If you’ve been scouring interior design magazines, you may have seen the term counter depth refrigerator–leaving you wondering, “What is a counter depth refrigerator!”

A counter depth refrigerator is just like any other freestanding refrigerator, but with a special twist: it gives you the look and luxury of a built-in style refrigerator (think, Sub-Zero) at a fraction of the cost!!

What is Counter Depth Refrigerator vs. Standard Refrigerator

When answering the question, “What is a counter depth refrigerator?”,  we must first talk about size. A counter depth refrigerator is a full size, freestanding refrigerator that does not protrude from the cabinets. Unlike a standard refrigerator, the counter depth has a “built-in” look. This is because (as the name implies) the depth of the refrigerator is meant to match the depth of your cabinets. In turn, this gives the kitchen a seamless, luxurious appearance.

A counter depth refrigerator can be anywhere from 25” to 30” deep and 36″ to 48″ wide. You will find that counter depth refrigerators tend to be an inch or two taller than a standard refrigerator, so take accurate measurements of your refrigerator housing area before you make the purchase.

A counter depth refrigerator can be anywhere from 25” to 30” deep and 36″ to 48″ wide. You will find that counter depth refrigerators tend to be an inch or two taller than a standard refrigerator, so take accurate measurements of your refrigerator housing area before you make the purchase.

A counter depth refrigerator is typically on wheels, so it can slide in and out of the cabinet just like your standard, freestanding refrigerator. This makes a counter depth refrigerator a great option for renters who want the look of a built-in refrigerator.

How Much Does a Counter Depth Refrigerator Cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500 for a counter depth refrigerator. Some of our favorite counter depth models include:

• KitchenAid 36-inch Wide Counter Depth $3,399
• Samsung 4-flex Counter Depth Refrigerator $4,199
• Whirlpool Gold Counter-Depth French Door $3,199
• LG Ultra Capacity 3-Door French Door $3,599

Don’t let the reduced depth fool you. Many counter depth refrigerators offer more storage capacity than standard refrigerators. In fact, count depths are great because you don’t lose so much food in the depths of your refrigerator. This makes for better organization, easier clean-up, and quicker food scanning.

• Reduced congestion in the kitchen.
• Excellent cooling and regulating abilities.
• Custom cooling options on many models.
• Better access to all refrigerator and freezer areas, including for cleaning.
• Sleeker, upscale look (looks almost like a built-in).

Ultimately, we think counter depth refrigerators are worth the extra cost, especially given their sturdy and reliable design and expected life of about 15-20 years. Have more questions about what is a counter depth repair? Give our refrigerator experts a call!