A refrigerator can make or break your kitchen and as you start shopping for a new refrigerator you will find there are two basic freestanding refrigerator depth options to consider – standard depth refrigerators and counter depth refrigerators.
In this edition of the Laura Report we compare standard depth and counter depth refrigerators to help you figure out which will work best for your needs and wants.
Standard Depth Refrigerators
Chances are, the refrigerator you grew up with was a standard depth refrigerator. Standard Depth refrigerators run 30 to 36 inches in deep meaning the unit will almost always stick out visually and physically past traditional counter spaces, giving the kitchen a less uniform look and can take up more floor space. These refrigerators work great for consumes who want to maximize their internal storage in the refrigerator and freezer.
From the front it’s hard to tell a standard depth from a counter depth refrigerator. The first clue will be the price tag; counter depths tend to cost more. While counter depth refrigerators are increasing in popularity, standard depth refrigerators simply outnumber them on the appliance market.
Counter Depth Refrigerators
Counter depth refrigerators tend to be shallower than standard depth but they generally will be wider or taller. This unit typically is 23 to 27 inches deep; the shallower depth makes it easier to grab items near the back of the fridge and provides a blended look with it’s surroundings.
Counter depth refrigerators give the appearance of being built-in but are not built-in refrigerators. The fridge box sits flush with the countertop, however the doors make the unit stuck out an additional 2-3 inches providing the doors enough room to open and close.
You can install one of these without remodeling your entire kitchen, because they are manufactured in standard sizes and will fit into most refrigerator spaces. No specific cutouts in your cabinets should be needed. One thing you will have to make sure on is that you have enough clearance so the doors can swing open.
These refrigerators also provide a better/seamless look in the kitchen and provide more walking space, which can come in handy when you are dealing with a tight kitchen.
Regardless of the depth option you end up picking, measure your available space before purchasing a new refrigerator. If you need more help in your refrigerator shopping feel free to call your closest Factory Builder Stores and speak with any of our Sales Representatives.
*Please Note: The refrigerator shown in the video for the depth comparison is a built-in unit however, it is very comparable to the depth of a counter-depth unit. This unit was used for filming as the dark interior provides a clearer perception of the depth difference.
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