Do you dream of a kitchen that looks sleek and modern, where your appliances blend perfectly with your cabinets? Many homeowners face a frustrating problem: standard refrigerators stick out, creating an awkward bump in an otherwise beautiful kitchen design. This clash between function and form is especially common when you want the convenience of a Side-by-Side model but crave that built-in look.
Choosing the right Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator is tricky. You need enough storage space, but the measurements must be exact to achieve that flush fit. Finding the perfect balance between deep storage and narrow depth can feel like solving a complex puzzle. If you are tired of guessing which model will actually fit your space and lifestyle, you are in the right place.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what “counter depth” means, explain the pros and cons of Side-by-Side layouts, and show you the top features to look for. By the end of this post, you will know exactly how to select a refrigerator that gives you maximum capacity without sticking out an inch too far. Let’s explore how to achieve that seamless, high-end kitchen aesthetic!
Top Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator Recommendations
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by side doors 15.6 CuFt Capacity, perfect for all the family members
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- _Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or interchange your shelves for a personalized experience
- Counter Depth, Large Capacity: This 36-inch, counter-depth refrigerator offers 20 cu. ft. of space-saving storage, maximizing your kitchen’s footprint while providing ample room for fresh and frozen foods - perfect for families and entertaining
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Water & Ice Dispenser with Water Filter: Enjoy fresh, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice instantly with a factory-installed ice maker and dispenser. Every drink tastes pure—perfect for any kitchen
- Adjustable, Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Sleek, spill-proof glass shelving stretches from edge to edge for a modern finish and flexible storage. Easily customize your refrigerator interior to fit platters, jugs
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Bright LED lighting illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: 9.5 cu. ft. refrigerator capacity and 6.1 cu. ft. freezer capacity provide ample space for fresh and frozen foods.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Compact yet functional layout offers easy access to both refrigerator and freezer sections.
- ADJUSTABLE GLASS SHELVES & CRISPERS: Three adjustable/removable glass shelves and two clear-view crispers in both the refrigerator and freezer for flexible storage.
- ELECTRONIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Easily adjust and monitor temperature settings with the front-facing digital display.
- SLEEK & SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Stainless steel doors with recessed handles provide a modern look, perfect for apartments, condos, and vacation homes.
- Spacious Fresh Food Storage - 9.54 cu. ft. fresh food capacity with 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 crisper drawers, 2 door basket bins, and 1 gallon door bin, providing flexible organization for produce, beverages, and everyday essentials.
- Large Freezer Capacity - 6.08 cu. ft. freezer section includes 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 drawers, and 3 door bins, ensuring easy access and organized storage for frozen foods.
- Advanced Cooling Functions - Equipped with Fast Freeze & Fast Cool modes for rapid temperature recovery, plus a multi-airflow cooling system that maintains consistent frost-free performance.
- Durable & User-Friendly Design - Features spill-proof shelves for effortless cleanup, LED touch controls for precise settings, bright LED interior lighting, and Sabbath Mode for added convenience.
- Stylish & Fingerprint Resistant - The stainless steel finish with a counter-depth design creates a seamless built-in look while resisting smudges, keeping your refrigerator sleek and modern.
- 【Premium Side by Side Refrigerator】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators offers spacious storage capacity. The beverage fridge has a total capacity of 15.6 cubic feet, making it perfect for all family members. This refrigerator with freezer provides ample space for storing food and drinks
- 【Black Stainless Steel Design】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators features a flat surface design and easy-to-open handles. This beverage fridge can seamlessly match your other household appliances. With perfectly proportioned height and depth, this refrigerator with freezer fits flawlessly into modern kitchens
- 【Large Capacity】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a storage capacity of 15.6 cubic feet. The dimensions of this beverage fridge are 32.9 inches × 24.5 inches × 70.1 inches (width × depth × height). This refrigerator with freezer achieves separate storage for refrigerated and frozen items, with a refrigeration capacity of 9.54 cubic feet and a freezing capacity of 6.08 cubic feet
- 【Electronic Temperature Contro】 The freezer compartment of the iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a temperature range from -10°F to 5°F, which can keep all frozen foods fresh. The refrigeration compartment of this beverage fridge has a temperature range from 32°F to 42°F. This refrigerator with freezer is equipped with 5 variable temperature settings, which can be manually switched according to your needs
- 【Crisper Drawers & Dairy Compartment】The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has transparent humidity-controlled crisper drawers.The beverage fridge allow you to select the ideal humidity level to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.Alos the refrigerator with freezer can store all your butters and spreads at their optimal temperature
- 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐙𝐎𝐍𝐄: The fresh food compartment offers ample storage space to store your fresh food with 3 adjustable glass shelves, a gallon bin, and easily accessible crisper drawers when doors are open at 90°. This french door refrigerator fresh food storage capacity of 12.35 cubic feet
- 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐑 𝐙𝐎𝐍𝐄: The no-frost air-cooling system for the refrigerator and freezer compartments provides optimal temperatures and humidity control to keep food fresher longer. Equipped with an ice maker, both solid ice and crushed ice can be made using the ice maker
- 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒: The electronic touch control and digital LED interface simplify the setting and monitoring of all vital functions. Rest assured that this unit will keep your food at perfect temperatures with its Intelligence chip temperature control feature and digital control
- 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐒: Bright white LED lighting is energy-efficient and offers elegant illumination throughout the interior. The power cord and installation kit included with the package
- 𝟐-𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐘: We stand behind each appliance we design and manufacture. The 30-inch french door refrigerator by Forno offers an industry-leading 2-year factory parts and labor warranty
- RV/TRAILER COMPATIBLE: This BBQ and Grill station comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome, RV, or trailer so you can have a cookout wherever you are
- Dual Ice Makers
- Door Cooling+
- Slow Melting Craft Ice
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
A counter depth side-by-side refrigerator sits flush with your kitchen cabinets. This gives your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. These fridges offer great organization because they divide fresh food and freezer space vertically. Before you buy, you need to know what matters most. This guide helps you find the best fit for your home.
