Refrigerators have evolved over the years, offering a wide range of options—from the classic French door to multi-door units with various cooling systems.
But the biggest development is in size. Somehow, counter-depth refrigerators have become much larger.
In this article, you will learn about your best choices, from the basic to the largest models, along with their reliability based on real service calls.
Let's get started.
You can read some well-written articles from various news sources and enthusiastic bloggers.
As well-written as they are, you have no insight into the product's advantages, disadvantages, and performance after the sale.
Not here.
You will learn the good, the bad, and reliability based on over 37,000 service calls logged by our service department last year.
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The first counter-depth refrigerator was a Sub-Zero. Yes, they were the first with twin compressors and the fancy compressors up top.
However, designers loved them because a Sub-Zero didn’t protrude into the kitchen.
The second counter-depth refrigerator was Amana. From there, counter-depth refrigerators have changed in configuration and style and are a bit larger in size, ranging from 19.9 to 22 cubic feet.
Then, the LG Counter Depth MAX changed everything with its 26.5 cubic feet capacity.
This Bosch counter-depth refrigerator was introduced two years ago. It is built by Bosch in China, rather than being outsourced there.
Two Compressors
Bosch is the only counter-depth refrigerator with two compressors for the refrigerator and freezer.
The warmer, moister air of the refrigerator does not blend with the drier, colder air of the freezer.
Sub-Zero pioneered the twin compressor. Now, every premium refrigerator features twin compressors.
Beko, Samsung, GE, and LG, except for the Counter Depth MAX refrigerator, have two evaporators to separate the air.
Two compressors maintain temperature better.
VitaFreshPro
VitaFreshPro balances temperature and humidity for various food types, removing the guesswork from food storage.
MultiAirFlow
The two compressors regulate the airflow to provide a stable temperature throughout the refrigerator.
Metal Back
The back of the refrigerator is made of metal for better cold retention and cleanability.
To make the most of this feature, store items like milk and juice in the back of the fridge where it is coldest.
Additionally, stainless steel is easier to clean and does not absorb odors.
Ethylene Filter
Bosch also features an ethylene filter to slow the spoiling process. Spoiled foods will emit ethylene gas. This gas can also cross-contaminate other foods.
Wi-Fi Enabled
Through their HomeConnect app, you can control the temperature of your refrigerator on your phone.
Bosch also offers this refrigerator with different handles. The design is well done, and it is a good-looking appliance.
Pros: Bosch is the only counter-depth refrigerator with two compressors for the refrigerator and freezer, which maintains temperature better and prevents moisture and odor transfer.
The metal back wall of the refrigerator is designed to increase cold retention, and the ethylene filter helps prevent cross-contamination of foods.
The HomeConnect app allows you to control the temperature of your refrigerator on your phone, and the refrigerator comes with different handle options.
Cons: The cubic footage is slightly smaller than the average. The price is high at $3,600, and they don't typically promote it.
That said, there is up to $500 off when you combine it with other Bosch appliances.
You are looking at the largest counter depth refrigerators at 26.5 cubic feet - over four cubic feet more than the average.
That space is equivalent to a college dorm refrigerator (the stand-up type, not the cube).
With these refrigerators, you no longer need to choose between the size of a standard-depth model and the sleek style of a counter-depth one.
LG's Counter Depth MAX refrigerators offer more capacity with a counter-depth look.
The LG LRFLC2706S is the least expensive at $1,899 (during promotions) and features an internal water dispenser.
The LG Counter-Depth MAX refrigerator is the largest and least expensive of all your options.
The LRFXC2606S adds an ice and water dispenser, compared to just the water dispenser in the basic model.
It also includes dual ice makers—one in the refrigerator and one in the freezer—for $200 more.
The LRFOC2606S offers an outside water dispenser and an InstaView window. Just knock twice to see inside your refrigerator and knock twice more to darken it again.
In addition, LG has added two models to the LG Counter-Depth MAX collection.
The LRYXC2606S now offers four different style cubes. You have cubed and crushed, but also smaller cubed ice for soft drinks.
Craft Ice is a slower dissolving sphere of ice designed for drinks where you want less water from a dissolving ice cube.
The LRYKC2606S has the Smart Mirror for a more updated version of the InstaView Panel.
