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Counter Depth vs. Standard Depth: Which Refrigerator is Right For You?

The main difference between counter depth and standard depth refrigerators is dimension. Counter depth fridges are shallower to achieve a built-in appearance while standard fridges generally offer more capacity. Either way, your refrigerator is essential to storing all your fresh ingredients.

Follow your culinary instincts whether you’re exploring the local farmer’s market or checking off a long list of new recipe ingredients. Find a refrigerator that has the right capacity for whatever your grocery haul looks like, from a rotating artisan cheese selection to keeping all your favorite herbs on hand. The right refrigerator can open the doors to reimagining your every meal. Keep reading to find out which one is right for you.

Person preparing food next to a French door refrigerator Person preparing food next to a French door refrigerator

What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?

Most counter depth refrigerators, including KitchenAid brand counter depth refrigerators, are around 24-30 inches deep. While shallower than a standard size fridge, it offers a seamless configuration between your kitchen cabinets, without having to remodel.

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THE BENEFITS OF A COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR

  • Built-in Look: A counter depth refrigerator can give your kitchen a built-in look with an integration that’s nearly flush with your cabinetry and countertops.
  • More Room: Make room for more making with a space-saving design that can help you to move freely around the kitchen and even increase your workspace.

  • Easy Access: A shallower fridge helps make items more visible up front and less likely to get forgotten in the back.

 

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Open French door refrigerator stocked with food and drinks Open French door refrigerator stocked with food and drinks

What is a Standard Depth Refrigerator?

KitchenAid brand has standard depth refrigerators between 31-36 inches deep, which is typically the size range of most standard depth refrigerators. A standard or full-size refrigerator may stick out half a foot or more from the edge of your countertop due to its deeper storage proportion.

When examining a counter depth vs. standard depth fridge, capacity is going to be a main difference and the additional space in a standard depth refrigerator may make it ideal for larger kitchens and hefty grocery hauls to support your culinary endeavors.

French door refrigerator in a kitchen

Benefits of a Standard Depth Refrigerator

  • More Depth: A standard depth refrigerator has a larger dimension from front to back than a counter depth fridge, giving you more space to organize groceries.
  • Traditional Layout: Achieve a more traditional kitchen aesthetic with a standard depth refrigerator.
  • Available in Larger Capacities: Suited for large households and passionate makers, a standard depth refrigerator has plenty of space to store ingredients in both the fridge and freezer.

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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNTER DEPTH AND STANDARD DEPTH REFRIGERATORS?

The difference between counter depth vs. standard depth refrigerators is depth dimension. Counter depth fridges fit nearly flush with your cabinetry, but measure smaller in depth than standard size fridges. For certain counter depth models, a larger width and height make up for some lost storage.

Both types of refrigerators offer a collection of useful features to help keep your food fresh, as well as options for a water filtration system, different style finishes and sought-after configurations. Read more about the types of refrigerators available in the KitchenAid brand collection.

Person putting fresh herbs into a stocked French door refrigerator Person putting fresh herbs into a stocked French door refrigerator

is there less storage space in a counter depth vs. standard depth fridge?

When comparing a counter depth refrigerator vs. standard dimensions, consider what you value most in terms of storage and design. Depending on the model, a counter depth fridge may have a bit less room inside, but learning how to organize your refrigerator can help you make the most of your space.

A counter depth fridge might be the perfect solution to creating a more open workspace in your kitchen or, if you keep your fridge fully stocked, a larger capacity standard depth refrigerator might be the way to go. You’ll have a bit more food storage space, and if you’re someone who loves to entertain, has a big household or just enjoys having a variety of ingredients on hand, you’ll appreciate the added depth of a standard fridge.

Fruits and vegetables in a refrigerator Fruits and vegetables in a refrigerator

Do Counter Depth Refrigerators Offer the Same Features as Standard Ones?

Yes, you can find many similar features on both types of refrigerators including the Preserva® Food Care System and the Produce Preserver on select KitchenAid® models. Configurable shelves and drawers, as well as LED lighting are also added conveniences that can make your making even more enjoyable.

The refrigerator is the center of the kitchen. It’s one of the most functional and highly-used appliances in your entire household. Once you’ve landed on measurements, configuration and exterior finish, discovering features that align with your lifestyle will be an added bonus to help kickstart your culinary endeavors. Read the refrigerator buying guide for more helpful tips and information on how to pick just the right refrigerator for your kitchen.

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