Imagine walking into your kitchen, and your refrigerator doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Instead, it blends perfectly with your cabinets, creating a sleek, modern look. Sounds good, right? But finding that perfect fit, especially when you’re eyeing a side-by-side model, can feel like a treasure hunt with a confusing map.
Choosing a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a big decision. You want a fridge that looks great and works even better. But the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. You might worry about fitting enough groceries inside or if it will really look as seamless as you hope. It’s easy to get lost in all the features and measurements.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to break down everything you need to know about counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in choosing a fridge that not only fits your kitchen’s style but also meets all your cooling needs without any guesswork.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth Detailed Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless steel offers a sleek and practical solution for your kitchen. Its counter-depth design means it fits seamlessly without sticking out too far, and the large capacity is great for families. You can easily see and grab your food thanks to the thoughtful features.
What We Like:
- The 20.6 cu ft side-by-side capacity holds plenty of food for everyone.
- The side-by-side doors make it simple to find and access both fresh and frozen items.
- A digital display lets you control temperature settings easily.
- Oversized door bins can hold large bottles and drinks.
- Bright LED interior lights help you see everything inside.
- The counter-depth design gives your kitchen a cleaner, more built-in look.
- Delivery and installation services are available to make setup hassle-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which means you have to open the door to make adjustments.
- While the capacity is large, some very large platters might be a tight fit in the main compartments.
This refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing more space and a modern look. Its helpful features make keeping your food organized and visible a breeze.
2. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer, designed to make your kitchen life easier. This sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliance boasts a generous 20 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for keeping your family’s food fresh and your drinks perfectly chilled. Its counter-depth design ensures it blends seamlessly with your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a modern, spacious feel.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design saves space and looks great.
- Accela Chill quickly cools down new groceries.
- The multi-flow air system keeps food fresh on every shelf.
- Enjoy filtered water and ice from the convenient dispenser.
- Adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves make storage flexible.
- Bright LED lighting helps you see everything inside.
- ENERGY STAR certification means it’s energy-efficient.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish stays looking clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families or those who entertain frequently.
- While the counter-depth is a pro for space, it means slightly less interior volume compared to non-counter-depth models.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for families seeking both style and functionality. It offers smart features to keep your food at its best.
3. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its generous capacity and smart design help you keep your food fresh and organized for your whole family.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 15.6 cu ft of space and convenient side-by-side doors, this fridge easily holds enough food for everyone.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The gallon-size door bins are perfect for storing big drink bottles and other tall items.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can easily change the temperature settings for both the fridge and freezer using the simple digital control panel inside.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: This layout makes it super easy to see and grab both your fresh and frozen foods.
- CUSTOMIZABLE SHELVES: Adjust the feet to level the fridge and move or swap out shelves to fit your needs.
- BUILT-IN LAMP: The interior light helps you find exactly what you’re looking for, even in the back.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Delivery and haul-away services are available in some areas to make setup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which means you have to open the door to make adjustments.
- The “Counter Depth” feature, while sleek, might mean slightly less internal space compared to a standard depth model.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 offers a great balance of storage, convenience, and modern style, making it a solid choice for families who need an efficient and easy-to-use refrigerator.
4. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 9.4/10
The Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel French doors and built-in ice maker offer a sleek look and convenient features for keeping your food fresh and drinks cold.
What We Like:
- Generous 20 cubic feet of total storage space, with 13.48 cubic feet for fresh food and 6.53 cubic feet for frozen goods.
- The multi-air flow cooling system keeps food at the perfect temperature, ensuring freshness.
- Adjustable glass shelves, gallon bins, and crisper drawers provide flexible storage options for all your groceries.
- Easy access drawers open fully even when the fridge doors are at a 90-degree angle.
- The freezer features two storage drawers and two side-door shelves for organized frozen storage.
- A soft alert sounds if a door is left open, preventing food spoilage.
- Fast freeze setting is a great option for quickly chilling items.
- The built-in ice maker produces both solid and crushed ice for your convenience.
- Intelligent chip temperature control and digital displays ensure precise temperature management.
- Useful modes like child lock, vacation mode, and Sabbath mode cater to different needs.
- Interior LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- Energy-star rated for efficient power consumption.
- The dark grey side cabinet and white accents add a modern touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the electronic touch control is on the door, some users might prefer controls located inside the refrigerator.
- The white plastic air duct cover and white glass shelves trim might not match all kitchen aesthetics.
This Forno refrigerator offers a great balance of style, capacity, and smart features to keep your food perfectly preserved.
5. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet your new kitchen best friend: the 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator with InstaView and Craft Ice. This fridge is a game-changer, blending smart technology with amazing features to make your life easier. Plus, its stylish PrintProof Stainless Steel finish looks great in any kitchen. It’s like having a super-powered helper that keeps your food fresh and your drinks cool, all while looking fantastic.
