If you’re in the process of buying a new refrigerator, you may have heard about the benefits of counter depth fridges. But it can be a little confusing to figure out if this style of fridge is something you should consider, in part because the sizing is different for counter depth fridges.
So, what is a counter depth refrigerator, and is it right for you? This guide will answer all of your questions.
Read on, as we’re exploring counter depth refrigerators and giving you expert guidance so you can be confident that your new fridge – counter depth or regular – will be perfect in your space. We have all the information you need to decide which way to go: counter depth vs regular fridge.
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In this article, we’ll cover:
- What Is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
- What is the Depth of a Counter Depth Fridge?
- What is the Difference Between Counter and Standard Depth?
- Why Would You Want a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
- Do You Lose Space With a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
- FAQs About Counter Depth Refrigerators
What Is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
A counter depth refrigerator can be wider than a standard size fridge, but it isn't as deep. The shallower fridge size means that the refrigerator may only stick out an inch or so beyond your kitchen counters, giving your kitchen sleek, finished, more streamlined look.
If you’re not familiar with them, you’re probably wondering: how deep is a counter depth refrigerator?
A counter depth fridge's depth is usually around 24 - 30 inches, compared to a standard size fridge, which is generally 35 - 36 inches. This shallower depth can allow for more floor space and better traffic flow in kitchens where space might be tight.
What is the Depth of a Counter Depth Fridge?
What is counter depth for a refrigerator? A counter depth fridge is usually between 24 - 30 inches deep, and the standard depth of most countertops is 25 ½ inches. The goal with a counter depth refrigerator is that your appliance will only protrude, at most, a couple inches beyond the counter, allowing for extra space and a streamlined, finished look.
What is the Difference Between Counter and Standard Depth?
If you're wondering, "What is a counter depth refrigerator size," it's anywhere from 5 - 11 inches shallower than a standard fridge. A standard depth fridge is usually 35 - 36 inches, while counter depth fridges are between 24 - 30 inches. Don’t worry about the smaller depth-size, though. What these fridges lack in depth, they often make up for in height and width.
Most counter depth fridges offer similar capacity as standard depth fridges – they just have a different layout. For example, the crisper or deli meat drawers might be more shallow in a counter depth fridge, but the contents in the refrigerator are also more accessible.
Why Would You Want a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
There are many similarities between counter depth and standard depth refrigerators, including their storage capacities. But space isn’t the only consideration to think about when you’re looking for a new fridge. There are many reasons to choose a counter depth refrigerator – among them:
- Save floor space
- Ease congestion around the fridge
- Streamline the look of the kitchen
- Have a better flow in the kitchen
- Allow fridge and freezer doors to open easily
- Easy access to contents in fridge
So if you have the right space for a counter depth refrigerator, or you like the clean look they offer, there are obvious benefits.
Do You Lose Space With a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
Again, a counter depth fridge allows for more floor space in the kitchen, which can offer easy movement around the refrigerator. In an already-tight area, this could mean a world of difference.
It’s true that the capacity of a counter depth fridge might be slightly less than that of a standard fridge, but really it just all depends on the brand and style you choose. For example, a counter depth fridge can be between 20 - 24 cubic feet, while a standard fridge is usually 22 - 30 cubic feet.
However, because there can be some overlap in size between the two styles, a counter depth fridge might actually have the same capacity as a standard size fridge that you're interested in.
And for some people, the space you might lose inside the fridge might be worth it as a tradeoff to get a more efficient layout in your kitchen.
FAQs About Counter Depth Refrigerators
How many inches is a counter depth refrigerator?
A counter depth fridge is usually between 24 - 30 inches deep, and the standard depth of most countertops is 25 1/2 inches.
Which is better – standard depth or counter depth refrigerator?
Which is better – counter depth vs regular fridge – really depends on many factors, including your kitchen configuration, the measurements of the fridge space, and your desired features.
One person may find that a standard depth fridge works best for their space, while another may be looking for a counter-depth fridge because of their kitchen layout or their style preference.
Counter depth vs regular fridge - what’s the difference?
The main difference between a counter depth fridge and a regular one is size. The counter depth fridge is going to be shallower than a regular fridge, and it’s also likely going to be both taller and wider. While a counter depth fridge isn't as deep as a standard fridge, the capacity is often similar.
How do I know what size refrigerator to buy?
It's important to measure your space before deciding on which fridge to purchase. You need to measure the height, width, and depth of your space, but it’s also important to consider the space needed for opening the refrigerator door and clearance space for things like a kitchen island, pantry doors that open, and other appliances.
Check out our Refrigerator Buying Guide.
Hopefully, this guide answered your questions about the differences between counter depth and standard depth fridges. We know that there's a lot of information out there for you to digest, so we welcome any of your questions – if something wasn’t answered here, reach out to us!
Feel free to browse our full selection of refrigerators and freezers online before coming to our store. We also have a live chat, should you have any questions while browsing.
The knowledgeable team at Coast Appliances looks forward to having you as a customer!
