The Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2026: Ranked by Size, Reliability, and Real Service Data
January 13th, 2026 | 17 min. read
TL;DR: The Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2026
LG is the best overall counter-depth refrigerator for 2026 if you want strong reliability and the most space, while Bosch is best if food preservation is your top priority. Café is the safest choice when service support matters most.
Best for: Reliability/space = LG • Food preservation = Bosch • Service + style = Café • Premium features = SKS • Integrated look = Fisher & Paykel
Counter-depth refrigerators used to be a compromise. They looked seamless in your kitchen, but they did not hold much food.
That has changed.
Some counter-depth refrigerators are now as large as standard-depth models. Others focus on food preservation, ice systems, or flexible storage. The problem is that most of them look the same on the showroom floor.
In this guide, we break down the best counter-depth refrigerators for 2026 by size, features, and real-world reliability, based on over 33,000 service calls.
You will see which models are the safest bets, which give you the most space, and which are the most reliable.
Let’s get started.
What Will You Learn in This Guide?
⚡ Quick Answer: You’ll learn which counter-depth refrigerators offer the most usable space, which brands are the most reliable, and which features help long-term performance versus causing service issues.
- Which counter-depth refrigerators are actually the largest in 2026
- Which brands are the most reliable based on over 33,000 real service calls
- Which features support long-term performance, and which ones tend to create service problems
📌Skip Ahead
- Which Brands Are Most Reliable?
- What's Changed With Counter-Depth Refrigerators
- Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2026
- Best 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerators
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
How Reliable Are Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2026?
⚡ Quick Answer: Reliability varies widely by brand, and service access matters as much as the service rate. Based on over 33,000 service calls, LG posted the lowest service rate among major counter-depth brands, while higher-end models tend to run higher due to added complexity.
This is where the real story starts.
We track what breaks, how often it breaks, and how long it takes to fix.
Last year alone, we completed over 33,000 service calls and analyzed more than 2,000 counter-depth refrigerators sold and serviced by us.
Service Rates by Brand
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 150 products sold and a total sample of over 2000 products within 12 months.
| Service % | |
| LG | 10.1% |
| GE Appliances | 12.1% |
| Bosch | 12.7% |
| Café | 16.9% |
| Thermador | 18.2% |
| Average Service Rate | 12.0% |
What This Means for You
- LG has the lowest service rate among the major counter-depth brands.
- Bosch is better than average, but not the most reliable.
- Higher-end models have higher service rates, mostly due to complexity.
Most Common Service Issues
- Ice makers not working
- Doors not closing properly
- Buzzing or vibration noises
None of these are catastrophic, but every refrigerator will need service eventually. The bigger question is who will fix it and how long you will wait for parts.
That’s why reliability and service access matter more with counter-depth refrigerators than almost any other appliance category.
How Have Counter-Depth Refrigerators Changed?
⚡ Quick Answer: Counter-depth refrigerators used to prioritize a flush, built-in look at the expense of capacity. Today, many models offer near standard-depth storage, so the real differentiators are cooling performance, smart features, and long-term reliability.
Counter-depth refrigerators started as a design play so the refrigerator would not stick out past your cabinets. Sub-Zero was the first to do it, but capacity was limited.
In the early 1990s, Amana pushed the category forward with a roughly 20-cubic-foot counter-depth model.
It was basically a less-deep version of a standard refrigerator, but at the time, that extra space at a lower price was a big deal.
Today, counter-depth refrigerators can reach almost 26 cubic feet. That is larger than many standard-depth refrigerators from just a generation ago.
Growing up, we had a 23-cubic-foot refrigerator feeding a family of five, and it worked just fine.
The trade-off between looks and capacity is mostly gone.
What matters now is not whether a counter-depth refrigerator is big enough, but how it cools, which features make sense, and how reliable it is over time.
The Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2026
Most Reliable: LG Counter-Depth MAX LRFLC2716 ($PRICE)
LG LRFLC2716 Review
LG is the most reliable counter-depth refrigerator brand in our service data.
That matters, especially in a category where repairs are expensive and downtime is frustrating.
Based on over 33,000 service calls last year, LG posted a 10.1 percent service rate, the lowest among major counter-depth refrigerator brands we track.
If reliability is your top priority in counter-depth refrigeration, LG is the safest place to start.
LG Counter-Depth MAX: Why It Changed the Category

