March 27th, 2025 | 10 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect refrigeration products with our Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide
I bet you’re having a hard time finding the best 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator for your home.
There’s nothing wrong with you or your standard 33-inch cabinet.
The real problem is that most manufacturers don’t even make 33-inch counter-depth refrigerators.
In this article, you’ll learn all about the best 33-inch counter-depth refrigerators available right now, including their key features, pros and cons, and what makes each one a good fit - or not - for your kitchen.
Let’s get started.
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The Best 33-Inch Refrigerators for 2025
Best Service: GE GYE19JYLFS ($1,599-$1,899)
GE 18.6 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator
Review
GE is a twin-cooling refrigerator, meaning it has two evaporators: one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer.
More humid air stays in the fridge instead of getting trapped in the freezer, so your frozen foods taste better. Less warm air in the freezer also means less frost.
This model also features Turbo Cool, which adds colder air into the refrigerator while you're loading in fresh groceries.
The GE GYE19JYLFS is a smart refrigerator, giving you the ability to monitor and adjust settings from an app on your phone.
GE offers the best service support on this list, with solid access to parts and technical help.
They even operate their own service department now, called Bodewell. It's not GE Service anymore, for some reason.
Buying a GE refrigerator from a retailer without a service department is worth thinking about.
And guess what... you probably are.
Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot don’t offer service. Neither do about 95% of independent stores.
And yes, that matters.
This chart (just for the Boston area and just for people who bought from us) shows why:
Lastly, you can buy this refrigerator with an ice dispenser or upgrade to the more upscale, color-customizable Café model (CWE19SP2NS1).
Key Features of the GE GYE19JYLFS
- TwinChill Evaporators: Separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer keep odors and humidity in check.
- Turbo Cool / Turbo Freeze: Quickly lowers the temperature when you need it—like after a big grocery run.
- Quick Space Shelf: Adjusts easily to fit taller items.
- Advanced Water Filtration: Cleaner, better-tasting water and ice.
- ClimateKeeper2 Sensors: Helps maintain optimal temperature and humidity throughout the interior.
- Smart Features: Monitor and adjust settings right from your phone.
- Energy Star Certified: Efficient performance that can help cut energy bills.
Pros & Cons of the GE GYE19JYLFS
Pros
✔️Best service and support of any brand on this list
✔️Smart features with app control
✔️Twin cooling keeps food fresher and reduces freezer frost
✔️Flexible storage with adjustable shelves and drawers
✔️Option to upgrade to Café model with color customization
Cons
❌Not available at most service-equipped retailers
❌Some confusion around GE’s service rebrand (Bodewell)
❌Fewer color or style options unless you go with the Café model
Best Value: Samsung RF18A5101SR ($1,099 - $1,499)
Samsung 18 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator
Review
At one time, the RF18A5101SR was one of the most popular refrigerators in any size.
Then again, it was one of the only 33-inch refrigerators. Plus, it’s fairly inexpensive at $1,099 to $1,499.
Like GE, it has two evaporators for better temperature control and no crossover between the refrigerator and freezer.
However, service can be tough to find for Samsung appliances.
Samsung has a bigger logistical issue because it's the number-one-selling brand in the U.S. with zero technicians.
That’s right: zero.
So if you're buying a Samsung from a big-box store, your patience will be tested.
It's important to know how a product gets serviced before you buy it. Then again, I could say the same for most brands.
Key Features of the Samsung RF18A5101SR
- Twin Cooling Plus: Helps maintain optimal humidity levels and keeps odors from mixing between compartments.
- French Door Design: Space-efficient layout with a pull-out freezer drawer.
- Power Cool / Power Freeze: Quickly chills or freezes items when needed.
- Automatic Ice Maker: Convenient ice production in the freezer compartment.
- Digital Controls: Easy-to-use external display for adjusting settings and checking temperatures.
- Energy Star Certified: Designed for energy efficiency.
Pros & Cons of the Samsung RF18A5101SR
Pros
✔️Affordable price for a counter-depth French door refrigerator
✔️Twin cooling system for better food preservation
✔️Compact design with solid storage options, including gallon door bins
✔️Energy efficient and sleek design with digital controls
Cons
❌Difficult to find service for Samsung appliances
❌No dedicated service technicians in the U.S.
❌Limited long-term support if purchased from a big-box retailer
Looking for answers about Counter-Depth Refrigerators?
Short on time? Download our free Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide.
