Counter Depth Refrigerator vs. Standard Refrigerator: Which One Is Better?

A refrigerator is an essential appliance in every household. If you are building your dream house by implementing all the smart techniques and appliances, make sure you are installing the best refrigerator that suits your lifestyle and requirements.

A counter-depth refrigerator sits flush with the kitchen cabinets and gives a seamless look. Whereas, a standard refrigerator offers more storage space and is perfect for a traditional kitchen. These are the most commonly used refrigerators in every household.

This article explains in detail on counter depth refrigerator vs. standard refrigerator. Read the full article and choose the suitable refrigerator for your home.

	Counter Depth Refrigerator	Standard Refrigerator
Definition	Counter-depth refrigerator is designed to be installed in the depth of countertops and its front portion is aligned with the edge of the countertops.	Standard refrigerators are the conventional ones with a depth of 30 to 36 inches or more. These types of refrigerators protrude beyond the countertops.
Best for	This refrigerator is best for a modern kitchen with customized cabinets.	This refrigerator is best for a traditional kitchen which has large kitchen space.
Clearance space	It offers more clearance space.	These refrigerators are bulkier and take up more space.
Dimension (Approximate)	Height: 66 to 72 inches Width: 30 to 36 inches Depth: 24-25 inches	Height: 62 to 72 inches Width: 24 to 40 inches Depth: 29-36 inches
Price	Usually, 15 to 20% more expensive than a standard refrigerator.	Less expensive than counter depth refrigerator.
Storage space	Offers less storage space as compared to standard refrigerators.	It offers more storage space to store foods.
Look	This refrigerator gives a sleek and stylish look to the modern kitchen.	It gives a traditional look.

Definition

Counter Depth Refrigerator

“Counter Depth” refers to the space between the kitchen wall and the front of the countertop which is typically 24 -30 inches. Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to be installed in the depth of countertops. The front portion of the counter depth refrigerators is aligned with the edge of the countertops. This refrigerator gives a clean, classy, and customized look to your kitchen.

As these types of refrigerators are designed to match the kitchen cabinetry, the depth of these refrigerators is smaller as compared to the standard ones. So, counter-depth refrigerators often have a large width and height to make up for some lost storage space.

Standard Refrigerator

Standard refrigerators are the conventional ones with a depth of 30 to 36 inches or more. These types of refrigerators protrude beyond the countertop. But it gives ample room for food storage.

A large family prefers standard refrigerators as they offer more storage space. You must consider buying a standard refrigerator if you have a traditional kitchen and a large space to accommodate the refrigerator. Standard refrigerators are usually less costly than counter-depth refrigerators.

Pros And Cons

Pros of Counter Depth Refrigerator

Counter-depth refrigerators fit nicely into the modern kitchen cabinets. You don’t have to waste extra space to place it.
It offers more clearance space. You can easily open and close the door without bumping into anything.
The food items are easily available due to their reduced depth. This is more helpful for people with disability and mobility issues.
This refrigerator gives a sleek and stylish look to the modern kitchen.
These refrigerators have greater heights to provide more storage space.
The counter-depth refrigerators fit flush against the wall. Thus, it improves mobility in the kitchen. You can easily move around the kitchen space.

Cons of Counter Depth Refrigerator

Some counter-depth refrigerators are 24-25 inches in depth and provide less storage space.
These refrigerators are more expensive than the standard refrigerators.
A counter-depth refrigerator has a wider profile.
Its drawers are shorter and freezer compartments are smaller.

Pros of Standard Refrigerators

A standard refrigerator has a depth of 30 – 36 inches. So, it offers more storage space.
If you have a large family and you need more space to store food, then you should buy a standard refrigerator.
It gives a traditional look to the kitchen. If you have a traditional kitchen and more space to keep a refrigerator, then go for a standard refrigerator.

Cons of Standard Refrigerators

These refrigerators are bulkier and take up more space.
It reduces the space inside your kitchen and you might find it difficult to move around freely in the kitchen.
Due to more depth inside the refrigerator, foods could easily lost and there are chances of food waste.

