Choosing The Right Refrigerator Depth

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Choosing The Right Refrigerator Depth

With all the different styles, sizes, and feature options, shopping for a new refrigerator can be an exciting endeavor that quickly becomes a tedious task. Not only is it the largest appliance in your home, it’s also the most used appliance, from this morning’s breakfast to tonight’s midnight snack. While a refrigerator’s depth may affect the style of your kitchen, it also affects your refrigerator’s size and storage capacity. You may love the look of a counter-depth refrigerator but is it really the best solution for your big family? Below we consider both to help you choose the right refrigerator depth for your lifestyle and kitchen.

Standard

Sometimes called freestanding refrigerators, standard depth refrigerators are the most common choice for their affordable price tag and easy mobility. These refrigerators usually sit between 30 to 34 inches in depth and offer roomy interiors, with up to 28 cubic feet. Standard depth refrigerators may be ideal for larger families and anyone on a budget who still wants to enjoy the latest refrigerator features. These refrigerators are easy to install without a professional and can be moved to your next home.

Counter-Depth

At approximately 25 to 30 inches in depth, counter-depth refrigerators are designed to sit flush with your existing kitchen cabinets. Counter-depth refrigerators are considered more stylish as they simulate the custom look of a built-in refrigerator to give your kitchen a uniform look. Plus they don’t stick out as far as standard-depth refrigerators so they can save space and stay out of your way. However, this also means they offer less capacity, only up to 20 cubic feet, so make sure there’s enough space for your food storage needs. Their price point puts them below built-in refrigerators so you can enjoy the built-in look without the built-in price.

Built-In

A staple in luxury kitchens, built-in refrigerators are integrated directly into your kitchen cabinets to offer a seamless design. These refrigerators are around the same depth as counter-depth refrigerators but give your kitchen a completely custom look. Since built-in refrigerators are more shallow than standard refrigerators, the compressor is usually placed above the refrigerator instead of behind it making it taller to make up for any lost space. They also come in larger sizes, up to 48 inches in width. Built-in refrigerators can also be integrated with a custom-designed panel door to perfectly match your kitchen cabinets to help blend and camouflage your refrigerator entirely.