Best Counter Depth Refrigerators

The Kenmore 4673165 isn't your regular fridge. On paper, it is a counter depth refrigerator, so you'd think it would include not just the advantages of this type of fridge but all of the disadvantages as well. But that isn't exactly the case. For instance, most counter depth models aren't that spacious. More often than not, that's just the price you pay for the small frame.

This appliance from Kenmore, however, doesn't follow that rule. Featuring 68.87" x 35.75" x 36.25" in overall dimensions, it adds up to about the same size of your average counter depth fridge. But, with 28 cubic feet of total capacity, it's far roomier than most of its peers.

For the most part, the secret here is quite simple - smart and inventive compartmentalization. Part of it is the Grab-N-Go Door. The peculiar name hides a unique design concept that keeps the most often-used items in a separate compartment, a compartment that's accessible from the outside with a push of a button. This way, there's no need to open both doors of the fridge, letting that important cold air escape. That said, the compartment is just as well accessible from the inside, so you'll easily be able to load it with snacks, drinks, leftovers, and other stuff.

Grab-N-Go Door is definitely one of the biggest selling points of this counter depth fridge and the focal point of the compartmentalization philosophy. But that isn't the only thing that makes the relatively compact fridge so spacious. Its slim in-door ice maker definitely helps and so does the space-saving LED lighting. Even the water filter that's a bit more compact than your usual deal gives you a little more usable space and, as it is always the case, those little details add up and, in the end, make a whole lot of difference.

To make a small counter depth refrigerator even remotely as spacious as your average fridge, the people behind the former have to get creative. Of course, it is easier said than done, but there are a few companies that excel at that. Speaking of which, let's talk about the GE GNE25JSKSS. Now, we aren't the biggest fans of the name, but its complicated nature does make a lot of sense.

The model may not necessarily be complicated but it is definitely layered and complex. It is just 33 inches wide, so the appliance effortlessly fits in smaller spaces, just like the majority of its competition. Nevertheless, it still offers the large storage capacity that people have come to expect out of French-door fridges.

So, what's the model's secret? Simply put, creative arrangement and ingenious approach to the compartments' design. The part that we like in particular is the Quick Space shelf. With its help, you'll be able to quickly make storage space for taller items, like wine bottles and certain desserts. It easily and effortlessly slides down and out of the way of those items for immediate storage flexibility.

Every food item is different. Keeping all of them under the same is never a smart long-term strategy. This counter depth refrigerator recognizes that with its 2 humidity-controlled drawers and a full-width adjustable-temperature drawer. With these drawers, you'll be able to create and maintain the environment that will let you keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, all while storing wider items, be it a sheet cake or a hearty party platter.

The Haier HRF15N3AGS is a sleek appliance through and through. The stainless steel finish with a light silver hint to it doesn't just make the product reliable but also elevates its appearance to a height that's really remarkable for a household appliance. But it isn't just about the exterior.

Impressively enough, the fridge's interior looks just as good, if not better. It utilizes LED lighting which, as most people probably know at this point, delivers long-lasting, clear, bright light, all while consuming less energy than its incandescent counterpart. Plus, the LED lights have a subtle but noticeable hint of blue to them, making the inside of the fridge look innovative and modern.

Part of the visual appeal is also the adjustable tempered-glass shelves. Sure, as shelves do, they allow for flexible storage options first and foremost. But, what's more, the glass has a blue accented trim, a trim that perfectly matches the aforementioned blue LED backlighting.

Long story short, the fridge looks good, there's just no two ways about it. But an appliance like that has to be practical and functional above anything else, so let's pivot a little and talk about that.

For the most part, this counter depth refrigerator is as practical as the next model. The only issue we have with it in this particular department is a slight pack of interior real estate. Adding up to just 15 cubic feet in total capacity, it definitely isn't the most spacious fridge.

Another model from Kenmore and, this time, a model with a slightly different approach to the game. That difference starts with the choice of color.

Instead of their usual light silver shade, the people behind this appliance decided to go with white. On one hand, it looks really good, plus the white finish will either seamlessly blend with the rest of your kitchen interior or make for a nice contrast. On the other hand, it isn't smudge-proof and is easily soiled, so you'll have to clean it up on a slightly more frequent basis.

Aside from its appearance, there are slight differences here and there but nothing too crazy. The company has always been good at utilizing the available space and this model is no exception. Plus, you get 26.1 cubic feet of total capacity, which isn't too bad at all for a counter depth refrigerator.

We also really like how they've balanced that space between the fridge itself and the freezer. Out of those 26.1 cubic feet, the freezer gets just a little under 8. That, one drawer, and one basket is more than enough for a non-commercial freezer as you won't be using it to store hundreds of kilograms of fresh meat.

That leaves 18.3 cubic feet for the main part of the refrigerator, which is far more space than most counter depth fridges will give you. With this much space, you should definitely be able to keep all your fresh and frozen foods visible and organized.

The Fisher Paykel RF201ADUSX5 is a fridge that is all about its features and functionality. Equipped with 20.1 cubic feet of total capacity, it isn't the most spacious fridge but it isn't too confined either. It might not be the absolute best fit for people who really like to store up on food but those who prefer quality over quantity will definitely be able to appreciate most of its features.

Speaking of which, let's start with the ActiveSmart™ Foodcare technology. Without going into technical details, the technology helps to keep your food fresher for a longer period of time by constantly monitoring the fridge and adapting to maintain an optimum temperature and a nice controlled environment.

Though it isn't just about the quality of food. Part of what makes the technology great is how efficient it is. By intelligently adapting to daily use, it saves energy on cooling and defrosting. Using energy only when it is required, ActiveSmart™ reduces your ecological footprint and saves you some money on energy bills, all without compromising on food care.

We did say earlier that it isn't the most spacious fridge but it doesn't mean that you won't be able to store plenty of different items there. At the end of the day, it isn't just about the amount of space but how well you organize it. Here, you get uninterrupted wide-open spaces and numerous shelving options, allowing you to customize the interior of the fridge the way you see fit.

The addition of extension runners was a nice touch. With their help, you can fully slide out trays for easy loading and unloading in the fridge and freezer. The storage bins are removable as well, so preparing food and cleaning the interior of the fridge will get a whole lot easier.