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The best counter depth refrigerator lines up more closely with your cabinets for a built-in look and a wider walkway. Counter-depth models are shallower than standard-depth refrigerators, usually about 24 to 32 inches deep depending on how the listing measures, and they come in French door, bottom freezer and 24-inch styles.
We compared counter-depth refrigerators on Amazon on listed depth, width, capacity and features.
Quick Answer: The Best Counter Depth Refrigerator
- Best OverallGE 20.6 Counter-Depth
- Best Bottom FreezerKenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer
- Shallowest French DoorSamsung Bespoke 24 Counter-Depth
- Most CapacityLG 26 Counter-Depth MAX
- Best Built-In LookGE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom
- Best 33-InchSamsung 17.5 Counter-Depth
GE GYE21JYMFS is the best counter depth refrigerator for most kitchens: TwinChill evaporators, an internal dispenser and ENERGY STAR listing in a 36-inch French door. Kenmore 17.8 is the counter-depth bottom freezer, Samsung Bespoke 24 is about 28.75 inches deep, LG Counter-Depth MAX holds 26 cubic feet, GE GBE17HYRFS has recessed handles and Samsung RF18A5101SR fits 33-inch openings.
Best Counter Depth Refrigerator Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE 20.6 Counter-Depth | Best Overall | 36-inch counter-depth French door | TwinChill, ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| Kenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer | Best Bottom Freezer | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | 27.5 in. deep | Check Price |
| Samsung Bespoke 24 Counter-Depth | Shallowest French Door | 36-inch counter-depth French door | 28.75 in. deep | Check Price |
| LG 26 Counter-Depth MAX | Most Capacity | 36-inch counter-depth French door | 26 cu ft | Check Price |
| GE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom | Best Built-In Look | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Recessed handles | Check Price |
| Samsung 17.5 Counter-Depth | Best 33-Inch | 33-inch counter-depth French door | ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
The 6 Counter-Depth Refrigerators We Recommend
Measure the opening width, height and depth, plus the door swing and the path through your entry doors, before you order a full-size refrigerator. Specs below come from each Amazon listing.
1. GE GYE21JYMFS 20.6 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
1. GE balances features and fit.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- TwinChill evaporators
- ENERGY STAR
- Internal dispenser
- Door alarm
Cons
- Few reviews
- No door ice
- 36-inch opening needed
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 20.6 cu ft (about 21 listed)
- Dimensions: 35.63" W x 30.94" D x 69.88" H (listed)
- Cooling: TwinChill evaporators
- Water: Internal water dispenser
- Alerts: Door ajar alarm
- Certification: ENERGY STAR (listed)
GE’s GYE21JYMFS uses TwinChill evaporators to keep fridge and freezer climates separate in a counter-depth cabinet.
Internal dispenser.
2. Kenmore 17.8 Cu. Ft. 31" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
2. Kenmore is compact.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth
- Inverter compressor
- Ice maker
- ENERGY STAR
Cons
- Single fridge door
- 31-inch width
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.8 cu ft
- Dimensions: 31.2" W x 27.5" D x 68" H (listed)
- Compressor: Inverter
- Ice: Ice maker (cubed)
- Storage: 5 clear bins incl. gallon bin, 2 crispers
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
Kenmore’s 17.8 cubic foot bottom freezer is counter-depth at about 27.5 inches deep, with an inverter compressor and ice maker.
Inverter.
3. Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6200QL 24 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth 3-Door French Door Refrigerator
3. Samsung sits flush.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth
- Custom panels
- AutoFill pitcher
- Flat doors
Cons
- Premium price
- No door dispenser
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 24 cu ft (17.2 fresh + 6.8 freezer)
- Dimensions: 35.75" W x 28.75" D x 70" H (listed)
- Water: AutoFill water pitcher
- Ice: Dual ice maker with Ice Bites
- Energy: 630 kWh/year (listed)
- Door open depth: 43" max
Samsung’s Bespoke 24 counter-depth model has flat, changeable panels, an AutoFill pitcher and Ice Bites.
Custom panels.
