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At a Glance
I have to admit, when I first wrote this article two years ago, it was depressing.
The least expensive recommendation for a 30 inch counter depth refrigerator was $3,999 at that time.
I can only imagine you moving into your new place only to discover your new refrigerator costs more than your mortgage payment - awful.
Two years later, prices, products, and recommendations have completely changed.
I don't even have to plead with you to buy a 33 inch or 36-inch refrigerator to save money anymore.
In this article, you will learn the different manufacturers and 30 inch counter depths to consider at every price including features and reliability.
Best 30-inch Counter Depth Refrigerators For 2020 Sneak Peek:
- Best Overall Integrated 30-Inch Refrigerator: SubZero IT-30CIID
- Best Built-In 30-Inch Refrigerator: SubZero BI-30UORH
- Most Affordable Built-In 30-Inch Refrigerator: Bosch B30BB930
- Best Premium Freestanding 30-Inch Refrigerator: Miele KFN15943DE
- Most Affordable 30-Inch Counter Depth Refrigerator: Beko BFBF3018
First, you should know the differences between the three refrigerator types, freestanding or regular counter depth, built-in or professional counter depth, and integrated counter depth refrigerators.
What's The Difference Between Freestanding, Built-In, and Integrated Counter Depth Refrigerators?
Counter-Depth Refrigerators at Yale Appliance in Hanover
There is a huge difference between the types for looks, features, and price.
A freestanding or regular counter depth refrigerator is simply a less deep refrigerator.
It is much less expensive than the other two types. Features are surprisingly good as well.
Many of these refrigerators now have twin compressors or evaporators, as well as several different styles and configurations.
Built-in refrigerators have the compressors on the top to emulate the professional, restaurant look. You will pay over $8,000 for a built-in refrigerator.
Differences Between Built-In and Integrated Counter-Depth Refrigerators at Yale Appliance in Boston
Integrated refrigerators fit inside a 24-inch cabinet, so the refrigerator is indistinguishable from the cabinet.
Many people use the word "column" to describe an all-refrigerator or all integrated freezer refrigerator.
These refrigerators are the most expensive refrigerator per cubic foot, even more than that $8,000 built-in.
Short on time? Get our free Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide
Are Counter Depth Refrigerators Reliable?
Refrigerators are the least reliable appliances in your kitchen as a percentage.
Counter Depth Refrigerator Reliability For 2020
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| BlueStar | 23 | 36 | 63.89% |
| Jenn-Air | 308 | 595 | 51.76% |
| KitchenAid | 103 | 239 | 43.10% |
| Whirlpool | 6 | 17 | 35.29% |
| Bosch Appliances | 135 | 422 | 31.99% |
| LG Electronics | 10 | 46 | 21.74% |
| Samsung | 248 | 1220 | 20.33% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 31 | 192 | 16.55% |
| GE Profile | 9 | 59 | 15.25% |
| GE Appliances | 5 | 35 | 14.29% |
| Café Appliances | 2 | 41 | 4.87% |
| Grand Total | 916 | 2932 | 31.24% |
A portion should be attributed to design changes due to governmental regulation for energy efficiency.
The new refrigerators will save you money on your energy bill but will have more problems.
Two common issues are ice makers and general installation. It's not bigger problems leaving you without a refrigerator like compressor failures.
However, there is more maintenance (like cleaning your compressors).
Just be aware of the problem and look to find a reputable service agent before you buy it.
The appliance industry is notorious for its lack of technicians.
This problem is even worse for refrigerators because that is a separate specialty with even fewer skilled workers.
Best 30-Inch Counter Depth Refrigerators For 2020
Best Overall 30-Inch Integrated Refrigerator: Sub-Zero IT-30CIIDRH - $8,560
Features:
- The disappearing refrigerator
- Dual refrigeration keeps food fresher
- Air purification system fights spoilage, odors
- Internal water dispenser works with seamless design
- Over-and-under refrigerator/freezer storage
- Nano-coated spill-proof shelving
- Low-temperature/high-humidity storage zones
- Smart-touch controls
- Water-filtration system
Best Overall 30-Inch Built-In Refrigerator: Sub-Zero BI30UORH - $8,650
Features:
- Panel ready design
- Dual refrigeration keeps food fresher
- Air purification system fights spoilage, odors
- Low-temperature/high-humidity storage zones
- Microprocessor control guarantees peak performance
- Helpful freshness cards
- Water-filtration system
Sub-Zero is the best known and probably best-built refrigerator. It is manufactured in the U.S.
Sub-Zero is the only refrigerator with an air scrubber to "scrub" the gasses of foods in the refrigerator, so food stays fresher for a longer time. They also have an advanced water purifier.
The IT-30CIIDRH has an interior water dispenser and two freezer drawers. When paneled, the fridge integrates flush into your cabinets.