What We Like:
- The InstaView door is super cool. You just knock twice, and the inside lights up so you can see what’s inside without opening the door. This saves energy and keeps your food colder.
- Craft Ice is a unique feature that makes slow-melting round ice spheres. These are perfect for drinks and make them look extra fancy.
- It’s a smart refrigerator, so you can connect it to your phone. This means you can control the temperature, get alerts, and even diagnose problems right from your app.
- The PrintProof Stainless Steel finish resists fingerprints and smudges. This keeps your fridge looking clean and shiny with less wiping.
- With 27 cubic feet of space, there’s plenty of room for all your groceries. The side-by-side design makes it easy to organize and find what you need.
- It offers great tools at a great price, making it a smart buy for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users found the initial setup of the smart features a bit tricky. A more guided setup process would be helpful.
- While the Craft Ice is fun, it makes ice a little slower than regular ice makers.
- The price, while good for the features, might still be a bit high for some budgets.
This refrigerator truly offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a feature-packed appliance that will upgrade your kitchen experience.
Choosing Your Perfect Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a fantastic choice for many kitchens. It offers a sleek, built-in look and easy access to both fresh and frozen foods. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you make a smart decision.
What to Look For: Key Features
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: Think about how much food you usually store. Most counter-depth models are a bit smaller than standard ones. Look for cubic feet that fit your family’s needs.
- Adjustable Shelving: Being able to move shelves makes it easier to fit taller items or organize different types of food.
- Crisper Drawers: These special drawers help keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Some have humidity controls, which is a nice bonus.
- Door-in-Door Access: Some refrigerators have a small door within the main door. This lets you grab frequently used items like drinks without opening the whole fridge. It saves energy.
- Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: Most side-by-side models have these. Check if the dispenser is easy to use and if the ice maker capacity is enough for you. Some have filtered water, which is great.
- Smart Features: Some newer models connect to Wi-Fi. You can control the temperature or get alerts on your phone.
Materials That Matter
The materials used affect how the refrigerator looks and lasts:
- Stainless Steel: This is the most popular choice. It looks modern and is generally durable. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big help in keeping it clean.
- Black Stainless Steel: This offers a different, stylish look. It can also be fingerprint-resistant.
- White or Black: These classic colors are still available and can be more budget-friendly.
- Interior Shelving: Look for strong, spill-proof glass shelves. They are easy to clean and hold a good amount of weight.
What Makes a Refrigerator Great (or Not So Great)
Quality can vary. Here’s what to consider:
- Build Quality: Does the refrigerator feel sturdy? Open and close the doors. Do they feel smooth and secure?
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity, saving you money and helping the environment.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be quite loud. Check reviews to see if a particular model is known for being quiet.
- Brand Reputation and Warranty: Stick with well-known brands that have good customer service. A longer warranty can give you peace of mind.
User Experience and When to Use It
Counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators are perfect for:
- Smaller Kitchens: They don’t stick out as far as standard refrigerators, which makes navigating your kitchen easier.
- Modern Kitchen Designs: Their sleek look blends well with cabinets, giving a built-in appearance.
- Families Who Like Organization: The side-by-side layout makes it easy to see and grab both fresh and frozen items quickly.
- Those Who Want Easy Access: No more bending down to reach the back of shelves. Everything is at eye level.
These refrigerators are great for everyday use. They are ideal for families who want a stylish and functional appliance that fits seamlessly into their kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does “counter-depth” actually mean?
A: Counter-depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard one. It sits closer to your kitchen counter, giving it a more built-in look.
Q: How much storage space do I lose with a counter-depth model?
A: You might lose a little bit of space compared to a standard-depth refrigerator, usually around 2-3 cubic feet. However, the sleek look is often worth it for many people.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive?
A: They can sometimes be a bit more expensive than standard-depth models of the same brand and features. This is because of the specialized design.
Q: How do I measure my space for a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Measure the width and height of the opening. Also, measure the depth of the opening, but remember to account for the door swing and any space needed for ventilation.
Q: What are the advantages of a side-by-side layout?
A: The main advantage is easy access to both fresh and frozen foods. Everything is at eye level, so you don’t have to bend down much.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators harder to install?
A: Installation is usually similar to a standard refrigerator. You’ll need to connect the water line if you have an ice maker or water dispenser.
Q: How do I keep my stainless steel refrigerator looking clean?
A: Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaner specifically made for stainless steel. Wipe in the direction of the grain. Fingerprint-resistant finishes help a lot.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: Most refrigerators, including counter-depth models, last between 10 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Q: Should I get an external ice maker and water dispenser?
A: This is a personal choice. They add convenience but can take up some interior space and might be more prone to issues over time.
Q: What if my kitchen is very small?
A: A counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is an excellent choice for small kitchens because it doesn’t stick out and make the space feel cramped.
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.