4. LG LRFXC2606S 26 Cu. Ft. Smart Counter-Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator
4. LG maximizes space.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth with big capacity
- Dual ice makers
- Door dispenser
- ThinQ app
Cons
- Few reviews
- Higher energy use
- Premium price
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 26 cu ft (16.9 fresh + 8.6 freezer)
- Dimensions: 35.75" W x 31.62" D x 70.25" H (listed)
- Ice: Dual ice makers
- Dispenser: External water and ice
- Smart: ThinQ app, SmartDiagnosis
- Energy: 699 kWh/year (listed)
LG’s Counter-Depth MAX design fits 26 cubic feet into a counter-depth cabinet with dual ice makers and a door dispenser.
Dual ice.
5. GE GBE17HYRFS 17.7 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
5. GE is streamlined.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth
- Recessed handles
- Clean look
- GE support
Cons
- No ice maker listed
- Premium price
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.4–17.7 cu ft (listed)
- Dimensions: 31.13" W x 27" D x 68" H (listed)
- Handles: Recessed
- Design: Fits nearly flush with cabinets
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
- Defrost: Frost free
GE’s GBE17HYRFS is a counter-depth bottom freezer with recessed handles for a built-in look.
31 in. wide.
6. Samsung RF18A5101SR 17.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Counter-Depth 3-Door French Door Refrigerator
6. Samsung fits mid-size openings.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth at 33 inches
- ENERGY STAR
- Wi-Fi alerts
- Separate fridge and freezer cooling
Cons
- No ice or water dispenser
- Smaller capacity
- Few reviews on this listing
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.5 cu ft
- Dimensions: 32.13" W x 28.5" D x 70" H (listed)
- Cooling: Twin Cooling Plus
- Smart: Wi-Fi alerts for power loss and open door
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
- Handles: Recessed
Samsung’s RF18A5101SR is a 33-inch counter-depth French door with Twin Cooling Plus and Wi-Fi alerts for power loss or an open door.
Wi-Fi alerts.
How We Chose the Best Counter Depth Refrigerator
To choose the best counter depth refrigerator, we compared full-size refrigerators sold on Amazon in the U.S. on total capacity, outside width, depth and height, door layout, freezer location, ice and water features, listed energy use, ENERGY STAR status and warranty. We checked whether each model is standard depth or counter depth, whether the ice maker and water dispenser are inside or on the door, and how much clearance the doors need. We read owner reviews for recurring problems such as ice maker failures, uneven cooling, noisy fans and delivery damage, and we left out listings whose specifications contradicted themselves.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Counter Depth Refrigerator
What counter depth means
Shallower to sit closer to flush.
How listings measure
With or without doors and handles.
Capacity trade-off
Less space than standard depth.
Styles
French door, bottom freezer and 24-inch.
Width
24 to 36 inches.
Ice and water
Check location.
Energy
Compare kWh.
Leave room for air and hinges
Manufacturers usually ask for a small gap at the top, sides and back for airflow, plus extra space on the hinge side so doors can open far enough for crisper drawers to slide out.
Standard depth vs counter depth
Standard-depth refrigerators usually stick out several inches past the counters but hold more food. Counter-depth models sit closer to flush for a built-in look, with less capacity for the same width.
Measure the path, not just the opening
Check doorways, hallways and turns on the delivery route. Many full-size refrigerators are about 30 to 36 inches deep with doors, and removing doors or handles may be needed to get through narrow entries.
Ice makers and water lines
Ice makers and dispensers need a water line and a filter that is replaced every few months. If you do not have a nearby water supply, an ice-maker-ready model or one without a dispenser avoids plumbing work.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Measure counter depth. Usually 24 to 25 inches.
- Allow rear clearance. Airflow.
- Set 37–40°F and 0°F. Food safety.
- Clean coils. Efficiency.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best counter depth refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best counter depth refrigerator?
GE GYE21JYMFS for most kitchens.
How deep is counter depth?
Often about 24 to 32 inches depending on the listing.
Do counter-depth fridges hold less?
Yes, for the same width.
Are there counter-depth bottom freezers?
Yes, like Kenmore 17.8.
Is counter depth worth it?
If walkway space and looks matter.
How much clearance does a refrigerator need?
Follow the installation guide for your model; many ask for about an inch at the top and back and enough room on the hinge side for the doors to open fully.
Final Verdict
GE GYE21JYMFS is the best counter depth refrigerator for most kitchens, with Kenmore 17.8 for a bottom freezer and LG for capacity. Measure carefully to choose the best counter depth refrigerator.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
