Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
A counter-depth refrigerator is one that is designed to sit flush with your kitchen cabinets. This gives the appearance of more space in your kitchen, as the refrigerator does not stick out like a traditional model. But are they really worth the investment?
In this blog post, we will take a look at the pros and cons of owning a counter-depth refrigerator and help you decide if one is right for you!
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What is a counter-depth refrigerator?
A counter-depth refrigerator is a type of refrigerator that has shallower depth than a standard model. This means that it takes up less space in your kitchen, which can be useful if you have limited countertop or storage space. In addition to being more compact, counter-depth refrigerators also tend to have a sleeker appearance since their doors are flush with the rest of your cabinets.
What are the pros of a counter-depth refrigerator?
There are several pros to having a counter-depth refrigerator. One pro is that it can help create a more seamless look in your kitchen. Counter-depth refrigerators are also generally more energy-efficient than traditional refrigerators.
Additionally, they tend to have larger capacity than standard fridges, so if you entertain often or have a large family, a counter-depth fridge may be a good option for you.
Finally, they often come with additional features and amenities that can make your life easier, such as water and ice dispensers or bottom freezers. If any of these factors are important to you, then a counter-depth refrigerator may be the best choice for your home.
Related: Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions: How to Choose the Size for Your Kitchen
Create a more seamless look in your kitchen
These units are designed to sit flush with your countertops, creating a sleek and streamlined appearance. In addition to their good looks, counter-depth refrigerators also offer a number of other benefits.
For one, these units tend to be shallower than standard models, so they take up less space in your kitchen. This can be a major advantage if you have a small kitchen or are trying to maximize your storage space. Additionally, because they sit flush with your counters, counter-depth refrigerators provide a built-in look that can be very attractive in certain kitchen designs.
Energy-efficient
Counter-depth refrigerators are also typically more energy-efficient than traditional models, so they can help you save money on your energy bill.
In fact, many models are ENERGY STAR® certified. And, because they don’t stick out as far as traditional refrigerators, they can help you save space in your kitchen.
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Capacity
Capacity is an important consideration when purchasing a refrigerator. A counter-depth model can offer a larger capacity than traditional models. This is because the depth of the refrigerator is reduced, so you can fit more items in the same space.
If you are looking for a spacious refrigerator that doesn’t take up too much room, consider a counter-depth model.
Easier to Install
Counter-depth refrigerators are easier to install than traditional refrigerator models. They fit flush against the wall, so there is no need to worry about clearance issues. This also makes them a great choice for small kitchens or apartments. Counter-depth refrigerators are available in both side-by-side and French door styles. Choose the one that best fits your needs.
More features
As we mentioned before, a counter-depth refrigerator has shallower depths than a standard fridge. This means that it will take up less space in your kitchen. In addition, it also has several other features that you may find useful.
For one thing, many models come with adjustable shelves. This means that you can customize the interior to fit your needs. Whether you want to store a lot of food or just have a little extra room, the shelves can be adjusted to accommodate your needs.
Another feature that is becoming more common on counter-depth refrigerators is the water and ice dispenser. This means that you no longer have to go to the door of the fridge to get water or ice. Instead, you can just fill up a glass and enjoy cold, refreshing drinks without ever having to leave your seat.
Finally, some models also come with built-in WiFi. This means that you can control the fridge from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you want to adjust the temperature or see what’s inside, the WiFi connection makes it easy to do.
If you’re looking for a fridge that has all the bells and whistles, then a counter-depth model is definitely worth considering. With their shallower depths and numerous features, they offer a lot of value for your money. So if you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, be sure to check out the counter-depth models. You may be surprised at just how much they have to offer.
More convenient access to contents
More convenient access to contents is one of the advantages of a counter-depth refrigerator. The doors on a traditional fridge extend past the depth of the countertop, making it difficult to open the fridge door without first moving something out of the way.
A counter-depth fridge sits flush with your counters, so you can open the door without having to move anything. This can be a huge time-saver, especially in small kitchens where space is limited.
Increase traffic flow
This style of fridge is designed to blend in with cabinetry, making it virtually disappear from view. Plus, the narrower design means that there’s more room to move around in the kitchen. When you have company over, everyone can help with meal prep without getting in each other’s way.
Modern look
This style fits flush against the cabinetry, making it less visible overall and giving your kitchen a sleek, modern look.
