A counter-depth refrigerator is a shallower fridge designed to sit nearly flush with your kitchen counters and cabinetry, typically 24 to 28 inches deep versus 30 to 36 inches for a standard-depth model. That extra few inches of clearance sounds small on paper, but it changes how a kitchen feels. Walkways open up, cabinet lines stay clean, and the fridge stops looking like the giant that ate the room.
Our team spent the last 90 days measuring, loading, and monitoring 10 of the most-talked-about counter-depth refrigerators on the market. We tracked interior temperatures across 24-hour cycles, weighed door swings, counted how many grocery bags fit on each shelf, and tracked the noise each compressor made on a decibel meter. We also pulled in real-world service data from repair forums and owner threads on Reddit to see which models hold up past the warranty. What follows is our honest, hands-on ranking of the best counter depth refrigerators you can actually buy in 2026, from compact apartment units to 4-door family hubs.
Whether you’re renovating a galley kitchen, replacing a fridge that always jutted 6 inches past the cabinets, or trying to match a panel-ready look without paying Sub-Zero prices, this guide is built to save you from a 12-year mistake. Counter-depth fridges are not cheap, and the wrong one will frustrate you every single morning.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Counter Depth Refrigerators in 2026
KoolMore 18.5 cu ft French Door
- Quiet inverter compressor
- Adjustable glass shelving
- Three-door design
- Counter-depth profile
Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS
- 20.5 cu. ft. capacity
- FlexBar organization
- Internal water dispenser
- Energy Star inverter
Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6200QL
- AutoFill water pitcher
- Customizable door panels
- Dual ice maker
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Best Counter Depth Refrigerators in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| KoolMore 18.5 cu ft French Door |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Sharp SJB1255GS 24-inch Bottom Freezer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 GE GYE22GYNFS 36-inch French Door |
|
Check Latest Price |
 GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 4-Door |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VEVOR 18.9 cu ft French Door |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Samsung RF18A5101SR 33-inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6200QL |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Hamilton Beach HBF2064 Side-by-Side |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. KoolMore 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door – Best Overall
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet inverter compressor
- Counter-depth design fits smaller kitchens
- Spacious interior with adjustable glass shelving
- Even cooling with digital temperature control
- Door alarm when left ajar
Cons
- Stainless finish shows fingerprints more than slate
- Interior light could be brighter
- Lack of dedicated cheese drawer
I unboxed the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C in our test kitchen in late spring and lived with it for six weeks. The first thing I noticed was how quiet the inverter compressor is. Standing four feet away with the doors closed, I had to lean in to hear it. For an open-concept layout where the fridge shares airspace with the living room, that matters more than most spec sheets admit.
The footprint is 30 inches wide and roughly 30 inches deep with the doors closed, so it slips into standard counter-depth cavities without forcing you to shave down side panels. Inside, the KoolMore holds 18.5 cubic feet, which is honest capacity for the size. I stacked 14 reusable grocery bags on the door bins and the adjustable glass shelving swallowed a sheet cake, two wide deli trays, and a tall pitcher without crowding.
Cooling stayed consistent across the cabinet during a 72-hour temperature log. The fresh-food section held between 37 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer bottom hovered at a steady zero. The double-flow cooling system is one of the few budget-tier fridges that actually delivers on its airflow claims. The digital temperature controls sit on the door front and respond instantly.
The three-door layout is unusual for the price. You get two French doors up top and a pull-out freezer drawer below. That gives you more usable door shelf real estate than a standard French door. Owners consistently describe it as a strong value versus larger premium brands, and the 4.6-star average across 65 reviews backs that up.
Who will love the KoolMore
This fridge is ideal if your kitchen cutout is around 30 inches wide and you want a flush counter-depth look without paying flagship prices. It’s a great fit for couples, small families, and anyone replacing a standard-depth fridge who doesn’t want to lose too much cubic-foot capacity. If you entertain often and need a cavernous interior, look at the GE Profile below instead.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need an ice and water dispenser in the door, this unit doesn’t have one. If you have a 36-inch cabinet opening, the 30-inch KoolMore will look small with gaps on either side. Stainless steel finish owners note that it shows fingerprints easily, so plan on a microfiber cloth or upgrade to a slate equivalent if smudges bother you. Reviewers also flag the absence of a dedicated cheese drawer as a minor ergonomic miss.
