A counter-depth refrigerator will look better in your kitchen,
while a standard-depth refrigerator will be up to seven cubic feet bigger for $100
to $390 less than the identical counter-depth refrigerator.
In this video, you'll learn the pros
and cons of both styles so you can make an informed decision in your kitchen.
In the end, I will show you a hack on how to have the capacity of the standard-depth
with the better looks of the counter-depth.
A counter-depth is 19.8 to 24 cubic feet,
with the standard-depth being 26 to 30 cubic feet in capacity.
Let's look at the pros and cons of each,
and then we'll show you how to combine the benefits of both.
Counter-depth looks better because the refrigerator is only 24 inches deep
and only the door will protrude past your counters.
Your standard counter is 24 inches, so you won't see the unattractive textured
sides of the refrigerator protruding into your kitchen.
If your refrigerator is in the middle of your kitchen or in a smaller design,
like in an apartment, counter depth will always look better.
In kitchens with islands,
a counter-depth will give you better clearance between the refrigerator
and the island, which is important with two or more people using the kitchen
at the same time. The cons associated with counter-depth
refrigerators are their lower capacity and their higher price,
which are the reasons to consider a standard-depth refrigerator.
Standard-depth will give you another four
to seven cubic feet, depending on the manufacturer.
So if you have a larger family or store
trays and platters, then the standard depth will serve you better.
Now, you may think that you'll pay more
for a standard-depth, but actually you'll end up paying less
about $100 to $390 less in most popular styles.
For example, the LG InstaView 4 door with Craft Ice is $3,899 in a counter-depth
and only $3,509 for the larger 28 cubic foot standard-depth.
Want the Profile with the Keuirg? It's $3,799
in the 27 cubic ft. Versus $3,999 in the identical 22.3 cubic ft. counter-depth.
The most reasonable difference in price was from Samsung.
There's only a $100 difference between their 29 cubic ft. standard refrigerator
and their 23 cubic ft. counter depth 4 door flex units.
So why the price difference?
Well, manufacturers years ago claimed
to produce less counter-depths and had to charge more per unit.
Fast forward to today, with counter-depths being the more popularly bought unit.
Maybe they just charge more because they can.
So here's how to have the capacity
of a standard-depth and the looks of a counter-depth.
You see this a lot in luxury kitchens,
where they're trying to make everything seamless and integrated into the cabinets.
First, you want to build the cabinets or
the refrigerator enclosure out to cover the sides of your standard-depth
refrigerator instead of just building them out 24 inches.
Standard refrigerator depth is roughly 29
inches but varies by manufacturers, so always double check the depth
of the textured sides before choosing your refrigerator.
This trick will work better at the end of your kitchen or on the opposite wall
of your cove dishwasher and other appliances that are 24 inches deep.
The refrigerator doesn't have to be
centralized in any way, like your cooktop sink and dishwasher.
By building out the enclosure,
you're creating the aesthetic of a counter depth while still benefiting
from the larger capacity and lower price of a standard-depth refrigerator.
Counter-depth does look better in kitchens, especially with islands.
However, standard-depth will give you
a lot more cubic feet, even as you somehow pay less.
Keep in mind, you can combine the benefits of both by taking a larger standard-depth
refrigerator and building out your cabinets to cover the unattractive sides
to give the illusion of a counter-depth
refrigerator. Click the link to download our Free Refrigerator Buying Guide.
We all know someone who's made the wrong
decision when choosing between counter-depth for standard-depth.
Don't let that happen to you.
Over 1 million people have found the right answers in a Yale guide.
Thanks for watching.