What is the difference between full depth and counter depth

11.8.21 Wondering what the difference is between counter-depth and standard-depth refrigerators? Here’s everything you need to know.

Shopping for a new refrigerator? There are so many options available when it comes to refrigerators that it can be overwhelming. Do you want to get a bottom-freezer, top-freezer, side-by-side, 2-door, 3-door, or even a 4-door? It honestly all comes down to preference and what your usage for the refrigerator will be.

TIf you’ve already decided that you want a freestanding refrigerator, one decision that may not be so easy to make is choosing between a counter-depth or standard-depth refrigerator. What really is the difference anyway?

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth

The Differences Between Counter-Depth and Standard-Depth Freestanding Refrigerators

Standard-depth and counter-depth refrigerators are both types of freestanding refrigerators. This simply means, they don’t need to be installed professionally or have countertops and cabinets moved as a part of the install.

The biggest difference between counter-depth refrigerators and standard-depth refrigerators is the depth of the refrigerator. Counter-depth refrigerators are generally shallower and standard-depth refrigerators are generally deeper. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each type.

Counter Depth Refrigerator

Counter-depth refrigerators are not as deep as standard-depth refrigerators. The generally range from 24 to 28 inches in depth, including the doors and handles. The shorter depth of these refrigerators allows them to sit flush with your countertop. Which will give your refrigerator a built-in feel without splurging on a built-in refrigerator.

Standard Depth Refrigerators

Standard-depth refrigerators are generally deeper than counter-depth models ranging from 28 to 36 inches deep. Choosing a standard depth refrigerator can provide you with more cubic feet of storage since these models are deeper. Keep in mind though that the refrigerator would be sticking out farther from the countertop and taking up floor space. Standard-depth refrigerators are not limited to any specific style.

So what refrigerator should you buy?

Well, this will mostly come down to your personal preference, but you do also need to measure your space and decide if you have room for the refrigerator you want. That way you will not be disappointed once you get that new fridge home and your space isn’t big enough!

Purchase Your Refrigerator from Kelly’s Home Center

Ready to find the refrigerator that’s right for you? Kelly’s has been family-owned and operated since 1974. As a family business, we know how important our community is. If it wasn’t for the community within the Willamette Valley, Kelly’s would not be where it is today.

We continue to offer top-of-the-line products that fit your budget. Shop online at KellysHomeCenter.com or visit a Kelly’s Home Center near you today.

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth

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Contributor Bio Appliance Expert Bio

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth

What is the difference between counter depth and standard depth refrigerators? As kitchen design trends have changed, so have the appliances that fit into today’s houses. It’s no longer enough to have one refrigerator size to fit every kitchen.

I'm the co-founder of Designer Appliances, a premier appliance store in New Jersey. Over the last 15+ years I've tested most of these products in my own home and in our showrooms, and heard real-life feedback from thousands of customers in real-time.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing between counter depth and standard depth refrigerators. Let's dive in.

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth

Best Overall Counter Depth Fridge

Bosch B36CT80SNS

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth
Watch my video review of Bosch counter depth refrigerator

Bosch Refrigerator B36CT80SNS

Pros - Reasons to Buy:

  • Great temperature, humidity, and air flow control. Your food will last longer in Bosch refrigerator.
  • Well apportioned interior space. Ideal for any family.
  • You can choose from different door styles.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity.

Cons - Reasons to Avoid:

  • Not ideal if you are on a strict budget.
  • Ice maker takes up too much freezer space.
  • App does not support an interior camera.

The term “counter depth” can be deceptive when it comes to refrigerators since counters can vary from one home to another. Generally speaking, a kitchen’s counters will arrive at around the 25-inch mark when their depth is measured and cabinets are typically 24 to 24 1/2-inches deep. This means that today’s standard refrigerators, at approximately 30 inches in depth, will protrude by several inches from the edge of your countertops.