LG redefined what counter-depth means with its Counter-Depth MAX platform.
Most counter-depth refrigerators used to top out around 20 to 23 cubic feet.
LG expanded that range to 23 to 26.5 cubic feet, which is larger than many standard-depth refrigerators from a generation ago.
You no longer have to choose between:
- A refrigerator that fits your cabinets
- A refrigerator that holds enough food
With LG, that compromise is mostly gone.
Configuration Options

LG offers more Counter-Depth MAX variations than any other brand.
You can buy them with:
- Internal water only
- External ice and water dispensers
- InstaView glass panels
- Dual or triple ice makers, including Craft Ice
- Zero Clearance hinges, which allow the refrigerator to sit tight to a wall without a filler (the door opens more like a Sub-Zero or premium built-in)
- With or without handles
Coming in 2026, LG will also offer panel-ready Counter-Depth MAX models. That means you can get a paneled look for thousands less than a true built-in.
Expect pricing closer to standard refrigeration instead of the $12,000-plus entry point of most panel brands.
Cooling System and the Linear Compressor Reality

LG uses Smart inverter linear compressor, designed with fewer moving parts to run more efficiently over time. In theory, that is a good design.
In reality, LG has been involved in two class action lawsuits related to compressor failures in earlier generations.
Here is the honest data. Over five years of service history, LG compressors required replacement about 1.1 percent of the time. That is not great, but it is almost exactly average for this category.
For comparison:
- Bosch: about 0.4%
- Some other brands: as high as 2.5%
The linear compressor will be a problem for a small minority of owners.
LG’s bigger issue is scale.
Out of the millions of refrigerators sold, they struggle to service the tens of thousands that eventually need repair. That is not unique to LG, but it is amplified by their volume.
Make sure you buy LG where service is available in your area, or from a dealer that services what they sell.
Additional Design and Cooling Features

Most LG counter-depth models also include:
- Door Cooling Plus, which sends cold air from the top of the refrigerator to stabilize temperatures after the door is opened
- Cool Guard metal back panels, which help retain cold and add durability
- Multiple temperature sensors to maintain consistent temperatures
- Internal water dispensers and ice makers
LG also offers one of the strongest compressor warranties in the industry, which helps offset long-term risk.
Pros and Cons of LG Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Pros
✔️ Lowest service rate among major counter-depth brands
✔️Largest counter-depth capacity available, at up to 26.5 cubic feet
✔️Wide range of configurations, finishes, and price points
✔️Zero Clearance models allow tight wall installations
✔️Upcoming panel-ready models offer a built-in look at a much lower cost
Cons
❌ Linear compressors have had past issues and are not perfect
❌ A small percentage will need compressor replacement over time
❌Service availability can be inconsistent due to LG’s massive installed base
❌Ice dispensers add complexity and increase service risk
Verdict on LG
LG is not perfect. No counter-depth refrigerator is.
The Smart inverter linear compressor will affect a small minority of owners, and service access matters more with LG than with smaller brands.
That said, LG is still the most reliable counter-depth refrigerator brand we track.
If you want the largest capacity, the most options, or a near-built-in look without built-in pricing, LG remains the strongest choice in this category.
Best for Food Preservation: Bosch B36CT80SNS ($3,499)
Bosch B36CT80SNS Review
Bosch is not about size. Bosch is about control.
If food preservation matters more to you than raw capacity, Bosch is the most compelling counter-depth refrigerator brand you can buy.
Bosch is the best choice for buyers who care more about food life and temperature stability than maximum cubic feet.
Why Bosch Is Different