Key Features to Look For
The best refrigerators offer more than just cold storage. Look closely at these features:
- Ice and Water Dispensers: Many models have external dispensers. Check if they offer crushed ice, cubed ice, and filtered water. Some advanced models offer craft ice, which makes slow-melting spheres.
- Adjustable Shelving: You should easily move shelves up or down. This helps you fit tall items like milk jugs or large platters.
- Temperature Control Zones: Good fridges let you set different temperatures for different areas, like a deli drawer. This keeps specific foods fresher longer.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor energy use or change settings from your phone. Some even have internal cameras so you can check what you need while shopping.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how easy it is to clean. Focus on these areas:
- Interior Linings: Look for durable, easy-to-wipe plastic or stainless steel interiors. Plastic is common and cleans up spills easily.
- Door Hinges: Strong, well-made hinges handle the weight of heavy, fully stocked doors. Cheap hinges wear out quickly.
- Exterior Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is very popular. It hides smudges much better than traditional shiny stainless steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often linked to the cooling system and the brand’s reputation. Better technology keeps food safer.
- Compressor Quality: A good, modern compressor uses less energy and runs quieter. Inverter compressors are known for being energy efficient and lasting longer.
- Humidity Controls: Crisper drawers with sliders that control humidity keep fruits and vegetables crisp. Low-quality drawers just sit there and do nothing.
- Noise Level: Check reviews for noise complaints. A loud refrigerator interrupts the peace in an open-concept kitchen or living area.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your family uses a refrigerator every day. A counter depth model saves space but sacrifices some cubic footage compared to a standard depth model.
- Small Kitchens: Counter depth models are perfect for tight spaces where a standard fridge would stick out too far. They blend seamlessly with cabinetry.
- Frequent Entertainers: If you host parties, look for models with flexible door bins that hold many bottles or cans. External water dispensers are a must for quick refills.
- Busy Families: Look for easy-to-reach freezer drawers for quick access to frozen meals. Clear door bins help kids see what snacks they can grab without opening the whole door.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Q: What is the main difference between a counter depth and a standard refrigerator?
A: A counter depth fridge is shallower. It sticks out less from your cabinets, usually stopping right at the counter edge. A standard fridge sticks out several inches further.
Q: Do counter depth refrigerators have less storage space?
A: Yes, they usually have slightly less total cubic feet than their standard depth cousins. You trade a little space for a sleeker look.
Q: Are side-by-side models good for storing large items like pizza boxes?
A: Side-by-side doors can make storing wide items tricky. The freezer side is narrow. You must check the width of the shelves before buying.
Q: How do I ensure the fridge fits perfectly?
A: Measure the depth, width, and height of your cabinet opening. Then, measure the depth of your actual countertop. Always check the required clearance space for the doors to swing open fully!
Q: What temperature should I set my refrigerator to?
A: The safest temperature for the refrigerator section is 37°F (3°C). The freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C).
Q: Is stainless steel worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel looks modern and is durable. Fingerprint-resistant finishes make cleaning much easier, which improves the daily user experience.
Q: What is the lifespan of a modern refrigerator?
A: With regular maintenance, most good quality refrigerators last between 10 and 15 years.
Q: How often should I change the water filter?
A: Most manufacturers recommend changing the water filter every six months for the best tasting water and to protect the dispenser system.
Q: Are these models more expensive than standard depth ones?
A: Generally, yes. You pay a premium for the specialized, shallower design and the integrated look.
Q: What should I do if the ice maker stops working?
A: First, check if the ice maker is turned “on” in the settings. Next, verify that the water supply line is connected and that the filter is not clogged. If these steps fail, call a technician.