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:
Regular 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.
Professional Counter Depth Refrigerators
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 Counter Depth Refrigerators
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.
Couple of related posts:
Download the Yale Refrigerator Buying Guide for detailed analysis of brands and features of todays refrigeration.