Bosch is the only freestanding counter-depth refrigerator brand that uses two compressors.
One compressor cools the refrigerator. The other cools the freezer. That separation matters.
The warmer, humid air in the refrigerator never mixes with the colder, drier air in the freezer.
Temperatures stay more stable. Humidity is better controlled. Odors do not migrate.
Sub-Zero built its reputation on this exact principle.
Food Preservation Features

Bosch layers several systems on top of the dual compressors:
- VitaFreshPro, which automatically balances temperature and humidity based on what you store
- MultiAirFlow, which circulates air evenly to avoid warm or cold spots
- Metal back panels, which retain cold better and are easier to clean
- Carbon filtration helps neutralize odors and keep the air fresh
- Internal ice and water dispenser
If you store fresh food for more than a few days, Bosch will keep it longer than most competitors.
Reliability Perspective
Bosch posted a 12.7% service rate, which is better than average.
More importantly, Bosch has one of the lowest compressor replacement rates we track at roughly 0.4 percent. The dual-compressor design is expensive, but it is durable.
Where Bosch struggles is not breakdowns. It is price per cubic foot. A Bosch refrigerator is only 20.8 cubic feet, yet costs over $3,500.
Pros and Cons of Bosch Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Pros
✔️ Best temperature and humidity control
✔️Dual compressors separate refrigerator and freezer air
✔️Excellent food preservation
✔️Very low compressor replacement rate
Cons
❌ Smaller capacity than LG
❌Higher price for the features
❌Fewer configuration options
❌Highest price per cubic footage for a counter-depth refrigerator
Verdict on Bosch
If you want the best food preservation and the most precise cooling, Bosch is the right counter-depth refrigerator.
If you need maximum space, Bosch is not the answer.
Best Service Support: Café Appliances CYE22TP4MW2
Café Appliances CYE22TP4MW2 Review
Café is about style and service, not size leadership or food science.
If you care how your refrigerator looks in the kitchen and who fixes it when something goes wrong, Café deserves a serious look.
Café stands out for design flexibility and service support, not maximum capacity or the most advanced cooling platform.
Why Café Is Different

Café is GE’s premium freestanding line, positioned above GE Profile and standard GE. The appeal is customization paired with one big practical advantage: service.
Café is the only counter-depth refrigerator brand in this group backed by a large, established domestic service network.
That matters more than most people realize until something breaks.
Cooling and Design
Café uses a dual-evaporator system, separating refrigerator and freezer air. It is not as precise as Bosch’s dual compressors, but it is effective and proven.
Key cooling features include:
- Twin evaporators to limit odor transfer
- Turbo Cool and Turbo Freeze to stabilize temperatures after door openings
- Consistent performance across refrigerator and freezer sections
Capacity is about 22.5 cubic feet, which is average for a 36-inch counter-depth refrigerator.
Dispensers and Features

Café leans heavily into convenience.
Depending on the model, you can get:
- External ice and water dispensers
- Hot water dispensing for tea or cooking
- Full width electronic control temperature drawer for freshness.
- Precise fill settings for exact water amounts
Here is the trade-off: dispensers are the most common source of refrigerator service calls. Café builds good ones, but every added feature adds complexity.
Customization

