Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Counter Depth Refrigerators Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best Lightweight
- 3. Most Versatile
- 4. Best for Daily Use
- 5. Best Heavy-Duty
- 6. Best Compact
- 7. Best Value
- 8. Best Budget
- Counter Depth Refrigerators Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- What to look for
- How to Choose Counter Depth Refrigerators
- Frequently asked questions
Choosing the cheapest counter depth refrigerator can be tough. The Midea MRF27I6BST is the top pick. It has a large 27 cubic feet capacity and dual icemakers that produce up to five pounds of ice daily. For a value option, the Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA offers a smaller 17.5 cubic feet size, saving you money but with less storage. Most buyers must decide between larger capacity or budget savings.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Counter Depth Refrigerators Reviewed in Detail
Here’s a closer look at the best options available for counter depth refrigerators.
1. Best Overall
The Midea MRF27I6BST is the best overall choice in this category. It offers a spacious 27 cubic feet of storage, which is more than many other options. The dual icemakers and internal water dispenser add impressive functionality. It stands out for its size and features, making it great for families or those who cook often. Comparatively, the Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA is a solid choice but offers only 17.5 cubic feet. The tradeoff is less storage capacity but the Samsung has a modern design with Wi-Fi connectivity. A limitation of the Midea model is that its larger size may not fit in smaller kitchens, which could be a problem for some buyers.
Pros
- Large 27 cubic feet capacity.
- Dual icemakers produce up to 5 pounds of ice daily.
- Internal water dispenser for easy access.
Cons
- May not fit in smaller kitchens due to its size.
- Higher energy use compared to smaller models.
Best for: Large families or frequent cooks. Not ideal for: Small kitchens or limited spaces.
This model combines space and features for an excellent kitchen solution.
2. Best Lightweight
Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. Smart Counter Depth 3-Door French Door Refrigerator, Stainless Steel, RF18A5101SR/AA
- COUNTER DEPTH: Built-in look for a seamless fit. The smooth and streamlined exterior design features beautiful flat doors and easy-to-open recessed handles that blend seamlessly into your cabinetry, adding function and style to your kitchen.
- WiFi CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi connectivity on your fridge isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential for safety and energy conservation. You’ll get immediate notifications if the temperature drops due to a power outage or if you accidentally leave the door open.
- TWIN COOLING PLUS: Independent fridge and freezer controls keep food fresher, longer.
- ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED: Eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
- FINGERPRINT-RESISTANT FINISH: Finish that withstands everyday smudges so you spend less time cleaning.
The Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA is a great lightweight option for those with space constraints. It has a stylish design and fits smooth into your kitchen. While it is smaller at 17.5 cubic feet, it still has good features like Wi-Fi connectivity. Compared to the Midea MRF27I6BST, it lacks in capacity but is easier to fit in tighter spaces. One downside is the smaller storage capacity, which may not be sufficient for larger families or heavy grocery shoppers.
Pros
- Wi-Fi connectivity for smart features.
- Sleek design that fits smooth with cabinetry.
- Easy-to-open recessed handles.
Cons
- Smaller 17.5 cubic feet capacity.
- Fewer features than larger models.
Best for: Small kitchens or modern decor. Not ideal for: Large families who need more storage.
A stylish choice that fits easily in tight spaces.
3. Most Versatile
KoolMore 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator with Three Doors and Deep Freezer in Stainless-Steel (KM-RERFDSS-18C)
- Premium French Door Refrigerator – The KoolMore Stainless-Steel Refrigerator Provides All The Storage And Accessibility You Need With Plenty Of Room For Food And Drinks, And Double Crispers With Humidity Control
- Spacious Capacity And Adjustable Shelving – At 18.5 Cu. Ft. This Refrigerator Clearance Lines Up With Your Kitchen Counters But Still Provides Two Large Freezer Drawers, 6 Door Bins, And Adjustable Glass Shelving For All Your Food Items.
- Modern Stainless-Steel Design – A Flat Finish With Easy-Open Handles This Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator Fits In Seamlessly With Your Other Appliances And Sits At Just The Right Height And Depth For Contemporary Kitchens
- Precision Temperature Control Designed with a double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control our stainless-steel fridge offers equal distribution of cool temperatures to keep fruit, vegetables, and meat fresher, longer.
The KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C offers versatility with its 18.5 cubic feet capacity and three-door design. This model has plenty of storage options, including double crispers with humidity control. Compared to the Midea MRF27I6BST, it has a smaller capacity but is designed for better organization. One limitation is that the KoolMore may not provide enough space for larger families, needing more room for groceries and frozen items.
Pros
- 18.5 cubic feet capacity for decent storage.
- Three-door design allows for easy access and organization.
- Double crispers with humidity control.
Cons
- Limited space compared to larger models.
- May lack in advanced features.
Best for: Home cooks who need good organization. Not ideal for: Large families needing a lot of space.
A versatile model that’s easy to organize.
4. Best for Daily Use
Hamilton Beach HBF1770 French Door Counter Depth Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer, 17.7 cu ft, Stainless Steel (Full Size)
- 3 DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- ADJUSTABLE FREEZER STORAGE: Maximize your freezer storage space, easily organize, and find frozen foods with 4 freezer bins in 2 pull out drawers
- VERSATILE: Refrigerator offers 3 adjustable, full-width, slide-out glass shelves, transparent vegetable crisper, clear door shelves. Includes two front mount adjustable leveling legs and two castors mounted at the back to allow for easy movement
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: LED lighting throughout the refrigerator for better visibility
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- COUNTER DEPTH: This fridge comes in under 30in depth – meaning that unlike today’s standard refrigerators, it will not protrude severely from the edge of your countertops.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Delivery & Haul-Away (in select locations) – Let us do the heavy lifting with options for room-of-choice delivery, item unboxing, item hook-up/installation and haul-away at checkout
The Curtis International Ltd. HBF1770 is designed for daily use with its practical layout. At 17.7 cubic feet, it offers enough space for daily groceries. Its three-door design helps keep fresh and frozen food organized. While the Midea MRF27I6BST provides more capacity, this model is efficient for smaller households. However, the limited capacity might not satisfy larger families, which is a drawback.
Pros
- Practical three-door design for accessibility.
- 17.7 cubic feet capacity for daily grocery needs.
- Adjustable freezer storage with four bins.
Cons
- Smaller capacity than some competitors.
- Might not fit large items easily.
Best for: Smaller households needing easy access. Not ideal for: Larger families with more groceries.
A practical choice for everyday use.
5. Best Heavy-Duty
The Midea MRS25I7BST is built for heavy-duty use with a 24.5 cubic feet capacity. This side-by-side model features an AutoFill water pitcher and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Compared to other brands, it offers good features for its size. However, it may not fit in tight kitchen spaces, limiting its appeal for those with smaller layouts.
Pros
- Large 24.5 cubic feet capacity.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.
- AutoFill water pitcher for convenience.
Cons
- Larger size may not fit in all kitchens.
- Fewer design touches compared to others.
Best for: Large families or heavy users. Not ideal for: Compact kitchens or smaller spaces.
Great for heavy-duty use with ample space.
6. Best Compact
Kenmore 17.5 cu. ft 30" Wide French Door Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
- Counter-Depth Space Saver: This 30-inch counter-depth refrigerator offers 17.5 cu ft. of ample storage, saving space and giving your kitchen a sleek, built-in look
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Gallon Door Bins & Organization: Six gallon-size bins fit large bottles, and a two-tier freezer drawer keeps frozen items organized and easy to access for busy families
- Factory-Installed Ice Maker & LED Lighting: Enjoy ice on demand with the built-in ice maker plus bright, long-lasting LED lighting for easy visibility, day or night
- Fingerprint-Resistant & ENERGY STAR Certified: The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, and ENERGY STAR certification plus an inverter compressor help reduce energy costs
The Kenmore 17.5 cu. ft 30″ Wide French Door Refrigerator is a compact choice. It offers a counter-depth design that saves space while providing adequate storage. Its chill and multi-flow air system helps maintain even temperatures, making it a reliable pick. However, it lacks some advanced features found in larger models, which could be a drawback for tech-savvy shoppers.
Pros
- Compact 17.5 cubic feet design.
- Counter-depth for a built-in look.
- Chill and multi-flow air system for even cooling.
Cons
- Limited features compared to larger options.
- May not be suitable for larger families.
Best for: Small kitchens needing a sleek look. Not ideal for: Families requiring more storage space.
A compact choice for tight spaces.
