Imagine opening your refrigerator and everything is perfectly organized, easy to see, and within reach. Sounds like a dream, right? Many of us struggle with refrigerators that stick out too far into our kitchen, making the space feel cramped. Choosing a Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator can be tricky because you want one that fits your kitchen perfectly and works great, but there are so many choices!
This is where a counter-depth refrigerator shines. It sits flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look. No more bumping into a fridge that juts out! But how do you pick the best one? You need to think about things like how much space you need inside, special features like ice makers, and what fits your budget.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator a fantastic choice for your home. We’ll explore the key features to look for, discuss popular brands, and offer tips to help you find the perfect fit. Get ready to transform your kitchen and say goodbye to fridge clutter!
Our Top 5 Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Rating: 8.6/10
This LG LRSXC2306S 23 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator brings a sleek look and smart features to your kitchen. Its counter-depth design fits flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a built-in appearance. You’ll have plenty of space for all your groceries inside, and the external dispenser makes getting ice and water super convenient.
What We Like:
- The 23 cubic feet of space holds a lot of food.
- Four strong glass shelves help you organize everything neatly.
- The external water and ice dispenser is very handy for quick drinks.
- It looks modern and stylish in stainless steel.
- The side-by-side doors make it easy to see and reach items in both the fridge and freezer.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the ice maker capacity a little small for large gatherings.
- While the exterior is easy to clean, fingerprints can show up easily.
This LG refrigerator is a solid choice for families who want both style and function. It offers good storage and convenient features that make daily life a little easier.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator. This fridge is designed to make your life easier with its smart features and spacious storage. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially for busy families.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 15.6 cubic feet of space and side-by-side doors, there’s plenty of room for all your groceries. It’s perfect for storing food for the whole family.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The gallon-size door bins hold more drinks. You can easily fit milk jugs, juice cartons, and other beverages.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Adjusting the temperature is simple. The digital display control panel is inside the door, making it easy to reach.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Finding your food is a breeze. This design helps you organize your fresh and frozen items so you can grab what you need quickly.
- CUSTOMIZABLE STORAGE: You can easily adjust the feet to level the fridge. Plus, you can move or swap shelves around to fit your needs.
- BUILT-IN LAMP: The interior light shines brightly. It helps you see all your food, even in the back.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Make your purchase even easier with delivery and haul-away services in select areas. They can even help with unboxing and installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator door, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users who prefer external controls.
- While it has a good capacity, the “counter depth” aspect means it might not hold as much as a standard-depth refrigerator, which could be a consideration for very large households or those who stock up heavily.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 offers practical features and ample space for most families. It’s a solid choice for a stylish and functional kitchen upgrade.
3. THFRIONE Upgraded 18.1 Cu. Ft 36 Inch W. Side-by-Side Stainless Steel Refrigerator with Ice Maker
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the THFRIONE Upgraded 18.1 Cu. Ft 36 Inch Wide Side-by-Side Stainless Steel Refrigerator, a sleek and functional appliance designed to upgrade your home, kitchen, or office. This refrigerator offers a generous 18.1 cubic feet of storage, making it ideal for families or busy households. Its modern stainless steel finish adds a touch of style to any space, while the convenient ice maker and water dispenser provide refreshing drinks on demand.
What We Like:
- Enjoy ice cubes, crushed ice, and cold water with the built-in ice maker and water dispenser, which connects directly to your water supply.
- Maximize organization with 18.1 cubic feet of storage, including adjustable Safety Glass shelves and clear LED lighting for easy visibility.
- Customize cooling with six smart modes: Ice Maker Off, Quick Chill, Quick Freeze, Intelligent Mode, Holiday Mode, and Custom Mode.
- Effortlessly control temperature via the internal digital display and forget about manual defrosting thanks to its frost-free operation.
- Benefit from reliable customer service ready to assist with any questions or concerns.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity, while good, might be a bit small for very large families or those who store a lot of frozen goods.
- While the digital display is inside, some users might prefer an external one for quicker adjustments.
This THFRIONE refrigerator is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers great convenience and modern features to keep your food fresh and your family hydrated.
4. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer, a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. This stainless steel beauty offers a generous 20 cubic feet of storage, keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold. Its French door design and built-in ice maker make it a convenient choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- Ample fresh food space with 3 adjustable glass shelves, a gallon bin, and crisper drawers.
- Two freezer drawers and side-door shelves offer organized freezer storage.
- Built-in ice maker provides both solid and crushed ice.
- Intuitive digital controls and an intelligence chip for precise temperature management.
- Convenient features like child lock, vacation mode, and Sabbath mode add versatility.
- Interior LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- E-star energy rating helps save on electricity bills.
- The soft alert sound reminds you if a door is left open, preventing energy waste.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white plastic air duct cover and white glass shelves trim might not match all kitchen aesthetics.
- The unit’s weight (213lbs) means you’ll likely need help moving it.
