Imagine this: You’re finally renovating your dream kitchen. Everything is perfect – the cabinets gleam, the countertops shine, and then you look at your refrigerator. It sticks out like a sore thumb, ruining the sleek, built-in look you worked so hard for. Does this sound familiar? Choosing the right refrigerator can be a real headache, especially when you want that seamless, modern kitchen design.
Side-by-side refrigerators are popular because they offer easy access to both the fridge and freezer. But when you add “counter-depth” to the mix, things can get a bit confusing. You might wonder if you’ll lose too much space, or if it will really look as good as you hope. It’s a common problem many homeowners face when trying to get that perfect, clutter-free kitchen look.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re a great choice for many kitchens, and what to look for when you’re shopping. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a refrigerator that fits your space and your style perfectly. Let’s dive in!
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: 8.9/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel offers a blend of ample storage and sleek design. This refrigerator is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for families. It helps you keep your food fresh and organized. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern look. It also fits nicely in your kitchen space.
What We Like:
- It has a LARGE CAPACITY of 20.6 Cu. Ft., which is perfect for storing food for all your family members.
- The SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN makes it easy to find your fresh and frozen foods.
- You can easily adjust settings with the DIGITAL DISPLAY control panel.
- The OVERSIZE DOOR BINS can hold many drinks and condiments.
- Bright LED INTERIOR LIGHTING helps you see everything inside.
- Its COUNTER DEPTH design means it won’t stick out too far from your cabinets.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS include room-of-choice delivery, unboxing, installation, and haul-away (in select areas).
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which might be less convenient for quick adjustments.
- While the capacity is large, some might prefer an even larger option for very big families.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing lots of storage and a stylish, space-saving design. Its convenient features and delivery options make it a practical purchase.
2. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.7/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer offers smart features for your kitchen. It boasts a spacious 20 cu. ft. capacity, fitting perfectly into your kitchen with its counter-depth design. This fridge keeps your food fresh and your drinks cold, all while looking stylish.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design saves space in your kitchen.
- Accela Chill quickly cools down new groceries.
- The multi-flow air system keeps food at a consistent temperature.
- Enjoy fresh, filtered water and ice from the convenient dispenser.
- Adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves make organizing easy and spills easy to clean.
- ENERGY STAR certification means it’s energy efficient.
- Bright LED lighting helps you find food easily.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 20 cu. ft. is good for many, larger families might need more space.
- The ice maker, while convenient, could potentially be a point of failure over time, as with any appliance.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for busy households. It balances practicality with modern style, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
3. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers plenty of space for your groceries and keeps them perfectly chilled. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great too.
What We Like:
- It has a LARGE CAPACITY of 15.6 cu ft, great for families.
- The OVERSIZE DOOR BINS hold gallons of drinks.
- You can easily control the temperature with the DIGITAL DISPLAY.
- The SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN makes finding food simple.
- You can adjust the feet height and shelves for a custom fit.
- A BUILT-IN LAMP helps you see your food clearly.
- Delivery options like Haul-Away are available in some places.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is mounted on the inside, which might be less convenient for quick checks.
- Delivery and Haul-Away services are not available everywhere.
This refrigerator offers practical features for busy households. It balances good storage with user-friendly controls for a convenient kitchen experience.
4. LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Rating: 9.3/10
The LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and clean. This fridge offers plenty of space for all your groceries, keeping them fresh and organized. The side-by-side design makes it easy to access both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
What We Like:
- Generous 23 Cu. Ft. Capacity: This fridge holds a lot of food, so you can stock up without worry.
- Four Sturdy Glass Shelves: These shelves are strong and easy to clean. You can rearrange them to fit your needs.
- Convenient External Water Dispenser & Ice Maker: Get cold water and ice with just a touch. This feature is super handy for busy families.
- Counter Depth Design: It fits nicely against your cabinets, giving your kitchen a more built-in look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Internal Layout Flexibility: While there are four shelves, sometimes more adjustable options would be helpful for very tall items.
- Noise Level: Occasionally, the ice maker can be a bit noisy when it’s working.
This LG refrigerator offers a great balance of style, capacity, and convenience. It’s a solid choice for families looking for a reliable and good-looking appliance.
5. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer, a stylish and functional addition to any modern kitchen. This stainless steel beauty offers a generous 20 cubic feet of storage, keeping your food fresh and your drinks perfectly chilled. Its French door design and built-in ice maker make it a convenient choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- Spacious 20 cubic feet total capacity with separate fridge and freezer zones.
- Multi-air flow cooling system keeps food at optimal temperatures.
- Adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers provide flexible storage for fresh foods.
- Two freezer drawers and side-door shelves offer organized freezer space.
- Soft alert sound lets you know if the freezer door is left open.