What are the cons of a counter-depth refrigerator?
They can be more expensive than traditional refrigerators.
Counter-depth refrigerators are more expensive because they require a custom cabinet.
Since the refrigerator sits flush with the countertop, it requires a specially built cabinet to accommodate it. This is not necessary with traditional refrigerators, which can be placed in any standard cabinet.
This extra cost is often why consumers choose traditional refrigerators over counter-depth models.
Counter-depth refrigerators can cost anywhere from $500 to $4000, depending on the size and features of the model.
For comparison, traditional refrigerators start at around $200.
So while a counter-depth refrigerator may be more expensive than a traditional model, it will still be less expensive than most high-end refrigerators.
They may not fit as many items as a traditional refrigerator.
Counter-depth refrigerators are not as deep as traditional ones, so they don’t fit as many items. This is because the depth of a refrigerator is typically what determines how much storage space it has inside.
If you’re looking for a fridge with lots of storage space, you may want to consider a traditional model instead of a counter-depth one.
The freezer may be smaller than on a traditional refrigerator.
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to fit flush against a wall or in a built-in cabinet. This design aesthetic is popular because it gives the kitchen a more streamlined look.
However, one downside of this style refrigerator is that the freezer is often smaller than on traditional models. This can be problematic if you have a large family or if you entertain often and need to store a lot of frozen food.
If you’re considering a counter-depth refrigerator, be sure to check the size of the freezer before making your purchase. Otherwise, you may be disappointed with the amount of space you have for frozen goods.
The door may not close as tightly as on a traditional refrigerator, which could lead to spoilage.
Counter-depth refrigerators are typically built with shallower shelves and less space between the freezer and fridge doors, so that they can fit into tighter spaces. This design can create an issue where the cold air doesn’t circulate as well, causing the fridge door to not close as tightly.
If you’re considering a counter-depth refrigerator, be sure to test the doors to make sure they close properly. You may also want to look for a model with an adjustable shelf that can be moved to create more space between the freezer and fridge doors.
FAQs
Do you lose space with a counter-depth refrigerator?
A lot of people think they do, but that’s not always the case.
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to fit flush with standard kitchen cabinetry, so they look like built-in appliances. They also have a shallower depth than traditional models, which can save you up to four inches of space.
If you’re short on counter space, or if you just want a sleek, built-in look, a counter-depth refrigerator may be the right choice for you.
Are counter depth refrigerators wider?
No, counter depth refrigerators are not wider. They are shallower in depth than traditional refrigerators, but they are the same width. This makes them a great choice for smaller kitchens or homes where space is at a premium. If you’re looking for a refrigerator that will fit seamlessly into your kitchen, then a counter depth model is definitely worth considering.
When would you use counter-depth refrigerator?
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to fit flush with standard countertops. They are a popular choice for small kitchens and homes without an island, because they take up less space than traditional side-by-side or top freezer models.
Counter-depth refrigerators can also be a good option if you have a tight budget, because they are typically less expensive than other refrigerator styles.
If you’re looking for a sleek, minimalist look in your kitchen, or if you don’t have a lot of space to work with, a counter-depth refrigerator is a good option. Keep in mind that they typically have smaller capacities than traditional models, so if you need a lot of storage space, you may want to consider a different style.
Why are counter-depth refrigerators expensive?
Well, for starters, they’re not as widely produced as standard depth refrigerators. And because of their sleek design and lack of protruding hinges, they tend to be more popular with high-end buyers. So when you factor in production costs and market demand, it’s no wonder that counter-depth models are typically more expensive than their standard counterparts.
But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to get one. There are plenty of mid-range and even budget-friendly options out there if you know where to look. So if you’re in the market for a new fridge, don’t rule out a counter-depth model just because of its price tag.
How much more is a counter-depth refrigerator?
A counter-depth refrigerator is typically about $100 more than a full-sized refrigerator. The depth of the fridge is reduced, so you may have less storage space inside. However, it will look nicer in your kitchen because it will be flush with the countertops. If you care more about aesthetics than storage space, a counter-depth refrigerator is a good option.
Conclusion
A counter-depth refrigerator is not for everyone. If you have the extra money and your kitchen can accommodate it, then it may be a good option for you. Otherwise, a standard depth fridge will likely suffice. Whichever route you choose, make sure to do your research so that you end up with a quality appliance that meets your needs.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more appliance advice.