Counter Depth Refrigerator – Measuring Guide, Pros & Cons

For many homeowners, counter depth refrigerators are now the standard option when it comes to kitchen appliances.

In addition to providing a stylish upgrade for your kitchen, these sleek and contemporary refrigerators maximize both space and functionality. Counter-depth refrigerators are excellent at offering a smooth combination of cooling effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. Having the right type of refrigerator in your kitchen is important for both practicality and aesthetics.

Let’s take a deeper look at the factors that are contributing to these refrigerators’ growing appeal and how to measure for a counter depth refrigerator to buy the correct size.

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What Does Counter Depth Refrigerator Mean?

If you are wondering, “What does counter depth refrigerator mean” then let us tell you that the term “counter-depth” can be a bit misleading. It refers to the space between your kitchen countertops‘ front and the backsplash or back wall.

Therefore, it’s important to understand that counter-depth measurements, as they are commonly used by retailers, may not always correspond with a standard depth of 25 inches. Especially in large kitchens, you may come across base cabinets that are deeper than the standard 24-inch depth, which results in the countertop extending farther—typically by one inch.

In actuality, counter depth refrigerators can be anywhere from 25 to 30 inches, exceeding the average. This highlights how crucial it is to take exact measurements when looking for appliances.

As counter-depth refrigerators can differ in depth by several inches, it is not advisable to assume that all of them are the same. Measuring depth of refrigerator should be done precisely, taking into account the available space, to ensure a perfect fit.

What are the Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions?

Unlike traditional refrigerators, which can go as deep as 36 inches, counter depth refrigerator dimensions usually have a maximum depth of about 30 inches. Standard counter depth refrigerator dimensions typically lean towards wider characteristics, averaging about 36 inches, to make up for the shallower depth.

Moreover, these models occasionally have slightly taller builds as well, though this difference may not be as noticeable. Even though these counter depth refrigerator dimensions are regarded as standard, it’s still important to make sure your refrigerator will fit your home precisely before buying and installing it.

How to Measure for a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

Step 1: Choose Where to Put Your Refrigerator

When buying a refrigerator, take into account the depth, breadth, and height of your cabinet cutout when installing a counter-depth refrigerator in a newly renovated kitchen. Putting the refrigerator at the end of a row of cabinets gives wider models more flexibility.

Make sure the existing cutout on your refrigerator can accommodate the additional width and height when replacing a full-size refrigerator with a counter-depth model. If your kitchen is small, think about remodeling the layout.

Measure the space’s precise depth, width, and height after placement has been determined.

Step 2: Depth Measurement

Aim for a depth of approximately 24 to 25 inches when measuring from the wall to the countertop edge, not including doors and handles. For ventilation, leave at least one inch of room between the refrigerator’s back and the wall. This will help you in measuring depth of refrigerator precisely.

Doors and handles included, the overall depth is usually less than thirty inches. To ensure adequate door clearance, extend the refrigerator box one or two inches beyond the countertop.

When measuring depth of refrigerator, take into account the different depth measurements listed in the specifications, particularly if your kitchen has an island.

Step 3: Width Measurement

Wider than standard refrigerators are counter-depth refrigerators. Measure the cutout width at its narrowest point and deduct one inch from both sides’ ventilation space. If applicable, allow four inches or so to separate the refrigerator from the wall.

Step 4: Height Measurement

Fridges with counter-depth are marginally taller. Measure from the floor to the base of the cabinets over the refrigerator, then deduct half an inch for airflow.

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, always remember to account for cutout dimensions and maximum fridge measurements. Future issues can be avoided with a few minutes and a tape measure.

Different Types of Counter Depth Refrigerator

Counter-depth refrigerators come in four primary varieties: French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer.

1. French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator

This type of refrigerator features a freezer drawer underneath and two doors on top. These doors swing open to reveal a roomy refrigerator within. Since they require less space to open and close, they’re ideal for smaller kitchens.

