How Deep a Counter-Depth Refrigerator Is and Other Specs to Consider

Counter-depth refrigerators are appliances designed to sit flush with the adjoining cabinetry and countertops. While standard-depth refrigerators jut out quite visibly from their surroundings, a counter-depth fridge can provide a more built-in look. If you are after sleek lines in your kitchen, keep reading to see if a counter-depth refrigerator will work in your space.

What Is a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?

Refrigerators marketed as "counter-depth" typically have a basic box that measures between 23 and 27 inches deep, but the overall depth varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. You may see refrigerators with overall depths of 28 3/4 inches (LG and Samsung), 30 3/4 inches (GE), or 27 1/2 inches (Whirlpool) all marketed as countertop-depth units. Despite the name, most counter-depth refrigerators will still stick out an inch or two beyond the cabinets once the doors are installed.

Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth Refrigerators

Standard refrigerators are typically 30 to 36 inches deep or more. Countertops are normally about 25 inches deep (24 inches for the base cabinet with a one-inch overhang), so this means that a standard refrigerator will stick out from adjoining countertops by six inches or more. Depending on the model you are considering, a counter-depth refrigerator will come in at three to 13 inches less deep than standard-depth. 

A standard refrigerator is a fine choice if you are not concerned with a built-in look with your fridge and your cabinets, and also if you need a narrower width, shorter height or greater capacity. Counter-depth fridges offer a sleeker silhouette, but will often be taller or wider than their standard counterparts.

Benefits of Counter-Depth Refrigerators

Counter-depth refrigerators can do wonders for your kitchen—here are a few pros to keep top of mind if you are purchasing a new refrigerator: 

• More floor space: Counter-depth refrigerators sit closer to your cabinets, so you will have more room to move around your kitchen. 
• Cleaner look: Visually, counter-depth refrigerators look more elegant and cohesive, since they feature a less-clunky silhouette.
• Unique dimensions: If you are likely to forget food pushed in the back of your fridge, or don’t mind reaching some higher-than-usual shelves, the dimensions of a counter-depth refrigerator could work better for your preferences.

Benefits of Standard-Depth Refrigerators

Standard-depth refrigerators have their own set of benefits, learn a few of them below:

• Greater capacity: Standard-depth fridges have deeper capacities, and more space in the fridge and freezer sections in general. 
• More extensive size range: Standard refrigerators generally come in more sizes, so you will have ample options to find the best model for you.
• Lower price point: While both options are available in an array of prices, standard-depth refrigerators tend to be less expensive than their counter-depth counterparts.

Counter-Depth vs. Built-In Refrigerators

Basically, the difference between counter-depth and standard-depth refrigerator types is that counter-depth fridges are shallower and sit nearly even with your counters and cabinets, while standard-depth ones have an overall greater capacity, but will jut out into the room more.

Measuring Tips for Counter-Depth Refrigerators

When choosing a refrigerator to match the depth of cabinets and countertops, keep the following issues in mind:

• Measure your specific countertops: Base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep, but you should always measure yours to be safe. The countertop overhang may add around 1 1/2 inches on some decorative treatments, and some backsplashes could push them forward even more. The front edge of a countertop could extend as much as 28 to 30 inches from the back wall.
• Expect overhang: While the box of a counter-depth refrigerator matches up to cabinetry and countertops, the doors will add a few inches. Typically, the overall depth when measured from back to front (including handles) is about 30 inches. Expect the refrigerator doors to extend forward from the front lip of standard countertops a bit so they have room to swing open.
• Read the manufacturer’s measurements: Sometimes, these numbers vary by as much as six inches. Some manufacturers measure the appliance depth to the edge of the box without the doors, some to the front of the door, and others to the front of door handles and hardware. Make sure you understand what dimensions are being referenced by the measurements.
• Leave room for gaps: Refrigerators may require a small gap between the back of the appliance and the wall. This will make the overall installed depth of the appliance slightly more than the actual dimensions.
• Note the backsplash: Built-up backsplashes can reduce the overall depth of the countertop; if there is no backsplash, you will need to account for extra depth when choosing a fridge. For reference, if cement-board backer and thick tile have been installed between the countertop and the base of the wall cabinets, the countertop depth may lessen as much as one inch.
• Know the capacity: Counter-depth fridges range in capacity from 15 cubic feet to 25 cubic feet. While a counter-depth fridge is space-saving, you will lose some of your total food storage capacity. While extra width and height can compensate for some lost space, most counter-depth refrigerators are slightly smaller in capacity than comparable standard models.

Understanding Manufacturer’s Dimensions

Most countertop-depth refrigerators will specify several depth dimensions, which you can interpret in whatever way fits your needs. For example, one KitchenAid counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator (model KRSC700HPS) lists four different depth measurements:

• 21 3/4 inches: Depth to back of hinges. Box itself, nothing else. No doors, no handles.
• 26 7/8 inches: Depth with doors.
• 29 9/16 inches: Depth with doors and handles
• 23 3.4 inches: Depth without doors.

In a kitchen with standard kitchen cabinet dimensions (24-inch-deep base cabinets, covered with countertops with a one-inch overhang), you can expect the doors on this refrigerator to extend past the front of the countertops enough to allow for the two inches required for the doors to open and close freely.