Imagine this: you’re remodeling your kitchen, and everything is coming together perfectly. You’ve picked out your cabinets, your countertops, and even your dream stove. But then you look at the refrigerator space, and a wave of panic washes over you. Will that bulky, standard-sized fridge stick out like a sore thumb, ruining your sleek new look? It’s a common kitchen dilemma!
Choosing a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator can feel like navigating a maze. You want that beautiful, built-in appearance, but you also worry about fitting enough groceries inside or if it will even work with your existing kitchen layout. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by the choices and unsure of what truly matters. This post is here to help you cut through the confusion and find the perfect fit.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator a great choice for your home. We’ll break down the key features to look for, discuss common concerns, and offer practical tips to make your decision-making process a breeze. Get ready to discover how to get both style and function in your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Counter Depth Refrigerator Side By Side Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Depth Refrigerator Side By Side Detailed Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.5/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel offers a smart and spacious solution for your kitchen. Its sleek design and practical features make organizing your groceries a breeze.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 15.6 cu ft side-by-side design holds plenty of food for busy families.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Gallon-size bins in the doors fit lots of drinks and condiments.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: The easy-to-use digital control panel lets you adjust fridge and freezer temps.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Finding your fresh and frozen items is simple with this layout.
- CUSTOMIZABLE STORAGE: You can easily change the shelf height and arrangement to fit your needs.
- BUILT-IN LAMP: The interior light helps you see all your food quickly.
- CONVENIENT DELIVERY: Delivery and haul-away options are available in select areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity might be slightly small for very large households.
- The digital display is located inside, requiring you to open the door for adjustments.
This refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking ample storage and user-friendly features. It brings convenience and style to any kitchen.
2. Avanti 15.6 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Apartment Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 8.8/10
The Avanti 15.6 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Apartment Refrigerator with Freezer is a smart choice for anyone needing a capable fridge in a tight spot. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and the counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far into your kitchen. This fridge is designed to fit right into apartments, condos, or even a vacation home, making it a versatile appliance.
What We Like:
- Generous storage for its size, with 9.5 cu. ft. for the fridge and 6.1 cu. ft. for the freezer.
- The side-by-side layout makes it easy to grab your milk or your frozen veggies quickly.
- You can move the glass shelves around to fit your groceries, from tall bottles to large containers.
- Clear crisper drawers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
- You can easily set the temperature using the digital display on the front.
- The sleek stainless steel and recessed handles give it a modern look that fits anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers good storage for its size, very large families might find it a bit small.
- Some users might prefer a built-in ice maker, which this model doesn’t seem to include.
This Avanti refrigerator is a fantastic solution for maximizing your kitchen space without sacrificing storage. It offers a great balance of style, functionality, and smart design for smaller living areas.
3. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity
Rating: 8.5/10
The Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 22.2 cubic feet of space, so you can store all your groceries. The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and stylish. This fridge also comes with helpful features like an air filter to keep your food smelling fresh and bright LED interior lighting to help you see everything inside.
What We Like:
- Spacious 22.2 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food for families.
- The built-in air filter helps reduce odors, keeping your fridge smelling clean.
- Bright LED interior lighting makes it easy to find what you need, even in the back.
- The ice maker is convenient for chilled drinks.
- The stainless steel finish looks attractive and is easy to wipe clean.
- Side-by-side doors offer quick access to both the refrigerator and freezer sections.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 33″ width might be a tight fit for some kitchen spaces.
- While the air filter is good, replacement filters will be an ongoing cost.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
This Frigidaire refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking ample storage and essential conveniences. It balances functionality with a good-looking design.
4. Gallery 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator in Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Gallery 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator in Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any home. It offers plenty of space for your groceries and keeps them fresh. The smudge-proof stainless steel finish looks sleek and is easy to clean. Plus, it has a handy feature for RV and trailer owners.
What We Like:
- Generous 22.3 cubic feet of storage space.
- Smudge-proof stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and looks great.
- Side-by-side design makes it easy to access both the refrigerator and freezer.
- RV/Trailer Compatible: Comes with a special bracket to mount onto your motorhome, RV, or trailer. This lets you enjoy cookouts on the go!
- Standard depth fits well in most kitchen spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- The RV/trailer mounting feature is a bit of a surprise, as it’s not a typical refrigerator feature. While cool, it might be confusing for buyers not planning on RV use.
- The “BBQ and Grill station” description for the RV mount feature seems to be a mix-up. This is a refrigerator, not a grill.
This refrigerator is a solid choice for keeping your food cold and organized. The unique RV compatibility is a fun bonus for adventurous cooks.
5. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator in Gunmetal is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its generous capacity and smart design make it easy to store and access all your family’s favorite foods. The gunmetal finish adds a modern touch, while the side-by-side doors offer convenient organization.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cu. ft. of space, it easily holds enough food for a whole family.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: This layout helps you keep your fresh and frozen items organized and readily available.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can effortlessly change temperature settings using the easy-to-use digital control panel inside the door.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The large door bins can hold gallon-sized containers, giving you extra storage for drinks and condiments.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights illuminate the entire refrigerator, so you can always see what’s inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 60 Hertz frequency is standard but worth noting for some specific electrical needs.
- While the counter-depth design is sleek, it might slightly reduce the overall internal width compared to a standard-depth model.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers a great balance of style, space, and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for families looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
Your Smart Guide to Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Choosing a new refrigerator can be a big decision. You want one that looks good, works well, and fits your space perfectly. A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a popular choice for many kitchens. Let’s dive into what makes them great and what to consider before you buy.
What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator Side-by-Side?
A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to sit flush with your kitchen counters. This gives your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. A side-by-side refrigerator has the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other, with doors opening in opposite directions. This means you get easy access to both fresh and frozen foods.
Key Features to Look For
Storage Space
Think about how much food you buy. Do you need lots of shelves and drawers? Adjustable shelves are a big plus. They let you customize the space for tall bottles or large platters. Crisper drawers help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Look for clear drawers so you can see what’s inside easily.
Ice and Water Dispenser
Many side-by-side refrigerators have an ice and water dispenser on the freezer door. This is super convenient. Some dispensers offer filtered water, which tastes much better. Others can make different types of ice, like crushed ice or small cubes. Check if the dispenser is easy to use and clean.
Energy Efficiency
An Energy Star certified refrigerator uses less electricity. This saves you money on your energy bills and is better for the environment. Look for the Energy Star label when you shop.
Smart Features
Some modern refrigerators have smart technology. You might be able to control the temperature from your phone or get alerts if the door is left open. Some even have screens that can show you your calendar or play music. Decide if these features are important to you.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a very popular material for refrigerators. It looks modern and is durable. It resists rust and is easy to wipe clean. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is even better. It helps keep the surface looking spotless.
Interior Shelving
Glass shelves are common and easy to clean. Wire shelves are also used, but they can be harder to clean if something spills. Look for sturdy shelves that can hold a good amount of weight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built refrigerator will last longer. Check the doors to see if they close smoothly. Listen for any strange noises when the refrigerator is running. Higher-quality models often have better compressors and insulation, which means they keep food colder and use less energy.
Noise Level
Some refrigerators can be quite noisy. If your kitchen is near a living area, a quieter model is a good idea. Read reviews to see what other users say about the noise level.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Doing a little research on the brand can give you an idea of their quality and customer service.
User Experience and Use Cases
Family Needs
For families, a counter-depth side-by-side offers quick access to snacks and drinks for kids. The separate compartments help keep food organized. If you have a large family, make sure there’s enough space for all your groceries.
Small Kitchens
The counter-depth design is perfect for smaller kitchens. It doesn’t stick out into the room, making it easier to move around. The side-by-side doors are also good because they don’t require a lot of swing space like some French door models.
Entertaining
When you have guests over, the dispenser makes it easy for everyone to get ice and water. The organized shelves mean you can quickly find ingredients for cooking or drinks for parties.
FAQs about Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Q: What is the main advantage of a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: The main advantage is that it sits flush with your kitchen counters, giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside?
A: Yes, they are usually a little shallower than standard refrigerators, which means they might have slightly less storage space inside. However, they are designed to be very efficient with the space they have.
Q: How do I measure for a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Measure the depth of your existing counter. The refrigerator should be the same depth or slightly less. Also, make sure to measure the height and width of the opening where the refrigerator will go.
Q: What is a good capacity for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, a capacity of 22 to 28 cubic feet is usually a good starting point. It’s always better to have a little extra space than not enough.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators good for organizing?
A: Yes, the vertical separation of the fridge and freezer makes it easy to keep different types of food separate and organized.
Q: How do I clean the ice and water dispenser?
A: Most dispensers have removable parts that you can wash with mild soap and water. Check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: What does “fingerprint-resistant stainless steel” mean?
A: It means the surface is treated to help reduce the appearance of fingerprints and smudges, making it easier to keep clean.
Q: Is an Energy Star rating important?
A: Yes, an Energy Star rating means the refrigerator is more energy-efficient, which can save you money on electricity bills and is better for the environment.
Q: Can I get a counter-depth refrigerator with an external ice maker?
A: Yes, many counter-depth side-by-side models come with external ice and water dispensers.
Q: How long do refrigerators typically last?
A: With good care, most refrigerators can last between 10 to 20 years.
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!