Dimensions:

Dimensions of Counter Depth Refrigerator

The depth of a counter-depth refrigerator depends on the depth of kitchen cabinets which is approximately 24-25 inches. The width of these refrigerators varies between 30 to 36 inches and these are almost 66 to 72 inches tall.

Dimensions of Standard Refrigerator

A standard refrigerator’s width varies from 24 to 40 inches, and the height is approximately in between 62 to 72 inches. The main difference between the standard and counter-depth refrigerators is their depth. The depth of a standard refrigerator varies between 29 to 36 inches.

Types:

Types of Counter-Depth Refrigerator

There are 4 major types of counter-depth refrigerators.

Side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator

This type of refrigerator has two doors side by side, the narrower one is the freezer and the wider one is the fresh food compartment.

French door counter-depth refrigerator

This type of refrigerator has two doors side by side on the top that open from the center and the freezer drawer is placed at the bottom.

Top freezer counter-depth refrigerator

In this refrigerator, the freezer compartment is on the top and the fresh food compartment is below it.

Bottom freezer counter-depth refrigerator

This refrigerator has a freezer drawer on the bottom level and the fresh food compartment is at the upper level.

Types of Standard Refrigerators

The standard refrigerators are also of several types

Side-by-side refrigerator

This refrigerator has a freezer and fresh food compartment side by side.

French door refrigerator

This type of refrigerator has two fresh food compartments which are placed side by side at the top level and the freezer compartment is at the bottom level.

Top freezer refrigerator

This type of refrigerator is the most commonly used in every household. It has the freezer compartment at the top and the fresh food compartment is below it.

Bottom Freezer refrigerator

This type of refrigerator has a fresh food compartment on the top and the freezer compartment is below it.

Specialty refrigerator

Wine refrigerators and beverage centers are types of specialty refrigerators. These refrigerators are designed for specific purposes and their features are also different based on the precise requirements.

Counter Depth Refrigerator vs. Standard Refrigerator

Price

Price of A Counter Depth Refrigerator

The price of a refrigerator depends on the size, type, features, and model that you are planning to buy. Usually, counter-depth refrigerators are 15 to 20% more expensive than standard refrigerators.

Price of A Standard Refrigerator

The basic price of a top freezer refrigerator varies between $200 to $1000. A medium to extra-large refrigerator’s price varies between $1200 to $2500. There are also some refrigerators with extra-large storage space and prices are between $2500 to $5000.

Appearance

Appearance of A Counter Depth Refrigerator

A counter-depth refrigerator gives a sleek, stylish, and modern look to the kitchen space. It blends flawlessly with the kitchen cabinets. These refrigerators are large in width and height and have lesser depths.

If you have a smart home with a modern kitchen and properly designed and planned cabinets then you should consider buying a counter depth refrigerator.

Appearance of A Standard Refrigerator

A standard refrigerator’s depth is larger than a countertop refrigerator. It takes more space and often gives a bulkier look.

If you have a traditional and spacious kitchen and you need more space to store food items then a standard refrigerator is a better option for you.

Conclusion

If you need a clean, classy, and customized look in your kitchen, a counter-depth refrigerator is the best option for you. This refrigerator is designed to be installed in the depth of countertops and its front portion is aligned with the edge of the countertops.

A standard refrigerator is more suitable for large families who have a traditional kitchen and need more space to store food. Its storage space and functionalities are more appealing for day-to-day use.

Each type of refrigerator has its advantages and disadvantages. Select the perfect refrigerator for your kitchen according to your requirements, budget, lifestyle, and available kitchen space.

FAQS

Which is better, the counter-depth or the standard refrigerator?

2. Do counter-depth refrigerators look better?

Yes, from an appearance point of view, counter-depth refrigerators look better than standard refrigerators. These refrigerators give a sleek, stylish, and modern look to the kitchen space.

3. Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive?

Yes, counter-depth refrigerators are 15 to 20% more expensive than the standard refrigerators.