This is where Café shines.
You can choose:
- Multiple finish colors
- Several handle styles, including brass, copper, stainless, and black
- A look that feels more built-in without the cost of a true built-in refrigerator
If kitchen design matters to you, Café gives you more flexibility than almost any freestanding brand.
Reliability Perspective
Café posted a 16.9% service rate, which is higher than LG and Bosch.
That number reflects:
- More features
- More dispensers
- More electronics
Pros and Cons of Café Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Pros
✔️ Strong domestic service support
✔️Dual evaporators for stable temperatures
✔️Extensive customization options
✔️Advanced dispenser features, including hot water
✔️ Fits well in design-forward kitchens
Cons
❌ Higher service rate than LG and Bosch
❌Smaller capacity than LG Counter-Depth MAX
❌You pay a premium for style and added features
❌If you do not want color, customization, coffee, or advanced dispensers, the same core refrigerator is available for much less under the GE Profile label
❌ Dispensers increase long-term service risk
Verdict on Café
If service access matters most, Café is the safest bet in this category.
If you are not buying Café for its design, finishes, or dispenser features, you should look closely at GE Profile instead and save the money.
For many kitchens, that trade-off makes sense.
Best Premium Features: SKS SKSFD3623SD ($5,199)
SKS SKSFD3623SD Review
SKS is about features and ice, not restraint.
If you want a counter-depth refrigerator that feels premium, looks impressive, and does more than almost anything else in this category, SKS delivers.
Just understand what you are paying for.
SKS packs the most premium features and ice options into a counter-depth design, but that extra complexity can increase long-term service risk.
What SKS Is
SKS is LG’s premium appliance line. Think of it as LG with more features and a more refined interior.
The flagship 36-inch counter-depth model offers about 25.5 cubic feet of capacity, sometimes marketed as 26 cubic feet.
That is a lot of space for a counter-depth refrigerator and second only to LG’s Counter-Depth MAX.
Ice and Features

SKS is one of the most feature-rich counter-depth refrigerators you can buy.
It offers:
- Multiple ice types, including standard cubes, crushed ice, mini cubes, and Craft Ice
- Ice from both the freezer and the door
- Faster ice production than most competitors
Ice makers and dispensers are the number one cause of refrigerator service calls across all brands.
SKS builds solid systems, but the added ice options increase complexity compared to simpler designs.
Cooling and Design

SKS uses a dual-evaporator system with nine temperature sensors to keep refrigerator and freezer air separate.
It is not the same as Bosch’s dual-compressor design, but it does an excellent job maintaining consistent temperatures and limiting odor and moisture transfer.
In real-world use, SKS offers the second-best temperature consistency we see in this category.
Other design highlights include:
- Stainless steel interior back panels for better cold retention
- Premium interior lighting
- Solid shelving and drawer construction
Overall, SKS feels more refined inside than most freestanding refrigerators.
Pros and Cons of SKS Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Pros
✔️ Large capacity for a premium counter-depth refrigerator
✔️The widest range of ice options in this category
✔️Premium interior design and materials
✔️Excellent temperature consistency
✔️ Strong separation of refrigerator and freezer air
Cons
❌ Expensive compared to LG and GE
❌More features mean more potential service issues
❌Ice dispensers add complexity
❌You are paying for convenience and design, not simplicity
Verdict on SKS
SKS is a really good refrigerator with almost every feature you can get in a counter-depth design.
Where it makes the most sense is as part of an SKS appliance package.
If you are buying multiple SKS products, the refrigerator fits the look, the features, and the overall value much better in that context.
If you do not need those features, or you are not building around an SKS package, LG or Bosch may be better choices.
Best Integrated Look for Less: Fisher & Paykel RF201ADJSX5 ($3,649)
Fisher & Paykel RF201ADJSX5 Review
Fisher & Paykel is a design-first refrigerator. This is not about maximum capacity, lots of ice, or feature-heavy convenience.
Fisher & Paykel exists for one reason: to give you a true integrated refrigerator look without paying traditional luxury pricing.
If you want your refrigerator to disappear into your cabinetry without spending $10,000 to $20,000, Fisher and Paykel is one of the most practical ways to get an integrated look.
Check out the Fisher and Paykel RS36A80J1N, starting at $7,549.98.
What Makes Fisher & Paykel Different

Fisher & Paykel specializes in integrated refrigeration. Integrated means the refrigerator:
- Uses custom cabinet panels
- Has no visible stainless steel
- Blends completely into surrounding cabinetry
If you choose custom panels, the refrigerator disappears from across the kitchen. You see cabinetry, not appliances.
That look normally comes from brands like Sub-Zero, Thermador, or Gaggenau, where pricing often starts between $10,000 and $20,000.
Fisher & Paykel delivers a similar visual result at a much lower cost.
ActiveSmart Foodcare