Most Reliable: Fisher & Paykel RF170WDRUX5 N, RF170ADUSX4 N, and RS32A72J1 ($2,849-$4,799)
Review
Fisher & Paykel offers a few different models to choose from, including a version with a water dispenser and a panel-ready option.
I think the product is unique and interesting-looking.
Note: I actually designed an F&P into my kitchen in Brookline when I was selling it.
It’s a cool-looking refrigerator with sensors throughout both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
These sensors communicate with the microprocessor to help maintain proper temperature.
Want to know exactly how it works?
Here are the five ways ActiveSmart is designed for efficiency (Don’t feel bad—I had to look it up too):
- Temperature Control: Multiple sensors monitor the internal temperature and detect any changes.
- Adaptive Cooling: The system uses real-time data to adjust airflow and cooling, keeping the temperature consistent.
- Energy Efficiency: Only the necessary zones are cooled, which reduces energy use. For example, if you open the fridge frequently, it may prioritize cooling the top shelf.
- Humidity Control: Some models let you adjust humidity in specific drawers to help keep produce fresh.
- Smart Defrost: Adjusts the defrost cycle based on your usage patterns to help prevent freezer burn and minimize energy waste.
The RF170 series is available with or without internal water and ice dispensers. It’s less expensive without them, starting at $2,699.
Fisher & Paykel also offers a 33-inch single-door counter-depth model if you prefer that style.
The RF172GDUX1 is very similar to the RF170 series, but it’s 70.5 inches tall and features two independent freezer drawers.
The ice maker is located in the smaller top freezer drawer, which is rare. Most internal ice makers, including other F&P models, are in the bottom freezer, which isn’t as convenient.
And if you’re looking to panel a 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator, you can do that with the Fisher & Paykel RS32A72J1.
At $4,799, the F&P might seem expensive. But it’s between $5,000 and $8,000 less than most integrated refrigerators from Sub-Zero and Thermador.
Key Features of a Fisher & Paykel Refrigerators
- Variable Temperature Zones: Adjust temperatures for different items or compartments.
- Flexible Shelving: Customize interior space with adjustable shelves and bins.
- LED Lighting: Bright, even illumination that’s energy efficient.
- Air Purification: Removes odors and keeps the interior fresh (on select models).
- Fast Freeze and Quick Cool: Rapid temperature drops for new groceries.
- Energy Efficiency: Built to meet or exceed modern efficiency standards.
- Customizable Finishes: Available in stainless steel, white, black, and panel-ready options.
Pros & Cons of Fisher & Paykel Refrigerators
Pros
✔️Sleek, modern design with multiple finish options, including panel-ready
✔️Advanced cooling with ActiveSmart technology for better temperature consistency and efficiency
✔️Available in multiple configurations, including single-door and French door models
✔️Smart defrost and humidity control help preserve food longer
✔️Ice maker located in a more convenient top freezer drawer (on select models)
✔️Less expensive than most luxury integrated refrigerators from brands like Sub-Zero and Thermador
Cons
❌Higher price compared to other 33-inch models on this list
❌Not as widely available as GE or Samsung
❌Some features, like air purification or dual freezer drawers, only come with select models
And now for something new... finally.
Largest: LG LF21C6200S ($1,395 - $1,695)
Review
At 20.5 cubic feet, the LG LF21C6200S is the largest 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator on this list.
That’s about three cubic feet more than most models, or roughly 18 percent more capacity.
It’s built like LG’s popular Counter-Depth MAX line, using thinner walls and more advanced insulation.
If that sentence makes you nervous, don’t worry. The Counter-Depth MAX refrigerators work.
This model uses one evaporator and two sensors to maintain proper temperatures, instead of LG’s standard dual-evaporator setup.
Key Features of the LG LF21C6200S
- PrintProof Stainless Steel: Smudge-resistant and easy to clean
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Meets energy efficiency standards
- SmartDiagnosis: Helps you troubleshoot issues quickly
- LG ThinQ App with ThinQ Care:
- Sends smart alerts for proactive maintenance
- Offers real-time diagnostics to help avoid service calls
- Lets you manage your LG smart appliances in one place
Pros & Cons of the LG LF21C6200S
Pros
✔️Largest capacity among 33-inch counter-depth models (20.5 cu. ft.)
✔️Thin insulation increases storage without adding bulk
✔️Smart features with ThinQ® app and ThinQ Care
✔️Smudge-resistant stainless steel finish
Cons
❌Single evaporator may not control temperature as precisely
❌Lacks premium features found in higher-end models
❌No panel-ready option
Best Overall: LG LF20G6331 ($2,399)
Review
At 20 cubic feet and counter depth, the LF20G6331 offers solid capacity like the model above. Plus, it includes two ice makers and a water dispenser.