2. Side-by-side Counter Depth Refrigerator

Counter-depth refrigerators with side-by-side doors have the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. To conserve space in smaller kitchens, some have narrower doors.

3. Top Freezer Counter Depth Refrigerator

Traditional in design, the top-freezer counter-depth refrigerator has the refrigerator below and the freezer on top. The doors can open to the left or right, depending on your preference.

4. Bottom-freezer counter-depth refrigerator

Having a single refrigerator door and a freezer underneath, this type of refrigerator is comparable to French doors. The refrigerator door opens from the left or the right.

Counter-depth refrigerators come in French door or side-by-side designs, as well as top- and bottom-freezer models with a shallower depth. Additionally, some have a narrower width to conserve room in tiny kitchens. You can find the ideal counter-depth refrigerator for your kitchen area among the many available styles.

Counter Depth Refrigerator Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Streamlined Aesthetics: A counter-depth refrigerator will give your kitchen a modern, polished appearance. The appliance offers a sleek and unified design that improves the overall visual appeal as it blends in perfectly with the kitchen counters.
2. Easy Access: The main storage area and freezer are easily accessible, which minimizes the need for excessive bending. In addition to streamlining daily chores, the refrigerator’s user-friendly design makes cleaning and item organization easier.
3. Improved Traffic Flow: By blending in seamlessly with the nearby counters and cabinets, counter-depth refrigerators help to improve kitchen traffic flow. This makes the kitchen work triangle more open and well-organized by removing traffic jams in busy areas.
4. Unusual Storage Opportunities: Wider counter-depth refrigerators have the advantage of storing larger items, such as wide cold-cut trays. Longer door bins improve storage options by offering different grocery types flexibility and ease of organization.

Cons

1. Wider Profile: Compared to standard-depth models, counter-depth refrigerators may have a wider profile, particularly those with a 25-inch depth. This might require modifications to work with the current kitchen layouts, which could affect the amount of space available and lower the total capacity.
2. Compromised Drawer Space: Longer items may not fit in shorter drawers, such as deli sections and crispers. To guarantee a practical fit, users must prioritize organization and take into account the kinds of items frequently stored in these compartments.
3. Decreased Freezer Capacity: In comparison to standard-depth models, anticipate a reduction in freezer capacity. Although the ease of access offsets this trade-off, users should evaluate how much freezer storage they actually need and if the advantages outweigh the capacity reduction.
4. Single Door Swing Clearance: More clearance space may be needed because counter-depth refrigerators have wider designs and frequently have a single door swing. This affects how the kitchen is laid out overall and how easily the refrigerator door can be opened, which forces users to assess their available space and adjust for the best clearance.

What is the Difference Between Counter Depth and Standard Depth Refrigerator?

The amount of space that separates standard-depth and counter-depth refrigerators in the kitchen is their primary difference.

Counter-depth refrigerators, like kitchen counters, are roughly 24 to 25 inches deep. This gives the kitchen a clean, organized appearance by making them nearly flush with the counters and cabinets. Conversely, standard-depth refrigerators can protrude past the countertops by half a foot or more and are typically deeper, measuring between 30 and 36 inches.

Counter-depth refrigerators differ from regular refrigerators primarily in depth, but they can also be slightly wider or taller. You get a similar amount of space inside but in a lower profile because of this additional width or height, which helps offset the shallower depth.

Thus, despite having a somewhat different appearance, counter-depth refrigerators still provide about the same amount of space and organization as a standard full-size refrigerator. Their design ensures that they blend in better with your kitchen by protruding no more than an inch or two over the surrounding cabinets. Meal preparation is more convenient because of the larger size options, which also make it simpler to store everything you need.

Conclusion

Our everyday lives depend heavily on the refrigerator because it keeps food cold and ensures that meals are ready. The counter-depth refrigerator is a stylish and room-saving choice for people with limited areas.

Its sleek design maximizes kitchen space and adds a touch of contemporary elegance, making it more than just a cooling appliance. Utilize our guide when measuring depth of refrigerator and other counter depth refrigerator dimensions.