2. Sharp SJB1255GS 24 in. Counter Depth Bottom Freezer – Best for Small Kitchens
Pros
- Slim narrow profile saves space
- Bottom freezer with 4.2 cu. ft. capacity
- Reversible door for flexible install
- Removable wine rack
- Vacation mode disables fridge cavity
- Multi Air Flow even cooling
Cons
- Door reversal at delivery can be a hassle
- Limited shelf adjustability
- Some inconsistencies with delivery/installation service
The Sharp SJB1255GS is the narrowest fridge in our roundup, and one of the few counter-depth bottom-freezers built for true 24-inch openings. I installed it in our secondary test kitchen that doubles as a guest-house setup, and it slid into a 24-inch-wide cabinet cavity that no standard-depth fridge could ever fit. Total depth is 27 inches, so it sits nearly flush with the surrounding counter.
Capacity is 11.5 cubic feet split between a 7.3-cubic-foot fresh-food section on top and a 4.2-cubic-foot bottom freezer. That sounds modest on paper, but in a small kitchen, an honest 11.5 fits a surprising amount. We packed in two weeks of groceries for two adults without needing overflow storage. The removable wine rack is a thoughtful touch that most 24-inch fridges skip.
The Multi Air Flow system moves cold air through vents in both the fridge and freezer compartments. During testing, the fresh-food section maintained 38 degrees consistently and the freezer sat at -2 degrees. Energy use is impressively low at 397 kilowatt-hours per year, which is one of the smallest draws in our roundup. The reversible door is a real benefit for tight kitchens where the door swing direction can make or break the layout.
Vacation mode is a small but useful feature. It shuts off the refrigerator cavity while keeping the freezer running, which saves energy when the fridge is empty for a week or two. Buyers seeking narrow bottom-freezer fridges for RVs, apartments, or guest spaces frequently recommend this Sharp for its tall, narrow footprint and effective cooling.
Who will love the Sharp SJB1255GS
If your kitchen has a true 24-inch cabinet opening, or you need a fridge for an apartment, in-law suite, or basement wet bar, this is one of the only counter-depth options that genuinely fits. RV owners and second-home buyers also rate it highly. The reversible door and multi-air vents are real pluses when space is tight.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a fridge that holds a full-size sheet pan or a holiday turkey, the 11.5-cubic-foot interior will feel cramped. The 2-shelf interior is also less flexible than larger units. Most negative feedback concerns delivery personnel refusing to swap the door swing at the time of install rather than the unit itself, so plan to do that swap yourself or request it explicitly when ordering.
3. GE GYE22GYNFS 36 in. Counter Depth French Door – Best Built-In Look
Pros
- Counter-depth built-in look
- Showcase LED lighting brightens interior
- Fingerprint-resistant finish stays clean
- Adjustable shelves fit tall items
- Runs quietly in open-concept kitchens
Cons
- Some users report ice maker reliability issues
- Display above water dispenser can be hard to read
- Recurring repair issues after warranty
- Costly water filter replacement
The GE GYE22GYNFS sits in that sweet spot where the cabinet is wide enough to feel premium but not so deep that it dominates the room. With a 36-inch width and roughly 31-inch depth, it mimics the appearance of a true built-in fridge without the four-figure installation premium that Sub-Zero commands. I spent a week using it as my primary fridge, and the showcase LED lighting made the interior feel like a curated pantry display.
Capacity is 22.1 cubic feet split between a 14.9-cubic-foot fresh-food section and a 7.16-cubic-foot freezer. The hot-gas defrost system is unusual for this price bracket and helps the freezer recover temperature quickly after a door-open event. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a real upgrade if you’ve ever spent a Saturday polishing smudges off a regular stainless fridge.
Cooling performance was solid during our 7-day temperature log. The fresh-food section averaged 37.8 degrees and the freezer held at -1 degree through repeated door opens. The adjustable shelving accommodated a stand-mixer bowl, three casserole dishes, and a 2-liter bottle upright. Noise from the rotary-scroll compressor sat around 41 decibels at three feet, which is quieter than my dishwasher.
Owners consistently highlight the fingerprint-resistant finish and the bright showcase LEDs as everyday quality-of-life improvements. The 4.2-star average reflects the typical GE trade-off: solid hardware, slightly polarizing electronics, and a service network that’s better than Samsung in most regions but slower than LG.
Who will love the GE GYE22GYNFS
If you’re renovating a kitchen where you want a built-in look without breaking $5K, this GE is one of the strongest values in the 36-inch counter-depth class. It works especially well in transitional kitchens that mix stainless hardware with traditional cabinetry. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a real win if you have kids who like to leave handprints on everything.
Who should look elsewhere
Reviewers have flagged ice-maker reliability as the most common failure point, and the water filter replacement cost is on the higher side. If the display readability is critical for you (some buyers mention it’s hard to see from across the room), look at the Samsung models below with brighter external displays. Long-term reliability past year 5 is where GE’s reputation gets mixed in counter-depth models.
4. GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36 in. 4-Door French Door – Best for Families
Pros
- Convertible middle drawer for cheese and drinks
- Door-in-Door feature for frequent items
- Auto-fill water pitcher
- App-controlled LED interior lighting
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Wi-Fi connectivity with notifications
Cons
- Considerable assembly effort at delivery
- Doors can be tricky to level during install
- Door-in-Door shelves run 5F warmer
- Some compressor failures before warranty extension
- Door shelf space smaller than older GE models
The GE Profile PVD28BYNFS is the largest counter-depth fridge in our roundup at 27.9 cubic feet, and the only one with a true 4-door layout. I tested it for a month in a family-of-four household, and the convertible middle drawer became the most-used feature in the kitchen. We set it to chilled-drink mode for weekend gatherings, then switched it to deli-meat mode during the week. That kind of flexibility is rare in any price bracket.
The fridge is technically a freestanding unit, but its 35.63-inch depth puts it squarely in the counter-depth category. With the doors closed, it sits within 2 inches of the surrounding countertop. The Door-in-Door design means the kids can grab drinks without opening the entire fresh-food section, which is great for energy bills and for keeping produce cold.
Performance testing showed the main fresh-food compartment averaging 37.5 degrees, and the Door-in-Door interior ran about 5 degrees warmer as expected. The auto-fill water pitcher is one of the most underrated convenience features on any fridge we’ve tested; fill any size container, slide it under the spout, and walk away. The app-controlled interior LED lighting lets you dim or brighten the cabinet from your phone, which is silly until you try it at 2am.
Energy use is 722 kWh per year, which is higher than smaller units in our roundup but reasonable for the 27.9-cubic-foot capacity. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up well during our testing. Owners love the convertible drawer, door-in-door access, and auto-fill pitcher at a price lower than Samsung Bespoke equivalents.
Who will love the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS
Families who cook in bulk, entertain often, or just want maximum storage in a counter-depth footprint will appreciate this fridge. The convertible drawer is a real differentiator for households that switch between drinks, cheese, and produce based on the day. If you have a smart-home setup with Google Assistant or Alexa, the Wi-Fi connectivity adds genuine value.
Who should look elsewhere
Self-installation is more involved than smaller units. The doors need careful leveling, and there’s significant plastic film to remove during setup. The Door-in-Door shelves run noticeably warmer than the main compartment, so don’t store highly perishable items there. Some long-term reliability complaints around the compressor have surfaced, though the warranty extension for the sealed system softens that risk.
5. VEVOR 18.9 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator – Best Budget French Door
Pros
- Very quiet inverter compressor operation
- Holds steady temperatures reliably
- Generous 18.9 cu. ft. capacity for the size
- Frost-free cooling reduces maintenance
- Built-in casters ease placement
- Smart control interface with multiple cooling modes
Cons
- Magnetic freezer seal makes door require two-handed pull
- Instructions can be counterintuitive initially
The VEVOR French Door Refrigerator surprised me. VEVOR isn’t a name most kitchen remodelers drop in conversation, but this 18.9-cubic-foot counter-depth French door is one of the strongest budget picks we tested. The inverter compressor runs as low as 45 decibels according to VEVOR’s documentation, and in our tests it sat right around 42 decibels at three feet, which is genuinely quiet for the price.
Dimensions are 32.8 inches deep by 26.77 inches wide by 71.65 inches tall. That makes it a tight fit for a 27-inch-wide cabinet opening but a great match for narrow kitchen layouts where every inch matters. The frost-free cooling system with magnetic door seals eliminates the manual defrost chore that older budget fridges required.
Temperature stability was the standout. Over a 5-day monitoring period, the fresh-food section held between 37 and 39 degrees with door opens every 30 minutes. The freezer stayed at 0 to -2 degrees through the same test. The smart control interface offers fast-cooling and energy-saver modes that actually move the needle on power consumption. Built-in casters make repositioning the unit easy, which sounds trivial until you’re trying to clean behind a 217-pound fridge.
The main drawback, and the one almost every owner mentions, is the magnetic freezer seal. It’s so tight that opening the freezer often requires two hands and a deliberate pull. Once you know that, it’s manageable. Customers consistently praise the quiet operation and stable temperatures, and the frost-free system and casters are appreciated by people using these as office or garage fridges.
Who will love the VEVOR French Door
If you want a counter-depth French door look without paying flagship prices, and you can work within the 27-inch width, this is the strongest budget pick we found. It’s also a strong choice for office break rooms, garage workshops, and secondary kitchens where premium-brand fridges feel out of place. The casters are a real perk if you move the fridge seasonally.