Behind the panels, Fisher & Paykel focuses on food care, not flash.
The core system is ActiveSmart Foodcare, which uses sensors and variable-speed fans to adjust temperature and airflow based on how you use the refrigerator.
It’s like having a nest thermostat in your refrigerator.
Open the door frequently, it compensates. Load it with warm groceries, it adapts.
Because temperatures remain stable and humidity is better controlled, food tends to last longer, especially produce.
Ice and Water Options
Fisher & Paykel keeps ice and water intentionally simple. You can get:
- Ice in the freezer
- External water on select models
You will not find large door dispensers or multiple ice types. That is a design choice to preserve the clean, uninterrupted cabinet look.
Why People Buy Fisher & Paykel

People buy Fisher & Paykel to get a fully integrated refrigerator that disappears into their kitchen.
If the priority is a seamless design and visual simplicity, this is one of the most practical ways to achieve it without stepping into true luxury pricing.
Cost: What It Actually Runs
Most Fisher & Paykel integrated counter-depth refrigerators fall in the $5,000 to $7,000 range, depending on width and configuration. Custom cabinet panels are additional.
That pricing puts Fisher & Paykel:
- Well below traditional luxury integrated brands
- Above standard freestanding counter-depth refrigerators
- Squarely in the “affordable integrated” category
This price gap is the main reason Fisher & Paykel is so popular with designers and homeowners focused on aesthetics.
Pros
✔️ Looks fully built-in (blends into cabinets)
✔️Costs less than true luxury built-ins
✔️Helps food stay fresh longer (steady temp + humidity control)
✔️Simple, clean design (no bulky dispenser)
Cons
❌ Less space than some competitors
❌Fewer “extra” features
❌ Limited ice and water options
❌ Panels cost extra for the built-in look
Verdict on Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel is a style-driven refrigerator. If you want a refrigerator that blends completely into your cabinetry and you do not want to spend $10,000 to $20,000 to get there, Fisher & Paykel is one of the smartest options available.
If capacity, features, or ice matter more than design, LG, SKS, or Café will be better fits.
Samsung RF23BB860012
Samsung RF23BB860012 ($2,499)

Dimensions: 35.75" W, 28.75" D, 70" H | Total Capacity: 22.8 Cu. Ft. | Ice Maker: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | Sabbath Mode: Yes | ADA Compliant: Yes
Samsung RF23BB860012 Review
Samsung makes some of the best-looking refrigerators you can buy. If style is your top priority, Samsung Bespoke line deserves a mention.
Why People Like Samsung

Samsung probably offers more styles than any other brand in counter-depth refrigeration. Standouts include:
- Four-door Quad models, which are some of the most flexible layouts on the market
- Bespoke refrigerators with interchangeable glass door panels
- Family Hub models with a built-in touchscreen for calendars, recipes, and media
- Beverage Centers with internal water dispensers and autofill pitchers
- Multiple ice options, including smaller chewable ice
From a design standpoint, Samsung is excellent. These refrigerators look modern, clean, and intentional.
The Trade-Off: Service
This is where Samsung struggles.
Samsung does not operate a broad, company-owned service network like LG or GE.
Instead, they rely heavily on independent service providers, and that network has been shrinking over time.
What that means for you:
- Repairs can take longer
- Finding authorized service can be harder
- Ice maker issues, which are common across all brands, can become frustrating to resolve
The refrigerators themselves are innovative, but getting them fixed when something goes wrong is often the problem.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Pros
✔️ Best overall styling in the category
✔️Wide range of configurations and finishes
✔️Excellent four-door and Bespoke options
✔️Strong ice and beverage features
Cons
❌ Weaker service infrastructure compared to LG and GE
❌Repairs can be slow or difficult depending on location
❌ Ice makers and dispensers add service risk
Verdict on Samsung
Samsung makes beautiful, feature-rich refrigerators. If design and layout matter most, Samsung is worth considering.
Just make sure you know who will service it before you buy.
If long-term service support matters more than style, LG, Bosch, or Café are safer choices.
What Is the Best 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator?
⚡ Quick Answer: If you have a true 33-inch opening, this is one of the safest places to start because it delivers standout capacity and a cleaner layout without adding dispenser complexity.
It is built to maximize usable space in a size where most refrigerators feel undersized.
A 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator is common in older homes, condos, and smaller kitchens, but it is one of the most overlooked sizes in the industry.
Many major brands either do not make a true 33-inch counter-depth model or offer limited options. That makes good choices harder to find.
That’s why this section exists.
Best 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator: LG LF21C6200S ($2,188)
LG LF21C6200S Review
If you have a true 33-inch opening, LG is the clear standout.
The LG LF21C6200S mirrors the approach LG uses in its larger Counter-Depth MAX refrigerators.
The goal is simple: get the most usable capacity possible in a space where most refrigerators feel undersized.
The LG LF21C6200S offers 20.5 cubic feet, which is significantly larger than most competitors in this size.
Why This Refrigerator Works

