Ever walked into your kitchen and felt like your refrigerator was taking over the room? It’s a common problem! Many people love the convenience of a side-by-side refrigerator, with its easy-to-reach freezer and fridge sections. But when it comes to fitting them into smaller kitchens, especially those with limited counter space, a regular, bulky fridge can feel like a giant obstacle. Choosing a counter-depth model is smart, but there are so many choices out there – it can feel overwhelming, right?
You want a fridge that looks good, keeps your food fresh, and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Finding the perfect side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator that fits your space and your budget can feel like a treasure hunt. You might be wondering about features, sizes, and what makes one better than another. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know. We’ll explore the benefits of a counter-depth model, guide you through the important features to look for, and help you discover the best options available. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick a side-by-side refrigerator that perfectly complements your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator in stainless steel offers a spacious and stylish solution for your kitchen. Its side-by-side doors and generous capacity make it ideal for busy families. This fridge is designed to blend seamlessly with your countertops, providing a clean and modern look.
What We Like:
- Its 20.6 cubic feet capacity easily stores groceries for the whole family.
- The side-by-side doors let you find fresh and frozen items quickly.
- A digital display makes adjusting settings simple.
- Large door bins hold gallons of drinks, saving shelf space.
- Bright LED lights illuminate the inside, so you can see everything clearly.
- The counter-depth design prevents it from sticking out too far from your cabinets.
- Delivery and installation services are available in some areas, making setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The frequency is listed as 60 hertz, which is standard but worth noting.
- The digital display is located inside, which means you have to open the door to adjust settings.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing ample storage and a sleek, modern design. Its thoughtful features and convenient delivery options make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator in sleek stainless steel. This fridge offers a spacious interior and a smart design to keep your food fresh and organized. Its side-by-side doors make finding what you need a breeze, and the counter-depth fit looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has a LARGE CAPACITY of 15.6 cu ft, which is perfect for families.
- The OVERSIZE DOOR BINS hold gallon-sized items, so you can store lots of drinks.
- A DIGITAL DISPLAY lets you easily control temperature settings from inside the fridge.
- The SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN helps you organize both fresh and frozen foods.
- You can easily adjust the feet height and move shelves for a custom fit.
- A BUILT-IN LAMP helps you find your food quickly.
- Delivery and haul-away options are available to make setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside, which means you have to open the door to make adjustments.
- While capacity is large, some users might prefer even more space for bulk buying.
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is a solid choice for busy households needing accessible storage and smart organization. It offers convenience and style to upgrade your kitchen experience.
3. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 20 cubic feet of space to keep all your food fresh and organized. Its French door design adds a touch of modern elegance, and the built-in ice maker makes enjoying cold drinks a breeze.
What We Like:
- Ample fresh food storage with 3 adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers.
- Convenient freezer with two drawers and door shelves.
- Smart temperature control for optimal food preservation.
- Quiet soft alert if a door is left open.
- Energy-efficient with an E-star rating.
- Multiple modes including child lock, vacation, and Sabbath mode.
- Built-in ice maker produces both solid and crushed ice.
- Modern LED interior lighting for easy visibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity for fresh food is 13.48 cubic feet, which might be tight for very large families.
- The white plastic air duct cover and white glass shelves trim might not match all kitchen aesthetics.
This refrigerator is a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen, offering both style and functionality. It’s a smart choice for keeping your groceries perfectly chilled and frozen.
4. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 9.0/10
The Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish and French door design give it a modern look. This fridge offers a generous 20 cubic feet of space, perfect for families or those who love to entertain. With a separate side freezer and convenient water and ice dispenser, it’s designed for everyday convenience.
What We Like:
- The large 20 cu ft capacity offers plenty of room for all your groceries.
- Its French door design and side freezer provide easy access to both refrigerated and frozen items.
- The built-in water dispenser and automatic ice maker, offering both nugget and cube ice, are a huge plus for refreshing drinks.
- The multi-airflow cooling system keeps food fresh, and the door alarm helps prevent energy waste.
- Automatic defrosting means you won’t have to worry about manual defrosting, and the removable door seals are easy to clean.
- Intelligent microcomputer control lets you easily adjust fridge and freezer temperatures with the LED display.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the dimensions are provided, the exact internal layout and shelf adjustability could be clearer for some users.
- The “nugget ice” feature might be a bit niche for some, though the cube ice option is standard.
This Antarctic Star refrigerator combines smart features with ample storage, making it a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen. It offers convenience and style to keep your food perfectly chilled and your drinks refreshingly cold.
5. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.4/10
This 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a huge amount of space for all your groceries. You can easily see what’s inside without even opening the door, thanks to the cool InstaView feature. Plus, it makes fancy round ice cubes called Craft Ice, which are perfect for drinks. The stainless steel finish looks super sleek and resists fingerprints, so it stays looking great.