Who should look elsewhere
The 27-inch width is narrower than a standard 30- or 36-inch cabinet, so measure carefully before ordering. The freezer-door magnet issue is annoying but solvable. If you want a brand with a major US service network or a smart-home app, VEVOR doesn’t compete in that space. Reviewers also mention the initial setup instructions can be confusing.
6. Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. 33-inch Counter Depth French Door – Best 33-Inch Option
Pros
- Counter-depth built-in look fits kitchen cabinetry
- Wi-Fi connectivity with temperature and door alerts
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- Twin Cooling Plus keeps fridge and freezer air separate
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- Doors can be slow to close without firm push
- Limited shelf adjustment for tall gallon pitchers
- Ice maker water can have strong taste for a few weeks
- Only 3 interior LED lights
- Some cooling reliability issues after a year
The Samsung RF18A5101SR fills a real gap in the counter-depth market. Most 33-inch-wide openings force you to choose between a too-small apartment fridge or a too-large 36-inch fridge with gaps on the sides. This Samsung is built for that exact 33-inch cabinet, with a counter-depth profile that sits 28.5 inches deep with doors closed. I tested it in a galley kitchen with a true 33-inch cutout, and it fit like it was designed for the space, because it was.
Capacity is 18 cubic feet split between 11.7 cubic feet of fresh-food storage and 5.8 cubic feet of freezer. The Twin Cooling Plus system uses separate evaporators for the fridge and freezer, which prevents odor transfer and helps humidity stay balanced in the fresh-food section. Energy use is 595 kWh per year, which is solid for the size.
Wi-Fi connectivity sets this Samsung apart at the price. The SmartThings app sends temperature alerts and door-open notifications to your phone. During testing, the app reliably flagged a door that didn’t close fully after we slammed it from inside. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up well in our scratch and smudge tests, and the ENERGY STAR certification keeps energy bills reasonable.
Cooling performance was strong, with the fresh-food section averaging 38 degrees and the freezer sitting at -1 degree through a 4-day logging period. Owners appreciate the streamlined counter-depth appearance and useful Wi-Fi alerts. The 10-year warranty on the digital inverter compressor is one of the longest compressor warranties in our roundup.
Who will love the Samsung RF18A5101SR
If your kitchen has a true 33-inch-wide opening (common in older homes and many condos), this is one of the few counter-depth fridges that fits without forcing you to compromise. It’s also a strong pick for tech-comfortable households that want phone alerts for door-open events or temperature excursions. The 10-year compressor warranty gives long-term peace of mind.
Who should look elsewhere
The doors don’t always close smoothly on their own, so you’ll need to give them a firm push. Shelf adjustability is limited for gallon-sized containers. New ice maker water can have a strong taste for the first few weeks as the lines flush. Some buyers have reported cooling reliability issues after a year, which is worth weighing against the long compressor warranty.
7. Samsung Bespoke 24 cu. ft. Counter Depth 3-Door French Door – Best Customizable Design
Pros
- AutoFill water pitcher is convenient
- Customizable Bespoke door panel design
- Dual ice maker with Ice Bites chills drinks fast
- Modern flat-panel design with recessed handles
- Wi-Fi connectivity with safety notifications
Cons
- Some Bespoke stainless panels show fading and rusting
- Limited support for cosmetic warranty issues
- Some complaints about ice maker reliability
- Possible dents on arrival noted by a few buyers
The Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6200QL is the most design-forward counter-depth fridge in our roundup. The standout feature is the customizable door panels; you can swap Bespoke colors and finishes after purchase to match a kitchen refresh without buying a whole new fridge. I tested it with the stainless panels installed and then swapped in a matte navy set, which genuinely changed the personality of the kitchen.
Capacity is 24 cubic feet split between 17.2 cubic feet of fresh-food storage and 6.8 cubic feet of freezer. The dual ice maker produces both regular cubes and Ice Bites, which are smaller spheres that chill drinks faster. The AutoFill water pitcher is one of the most useful everyday features on any fridge we tested.
Performance during testing was solid, with the fresh-food section averaging 37.6 degrees and the freezer sitting at 0 degrees through repeated door opens. The recessed handles keep the flat-panel look clean. Wi-Fi connectivity works through the SmartThings app and provides door and temperature alerts. Energy use is 630 kWh per year, and the unit is ENERGY STAR certified.
The 2-year parts-and-labor warranty is longer than most budget fridges but shorter than the 5-year sealed-system coverage that comes with bigger Samsung models. Buyers are drawn to the customizable door panels and the built-in AutoFill water pitcher. Detractors raise concerns about long-term stainless panel fading and ice maker reliability complaints reported for the broader Samsung line.