The dispenser is their new UVnano Ice & Water Dispenser, which cleans the dispenser automatically using UV light.
They also have a the SRFB27S3 under the LG Studio name at $2,799.
Linear Compressor
Linear compressors use fewer parts and have fewer problems now.
I say now because, in 2019, they settled a class action suit against LG due to compressor issues from 2014 to 2017
Many brands and products now feature the same compressor.
Warranty
LG boasts the best warranty with five years full and ten years parts only on the compressor.
Cool Guard
Like the Bosch, the Counter Depth MAX refrigerator features a metal back to absorb cold better.
Door Cooling Plus
Ever walked into a store in the summer, and the air conditioner is just blasting you in the face?
Door Cooling + operates the same way. A blast of frigid air is sent from the top down, so the refrigerator temperature stays unaffected by the warmer air.
The door is also thicker, so be careful where you place it in your kitchen.
Pros: The Counter Depth MAX refrigerator is the largest counter-depth model available, providing over four cubic feet more space than the average.
It also features advanced temperature control with nine sensors, a metal back for better cold absorption, and Door Cooling Plus to maintain a consistent temperature.
Cons: The Counter Depth MAX refrigerator is designed with thinner walls than most refrigerators. The government sets energy standards, so it will not use more energy.
However, the Counter Depth MAX refrigerator lacks some of LG's signature features, like Craft Ice and the Door-in-Door panel.
It also has a single compressor with one evaporator.
We don't currently sell Samsung refrigerators, but they offer some interesting options and colors.
Their Family Hub models feature built-in touchscreens, and their Bespoke line allows for customization.
However, I was always partial to their four-door options.
The bottom right drawer allows you to convert to either refrigerator or freezer.
You have an internal water dispenser and two types of ice: regular and ice bites, the more chewable kind.
AutoFill Water Pitcher
A built-in pitcher that automatically refills with filtered water and the option to infuse with a flavor of your choice.
Dual Ice Maker with Ice Bites and Cubed Ice
The Dual Ice Maker produces two types of ice daily: cubed ice and Ice Bites, smaller nugget ice that chills your drink faster.
FlexZone
With five customizable temperature settings, this versatile, lower-right storage unit can convert from fridge to freezer temperatures, offering superior flexibility to meet your family's food storage needs.
FlexCrisper
A flexible storage drawer that is perfect for storing meats, veggies, or cheeses at their optimal temperature with two customizable temperature settings.
UV Deodorizing Filter
Keep the air in your fridge fresh daily with a built-in deodorizing filter with UV technology that continuously cleans the filter.
CleanGuard
Treated with antimicrobial technology to deliver long-lasting protection of high-touch handle surfaces.
Triple Cooling System
A premium cooling system features three evaporators for ultimate freshness and provides precise temperature and humidity controls in all three zones to help your food stay fresher longer.
Pros: The Samsung 4-door refrigerator is very versatile. The bottom-right drawer can switch between being a fridge or a freezer, giving you more storage options.
It also has a Dual Ice Maker for regular ice and chewable Ice Bites.
The AutoFill Water Pitcher refills itself, and the FlexZone lets you adjust the temperature for different types of food.
Cons: Service is an issue with Samsung. They are the most popular brand yet are the least vested in service.
This refrigerator is the most well-featured for a 36-inch counter-depth.
You have the features mentioned previously, like Door Cooling Plus, linear compressor, and stainless-steel back.
Door-in-Door
It features a Door-in-Door, a fancy term for an extra door on the refrigerator side to access milk and juices.
InstaView Door
You can see into your refrigerator or tap the glass, which becomes opaque.
Twin Evaporator Nine Sensors
Like the Counter Max, the Studio features nine sensors to maintain temperature. However, it has two evaporators to keep the air in the freezer separate from the refrigerator.
Craft Ice
"Craft Ice" is a larger, slower-dissolving ice cube perfect for premium cocktails. You see many of these cubes in high-end restaurants.
Dispenser
I shudder when I write this. Dispensers have the most problems, but due to leaking, the refrigerator does not break down. On the flip side, they are convenient.
My neighbor has a refrigerator with an ice dispenser; the ice is convenient versus reaching the freezer for cubes.
That said, LG is the most reliable of the dispensers.