If you are looking for a "Pro" type with the compressors on the top, they manufacture the BI-30. It has a commercial look, but the door and handles will protrude.
Sub-Zero has a better seal on the door and crispers to keep air out and food fresher longer.
(Our Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide explains the different counter depth styles).
Most Affordable Built-In 30-Inch Refrigerator: Bosch B30BB930 - $7,499
Features:
- Remotely monitor and control your refrigerator with the Home Connect app.
- Bright All LED Lighting Shines Throughout the Entire Interior.
- Dual Evaporators Prevent Odor Transfer and Optimize Freshness.
- The Optiflex Hinge Allows Doors to be Mounted Flush and Open With No Damage to Cabinetry
- Energy Star® Qualified for Energy Efficiency
Bosch and Miele are produced in the same factory as Thermador but offer different features, plus both have rebates on kitchen purchases.
In the case of Bosch, it is just about a lower price at $7,499 in stainless steel. It has the two compressors like Sub-Zero.
For $1,000 more, you can buy the same refrigerator in Thermador. It has a push to open the door to easily open the door with your hands full.
You can also buy customizable bins and have more robust internal settings.
Best Premium Freestanding 30-Inch Refrigerator: Miele KFN15943DE - $3,599
Features:
- 11.7 cu. ft.
- NoFrost
- Glass Refrigerator Shelves
- Ice Maker
- SoftClose
- ComfortClean
If a refrigerator can be feature oriented other than cooling, then Miele has the most features.
The refrigerator offers six shelves and five adjustable door bins. You also have the cool "MasterCool" technology, precisely controlling the crispers.
Without question, Miele is the best looking freestanding counter depth refrigerator.
Most Affordable 30-Inch Counter Depth Refrigerator: Beko BFBF3018 - $1,299
Features:
- 16.2 cu. ft., Counter Depth
- EverFresh+
- Active Blue Light Technology
- IonGuard, Full Frost Free
- Electronic Control, Dual Evaporator
- R600a Refrigerant
- Left Hinge
- Stainless
You probably want to know who Beko is first. Beko is a giant European manufacturer out of Turkey.
You may know them as the owners of Blomberg, but they produce for many other manufacturers as well
They also produce the lowest-priced, yet decent counter depth refrigerators in many of the small sizes like 24, 27, 28, and 30-inch widths.
The product is good even at a fraction of the price of the others.
You have two evaporators to keep the air separately in the freezer and refrigerator to eliminate taste crossover.
They feature "Blue Light" technology to keep fruits and veggies longer in your refrigerator. Ions are used to filter odors out.
Of course, the best part is the price of $1299.
Best 30 Inch Counter Depth Refrigerators:Key Takeaways
Counter Depth Refrigerator Education Station at Yale Appliance in Hanover
You finally have plenty of choices, unlike in years past. For super-premium refrigerators, Sub-Zero is still the best.
The seal, filter, air scrubber, compressor, and crisper bins are all designed to keep the air in its proper compartment or out of your refrigerator.
You will keep food fresher for a longer time.
Bosch and Thermador are worthy, lower-priced alternatives. You can buy them even cheaper in a package.
Miele is just a beautiful product if I can ever say that about a refrigerator.
However, at $1299, you can feel good about buying a Beko. It has decent features for an affordable 30 inches counter depth refrigerator.
Lastly, inquire about the service. You will need it within five years, and good refrigerator techs are hard to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most reliable counter depth refrigerator?
Every refrigerator is less reliable than the mean average for appliances. Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool are better than most.
2. How deep is a counter depth refrigerator?
It depends on the counter depth style. Freestanding and built-in refrigerator doors protrude 3-5 inches. Integrated refrigerators fit inside the cabinet and do not protrude.
3. What's the difference between standard depth and counter depth refrigerators?
Depth of 7-10 inches. Standard refrigerators will add 3-5 cubic feet. However, the sides will stick out in your kitchen.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Counter Depth Refrigerators Buying Guide with features, specs and inside tips to every counter depth refrigerator. Over 700,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?
A few review sites have placed this at the bottom of their articles. So here is our take: Our mission is to find reliable products for you to buy. Other review sites may say this as well.
However, we don’t love every product. Quite frankly, it costs us way too much money in repair costs to support less reliable brands.
In fact, we sell fewer brands than most appliance stores. Here is why:
We feel it is our responsibility to repair your appliances after you buy them.
We now have 30 service technicians, each averaging 8-10 calls a day Monday through Friday, plus another 110 on Saturday. That's over 30,000 service calls logged in one year.
The labor rates of fixing an appliance do not come close to the true cost in any product’s warranty period.
That is why no major retailer has a service department. It costs too much labor, money and time.
Our Blog is a bit different than most others you will read. We cannot write glowing reviews of unreliable products.
Hopefully, the bloggers and organizations who write such glowing product reviews for every brand consider servicing these products first. Only then they will understand the consequences of their marketing.
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.