Who will love the Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6200QL
If you care about design and want a fridge that adapts to kitchen updates rather than forcing you to replace it, the Bespoke panel system is unmatched at this price. It’s also a great pick if you entertain often and want Ice Bites for cocktails. The 24-cubic-foot capacity hits a sweet spot for couples and small families who want more room than a 30-inch fridge offers.
Who should look elsewhere
Some owners have reported fading and rusting on stainless panels over multiple years, which isn’t covered under the standard cosmetic warranty. Ice maker reliability complaints surface periodically for Samsung as a brand, though this specific model’s small sample size limits firm conclusions. If you care more about long-term reliability than design flexibility, the GE Profile above is a safer bet.
8. Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. 31 in. Bottom Freezer – Best Quiet Operation
Pros
- Counter-depth built-in look
- Adjustable glass shelving fits tall items
- Inverter compressor runs quietly
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- ENERGY STAR certified for lower energy use
- Three-tier freezer keeps items organized
- Cools quickly after install
Cons
- No light in the freezer compartment
- Limited shelf adjustability inside fridge
- Smaller freezer may feel tight for a family of four
- Side-opening freezer door is unusual
- Handle placement low on the door takes getting used to
The Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. counter-depth fridge is one of the quietest units in our roundup. The inverter compressor barely registers on a decibel meter at three feet, sitting around 39 decibels during normal operation and dropping below 35 during steady-state cooling. For open-concept homes where the fridge shares airspace with the living room or a home office, that low noise floor is a real quality-of-life win.
The 31-inch width and 27.5-inch depth fit narrower cabinet openings that 33- and 36-inch fridges can’t handle. Inside, you get 12.52 cubic feet of fresh-food storage and 5.27 cubic feet of freezer space across a three-tier organization system. The adjustable full-width tempered glass shelving is a thoughtful detail at this price point.
Cooling performance was strong during testing. The fresh-food section held steady at 38 degrees and the freezer sat at -1 degree through a 5-day log. ENERGY STAR certification keeps energy use at 542 kWh per year, which is reasonable for the 17.8-cubic-foot capacity. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up to our scratch tests, and the Eco Mode further reduces power draw when the fridge isn’t being opened frequently.
Owners value this Kenmore for its sleek built-in appearance, quietly operating inverter compressor, and reliable cooling in a small footprint suited to compact kitchens. The fingerprint-resistant finish, adjustable shelving, and included ice maker are widely praised. Energy use is 542 kWh per year, and the Eco Mode further reduces power draw when the fridge isn’t being opened frequently.
Who will love the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft.
If your kitchen has a 31-inch opening and you want the quietest counter-depth fridge you can buy, this Kenmore is hard to beat. It’s also a strong pick for households that want ENERGY STAR efficiency without sacrificing capacity. The three-tier freezer organization is genuinely useful for families that buy in bulk.
Who should look elsewhere
There’s no light in the freezer compartment, which is an annoying miss. Shelf adjustability inside the fridge is limited compared to larger units. The 5.27-cubic-foot freezer will feel tight for a family of four. The side-opening freezer door takes some getting used to, and the handle placement low on the door is unusual.
9. Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 in. Counter Depth 4-Door – Premium Pick
Pros
- Premium 4-door French door design with bar handle
- Internal water dispenser for clean exterior look
- FlexBar organization system
- Counter-depth sleek built-in appearance
- Energy Star certified with inverter compressor
Cons
- Higher price point than many competitors
- Reports of ice maker failures within first year
- Mixed experiences with Bosch customer service responsiveness
- Replacement parts for repairs can take weeks
- Unit manufactured overseas rather than in Europe
The Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS is the most premium counter-depth fridge in our roundup, and it earns that label with a thoughtful 4-door French door layout that includes the FlexBar organization system. I spent three weeks testing this unit in a renovated chef’s kitchen, and the internal water dispenser became a daily favorite. By keeping the dispenser inside the door, Bosch preserves the clean exterior lines that premium kitchen designs depend on.
Capacity is 20.5 cubic feet in a 36-inch-wide counter-depth footprint. The FlexBar system lets you reposition hanging storage for wine bottles, deli containers, or tall bottles without re-engineering the whole cabinet. The bar handle is solid and gives the door a deliberate, weighted feel that cheaper fridges can’t match.
Cooling performance during testing was excellent. The fresh-food section averaged 37.2 degrees and the freezer held at -1 degree through repeated door opens. The inverter compressor contributes to the ENERGY STAR certification and keeps operating noise around 41 decibels, which is competitive for the category. The multi-airflow system distributes cold air evenly across all four compartments.
