Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth Refrigerators: Which One Will Fit Your Kitchen?

If you’re shopping for a new fridge, you’ll have your choice between standard-depth and counter-depth models. Standard ones are more traditional in shape and size and offer ample food storage. Meanwhile, counter-depth models offer a more uniform look with the rest of your kitchen’s design but don't have the same depth for food storage. Our guide helps you break down the differences between each so you can choose the right snack companion for your home’s needs. 

Counter-Depth Refrigerators: Pros and Cons

Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of counter-depth refrigerators:

Pros

With its compact design, it won’t jut out after installation. If you have a smaller kitchen or want to achieve a uniform look, they’re smart options to consider because they give you more room to function in a cozy space. And, because it offers a shallower space inside, it allows you to scoot food to the front. That way, it doesn’t become lost in the shuffle and lead to forgotten food rotting. Finally, you can customize your counter-depth fridge with trim or exterior doors to match the look of your cabinets.

Cons

These are smaller fridges than your typical models because part of their goal is to look flush with the rest of your kitchen’s design. Counter-depth models are 24 to 30 inches in depth, supplying less storage than you would find with medium—or larger-sized fridges. This, along with the average higher price, are the main drawbacks to consider. 

Standard-Depth Refrigerators: Pros and Cons

Meanwhile, here are the pros and cons when choosing a standard-depth refrigerator:

Pros

Standard-depth refrigerators are more traditional in design. It also has interior depths of 30 to 36 inches for medium refrigerator sizes, providing ample room for food storage. It makes it perfect if you have a larger household or do a lot of food prep and you need more storage throughout the week.

Also, it achieves a more traditional look for your kitchen. If the original design of your kitchen calls for a larger space to accommodate a fridge, then a standard-depth will tie into its design better than a counter-one will.

Cons

Of course, there are a few things to consider as well. One is that standard-depth fridges are bulkier, taking up more space. So, if you have a small kitchen, they minimize its functionality by giving you less room to operate. And with a deeper inside, food could become easily lost, leading to food waste.

Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth Refrigerator

When comparing these two options, you’ll want to account for factors, such as cost, space, functionality, and design. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Cost

Counter-depth models tend to be more expensive than standard-depth models, especially if you plan to add the trim. Along with unit costs, appliance installation costs are also a key consideration. For most fridges, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 for installation, while if you need cabinetry work done for counter-depth models, your cost runs from $130 to $3,900.

More affordable: Standard-depth

Space

Counter-depth models are sleeker by design, with depths between 24 to 30 inches. Conversely, you can buy standard-depth refrigerators in the following sizes:

• Small: Are often 29 to 33 inches deep, perfect for cozier kitchens or smaller apartments.

• Medium: These deliver between 30 to 36 inches in depth, making them ideal for larger apartments and homes. 

• Large: These offer depths of 30 to 36 inches but are also the tallest option available, with sizes up to 70 inches in height. This makes them perfect for larger homes or households requiring ample food storage.

More space options: Standard-depth

Capacity

With a counter-depth refrigerator, you won’t have as much storage space in your fridge, but you’ll also gain more space around it for increased functionality—something to note if you have a lot of countertop appliances or need extra elbow room for chopping and dicing.

That said, if food storage is what you need, standard-depth refrigerators are the clear winners as they come in a range of sizes, with some offering 36 inches of depth—this is more than the 30 inches of depth that counter-depth fridges usually max out at. Those six inches can make a big difference if you have a large family or cook a lot.

Significant food storage: Standard-depth

Design

If you want a more uniform look without any appliances jutting out, a counter-depth refrigerator works better. Conversely, if you want the functionality of a larger fridge and your kitchen design accommodates it, standard-depth models are the way to go.

Design: Tie

Installation Cost

Standard fridges, when purchased from major appliance stores, often include delivery and installation in the price. If not, this service is usually available for a very small fee (about $100 to $200). Installation costs for a counter-depth fridge are usually higher, especially if you need cabinetry work. Installation costs for counter-depth fridges range between $130 to $3,900.

Wallet-friendly installation: Standard-depth

Maintenance Tips

No matter which type you choose, here are some refrigerator maintenance tips to ensure it keeps running smoothly:

• Clean the door seals: Twice a year, clean the door seals with a toothbrush and a combination of baking soda and water. You can also check the seal’s integrity by placing a dollar bill in and closing the door. If the dollar bill easily slides out, you’ll need a refrigerator repair pro to inspect your fridge. 

• Clean the condenser coils: At this same time, unplug and pull your fridge away from the wall to clean its condenser coils with a vacuum. 

• Replace the water filter: If your fridge comes with a water dispenser, replace the filter when the indicator light tells you to.

• Empty and clean ice tray: If your fridge has an ice maker, you’ll want to remove ice monthly, as it can absorb odors from nearby food. 

• Clean freezer vents: These vents circulate air throughout the freezer. However, if they’re clogged with food particles, the air won’t move easily, which can potentially clog the drain tube. 

• Adjust temperature settings: Set it to the middle temperature setting. This ensures your refrigerator won’t have to overwork from higher temperature settings, which can reduce its operating life and lead to higher electrical costs.

• Don’t fill your freezer fully: Ideally, keep your freezer three-quarters full at most. That way, it still gives your vents room to move air around, and you won’t have a frozen snowball of forgotten meal ideas.