Pros: The SKSFD3613S has impressive features such as a Door-in-Door panel, InstaView, and Craft Ice.
Additionally, the refrigerator's temperature control ensures your food stays fresh for longer.
Cons: The SKSFD3613S have unique features, but they cost over $4,000.
Café Appliances CYE22TP2MS1
Café is the premium GE freestanding line of appliances above Profile and the base GE.
Twin Compressor
Café's two-evaporator refrigerator keeps the refrigerator and freezer air in their respective compartments with the Turbo Cool and Turbo Freeze features to maintain even temperatures.
Door Dispenser
The refrigerator also has a digital ice maker and a built-in Keurig coffee maker.
Wi-Fi
With Wi-Fi, you can program the coffee to be dispensed when you wake up on the dispenser model.
Colorful Finishes
Café offers great customization options with three base color options and six handle styles, with more colors like green and gray coming soon.
Have a look at Café White and Brass:
How about black and copper:
Service
Style aside, Café is the only refrigerator with a service department on this list. Appliance service is a crucial consideration in your buying decision (or it should be).
Service is a crucial consideration in your buying decision (or should be).Pros: The Café refrigerator features two evaporators to maintain an even temperature and separate cold and frigid air compartments.
It also has a digital icemaker, the ability to make coffee, and comes in various colors and handles styles for customization.
Cons: You are paying a premium over the Profile model for customization and a few features.
To compare a more affordable option without the coffee system, consider the GE Profile PWE23KYNFS, priced at $2,969.
However, it's still more expensive and smaller than the Counter Depth Max, which ranges from $1,599 to $1,799.
Fisher & Paykel was the most reliable refrigerator brand in 2022, according to our internal service data.
Now, they have an ice dispenser.
Fisher & Paykel also has a unique style and looks good with other unique Fisher & Paykel appliances.
The refrigerator is based on ActiveSmart technology.
Fisher & Paykel's ActiveSmart technology provides optimal food storage conditions by intelligently adapting to daily usage.
It combines sensors, microprocessors, and algorithms to continuously monitor and adjust the temperature, humidity, and airflow within the fridge.
Key components of ActiveSmart technology include:
Pros: ActiveSmart technology monitors and adjusts temperature, humidity, and airflow within the fridge for optimal food storage conditions.
Cons: Smaller sizes at higher prices. With any unique brands, make sure service is available.
For many years, Samsung owned this size with a good refrigerator at an excellent price.
This refrigerator was one of the most popular searches on our website for any product. Samsung was the largest and most popular at 18 cubic feet.
It is a French-door refrigerator with a pull-out bottom freezer.
This unit is popular because of the $1,399 price.
Like GE, it has two evaporators for better temperature maintenance and no crossover between refrigerator and freezer.
However, finding a service for Samsung appliances can be challenging. Samsung has a bigger logistical problem because it is the number-one-selling brand in the US.
It's essential to know how the product is fixed before buying it.
At 20.5 cubic feet, LG is the largest, by about two to three cubic feet or about 10-18% of the other brands.
It is roughly the same size as the Bosch B36CT80SNS 36-inch counter depth in a smaller 33-inch space.
This refrigerator is built like their successful Counter-Depth MAX refrigerators, with thinner walls and newer, more advanced insulation.
So now you have a much larger refrigerator in a smaller space.
The refrigerator uses one evaporator and two sensors to maintain proper temperatures instead of their standard two-evaporator design.
LG uses the Door Cooling+ with vents to cool from top to bottom and from the rear to keep a consistent temperature.
You can buy it as a French door or in two double-drawer models.
For a more in-depth guide of the best 33-inch counter depth refrigerators, read "The Best 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerators."
In this article, you will find all the detailed information you need to decide which refrigerator suits your lifestyle.
The LG Mood UP and Samsung Bespoke refrigerators, expected to be available in 2024, are among the best-looking refrigerators to buy in the future.
I am not a fan of the current Bespoke line. It focuses too much on the refrigerator with limited options on the other appliances.
However, the new refrigerator will allow you to update your favorite pictures at the front of the refrigerator through an app on your phone.
Love your kids, your cat, or a picture of you skiing the slopes?
It can be the front of your new refrigerator.
The new LG will allow you to scroll through 60 color options for each panel on your phone. It even has a Jukebox mode to change colors to music.