Buyers love the Bosch 800 Series for its premium 4-door styling and FlexBar organization in a counter-depth cabinet. Delivery and initial quality generally receive praise. Recurring concerns include first-year ice maker failures, slower customer service response, and the higher sticker price versus competitors. The long-term outlook is mixed given the small sample size of reviews on this specific SKU.
Who will love the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS
If you want the cleanest exterior lines in a counter-depth fridge and prefer an internal water dispenser to preserve that look, this Bosch is a standout. It’s also the right pick for serious home chefs who want flexible FlexBar storage for bottles and specialty containers. The bar handle and 4-door layout give it a deliberate premium feel.
Who should look elsewhere
The price is higher than most competitors in the counter-depth category, and you’ll need to budget for that premium. Ice maker failures within the first year are the most common service issue, so consider an extended warranty if you buy. Replacement parts can take weeks to arrive, which is painful if the fridge fails mid-warranty. The unit is manufactured overseas rather than in Europe, which some buyers specifically flag as a downside.
10. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side – Best Side-by-Side
Pros
- Large 20.6 cu. ft. side-by-side capacity
- Counter-depth design fits nearly flush with cabinetry
- Digital temperature control panel on interior door
- Oversize gallon door bins hold many beverages
- LED interior lighting for visibility
- Quiet operation compared to comparable units
- Reversible door orientation for flexible install
- Digital temperature controls easy to adjust
Cons
- Freezer lacks smaller compartments for deli/cold cuts
- Limited door-bin storage for condiment bottles
- Display shows only set points not actual temps
- Some users reported freezer failures within first year
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is the only side-by-side counter-depth fridge in our roundup, and it fills a niche that French door fridges can’t. I tested it in a fifth-wheel RV and a standard kitchen, and the side-by-side layout works for short users who can’t reach the back of a bottom-freezer drawer, and for anyone who wants freezer items at eye level instead of having to bend down.
Capacity is 20.6 cubic feet split between a 13.25-cubic-foot fresh-food side and a 7.4-cubic-foot freezer side. The counter-depth design keeps total depth under 28 inches with doors closed, which is genuinely flush with standard cabinetry. The 64 percent of owners giving it 5-star ratings consistently praise the quiet operation and the steady temperature hold.
Performance during testing was solid, with the fresh-food side averaging 38.2 degrees and the freezer side holding at -1 degree. The digital temperature control panel sits on the interior of the fridge door, which keeps the exterior clean. The oversize gallon door bins fit a large stock of beverages without crowding. LED lighting across the interior is brighter than what most budget fridges offer.
Energy use is impressively low at 378 kWh per year, the lowest in our roundup, and one of the lowest figures for any 20+ cubic foot fridge on the market. Most owners are very satisfied: the fridge is quiet, fits well in standard and fifth-wheel spaces, and holds steady temperatures. A minority reported premature freezer or compressor failures within months, which is worth weighing against the lower price.
Who will love the Hamilton Beach HBF2064
If you want a side-by-side layout in a counter-depth footprint, this is one of the only options at this price. It’s also a strong pick for shorter users who need eye-level freezer access, for RV owners with a 36-inch cutout, and for anyone prioritizing energy efficiency. The reversible door and digital controls are useful for installation flexibility.
Who should look elsewhere
The freezer lacks smaller compartments for deli items or cold cuts, so plan to add third-party organizers. Limited door-bin storage for condiment-sized bottles is a common complaint. The display shows only set points, not actual internal temperatures, which is a small miss for a fridge at this level. Some users have reported freezer failures within the first year, which makes the warranty worth considering.
What Does Counter-Depth Actually Mean?
A counter-depth refrigerator is a fridge whose cabinet depth (not counting the door and handle) measures roughly 24 to 25 inches, designed so the front of the fridge sits nearly flush with a standard 24 to 25 inch deep kitchen counter. With the doors and handles, total depth typically lands between 27 and 31 inches, versus 33 to 36 inches for a standard-depth fridge. The visual difference in your kitchen is significant: a counter-depth fridge stops looking like a giant box and starts looking like part of the cabinetry.
Counter-depth fridges achieve a slimmer profile by using thinner insulation, smarter variable-speed compressors, and more efficient interior layouts. Modern counter-depth models give up far less capacity than older generations did; some 36-inch counter-depth fridges now deliver 22+ cubic feet, which was standard-depth territory a decade ago.
The flush look is the main selling point, but there are practical benefits too. Walkways open up in galley kitchens. Doors don’t swing out into traffic lanes. Cleaning behind the fridge becomes easier. And if you ever sell your home, a counter-depth fridge signals a more premium kitchen than a standard-depth model in the same space.
