Major Appliances

Counter Depth Vs. Standard Fridge: What's Better?

Most people purchase one of two types of refrigerators: counter-depth refrigerators or standard-depth refrigerators. Each has the ability to create a distinct visual statement in a kitchen, and let you choose from many of the same configurations such as french door, top-mount freezer, among others. The most notable difference of course is their depth. 

This article compares counter-depth refrigerator vs standard-depth so you can understand their differences and determine the best option for your home and lifestyle.

What Is a Counter-Depth REFRIGERATOR?

A counter-depth refrigerator is a style for those who desire their fridge’s profile to be more in line with their cabinetry. You can choose between two counter-depth styles: built-in and freestanding. Freestanding is generally about 28" (71cm) deep. Built-in is generally about 24-25" (61-63.5cm) deep and it is often taller than counter depth fridges.

The difference between freestanding refrigerators and built-in refrigerators can cause some confusion. One element that differentiates them is that built-in models have a panel-ready design that often allows them to be customized to surrounding cabinets. If you’d prefer a style that visually pops, you can opt for a different design. 

A kitchen with a black French door fridge in front of an island. Next to the fridge is a counter with a stand mixer on top. On the shelf above are mugs. In the background are wall-to-ceiling windows A kitchen with a black French door fridge in front of an island. Next to the fridge is a counter with a stand mixer on top. On the shelf above are mugs. In the background are wall-to-ceiling windows
A built-in stainless steel refrigerator in a kitchen. the fridge is built into grey cabinets. Next to the fridge are shelves filled with various items like baskets and containers. There is an island with a shelf of books on the side and produce on top. Over the island is a white light fixture. In the background you can see half a wall oven A built-in stainless steel refrigerator in a kitchen. the fridge is built into grey cabinets. Next to the fridge are shelves filled with various items like baskets and containers. There is an island with a shelf of books on the side and produce on top. Over the island is a white light fixture. In the background you can see half a wall oven
A black French door fridge next to a counter with a stand mixer and pasta containers on the first shelf. On the middle shelf are mugs, bowls and a stack of plates. On the top shelf are white containers A black French door fridge next to a counter with a stand mixer and pasta containers on the first shelf. On the middle shelf are mugs, bowls and a stack of plates. On the top shelf are white containers

Built-in

Freestanding

Built-in refrigerators:

  • Come in a flush design to seamlessly fit with existing kitchen cabinetry.
  • Are sometimes more expensive.
  • They can help preserve the space in front of a unit that is often used for moving around the kitchen.
  • You may have to invest in custom cabinetry and hire a professional to perform the installation.

If you want to compare, remember that most full-size / standard refrigerators are built with a depth of over 30” (72cm), often reaching 35-36” (89-91cm) when you include the doors and handles. So, traditional refrigerators in most kitchens may stick out at least half a foot from the edge of the counters.

Find the right KitchenAid® counter-depth style for your kitchen here or take a look at the KitchenAid line-up of built-in refrigerators here.

*Please note that the rest of this guide will only refer to freestanding refrigerators, not built-in.

Benefits of a Counter-Depth Refrigerator
One benefit of a counter-depth refrigerator is that they can closely line up with the front of your cabinets. This makes your kitchen look seamless in its design.

Counter-depth refrigerators offer some other distinct benefits:

  • The built-in appearance with countertops and cabinets creates one fluid aesthetic.
  • Enough space to open the doors without hitting something.
  • Allows for more room to freely move around the kitchen.
  • Shallower depth equals easier access to the contents inside the fridge.

Counter-depth fridges deliver a modern design for both spacious or smaller kitchens. 

What Is a Standard Depth Refrigerator?

The dimensions of a standard-depth refrigerator, or full-depth as it is sometimes called, including the doors and door handles, are usually closer to 35-36” (89-91cm) deep.

You need to understand the space you have to work with and if this extra depth will impact one’s ability to move around the kitchen with ease. 

A stainless steel fridge next to a tall potted plant. On the counter next to the fridge is a coffee machine, tea cups and a ceramic container. On the top shelf is a French press and two oil containers. In front is an island with a jar of orange juice, one container of raspberries and one of blueberries, a glass jar filled with jam and a cutting board with three croissants and a butter knife on top A stainless steel fridge next to a tall potted plant. On the counter next to the fridge is a coffee machine, tea cups and a ceramic container. On the top shelf is a French press and two oil containers. In front is an island with a jar of orange juice, one container of raspberries and one of blueberries, a glass jar filled with jam and a cutting board with three croissants and a butter knife on top

Benefits of a Standard-Depth Fridge

There are two notable benefits of a standard-depth refrigerator.

  • They tend to more affordable than counter-depth models. You can always choose to pay more for certain features, but if you have a tight budget, then standard-depth might be the better option.
  • They offer the most capacity. This provides ample storage if the size of your kitchen can accommodate.

Counter-Depth and Standard-Depth Fridge Styles

Counter-depth and standard-depth fridges are usually available in the same style configurations:

FRENCH DOOR
French door style refrigerators have two fridge doors above a freezer drawer. The doors open to reveal a spacious interior. Generally, opening and closing French doors requires less clearance than a single door. French door refrigerators are considered to be a good option for kitchens that are smaller. 

A stainless steel French door refrigerator A stainless steel French door refrigerator

SIDE-BY-SIDE
The two doors on side-by-side models extend the full height of the unit. One side is the refrigerator and the other is the freezer.

A stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator A stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator

TOP-FREEZER
Considered to be a more common style, the Top-freezer refrigerator is configured with a freezer on top and a fridge below. The refrigerator and freezer doors can open either to the right or left depending on the model you purchase. 

A top-freezer refrigerator A top-freezer refrigerator

BOTTOM-FREEZER
Bottom-freezer fridges have a refrigerator on top and freezer drawer or door right below. It’s similar to a French door style in this way but it only has one door, not two. The refrigerator door can open to either the right or left depending on the model. If you buy a single door, make sure you have the right amount of clearance for the door swing.

A stainless steel bottom-freezer refrigerator A stainless steel bottom-freezer refrigerator

How to Measure for a Counter-Depth or a Standard-Depth Fridge

Before you start using your fridge, you should carefully measure your cabinet cutout and specific counter depth to confirm that your fridge will align properly. We also recommend measuring the path to the kitchen, including the front door, to make sure your new appliance can reach your installation location without any issues. 

If you’re simply replacing a counter-depth refrigerator, make sure to confirm the dimensions of the space.

PRO TIP

The “door open” dimensions are very important. This is the depth of the unit when the door is open, usually at about 90 degrees, so you can make sure there is enough clearance to open the door all the way.

Now that you know the difference between counter-depth and standard-depth refrigerators, you are one step closer to making a decision about what type of refrigerator is right for you.