WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR
Designed to sit nearly flush with most cabinets, counter depth refrigerators offer a sleek upgrade to your kitchen without the need for a full remodel. Keep reading to find top features to look for when considering a counter depth refrigerator and how to choose the ideal model for you.
7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR
When deciding whether a counter depth refrigerator is right for you, it can be helpful to weigh the functional aspects of these models as well as the design elements. Capacity, storage, configuration and finishes are a few important factors that can help you make a decision.
Keep reading to find a breakdown of seven considerations that can help inform your purchase.
1. CONFIGURATION
Counter depth refrigerators are available in several configurations, each designed to suit different needs and preferences. Explore configurations below that may feature counter depth design to discover which may be best for your kitchen layout and storage needs.
French Door: This configuration combines a two-door top refrigerator section that offers convenient access to fresh foods and a bottom freezer drawer ideal for storing wide items. French door refrigerators often feature large capacities, which can help you keep a variety of ingredients on hand at any given time.
Side-by-Side: Offering a tall freezer on one side and a refrigerator on the other, this configuration helps keep both fresh and frozen items at eye level and easy to access. It’s an excellent choice if you want more equal space for your refrigerator and freezer.
Four Door: A newer type of French door refrigerator designed with four distinct compartments, four-door models have two top refrigerated sections and two lower freezer sections. This configuration offers a stylish twist on a well-known design, and features a convenient way to store and organize ingredients.
- Bottom Freezer: Prioritizing fresh food storage at eye level, this classic refrigerator configuration positions the freezer in a pull-out drawer below. This configuration may suit you well if you want quick access to frequently used fresh items from your refrigerator.
2. SIZE AND CAPACITY
When it comes to hosting, cooking for loved ones or having ample ingredients on hand at a moment’s notice, your refrigerator’s capacity plays a pivotal role. Although counter depth models have smaller depths than standard refrigerators, their larger height and width can still provide you with the space you need.
Take a look at typical counter depth refrigerator dimensions and capacity:
Width: About 30 inches
Depth: 24 to 30 inches, not counting the handles
Height: Anywhere from 61 to 72 inches
- Capacity: Anywhere from 15 to 25 cubic feet
3. STORAGE
Finding a counter depth refrigerator that offers various storage options can help you adapt whenever culinary inspiration strikes. Retractable or sliding shelves, undershelf storage and soft-close drawers are a few interior storage options that are often available on select models.
Select counter depth refrigerators like this model from KitchenAid brand offer an Under-Shelf Prep Zone, which utilizes empty space beneath the shelf to create a prep zone ideal for dough, desserts or marinating meats. This 6" x 10" x 2" slide-out pan is oven- and dishwasher-safe, and easily transitions from refrigerator to oven so you can stay in the creative flow.
4. FEATURES
Understanding the features that complement how you create in the kitchen can help you determine which are most important when deciding on a counter depth refrigerator. Water dispensers, ice makers, temperature management systems and customizable interiors are a few features to consider.
For help keeping items fresh, consider select KitchenAid® counter depth refrigerator models that offer the Preserva® Food Care System. Two independent cooling systems provide a dedicated refrigeration unit to help keep food fresh longer, and a separate system for frozen food. The FreshFlow™ Air Filter helps minimize odors while the FreshFlow™ Produce Preserver helps delay over-ripening.
5. PRICE
Setting a budget can help you narrow down your options when choosing your new appliance. Counter depth refrigerators come in a variety of price points, from lower-priced models to more premium options. Making a list with must-have features and those you’re willing to forgo can help you focus on models that meet your needs and your budget.
6. ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Some counter depth refrigerators may come with energy-efficient features, such as LED Lighting found on select KitchenAid® refrigerators, which uses less energy than incandescent bulbs while still providing a bright, interior light for a premium feel. Select models are also ENERGY STAR® certified, to exceed government standards for energy efficiency and help you save money on your utility bills.
7. STYLE AND FINISHES
From panel-ready models to those with PrintShield™ Finishes that resist smudges and fingerprints, KitchenAid® counter depth refrigerators come in an array of styles that can suit many kitchen interiors. Consider matching your refrigerator to an existing suite of appliances or deviate from your standard aesthetic for a bold statement piece.
Shop LARGE CAPACITY COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATORS FROM KITCHENAID BRAND
Find counter depth refrigerators that boast a sleek, flush design without compromising on cubic footage. Select KitchenAid® counter depth refrigerators offer spacious capacities with room for every grocery run and farmers market haul. Select models offer up to 22.6 cubic feet of interior storage and provide specialized spaces for your ingredients.
COUNTER DEPTH VS. BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS
Counter depth refrigerators are shallow enough to sit almost flush with your cabinetry, offering a built-in look without additional installation requirements. Built-in refrigerators, on the other hand, are professionally installed into cabinets, providing a more integrated and tailored appearance.
KitchenAid® refrigerators
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COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR PROS AND CONS
Counter depth refrigerators may be a great choice if you’re looking to create a modern, streamlined kitchen, especially if you want to enhance your kitchen’s style and save space. However, if you want a large capacity refrigerator, you might want to choose a standard depth refrigerator vs. counter depth model.
Keep reading to explore the pros and cons of counter depth refrigerators and get help deciding whether this configuration fits your lifestyle and kitchen layout.
PROS
Often fits flush with cabinetry for a seamless design
Can achieve a built-in appearance without the need for remodeling
Are shallower, which can result in an easy view of ingredients
May be ideal for smaller kitchens or those seeking an open layout
CONS
- May have less interior capacity compared to standard-depth models
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR FOR YOU
To choose the right counter depth refrigerator for you, consider your kitchen layout, available dimensions and how you utilize your space. To find a model that fits your kitchen and meets your practical needs, measure the designated refrigerator area and identify the features that matter most to you.