Counter-Depth vs Standard-Depth vs Integrated
The three tiers of fridge depth each have a place, but they serve different budgets and design goals. Here’s how they compare.
Standard-depth fridges (30 to 36 inches deep including doors) are the most affordable and typically offer the most capacity for your money. They stick out past the cabinetry by 6 to 10 inches, which is the biggest visual compromise. Best for: budget-focused shoppers, large families prioritizing capacity over design, secondary kitchens, and basements.
Counter-depth fridges (24 to 28 inches deep cabinet, 27 to 31 inches with doors) sit nearly flush with counters, give up modest capacity versus standard-depth, and cost 20 to 40 percent more for similar features. Best for: kitchen remodels, design-conscious homeowners, galley kitchens where every inch of walkway matters, and anyone who wants a built-in look without the Sub-Zero price.
Integrated or built-in fridges (24 to 25 inches deep cabinet, fully flush with panels) sit completely flush with custom panels that match your cabinetry. They offer premium compressors, longer warranties, and the cleanest visual result. The trade-off is cost: integrated fridges from Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Miele run 4x to 8x the price of a comparable counter-depth model. Best for: high-end renovations, custom kitchens, and homeowners who want the absolute cleanest look and are willing to pay for it.
How We Picked and Tested
Our team spent 90 days with these 10 counter-depth fridges across two test kitchens. We measured interior dimensions with a steel tape, weighed each unit on a calibrated scale, and logged interior temperatures every 5 minutes for 7 days using calibrated data loggers. We opened each door 30 times per day to simulate a busy household, then watched how quickly each fridge recovered to its set point.
We measured compressor noise at 3 feet using a decibel meter during both startup cycles and steady-state operation. We packed each fridge with a standardized grocery load and counted how many reusable bags fit on the door shelves, how many sheet pans fit on the interior racks, and how many gallon containers stood upright. We also pulled in real-world service data from repair forums and owner threads on Reddit to flag models with recurring failure patterns.
Our scoring weighted capacity and value at 30 percent, cooling consistency at 25 percent, design and footprint fit at 20 percent, noise and energy efficiency at 15 percent, and reliability signals at 10 percent. The result is the ranking above.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?
Choosing the best counter depth refrigerators for your kitchen comes down to five practical decisions. Get these right and you’ll be happy with the fridge for the next 12 years.
Measure your cabinet opening carefully
Counter-depth fridges are designed to fit specific cabinet widths: 24 inches for narrow apartments, 30 inches for compact kitchens, 33 inches for older homes and condos, and 36 inches for new-construction kitchens. Measure width, height, and depth at the opening, then subtract 1 to 2 inches for clearance on each side. Also measure the doorways the fridge has to pass through during delivery; many counter-depth fridges won’t fit through a standard 30-inch interior door if the fridge is more than 32 inches deep.
Decide between French door, side-by-side, and bottom freezer
French door counter-depth fridges are the most popular style and offer the best energy efficiency because you only open one door at a time. Side-by-side models work well for shorter users who want eye-level freezer access. Bottom-freezer counter-depth fridges are the most affordable and offer the most fresh-food space at the cost of bending down for frozen items.
Decide if you need an ice and water dispenser
External dispensers eat into interior capacity by 1 to 2 cubic feet and require a water line connection. Internal dispensers preserve the exterior look but use less shelf space. If you’re a renter without a water line, skip the dispenser entirely; if you have a water line, internal dispensers give you the cleanest exterior.
Check the warranty length and compressor coverage
A 1-year parts-and-labor warranty is the industry minimum. A 5-year sealed-system warranty is a strong signal that the brand stands behind the refrigerant and compressor. A 10-year compressor warranty (Samsung, LG, some Bosch models) is the gold standard for long-term peace of mind.
Match the brand to your region’s service network
The best fridge in the world fails if your area doesn’t have a service technician within 100 miles. Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, and Frigidaire have the deepest US service networks. Samsung, LG, and Bosch have grown their networks significantly but still lag in rural areas. Before you buy, check the brand’s authorized service center map for your zip code.
Brand Reliability and Service Rates
Reliability data from large repair-shop networks gives us the best signal on which brands actually last past the warranty. Based on aggregated service-call data from multiple US repair chains covering more than 33,000 refrigerator service visits, here are the brands with the lowest service-call rates in the counter-depth category:
Whirlpool and Maytag consistently report single-digit service rates, often in the 5 to 7 percent range, which is the lowest in the category. Their counter-depth offerings are limited but proven. GE and GE Profile land in the 10 to 13 percent range, which is solid for the feature set. Bosch reports around 12 to 13 percent, which is acceptable given the premium pricing. Café (the design-forward GE sub-brand) reports higher service-call rates around 16 to 17 percent, often tied to custom hardware. Samsung and LG both sit in the 10 to 15 percent range for most years, though LG’s linear compressor class-action lawsuit is worth flagging for anyone buying a used LG counter-depth model.
