Counter Depth vs Standard Depth Refrigerators

When you're looking for a new refrigerator you're going to have to make many different decisions regarding its layout, features and style. One such decision is whether you want a counter depth refrigerator, or a standard depth refrigerator. Either style can alter the look and feel of your kitchen, so it's important to weigh both options before committing. Read on to find out about each type of fridge, and the pros and cons that come with them.

What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

Counter depth refrigerators typically have a depth between 24 and 30 inches and are designed so that the refrigerator cabinet (excluding the doors) sits flush or close to flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a seamless, sleek look. They do so by sitting inside an existing cabinetry cutout. Aside from just looking nice, this design also helps save space in your kitchen since these fridges tend to be slightly smaller and can sit more out of the way than a regular fridge. To learn more about counter depth refrigerators, check out our blog, What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

What is a Standard Depth Refrigerator?

Standard depth refrigerators usually have a depth of 30 to 36 inches or greater, which means they often have more storage space than counter depth refrigerators, but don't sit quite as flush with your cabinets. The refrigerator cabinet of a standard depth fridge will always stick a couple of inches in addition to the doors. Though, the extra space within these refrigerators means you'll have access to more drawers, and shelves to more efficiently store groceries. If you value storage space, or simply don't need the extra room in your kitchen, then a standard depth refrigerator would likely meet your needs better.

Which is Better, a Standard Depth or Counter Depth Refrigerator?

One fridge isn't really better than the other but it's important to recognize the many factors of each fridge type that might inform your purchase. Some of the most important things to compare are listed below.

Price

Ah, the most important question for any customer: how much do they cost? Counter depth refrigerators are often slightly more expensive than their standard depth counterparts, but prices for each of these fridges can vary greatly depending on a number of other factors. On average though, standard depth refrigerators are usually the more budget-friendly options.

Storage Space

As mentioned above, standard depth refrigerators usually have more space in them than counter depth refrigerators due to their larger depth. Having a larger depth leaves more options for more drawers, shelves, and the ability to arrange the fridge in different ways. Though there have been recent advancements for the storage space in some counter depth refrigerators. Both Samsung counter depth refrigerators, and LG counter depth refrigerators have been able to leverage new technology to produce models with 25 or more cubic feet of space, which is larger than they used to be. Though, when all is said and done, standard depth refrigerators still tend to have more space.

Style

Of course, in terms of style, counter depth refrigerators have the edge here. As mentioned before, the sleek, seamless look that these fridges can bring to your kitchen can't be matched by a standard depth fridge. This style also has the added benefit of taking up less space since it won't jut out into your kitchen as much as a standard depth refrigerator will. It's also not uncommon that an older home can only accommodate a counter depth refrigerator. Places with narrow doorways, low ceilings, and tight turns on the way to the kitchen may be too difficult to fit a standard depth fridge into, even with the doors removed beforehand, thus requiring a counter depth fridge instead.

Your fridge is the most important appliance in your kitchen, as both a stylistic centerpiece, and a functional cold storage space. Both types of fridges come with their fair share of pros and cons. Just be sure to pick the fridge that best matches the overall vibe of your lifestyle and your home.