As exciting as these refrigerators are from both manufacturers, you have limited color options on the rest of your appliances.
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We've already gone over the top refrigerators, but now it's time to dig into the reality of appliance service.
What brands are the most reliable? And what kind of problems can you expect to run into?
Let's take a closer look at the most reliable refrigerator brands and the service industry.
Refrigerator Reliability for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 2,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rate | |
| LG | 8.8% |
| Thermador | 11.5% |
| Bosch | 11.6% |
| GE Appliances | 11.6% |
| GE Profile | 16.8% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 18.9% |
| Café Appliances | 20.1% |
| Beko | 32.8 |
| Grand Total | 13.3% |
Service has increased across the board for every manufacturer.
We have more service technicians on the road in our history and can only service customers who purchased from us.
New parts sources after the supply chain problems may have caused issues.
Fortunately, the problems aren’t massive.
The top three service calls are:
However, you need someone to fix these eventually, so check service availability by brand in your area.
Read More: The Most Reliable Counter-Depth Refrigerators
In years past, my advice was to buy based on availability. This year, you can wait for a holiday to save money.
At the same time, consider what features work best for you and your family.
LG will be the largest, while Bosch and GE are also worth considering
Service availability should be a feature of refrigerators because you will need it eventually.
Buying the right counter-depth refrigerator doesn't have to be hard. This brief guide will help you choose one that fits well in your kitchen.
We'll cover everything from sizes that match your cabinets, to the types of refrigeratorsavailable.
You'll also learn how to measure your space correctly to make sure your new fridge fits.
Plus, we'll talk about the best time to buy a fridge at a good price.
Refrigerators follow the size of cabinet widths.
The standard sizes for refrigeration and cabinets are 24, 30, 33, 36, 42, and 48 inches, with 30 and 36 inches being the most popular.
However, heights and depths have changed as refrigerators have become taller. If you are replacing a refrigerator, measure the space, not the existing refrigerator.
You also want to measure all the doorways and entry points before delivery because your hallways and doorways may need to accommodate a new refrigerator.
Here is our free appliance delivery checklist to help you with other aspects of delivery.
The most popular counter-depth refrigerator is a French door with the refrigerator on the top and the freezer on the bottom.
There are many types, such as two-drawer, French doors, four-doors, and five drawers. Before choosing a type, you must assess how much freezer versus refrigerator space is needed.
Top mounts are inexpensive and have a good usable size. Side-by-side refrigerators have more freezer capacity and are less expensive than counter-depth French door refrigerators.
GE is the best if you are looking for a technical product with an ice dispenser.
GE has excellent service in many areas, but you must ask who will fix your new refrigerator before buying it.
We calculated our reliability based on how many French door counter-depth refrigerators were sold and serviced by brand.
With 35 technicians in the field, we logged over 37,000 service calls in 12 months.
However, reliability varies between brands. You must be aware of potential problems before you buy any product.
We have stopped selling any brands with a disproportionate amount of service.
Counter-depth refrigerators have ice dispensers in the warmer refrigerator instead of the freezer, like a side-by-side refrigerator.
Reliability is now the biggest issue because appliance replacement parts are even worse than new product availability.
It is possible that you could wait 60 days for a repair.
If you are asking, I would buy one now.
Last year, availability was an issue, but now every major company offers [available?] refrigerators, creating a dilemma: should you buy now or wait?
You should wait.
Let's face it. We are in a recession. However, you are in control, at least in buying appliances.
Buying appliances from 2020 to 2022 was a hassle.
Factories shut down, and supply chains were disrupted. Then demand for appliances skyrocketed as people started remodeling.
But now the tables have turned.
Manufacturers have overproduced to lesser demand.
To exact revenge, follow the 2019 playbook when brands were killing each other for your hard-earned dollars.
Wait for a holiday, especially a promotional one, and you could save 10- 35%.
The best times to buy appliances are:
In a struggling economy, new holidays may emerge, so keep your eyes peeled for additional opportunities to save.
If you're searching for information and tips on selecting the perfect refrigerator for your home, check out our guide: "How to Buy a Refrigerator: The Ultimate Guide."
The guide provides detailed insights and expert advice to help you make the best decision for your kitchen.
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.