In the affordable, but premium class of freestanding, counter depth refrigerators (aka cabinet depth), two of the more upscale & well recognized brand labels are Electrolux & LG.
Both have new designs and both face challenges as companies. The answer to which is truly better for you really depends.
What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
A counter depth refrigerator is described as a freestanding model, available in various capacities and styles, but designed to fit flush with standard cabinets.
Counter Depth refrigerators have a 24” deep cabinet (excluding doors and handles) compared to traditional (standard depth) freestanding refrigerators that can range from 29” – 32” depths.
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regular counter depth refrigerator from the front |
regular counter depth refrigerator from the side |
The main advantage of these refrigerators is style since you do not see the sides. The shallower depth allows more workable space in the kitchen especially with islands. Even though counter depth refrigerators are smaller in size and capacity than standard size units, they typically cost more.
Regular vs Professional
A professional counter depth has the compressor on the top and is 2 to three times more expensive than a regular counter depth refrigerator.
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Regular counter depth refrigerator at Yale |
Professional counter depth refrigerator at Yale |
LG
LG began as a consumer electronics company under the GoldStar name in 1958. After acquiring companies like Zenith and partnering with Phillips, they are now one of the largest consumer electronics manufacturers in the world. Their appliances are very stylish (actually the first to bring style in this industry) with their focus mainly on laundry and refrigeration.
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Electrolux
Electrolux is a multi-national home appliance manufacturer headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It is the world's second-largest home appliance maker by revenue (after Whirlpool). Its products sell under a variety of brand names like Frigidaire and its own. Unlike LG, Electrolux is exclusively an appliance company. Both companies are really new to the US within the last 15 years, which brings different issues.
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Electrolux Wave-Touch EW23BC85KS Price: $3499.99 (Qualifies for $250.00 mfg rebate 3/8/13 to 3/31/13 & $50.00 Mass Energy Star Rebate)
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LG vs Electrolux Counter Depth Refrigerators
This is a tough call. From a product standpoint, I like the style of the Electrolux, but LG has the largest size at 25 cubic vs 22.3 cubic foot.
If you are buying a package, Electrolux is the better choice with way more cooking products and choices like induction as well as more robust package rebates.
Now the companies.
Electrolux rolled out French door refrigerators 10 years ago and tried to reinvent the category, especially ice cubes. Yes, it was crazy and the icemaker failed almost 90% of the time. The fix of five different circuit boards was crazier. We spent a fortune rectifying this issue.
Electrolux owned up to the mistake and swapped all non-repairable products and were liberal in doing so. They deserve credit for their proactive approach. After scrapping the icemaker design, the product has worked.
LG has a different problem. It's a rather pervasive issue amongst Asian suppliers, namely parts shortages and lack of technical support. I love LG and Samsung, but problems are much harder to solve. Appliances are a relative small part of their portfolio and most of their dealers do not service, which is a problem.
Related Articles
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Counter Depth Buying Guide with features, specs and inside buying tips to every regular, professional and counter depth refrigerator. Over 40,000 people have read a Yale 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.