The Forno Salerno refrigerator is a smart choice for keeping your food perfectly chilled and organized. Its modern features and sleek design make it a standout appliance.
5. Forno Guardia 46.8″ Side by Side Refrigerator with Touch Control & LED – 21.6 cu.ft Bottom Freezer Refrigerator – Swing Double Door Fridge with Adjustable Glass Shelves
Rating: 8.9/10
The Forno Guardia 46.8″ Side by Side Refrigerator is a large, modern appliance that brings style and smart cooling to your kitchen. With its spacious design and advanced features, it’s built to keep your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It has a huge 21.6 cu.ft. of space. This means you can store a lot of groceries.
- You don’t have to defrost it! The frost-free function saves you time and keeps your food at the right temperature.
- The multi-air flow system makes sure the cold air reaches everywhere. This keeps your food fresher for longer.
- It has a sleek, fingerprint-resistant finish. This helps your fridge look clean all the time.
- The LED touch controls are easy to use. You can set the exact temperature you need.
- There are lots of adjustable glass shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins. This makes organizing your food super simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “swing double door” might take up more space when opening than a single door.
- For some, the 46.8″ width might be a tight fit in smaller kitchens.
This refrigerator offers a great combination of capacity, smart features, and a clean look. It’s a solid choice for families who need lots of storage and want to keep their food perfectly chilled.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Side-By-Side Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Choosing a new refrigerator can be exciting! Side-by-side counter-depth models offer a sleek look and great organization. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
What Makes a Side-By-Side Counter-Depth Refrigerator Special?
These refrigerators have two doors that open from the middle. The freezer is usually on one side, and the refrigerator is on the other. “Counter-depth” means the fridge is not as deep as a standard fridge. It sits almost flush with your kitchen counters. This gives your kitchen a cleaner, more built-in look.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Size
- Measure your space carefully. Make sure the fridge will fit through doorways and into its spot.
- Think about how much food you store. Larger families need more space.
- Counter-depth models are usually a bit smaller inside than standard-depth ones.
2. Storage and Organization
- Adjustable shelves make it easy to fit different-sized items.
- Crisper drawers help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
- Door bins are great for bottles, jars, and condiments.
- Look for special drawers for deli meats or snacks.
3. Ice and Water Dispenser
- Many models have an ice and water dispenser on the freezer door.
- Some dispensers are in-door, meaning they are hidden inside the freezer door. This gives a sleeker look.
- Check if it makes cubed ice, crushed ice, or both.
4. Energy Efficiency
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These fridges use less electricity.
- This saves you money on your energy bills.
5. Smart Features
- Some newer fridges have Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone.
- You might get alerts if the door is left open.
- Some can even help you make shopping lists.
Important Materials
1. Stainless Steel
- This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is durable.
- Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a plus. They hide smudges.
2. Other Finishes
- Some fridges come in black, white, or custom colors.
- These can match your kitchen decor.
3. Interior Materials
- Look for sturdy shelves and drawers.
- Glass shelves are easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Build Quality
- Solid construction means the fridge will last longer.
- Check how smoothly the doors open and close.
- Good seals keep cold air inside.
2. Noise Level
- Some refrigerators can be noisy.
- Read reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
3. Brand Reputation
- Trusted brands often offer better quality and customer service.
- Research brands you are considering.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. Small Kitchens
- Counter-depth models are perfect for smaller kitchens. They don’t stick out too far.
- This creates more walking space.
2. Families
- The side-by-side layout makes it easy to grab drinks and snacks.
- Good organization helps keep everyone’s food separate.
3. Entertaining
- A sleek, built-in look makes your kitchen look great when guests visit.
- Easy access to drinks from the dispenser is a bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller inside than standard ones?
A: Yes, they are often a little smaller inside because the walls are thicker to keep them from sticking out. But they still offer good storage if you organize well.
Q: Do side-by-side refrigerators waste space?
A: Some people feel the narrow shelves can be tricky for wide items like pizza boxes. However, the organization can be very efficient for smaller items.
Q: How do I measure for a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space where the fridge will go. Also, measure any doorways or hallways it needs to pass through.
Q: Is stainless steel hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints, but many new models have fingerprint-resistant finishes that are much easier to clean.
Q: What does “ENERGY STAR certified” mean?
A: It means the refrigerator meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. government. It uses less energy than non-certified models.
Q: Is a water filter needed for the dispenser?
A: Yes, most ice and water dispensers use a filter to clean the water and ice. You will need to replace this filter regularly.
Q: Can I install a side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator myself?
A: Basic installation is often simple, but connecting the water line for the dispenser may require a plumber or some DIY skill.
Q: How long do refrigerators typically last?
A: With good care, most refrigerators can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators more expensive than French door models?
A: Prices can vary a lot by brand and features. Side-by-side models can be competitive in price, especially for counter-depth styles.
Q: What’s the best way to organize a counter-depth fridge?
A: Use clear bins to group items. Keep frequently used items at eye level. Take advantage of door bins for smaller things.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.