Does your kitchen feel cramped because your refrigerator sticks out too far? Many homeowners love the sleek, built-in look a counter-depth refrigerator offers. It gives your kitchen a clean, modern appearance. However, finding the perfect model that also includes a reliable ice maker can feel like a treasure hunt. You want style, but you absolutely need ice for those hot summer days or when hosting friends.
The challenge is balancing that perfect flush fit with the convenience of automatic ice. Some models sacrifice valuable freezer space for the ice maker, or the ice maker itself might be noisy or slow. It’s frustrating when you finally pick one, only to realize it doesn’t quite meet your daily needs. You deserve a refrigerator that works hard without messing up your kitchen’s design.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best counter-depth refrigerators that feature top-notch ice makers. You will learn what features truly matter, how to compare capacity versus design, and which brands deliver the best performance. Get ready to discover the ideal appliance that brings both form and function to your kitchen.
Top Counter Depth Refrigerator With Ice Maker Recommendations
- Spacious Yet Compact: This 30-inch, fingerprint resistant stainless steel refrigerator offers 18.1 cu. ft. of standard-depth storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries without crowding smaller kitchens
- Adjustable Full-Width Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 3 clear refrigerator door bins hold gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers and Dairy Drawer: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. A covered dairy compartment keeps butter and spreads at the perfect temp
- ENERGY STAR Certified with Factory Installed Icemaker: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities. Factory installed icemaker gives you ice at the ready with up to 3 lbs. of ice per day
- 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
- Modern French Door Style: French Door fridge with bottom freezer refrigerator adds style and modern elegance to any kitchen décor. Offers full access to contents and is perfect for any home kitchen
- Spacious Organization: With full-width 12.5 cu. ft. fridge and 5.4 cu. ft. total freezer capacity, our French door fridge with freezer offers ample storage space and options for all your essentials
- Bottom Freezer with Ice Machine: Included ice maker with built-in sensor produces as much as 3.5 lbs. of ice per day, depending on the temperature of the freezer and other operating conditions
- Digital Temperature Control: Our digital thermostat easily controls each compartment for precise climate control. Set the perfect cooling levels for both the refrigerator and freezer sections
- Energy Star Certified: High performance and energy efficient compressor creates less heat and maximizes energy and dollar savings without sacrificing the features you want
- Dual Ice Maker With Water And Ice Dispenser
- Fingerprint Resistant
- Standard Depth
- LED Interior Lighting
- FREEZER AND REFRIGERATOR: 585 Liter/20.7 Cubic Foot 4-door fridge and freezer provides ample fresh and frozen food storage with built-in ice maker
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Refrigerator 34 - 44°F (1 to 7℃); Freezer -8 - 9°F (-22 to -13℃); Electronic Temperature Control
- LOADED WITH FEATURES: This refrigerator has adjustable cantilever shelves, humidity controlled crispers, adjustable gallon door bins, French doors, interior light, adjustable temperature control, butter box and egg shelf
- VERSATILE FREEZER: Dual-drawer freezer at the bottom of the refrigerator for all your frozen food needs. Includes built-in ice maker with scoop
- EASY INSTALLATION: Front exhaust for built-in installation. 35 9/10 W x 28 7/10 D x 69 9/10 H
- Modern French Door Style: French Door fridge with bottom freezer refrigerator adds style and modern elegance to any kitchen décor. Offers full access to contents and is perfect for any home kitchen
- Spacious Organization: With full-width 11.15 cu. ft. fridge and 5.06 cu. ft. total freezer capacity, our French door fridge with freezer offers ample storage space and options for all your essentials
- Bottom Freezer with Ice Machine: Included ice maker with built-in sensor produces as much as 3.5 lbs. of ice per day, depending on the temperature of the freezer and other operating conditions
- Digital Temperature Control: Our digital thermostat easily controls each compartment for precise climate control. Set the perfect cooling levels for both the refrigerator and freezer sections
- Energy Star Certified: High performance and energy efficient compressor creates less heat and maximizes energy and dollar savings without sacrificing the features you want
- Premium French Door Refrigerator – The KoolMore Stainless-Steel Refrigerator Provides All The Storage And Accessibility You Need With Plenty Of Room For Food And Drinks, And Double Crispers With Humidity Control
- Spacious Capacity And Adjustable Shelving – At 18.5 Cu. Ft. This Refrigerator Clearance Lines Up With Your Kitchen Counters But Still Provides Two Large Freezer Drawers, 6 Door Bins, And Adjustable Glass Shelving For All Your Food Items.