- Fast freeze setting quickly chills items in the refrigerator.
- Built-in ice maker provides both solid and crushed ice.
- Intelligence chip temperature control and digital display for precise adjustments.
- Convenient features like child lock, vacation mode, and Sabbath mode.
- Sleek stainless steel door panels and dark grey side cabinet for a premium look.
- Interior LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- E-star energy rating helps save on electricity bills.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white plastic air duct cover and white glass shelves trim might not match all kitchen decors.
- The unit weighs 213lbs, so consider professional installation.
The Forno Salerno refrigerator is a well-designed appliance that balances style and practicality. It’s a solid choice for families looking for reliable food storage solutions.
Your Guide to Choosing a Counter-Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator
A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a smart choice for many kitchens. It offers a sleek look and keeps your food organized. This guide will help you find the best one for your home.
Why Choose a Counter-Depth Side-By-Side?
These refrigerators are shallower than standard models. They sit almost flush with your countertops. This creates a built-in look and saves space in smaller kitchens. The side-by-side design means you have easy access to both the fridge and freezer compartments. No more digging through a crowded bottom freezer!
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Size
Measure your kitchen space carefully. You need to know the width, height, and depth you have available. Counter-depth models usually range from 22 to 28 inches deep. Think about how much food you store. Families might need a larger capacity than singles or couples.
2. Adjustable Shelving and Drawers
Good refrigerators let you change the shelves. This helps you fit taller items. Look for crisper drawers that keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Some models have deli drawers for meats and cheeses.
3. Water and Ice Dispenser
Most side-by-side models have these. Check if you prefer filtered water. Some dispensers are in-door, while others are inside. In-door dispensers are convenient but take up some shelf space.
4. Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity. It saves you money on your bills and is better for the environment.
5. Smart Features
Some newer refrigerators have smart technology. You can control temperatures from your phone. Some even have screens that show your calendar or let you make shopping lists.
Important Materials
The main materials affect durability and appearance.
Stainless Steel
This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a great option. It shows fewer smudges.
Other Finishes
Some refrigerators come in black, white, or custom panel-ready options. These can match your kitchen cabinets.
Interior Materials
Look for sturdy shelves and drawers. Glass shelves are easy to wipe clean. Plastic should feel strong and not cheap.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Good seals on doors: These keep cold air in.
- Quiet operation: A noisy fridge can be annoying.
- Even temperature distribution: This keeps all your food fresh.
- Reliable brand reputation: Some brands are known for making durable appliances.
Reducing Quality
- Flimsy shelves: These can break under the weight of food.
- Poor temperature control: Food can spoil faster.
- Frequent repairs: This is a sign of lower quality.
- Noisy compressors: This can disrupt your home.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Small Kitchens
Counter-depth side-by-sides are perfect for apartments or smaller homes. They don’t stick out and make the kitchen feel bigger.
For Organized Families
The separate fridge and freezer sections make it easy to find things. Parents can keep kids’ snacks in one spot and frozen meals in another.
For Entertaining
The easy access to both sections is great when you’re preparing for guests. You can grab drinks from the fridge and appetizers from the freezer quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How deep is a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Counter-depth refrigerators are usually around 24 to 28 inches deep. This is less than standard refrigerators, which can be 30 to 36 inches deep.
Q: Will a counter-depth refrigerator stick out past my cabinets?
A: They are designed to sit nearly flush with your cabinets. Some models might stick out just a tiny bit, about an inch, to allow doors to open fully.
Q: Is a side-by-side refrigerator good for energy saving?
A: Yes, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified model. The side-by-side design can also help you see everything, so you don’t leave the door open too long.
Q: How much food can a counter-depth refrigerator hold?
A: Capacity varies by model. Most counter-depth side-by-sides offer between 20 and 28 cubic feet of storage. It’s important to check the cubic feet measurement to see if it fits your needs.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive?
A: They can sometimes be a bit more expensive than standard-depth models. However, the sleek look and space-saving design are worth it for many people.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth and a cleaner specifically made for stainless steel. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
Q: What is the difference between counter-depth and built-in refrigerators?
A: Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to look like built-in models but are typically freestanding. True built-in refrigerators are installed directly into cabinetry and are usually more expensive.
Q: How much space do I need around the refrigerator?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s manual. Generally, you need about an inch of space at the back and top for ventilation. The sides usually don’t need much extra space for counter-depth models.
Q: What if I need more freezer space?
A: Side-by-side refrigerators have equal fridge and freezer sections. If you need more freezer space, a bottom-freezer or French-door model might be a better fit.
Q: Can I install a water filter in my side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Yes, most models with a water dispenser come with a water filter. It’s important to replace the filter regularly to ensure clean water and ice.
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 Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!