Get extra space for your kitchen walkways and extra capacity for your refrigeration needs with these expert-recommended counter depth refrigerator options.
Counter-depth refrigerators have been around for a while, but are growing more and more popular as consumers look for a way to get a custom, built-in look without the installation requirements and big price tag associated with Sub-Zero, Thermador and other built-in refrigerator brands.
Counter-depth refrigerators are different than standard full-depth refrigerators in two key ways. The first, as the name suggests, is the depth. Full-depth free-standing refrigerators are typically 30in deep excluding the doors and handles. When you add the handles and doors, the installed fridge could stick out 8-12 inches from standard 24in deep cabinetry. A counter-depth fridge, on the other hand, is usually 24in deep excluding the handles and doors. So, when it’s installed in standard cabinets, only the doors and handles stick out into the room.
In addition, a standard depth refrigerator typically requires open space around the fridge to allow enough airflow to cool the compressor in the back of the unit. By contrast, counter-depth refrigerators breathe through the toe kick in the front of the refrigerator allowing for the unit to fit snugly in a cabinet for a more customized installation.
The downside to a counter depth refrigerator is capacity. With a shallower depth, it is often difficult to fit large, bulky items like platters, pizza boxes, frozen pasta dishes, etc. into a counter-depth refrigerator. That said, there are several options that maximize the space available through smart storage options and reengineered insulation.
Listed below are four options our experts have highlighted as great options for functional capacity in a counter-depth design.
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Frigidaire Gallery FG4H2272UF
At just 21.8 cubic feet, Frigidaire Gallery’s FG4H2272UF is by far the smallest refrigerator in our list, but it makes the cut thanks to some unique storage options not found in other fridges.
For starters, it’s the only four-door option in the list. This adds flexibility in and of itself, however, this is no traditional four-door fridge. Most four-door models include an upper refrigerator and lower freezer. The middle portion is another refrigerator compartment in some models and another freezer compartment in others. In the Frigidaire Gallery FG4H2272UF it’s both. The Custom-Flex® Temp Drawer can be set to temperatures as low as -6 degrees or as high as +45 making it the perfect solution for anything from a frozen pizza to your favorite beverage to snacks of all kinds.
In addition to the Custom-Flex® Temp Drawer, Frigidaire Gallery FG4H2272UF also features the SpaceWise® Organization System. The system includes adjustable storage features like a flip-up shelf that accommodates taller items beneath it and expandable door bins.
The Frigidaire Gallery FG4H2272UF is available in SmudgeProof stainless steel that resists fingerprints normally associated with traditional stainless steel finishes. In addition, it comes in at one an affordable price that is typically lower than any other four-door counter-depth French door on the market making it one of the best combinations of functional features and real-world value available today.
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KitchenAid KFRC704
KitchenAid model KRFC704’s massive 23.8 capacity is one of the largest available in a counter-depth refrigerator and actually rivals capacities of many standard depth options. The extra capacity is achieved in part by the refrigerator’s 71in height, which is taller than most “standard” refrigerators in its class. This extra height provides unique storage options inside the unit but should be taken into consideration when replacing an existing refrigerator in an existing space that was not designed for such a tall refrigerator.
However, if you have space, there are few refrigerators on the market that can match KitchenAid’s KFRC704’s combination of sophisticated styling and functional design. From a functionality standpoint, KitchenAid KFRC704 features many of the same adjustable storage options discussed above with the Frigidaire Gallery model including adjustable bins and slide-away shelves to accommodate taller items.
In addition to those features, the KitchenAid KRFC704 also features an Under-Shelf Pre Zone that is ideal for dough, desserts or marinating meats and is both dishwasher and oven safe for easy transitions from prep to cooking. Another smart storage feature is the full extension, self-closing mechanism on the crispers and temperature-controlled pantry drawer. These well lit, clear bins are great for storage and the full extension capability helps you store and find items more easily.
For all the great functionality features in KitchenAid’s KRFC704, the Platinum Interior Design with premium wood finishes and metallic accents is perhaps the most popular feature in this versatile counter depth refrigerator. The combination of these elements offset by the glossy silver walls allow you to store and showcase your ingredients beautifully.
In addition, the refrigerator is available in traditional stainless steel, PrintShield black stainless steel and PrintShield stainless steel finish. Like the Frigidaire Gallery example above, the latter two with PrintShield resist fingerprints and smudges typically associated with traditional stainless steel finishes.
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LG LRFXC2406
Like the KitchenAid model highlighted above, LG’s LRFXC2406 has attractive metallic interior accents, is available in print resistant stainless steel and black stainless steel finishes, features smart shelving for versatile storage and boasts a large 23.5 cubic foot capacity.
Unlike the KitchenAid model, however, LG’s LRFX2406 also features all that capacity in a more standard height of just under 69in to the top of the refrigerator box. How did they do it? By reengineering the cabinet design and utilizing different insulation techniques, LG was able to maximize the cubic footage within more traditional refrigerator dimensions.
One example of space-saving cabinet design is the Slim SpacePlus® in-door Ice System, which provides more shelf space in the refrigerator while still maintaining space for door bins.
To make up for the decreased ice production and storage capacity of the Slim SpacePlus® Ice System, LG’s LRFX2406 also features a second ice maker and storage bin in the freezer drawer that can be disabled for additional freezer storage if desired.
On top of all these great features is a high-value price tag that is lower than many other comparable models in its class. The combination of value, features and traditional sizing makes this refrigerator one of the most popular models we sell.
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LG LRFVC2406
The LG LRFVC2406 counter-depth French door refrigerator expands on all the great features described in model LRFXC2406 above -- except for the value price that is. But the unique features and styling it adds is enough for many customers to consider upgrading to this unit.
The first and most obvious unique feature is InstaView™ Door-in-Door®. InstaView™ refrigerators feature a sleek glass panel that is opaque most of the time but illuminates and becomes clear with a couple of knocks on the panel for full visibility into the refrigerator. Beyond a cool “wow feature”, the InstaView™ feature saves time and energy consumption by allowing you to see what’s inside before opening the door.
The Door-in-Door® feature splits the door in two allowing you to open the full door and access the entire contents of the refrigerator or just the outer door that allows you to access a climate-controlled inner compartment designed to store your favorite foods and beverages. Like the InstaView™ feature, Door-in-Door® allows you to save time and energy by giving you quick access to commonly consumed food and drink without opening the full fridge and exposing it to room temperature air.
The second feature that intrigues most customers is LG’s Craft Ice™ feature. The Craft Ice™ ice maker makes slow-melting ice spheres perfect for cocktails, bourbon, lemonade, iced coffee and more. The Craft Ice™ maker is in the 2nd ice-maker in the freezer and can be converted to make crushed or cubed ice if desired.
If you’re looking for the perfect entertainer’s refrigerator, look no further than LG’s LRFVC2406. With the capacity to fit your party snacks and drinks and cool features like InstaView™, Door-in-Door® and Craft Ice™, LG’s LRVC2406 is sure to impress the neighbors at your next gathering.