Most 33-inch counter-depth refrigerators are smaller.
LG solved that by using thinner walls, updated insulation, a more efficient interior layout, and a single-compressor design.
Cooling and overall design are solid for the category.
Cooling and Design
The LG LF21C6200S uses:
- LG’s Smart Cooling system
- Door Cooling Plus to help maintain even temperatures from top to bottom
- A linear compressor, like LG’s larger models
LG does not use twin evaporators in this model or in its larger counter-depth models. Temperature consistency is still good for the category.
Ice stays in the freezer, which helps reliability in a tighter cabinet space.
Pros and Cons of the LG LF21C6200S
Pros
✔️ Largest capacity available in a 33-inch counter-depth
✔️Better interior layout than most competitors
✔️Proven LG platform
✔️Cleaner look without a bulky dispenser
Cons
❌ Fewer premium features than larger counter-depth models
❌No external ice and water dispenser
❌Single-compressor, single-evaporator design
Verdict On the LG LF21C6200S
If you have a 33-inch opening, this is the safest place to start.
LG delivers the most space with the fewest compromises in a size most brands do not handle well.
Samsung RF18A5101SR ($1,199)
Samsung RF18A5101SR ($1,199)

Dimensions: 32.125" W, 28.125" D, 70" H | Total Capacity: 17.5 Cu. Ft. | Ice Maker: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | Sabbath Mode: Yes | ADA Compliant: Yes
Samsung RF18A5101SR Review
Samsung is one of the few brands that has consistently offered a true 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator when many others ignored the size.
For years, this was the default option in a 33-inch opening.
The Samsung RF18A5101SR is a true 33-inch counter-depth French-door refrigerator.
Key basics:
- About 17.5 cubic feet of capacity
- Ice maker in the freezer
- Clean exterior with no bulky door dispenser
- French-door layout that works well in tighter kitchens
Cooling