The Door Cooling+ feature is a standout. Cold air is released from vents at the top of the fridge and freezer whenever the doors are opened.
This helps prevent warmer air from raising the internal temperature.
It’s similar to walking into a store on a hot summer day and feeling the blast of cold AC. Those ceiling fans are there to stop hot air from rushing inside.
Key Features of the LG LF20G6331
- Smart Cooling: Sensors maintain consistent temperature and humidity
- Linear Compressor: Quiet and energy-efficient performance
- Digital Controls: Easy temperature adjustments from the front panel
- Pantry Drawer: Middle drawer with adjustable temperature
- Flexible Storage: Adjustable shelves and bins
- LED Lighting: Bright and efficient interior lighting
- Dual Ice Makers: External water and ice dispenser, plus a second ice maker in the freezer
- Smart App Compatible: Works with LG’s SmartThinQ™ app
- Door Alarm: Alerts if doors are left open
Pros & Cons of the LG LF20G6331
Pros
✔️Strong overall capacity for a 33-inch counter-depth model (20 cu. ft.)
✔️Includes two ice makers and a water dispenser
✔️Door Cooling+ helps maintain stable temperatures when doors are opened
✔️Quiet and efficient performance with linear compressor
✔️Flexible storage with adjustable shelves, bins, and a pantry drawer
✔️Smart app compatibility for remote monitoring and control
Cons
❌Slightly less capacity than the LG MAX model
❌Pantry drawer takes up space some users may not need
❌No panel-ready option
What to Know Before Buying a 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Counter-Depth vs. Full-Depth Refrigerators
Refrigerators with more cubic footage tend to cost less on average.
Standard-depth refrigerators typically offer 22 to 25 cubic feet of capacity and are less expensive than counter-depth models, which usually range from 15 to 20 cubic feet.
You can buy many of these same brands in a 25-cubic-foot size, but keep in mind - the deeper depth means the unit will stick out farther from your cabinets.
Looking for answers about Counter-Depth Refrigerators?
Short on time? Download our free Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide.
Why Choose a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?
A counter-depth refrigerator doesn’t protrude into your kitchen the way a standard-depth model does.
The cabinet helps hide the body of the refrigerator, so instead of textured black sides, you get a cleaner, more built-in look.
Counter-depth refrigerators also work better in smaller kitchens. In kitchens with an island, the shallower profile gives you more space to move around.
Pro Tip: If you want a bigger refrigerator with the look of a counter-depth, consider building out your cabinets to match the depth of the fridge doors. Another option is placing your refrigerator at the end of your cabinetry, so the sides aren’t visible.
Are Counter-Depth Refrigerators Reliable?
Refrigerators have become more reliable in recent years. Ice makers are breaking less often - at least within the first year.
Counter-Depth Refrigerator Reliability for 2025
Here’s how the top brands compare:
| Brand | Service Rate |
| LG Studio | 7.4% |
| LG | 8.4% |
| Bosch | 12.5% |
| GE Appliances | 19.2% |
| Café Appliances | 19.6% |
| GE Profile | 21.6% |
| Grand Total | 12.1% |
Based on over 33,000 real service calls, these are the most reliable counter-depth refrigerators we’ve serviced in the past year.
LG Studio and LG rank as the most reliable brands on this list.
Are LG Compressors Actually a Problem?
You might think so based on blog posts, but many of those influencers don’t actually offer service.
According to a five-year study of actual service calls, LG compressors needed repair just 1.1% of the time.
Bosch had the best rate at just over 0.5%, while other brands had higher rates.
Final Thoughts
Good news: You now have access to quality 33-inch counter-depth refrigerators at reasonable prices, with more choices than ever.
Samsung offers strong value. LG gives you more space and smarter tech. Fisher & Paykel adds a stylish, high-end look.
You can even panel one of these refrigerators for a built-in aesthetic.
Just remember: refrigerators can break, so always check for service availability in your area before you buy.
Additional Resources
You know that feeling when you open the fridge and everything is exactly where it should be? That’s what we want for you.
Download our Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide and get expert advice on finding the perfect fit - without all the second-guessing.
We break down the top brands, including Sub-Zero, Miele, LG, GE, and Thermador, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
Over 1 million people have read and trusted a Yale Guide.
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Looking for answers about Counter-Depth Refrigerators?
Choosing a new refrigerator can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