What We Like:
- The InstaView window lets you peek inside without opening the door, saving energy.
- Craft Ice makes your beverages look extra special.
- It has a massive 27 cubic feet of storage space, so you can fit a lot of food.
- The PrintProof stainless steel finish is easy to clean and looks very modern.
- It’s a smart refrigerator, meaning you can connect it to your phone for extra features.
- The price is a great deal for all the cool stuff it does.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup of smart features a little tricky.
- The Craft Ice maker might be slower than a regular ice maker.
This refrigerator truly offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a smart investment for a busy household that wants convenience and style.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Side-by-Side Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Are you looking for a refrigerator that looks sleek and saves space? A side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator might be your perfect match! These fridges are designed to fit almost flush with your kitchen cabinets, giving your kitchen a clean, modern look. Let’s dive into what makes these refrigerators a great choice and what to consider before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator, keep these important features in mind:
- **Adjustable Shelving:** You want shelves that you can move around. This lets you fit tall bottles or large platters easily.
- **Crisper Drawers with Humidity Control:** These drawers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer. You can adjust the humidity to keep them perfectly crisp.
- **Door-in-Door Access:** Some models have a smaller door on the main refrigerator door. This lets you grab frequently used items like drinks or condiments without opening the whole fridge. It saves energy!
- **Water and Ice Dispenser:** Many of these refrigerators come with a built-in dispenser. Some offer filtered water and crushed or cubed ice.
- **Smart Features:** High-end models might connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control settings from your phone or get alerts if the door is left open.
- **Energy Star Certification:** Look for this label. It means the refrigerator is energy efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill.
Important Materials
The materials used in your refrigerator affect its durability and look.
- **Stainless Steel:** This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is generally easy to clean. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus!
- **Tempered Glass Shelves:** These are strong and easy to wipe clean. They can hold heavy items without cracking.
- **Plastic Drawers and Bins:** Good quality plastic is important. It should feel sturdy and not brittle.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how well your refrigerator performs and lasts.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Build Quality:** A well-built refrigerator feels solid. Doors should open and close smoothly. The internal components should look and feel well-made.
- **Quiet Operation:** A good refrigerator runs quietly. You won’t be bothered by loud humming or rattling noises.
- **Consistent Temperature:** The fridge should keep your food at the right temperature, both in the refrigerator and freezer sections.
- **Good Lighting:** Bright, well-placed LED lights help you see everything inside.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Flimsy Shelving:** Shelves that bend easily or feel cheap can be frustrating.
- **Noisy Compressor:** A loud compressor can be very annoying.
- **Poor Temperature Control:** If your food spoils quickly or your ice cream melts, the temperature control isn’t working well.
- **Difficult-to-Clean Surfaces:** Some finishes show smudges and fingerprints easily, making them hard to keep looking nice.
User Experience and Use Cases
These refrigerators are great for many homes.
- **Small Kitchens:** Their counter-depth design makes them ideal for kitchens where space is limited. They don’t stick out too far into the room.
- **Families:** The side-by-side layout is convenient. You can easily see both your refrigerated items and frozen goods.
- **Entertainers:** The organized shelves and drawers make it easy to store and access food and drinks for parties.
- **Style-Conscious Homeowners:** The sleek, built-in look enhances the overall appearance of your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “counter-depth” mean for a refrigerator?
A: Counter-depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard refrigerator. It is designed to sit nearly flush with your kitchen cabinets for a built-in look.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many modern side-by-side refrigerators are very energy efficient. Look for the Energy Star certification.
Q: How much storage space do these refrigerators typically have?
A: Storage space varies by model. Counter-depth refrigerators usually have slightly less capacity than standard-depth ones, but the organization helps maximize space.
Q: Are counter-depth refrigerators more expensive than standard ones?
A: Often, yes. The specialized design and features can make them a bit more costly.
Q: Can I fit large items like a turkey in a counter-depth refrigerator?
A: It can be challenging to fit very large items like a whole turkey. You might need to plan your meals or use a separate freezer.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water or a specialized stainless steel cleaner. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Q: What is the difference between a side-by-side and a French door refrigerator?
A: A side-by-side has the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. A French door refrigerator has two doors for the refrigerator on top and a freezer drawer on the bottom.
Q: Do all side-by-side counter-depth refrigerators have water and ice dispensers?
A: No, not all models have them. It is an optional feature, so check the product details.
Q: How much space do I need around the refrigerator?
A: Even though they are counter-depth, refrigerators still need some space for ventilation. Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific clearance requirements.
Q: Are these refrigerators noisy?
A: Newer models are generally much quieter than older ones. Reading reviews can give you an idea of a specific model’s noise level.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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