Where Samsung stood out was cooling.
Samsung uses a twin-evaporator system, keeping refrigerator and freezer air separate.
That helps with temperature consistency and limits odor transfer, which matters more in a smaller cabinet.
Why Samsung Was Popular
The RF18A5101SR was popular largely because there were very few alternatives.
It offered:
- A good layout
- Dual-evaporator cooling
- A reasonable price
- A true counter-depth fit in a 33-inch opening
For a long time, it was the safest choice by default.
What Changed
That changed when LG entered the category.
LG’s 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator offers about three more cubic feet of capacity for roughly $100 more, using a single-compressor, single-evaporator design instead of Samsung’s twin evaporators.
The trade-off is clear:
- Samsung offers dual-evaporator cooling but less space
- LG offers significantly more usable capacity in the same opening
Pros and Cons of the Samsung RF18A5101SR
Pros
✔️ One of the few true 33-inch counter-depth options
✔️Twin-evaporator cooling
✔️ Clean, flexible interior layout
✔️Competitive pricing
Cons
❌ Smaller capacity than LG’s 33-inch model
❌Fewer current-generation updates
Verdict on the Samsung RF18A5101SR
Samsung still makes a legitimate 33-inch counter-depth refrigerator, especially if you value dual-evaporator cooling.
🔍 Read More: The Best 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Final Takeaways
⚡ Quick Answer: Counter-depth refrigerators are no longer a compromise, but the best choice depends on what you value most: capacity, food preservation, service support, premium features, or integrated design. Start with your priorities, then make sure service access is solid in your area.
Counter-depth refrigerators are no longer a compromise.
You can now get bigger capacity, better features, and cleaner design in a shallower cabinet depth, without the refrigerator sticking past your cabinets.
Kitchens can look right without giving up usable space.
That said, the right choice depends on what you value.
LG offers the widest range of sizes and styles, including the largest counter-depth options.
Capacity is excellent and designs are flexible. Reliability is generally good, but compressors do fail for a small number of owners, so service availability matters.
Bosch is the best option for temperature control and food preservation.
Its dual-compressor design does the best job of keeping refrigerator and freezer air separate.
Café stands out for service access and customization.
You can choose colors, handles, and even add features like a built-in coffee system. It makes sense when design and support both matter.
SKS is feature-driven.
Ice options, door-in-door, InstaView panels, and strong temperature control. It works best as part of a full SKS appliance package.
Fisher & Paykel is less about counter-depth and more about integrated style.
It delivers a fully flush, built-in look without Sub-Zero pricing.
And in a 33-inch opening, you finally have real options. LG and Samsung both offer legitimate choices in a size that used to be ignored.
There is no perfect refrigerator.
The right one depends on how you shop, how you cook, what you want your kitchen to look like, and available service in your area.
Ready to see them in person or replace a fridge now?
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FAQs
Still deciding? Here are the most frequently asked questions about counter-depth refrigerators.
🔎 Are counter-depth refrigerators smaller than standard refrigerators?
They used to be. Not anymore.
Many modern counter-depth refrigerators now offer 23 to 26 cubic feet, which is as large as or larger than standard refrigerators from a generation ago.
You get a flush look without giving up much space, depending on the model.
🛠️ Are counter-depth refrigerators more reliable?
Reliability depends more on design and features than depth.
Ice makers, door dispensers, and complex electronics drive most service calls.
Simpler designs tend to have fewer issues, regardless of whether the refrigerator is counter-depth or standard-depth.
💰 Is a counter-depth refrigerator worth the extra cost?
For many kitchens, yes.
Counter-depth refrigerators sit closer to the cabinets, which improves traffic flow and sightlines.
In open kitchens, the visual difference is noticeable.
The cost premium has also narrowed as more brands offer larger counter-depth options.
📊 What is the most reliable counter-depth refrigerator brand?
There is no single winner, but trends are clear.
Bosch performs well for temperature control.
LG offers strong reliability with more size options. GE and Café benefit from broader service availability.
The best choice depends on who can service it in your area.
📏 Can I fit a counter-depth refrigerator in an older home?
Usually, yes, but measurements matter.
Older homes often have tighter widths, shallower cabinets, or limited door clearances.
Always measure the opening, ceiling height, door swings, and delivery path before buying, especially in 33-inch or 36-inch spaces.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips for regular, pro, and integrated counter-depth refrigerators. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles
- How to Buy a Refrigerator: The Ultimate Guide
- Counter-Depth vs. Integrated Refrigerators
- Most Reliable Counter-Depth Refrigerators
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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 has also been featured in numerous publications, including the
New York Times,
Consumer Reports,
The Boston Globe,
Bloomberg Radio, the
New York Post,
The Wall Street Journal, and
Entrepreneur, for his knowledge of how to buy appliances and appliance repair.
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.
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.
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