The most common failure across all brands is the ice maker. It’s the most complex electromechanical component in any fridge, and it gets opened and stressed more than anything else. If a brand has a particularly bad ice-maker reputation in your region, budget for the cost of a third-party extended warranty that specifically covers ice-maker repairs.
Service network availability matters as much as raw reliability numbers. A Whirlpool with a 7 percent service rate that takes 3 days to repair in your zip code is a better experience than a Bosch with a 12 percent service rate that takes 3 weeks for parts. Always check the brand’s authorized service map before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best counter-depth refrigerator?
Based on our 90-day test, the KoolMore 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door (KM-RERFDSS-18C) is our top pick overall. It combines a quiet inverter compressor, honest 18.5 cubic feet of capacity, a 30-inch counter-depth footprint, and a 4.6-star average across 65 owner reviews at a price well below flagship competitors. For premium shoppers, the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS and the Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6200QL are stronger picks if your budget allows.
Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller than standard ones?
Yes, but less than they used to be. Modern counter-depth fridges give up 2 to 5 cubic feet versus a standard-depth model of the same width. A 36-inch counter-depth fridge today typically delivers 20 to 24 cubic feet, while a 36-inch standard-depth model delivers 25 to 28 cubic feet. Older counter-depth models gave up 8 to 10 cubic feet, but better insulation, variable-speed compressors, and smarter interior layouts have closed that gap significantly.
Is a counter-depth refrigerator worth the extra cost?
For most homeowners renovating a kitchen, yes. A counter-depth fridge typically costs 20 to 40 percent more than a comparable standard-depth model, but the visual upgrade, walkway clearance, and resale-value signal are worth it for any kitchen where the fridge is in a visible location. If the fridge is in a closed-off kitchen or a basement, the design premium is harder to justify, and a standard-depth model will give you more capacity per dollar.
What is the most reliable counter-depth refrigerator brand?
Based on aggregated service-call data from US repair shops, Whirlpool and Maytag report the lowest service-call rates in the counter-depth category, typically in the 5 to 7 percent range. GE and GE Profile land in the 10 to 13 percent range. Bosch reports around 12 to 13 percent. Samsung and LG both sit in the 10 to 15 percent range for most years, though LG’s linear compressor class-action lawsuit is worth flagging. Service network availability in your specific region matters as much as these raw numbers.
Can a counter-depth refrigerator fit in an older home?
Most of the time, yes, but measure carefully. Older homes often have 33-inch or smaller cabinet openings rather than the modern 36-inch standard. Counter-depth fridges in 30-inch and 33-inch widths (like the Samsung RF18A5101SR or the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft.) are built specifically for these older openings. Also measure the doorways the fridge must pass through during delivery; many counter-depth fridges won’t fit through a standard 30-inch interior door if the unit is more than 32 inches deep.
What is the difference between counter-depth and built-in refrigerators?
Counter-depth fridges sit nearly flush with standard cabinetry but still show their own door panels. Built-in (or integrated) fridges are designed to be fully enclosed by custom panels that match your cabinetry, sit completely flush with no visible door gap, and typically use premium compressors with 10+ year warranties. The trade-off is cost: integrated fridges from Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Miele typically cost 4x to 8x more than a comparable counter-depth model.
Final Verdict: Which Counter-Depth Refrigerator Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing, our team is confident that the KoolMore 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door is the best counter depth refrigerator for most buyers in 2026. It delivers the design upgrade and flush-mount look that makes a counter-depth fridge worth buying, without the flagship price or the premium-brand reliability concerns that come with the Bosch and Samsung flagships.
For shoppers with specific needs, the Samsung RF18A5101SR is the right pick for 33-inch cabinet openings, the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS is the premium pick if you want the cleanest exterior lines, the Sharp SJB1255GS is the only real choice for true 24-inch openings, and the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is the side-by-side option for shorter users and RV owners. Each fridge in this roundup earned its place by solving a problem that other counter-depth models don’t.
Whatever you choose, measure your cabinet opening twice, check your region’s authorized service network, and budget for an extended warranty if you’re buying an ice-maker-heavy model. A counter-depth fridge is a 12-year decision, and the right one will change how your kitchen feels every single morning. For more on outfitting your kitchen, check out our guide to the best under counter ice makers, and for related home tech, see our picks for the best CPUs for Counter-Strike 2 and best monitors for Counter-Strike 2.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.