiet Operation: The inverter compressor runs quietly.
- Stylish Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel stays looking good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity for Very Large Families: While 20 cu. ft. is good, larger families might need more space.
- Limited Color Options: It’s primarily available in stainless steel.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great blend of style, convenience, and efficiency. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen and keeping your food perfectly chilled.
3. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless steel. This fridge is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a good amount of space and a sleek look. Its side-by-side doors make it easy to see and grab what you need, and the stainless steel finish looks great. It’s designed to fit nicely in your kitchen without sticking out too far, thanks to its counter-depth style. This refrigerator aims to make keeping your food fresh and organized simple and stylish.
What We Like:
- It has a large 15.6 cu ft capacity, which is great for big families.
- The extra-large door bins hold gallon-sized items, giving you more storage.
- You can easily control the temperature and settings with the digital display inside.
- The side-by-side doors help you keep your fresh and frozen foods neatly organized and easy to find.
- You can adjust the feet to make the fridge level and change or remove shelves to fit your needs.
- A built-in interior light helps you find your food quickly, even in the back.
- Delivery and haul-away options are available in some areas to make setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which means you have to open the door to make adjustments.
- While it’s a full-size refrigerator, the 15.6 cu ft capacity might feel a bit small for extremely large households or those who buy groceries in bulk.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is a solid choice for families needing a stylish and functional refrigerator. It offers good storage and user-friendly features to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
4. KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Refrigerator with Three Doors and Deep Freezer in Stainless-Steel
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C, a 30-inch, 18.5 cubic foot French door refrigerator in sleek stainless steel. This fridge is designed for modern kitchens, offering a counter-depth fit that looks great and saves space. It has three doors and a deep freezer, making it easy to store and find all your food and drinks.
What We Like:
- Ample storage space for all your groceries.
- Double crispers with humidity control keep fruits and veggies fresh.
- Spacious 18.5 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- Two large freezer drawers make organizing frozen items simple.
- Adjustable glass shelving lets you customize the interior.
- Modern stainless-steel design complements any kitchen.
- Easy-open handles make accessing food a breeze.
- Counter-depth size fits flush with your cabinets.
- Precision temperature control keeps food at the perfect cool.
- Double-flow cooling system ensures even temperatures.
What Could Be Improved:
- For its size, the 18.5 cu. ft. capacity might feel a little small for very large families.
- The stainless steel finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints.
This KoolMore refrigerator is a fantastic option for busy households. It brings style and smart features to your kitchen, helping you keep food fresh and organized.
5. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kenmore 46-75525 refrigerator is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. This 29.88-inch counter-depth French door model offers 17.5 cubic feet of storage, giving you plenty of room for your groceries. Its sleek fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish looks great and is easy to keep clean. Plus, it has an ice maker and bright LED lighting to help you find what you need.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design saves space and makes your kitchen look modern.
- The Chill & Multi-Flow Air System keeps your food fresh and at the right temperature.
- Gallon door bins and a two-tier freezer drawer make organizing easy for busy families.
- You get ice on demand with the factory-installed ice maker.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks good and is easy to wipe down.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified and uses a quiet, energy-efficient inverter compressor to save on electricity bills.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 17.5 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families or those who buy in bulk.
- While it offers good organization, some users might prefer more customizable shelving options.
Overall, this Kenmore refrigerator is a smart choice for those seeking a space-saving, energy-efficient, and stylish appliance.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Counter-Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator Buying Guide
Choosing a new refrigerator can feel like a big decision. You want something that looks great, keeps your food fresh, and fits your kitchen just right. A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a popular choice because it offers a sleek, built-in look while still giving you easy access to both your fridge and freezer. Let’s dive into what makes a great counter-depth model.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you usually store? Counter-depth models are a bit shallower than standard ones. Look at the cubic feet to make sure it’s enough for your family.
- Adjustable Shelving: Can you move the shelves around? This helps you fit taller items like milk jugs or large platters.
- Door-in-Door Access: Some models have a smaller door on the main refrigerator door. This lets you grab frequently used items like drinks or condiments without opening the whole fridge. It saves energy and keeps things organized.
- Water and Ice Dispenser: Do you want chilled water and ice right at your fingertips? Many counter-depth side-by-sides have these features. Check if the dispenser is easy to use and if the ice maker is in the door to save freezer space.
- Smart Features: Some newer refrigerators connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control the temperature, get alerts if the door is left open, or even check your inventory from your phone.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity, saving you money on your energy bills and helping the environment.
Materials Matter: What Your Fridge is Made Of
The materials used in your refrigerator affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very common and popular finish. It looks modern and sleek. However, some stainless steel can show fingerprints easily. Look for “smudge-proof” or “fingerprint-resistant” finishes.
- Black Stainless Steel: This offers a sophisticated look and can hide fingerprints better than regular stainless steel.
- White or Black: Classic colors that are budget-friendly and easy to match with existing kitchen appliances.
- Interior Materials: The shelves are often made of strong glass. The drawers should glide smoothly.
Quality Boosters and Reducers
Several things can make a refrigerator perform better or worse.
- Build Quality: Does the refrigerator feel sturdy? Open and close the doors. Do they feel solid? Do the drawers slide out easily? Good build quality means your fridge will last longer.
- Cooling Technology: Look for refrigerators with dual evaporators or advanced cooling systems. These systems help maintain consistent temperatures in both the fridge and freezer, keeping food fresher for longer.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators are louder than others. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet, especially if your kitchen is near a living area.
- Reliability: Research brands and specific models. Some brands have a better reputation for reliability and fewer repair issues.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your refrigerator will influence what features are most important.
- Families: If you have a busy family, features like door-in-door access and large crisper drawers are very helpful for keeping snacks and produce organized and accessible. Plenty of shelf space is also a plus.
- Entertainers: If you often host parties, you might appreciate adjustable shelves that can accommodate large serving dishes and a good-sized freezer for storing frozen appetizers.
- Space-Conscious Kitchens: The counter-depth design is perfect for smaller kitchens or open-plan living areas. It creates a more seamless look without sticking out too far.
- Minimalists: If you prefer a clean, uncluttered look, a refrigerator with a sleek finish and well-organized interior can be very satisfying.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator that perfectly suits your needs and your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “counter-depth” mean for a refrigerator?
A: Counter-depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard refrigerator. It sits closer to your kitchen counters to give a more built-in and streamlined look.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside?
A: Yes, they are typically a little shallower inside. This means they might hold slightly less food than a standard-depth model of the same advertised cubic footage.
Q: Will a counter-depth refrigerator stick out past my cabinets?
A: Ideally, no. A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to sit flush or almost flush with your kitchen cabinets, creating a more integrated appearance.
Q: Is a counter-depth side-by-side harder to organize?
A: Not necessarily. While the shelves are shallower, the side-by-side layout still offers good visibility. Adjustable shelves and good drawer design help a lot with organization.
Q: What is the typical price range for a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Prices can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the brand, features, and finish.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive than standard ones?
A: Often, yes. The sleeker design and often more advanced features can make them a bit pricier than their standard-depth counterparts.
Q: How much space do I need behind a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: You still need some space for ventilation, usually about 1 inch at the back and sides, and a few inches at the top. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: Which is better: French door or side-by-side counter-depth?
A: It depends on your preference. Side-by-side offers easy access to both fridge and freezer. French door models often have wider refrigerator shelves.
Q: What are the benefits of having a water and ice dispenser on a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: It offers convenience for chilled water and ice. Many models place the ice maker in the door to save valuable freezer space.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth with a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel, or a mixture of mild soap and water. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!