Counter depth refrigerators are more aesthetically pleasing because they do not protrude into the kitchen. Counter depths are also better for islands and other smaller galley style kitchens. There are 3 types of counter depth refrigerators: Regular, Professional (with compressor on the top) and Integrated (refrigerator hidden totally by the cabinet). Download our Refrigerator Guide for full descriptions of each.
Prices vary greatly between all the categories. Let's look at the most popular counter depth refrigerators:
This segment is the least expensive and most competitive with every manufacturer offering one or two products. A counter depth refrigerator is just a shallow version of a regular refrigerator. Pricing for this category is roughly $1149 to $4999 depending on features like LED lights inside and water dispenser. BTW: French door outsells the side by side by over 10-1 due to better lateral storage and cooler looks. I wasn't sure where to place Liebherr. It is marketed as a lower priced professional and is more impressive than a regular counter depth. It does not, however, have a top compressor like other professional counter depths.
These units emulate a professional refrigerator with the compressor on the top. The professional counter depth is solidly built weighing up to 800 pounds. Pricing varies from $5799 to a Sub-Zero at $14,999. Sub-Zero is techically better with twin compressors, air scrubber and a vacuum seal with Viking being second. We compared Viking vs Sub-Zero in this post. Jenn-Air is intriguing at $5799 plus a ton of rebates.
Integrated refrigerators are unlike the other two as they fit within the cabinet, whereas the doors will protrude with the regular and professional counter depth models. Miele, Gaggenau, Thermador and Bosch are manufactured in the same factory. Have a look at an integrated video:
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
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Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.
Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.
Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.
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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.