- Modern Stainless-Steel Design – A Flat Finish With Easy-Open Handles This Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator Fits In Seamlessly With Your Other Appliances And Sits At Just The Right Height And Depth For Contemporary Kitchens
- Precision Temperature Control Designed with a double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control our stainless-steel fridge offers equal distribution of cool temperatures to keep fruit, vegetables, and meat fresher, longer.
Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Counter Depth Refrigerator With Ice Maker
Choosing a new refrigerator can feel big. You want one that looks great and works hard. Counter depth models fit snugly against your cabinets. This gives your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. Adding an ice maker means you always have cold drinks ready. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
Several important features make a counter depth refrigerator with an ice maker truly useful.
Capacity and Size
- Cubic Feet: Check the inside space. Most families need 20 to 25 cubic feet. Counter depth models hold slightly less than standard ones.
- Door Style: French door styles are popular. They offer wide shelves and easy access. Side-by-side models work well in narrow spaces.
Ice Maker Performance
- Production Rate: How fast does it make ice? If you host often, look for a high production rate (e.g., 6-8 pounds per day).
- Storage Bin Size: A bigger bin holds more ice, so you refill the ice maker less often.
- Through-the-Door Dispenser: This feature gives you ice and water without opening the door. It saves energy.
Temperature Control and Cooling
- Dual Cooling: This system uses separate cooling units for the fridge and freezer. It keeps food fresher longer because the air doesn’t mix.
- Adjustable Shelving: You must be able to move shelves easily. This lets you fit tall bottles or large platters.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how it looks.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is very popular. It looks modern. Some stainless steel resists fingerprints better than others. Look for “smudge-proof” finishes.
- Black or White Enamel: These are easier to clean and usually cost less.
Interior Components
- Shelving: Glass shelves are best. They are strong and easy to wipe clean if something spills. Plastic shelves can crack over time.
- Door Bins: Sturdy plastic bins hold heavy items like milk jugs. Check that they feel solid when you pull them out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance and longevity.
Factors That Boost Quality
- Energy Star Rating: Models with this rating use less electricity. This saves you money on utility bills.
- Quiet Compressors: A good compressor runs quietly. This is important if your kitchen opens into your living area.
- Advanced Filtration: High-quality water filters improve the taste of your ice and drinking water.
Factors That Lower Quality (Watch Outs)
- Shallow Freezer Space: Because counter depth models are narrower, the freezer can feel cramped. Check the drawer design.
- Ice Maker Placement: Some ice makers take up valuable shelf space inside the refrigerator. Models with ice makers built into the door maximize storage.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your family uses the kitchen every day.
For Busy Families
A counter depth fridge with an in-door ice and water dispenser is a lifesaver. Kids can get their own drinks easily. Look for adjustable door bins to hold juice boxes and water bottles.
For Entertainers
If you host parties, you need fast ice. Ensure the ice maker has a “boost” or “fast freeze” setting. Wide, easily accessible shelves let you store platters of appetizers.
For Small Kitchens
Counter depth is perfect here. It keeps walkways clear. Make sure the doors open wide enough for full drawer removal, even if the fridge is close to a wall.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much space do I lose compared to a standard refrigerator?
A: You typically lose about 4 to 6 inches of depth. This means less storage space in the back, but a much cleaner look upfront.
Q: Are counter depth refrigerators more expensive?
A: Yes, they often cost more than standard-depth models because they require more complex engineering to fit the same capacity into a smaller frame.
Q: Does the ice maker affect the price a lot?
A: Having an integrated ice maker usually adds to the cost, especially if it includes a through-the-door dispenser.
Q: How hard is the ice maker to clean or repair?
A: Most modern ice makers are designed to be easily removed for cleaning or service. Check user reviews for specific model reliability.
Q: Will my old milk jugs fit in the door bins?
A: Many counter depth models feature adjustable or gallon-sized door bins. Measure your tallest items before you buy.
Q: What is the best way to measure for a counter depth fit?
A: Measure the depth from the back wall to the front of your existing cabinets. Add one inch for airflow space behind the unit.
Q: Do I need a water line hookup for the ice maker?
A: Yes, all refrigerators with ice and water dispensers require a dedicated cold water line connection.
Q: Are smart features worth it on these fridges?
A: Smart features let you check the temperature remotely or see what groceries you need on a screen. They add convenience but also cost more.
Q: Which brand makes the quietest ice makers?
A: Brands focusing on premium features often invest in sound-dampening technology. Look for models specifically advertising quiet operation.
Q: Can I turn the ice maker off if I don’t need it?
A: Almost all models allow you to turn the ice maker off using a simple switch or control panel setting.