Counter depth refrigerators are specifically designed to sit as flush as possible with your kitchen countertops and cabinets for a cleaner, more customized look. However, it’s important to note that counter-depth refrigerators won’t necessarily be exact to the measurements of your countertops since you’ll need room for the doors to open. Often the doors of the refrigerator will protrude enough so that they’ll be easy to open without rubbing against the adjacent counter space. Counter-depth refrigerators are smaller than standard refrigerators, making them great for kitchens that have narrow walkways.

Samsung refrigerator models include most prominent selection of counter depth style. There are a few disadvantages to counter-depth refrigerators, including their cost. Manufacturers make fewer counter-depth products compared to standard depth fridges which affects unit-level cost. In addition, manufacturers often use more costly, but thinner insulation material to provide as much interior space as possible; also contributing to their higher cost.

Counter-depth refrigerators come in different styles including side by side refrigerator as well as French door refrigerator models.

What is the difference between full depth and counter depth
Counter Depth vs Standard Refrigerator Style

Standard-Depth Refrigerators

If you’ve shopped for appliances lately, chances are you’ve encountered rows of standard-depth refrigerators. These models can range in depth from 30 to 34 inches in depth, compared to the 23 to 27 inches seen with counter-depth refrigerators. This extra depth means more space for your groceries and leftovers, making it popular with today’s homeowners. But this extra depth does take up additional room in your kitchen, which can be a problem if you’re in a smaller home.

The added depth also means your refrigerator will protrude from surrounding countertops and cabinetry, which can create an eyesore in some kitchens. For that reason, designers often now have cabinetry specially designed to fit today’s popular refrigerators, with the bonus that these cabinets also offer more storage space.

Since standard-depth refrigerators are more popular, you’ll also find a greater selection of colors and styles as you shop. This means you likely won’t need to wait for the model you want to be ordered from the factory, helping you enjoy your newly-designed kitchen more quickly.

Standard depth refrigerators are also less pricey. You might be able to allocate cost savings towards other features in your home.

Pro Tip: If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you might be able to find a way to make your standard-depth refrigerator look like a built in fridge. This gives you the clean look of a counter-depth while still providing plenty of space for all your groceries. To do this, invest in cabinetry that is 27 inches in depth, allowing it to conceal the body of your deeper refrigerator. Another option is to ask your contractor to cut into the wall behind where your refrigerator will sit in order to slide it back further.

Watch our video review of built-in refrigerators.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Style

While appliance preferences are unique to the individual, we prefer the look of a counter-depth refrigerator, since it creates a clean, custom-designed look in a kitchen. However, the storage and functionality of a regular-depth refrigerator are more appealing for day-to-day use. We list both styles as part of our best refrigerator brands rankings.

If you are replacing a refrigerator, our advice is to choose the refrigerator that will be best for your unique needs. If you need to conserve space for a better flow in your kitchen, go with a counter-depth. If you have a large family, though, we recommend regular-depth to ensure you’ll have plenty of space to meet your daily needs.

Meanwhile, avoid costly mistakes by carefully measuring your space. Even if you’re switching a refrigerator for the same type of model make sure to triple check. This simple step will save you an unpleasant surprises on the day your new appliance arrives.

What does full depth mean for refrigerator?

These full-depth refrigerators extend beyond the counter and cabinet depth by a few inches (typically ranging between 30 and 35 inches total depth), and offer some of the largest capacity amongst common refrigerators (up to 28 cubic feet).

Is it worth getting a counter

The Benefits Many will choose a counter-depth refrigerator simply because this style gives the kitchen a more uniform profile. The refrigerator does not protrude several inches past the counter. More convenient access to contents. Finding and retrieving contents from a counter-depth refrigerator is much easier.

Why are counter

To achieve the same capacity as a standard appliance, a shallower counter-depth appliance needs to be considerably wider. This can mean a reduction in countertop space, as well as a wider door that requires a larger swing radius. And this special design may cost more than a standard appliance.

What depth is considered counter

“Counter-depth” refers to the distance between the front of your kitchen countertops and your back wall or backsplash. These refrigerators are usually 24–30-inches deep, shallower than most fridges, to line up with the end of your cabinets and fit in nicely with most modern kitchen designs.