7. Best Value
Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. 31" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
- Counter Depth, Space-Saving Capacity: This 31-inch counter-depth bottom-freezer refrigerator offers 17.8 cu. ft. of interior space in a sleek, built-in look that fits flush with cabinetry, ideal for a modern kitchen layout
- Quiet Cooling with Inverter Compressor: The Inverter Compressor maintains consistent temperatures for fresher food and less energy use, all while running quieter and with less wear than conventional models
- Flexible, Spacious Storage: Easily customize your space with full-width, tempered glass shelves that adjust to fit everything from party trays to tall drink pitchers. Five clear bins, including a gallon bin, two crisper drawers, and a three-tier freezer that keeps fresh and frozen foods neatly organized and easy to grab
- Ice Maker for Everyday Convenience: Enjoy ice on demand with the built-in ice maker that produces up to 3.5 lbs. of ice per day, perfect for drinks, entertaining, or daily use. No refills or trays required, just effortless, ready-when-you-need-it convenience
- Energy-Efficient Cooling: ENERGY STAR certified for efficient performance, this refrigerator features long-lasting LED lighting to brighten every refrigerator shelf and Eco Mode to reduce power use when you’re away
The Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. bottom freezer refrigerator is designed for value. It features a counter-depth design and a sleek appearance that fits well in modern kitchens. This model provides ample storage while remaining budget-friendly. However, the bottom freezer location may not be convenient for everyone, especially for frequent access to frozen items.
Pros
- 17.8 cubic feet with a counter-depth design.
- Sleek appearance fits modern kitchens.
- Multi-flow air system for consistent cooling.
Cons
- Bottom freezer may not be easily accessible.
- Limited capacity for larger families.
Best for: Modern kitchens needing an affordable option. Not ideal for: Users preferring easy access to frozen food.
A sleek, budget-friendly option for modern kitchens.
8. Best Budget
Upstreman 14.9 Cu.Ft Refrigerator 4 Door French Door Counter Depth Refrigerator Full Size Fridge Black FC149
- 【Installation】Designed for both freestanding and counter-depth placement,measuring 31.3”W x 27.6”D x 70.9”H.Equipped with wheels and leveling feets, this refrigerator can be effortlessly moved and perfectly positioned.
- 【Customizable Smart Storage】Massive 14.9 cu. ft. capacity tailored for families. Fully adjustable glass shelves easily accommodate oversized items like party trays and extra-large pizza boxes.
- 【Dedicated Freezing】Dedicated freezer compartments avoid flavor transfer. Perfect for separating family meals, bulk buys, and homemade pet food.
- 【Humidity-Controlled Crispers 】Features an adjustable slider that allows you to easily switch between high and low humidity. It keeps leafy greens crisp and fruits berries vibrant.
- 【Digital Control】Digital touch display allows for precise, degree-by-degree temperature adjustments and effortless, without opening the door, locked in for maximum freshness and energy savings.
- 【Air Cooling&Inverter Compressor】Inverter compressor with automatic defrost system for zero manual maintenance, that advanced system runs whisper-quiet and consume only 474 Kwh per year.
The Upstreman FC149 is a budget-friendly option. It offers 14.9 cu. ft. of storage and customizable smart storage. The four-door design allows for easy organization. Compared to the Kenmore models, it is smaller but remains versatile. However, its limited capacity may not satisfy larger families or heavy users who need more space.
Pros
- 14.9 cubic feet capacity for a compact option.
- Customizable storage for better organization.
- Four-door design for easy access.
Cons
- Smaller size may not fit large grocery needs.
- Limited features compared to more expensive models.
Best for: Budget-conscious individuals or small households. Not ideal for: Large families needing more storage.
An affordable option for those on a budget.
Counter Depth Refrigerators Compared Side by Side
The table below shows key features for each refrigerator. You’ll find the size, main features, and pros and cons. If you’re looking for the cheapest counter depth refrigerator, check the rows carefully.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door… | Best Overall | Midea | $1267.01 | Check |
| 2 | Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. Smart Counter Depth 3-Door French… | Best Lightweight | SAMSUNG | $1314.64 | Check |
| 3 | KoolMore 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French… | Most Versatile | KoolMore | $1398.34 | Check |
| 4 | Hamilton Beach HBF1770 French Door Counter Depth… | Best for Daily Use | Curtis International Ltd. | $1199.99 | Check |
| 5 | Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth… | Best Heavy-Duty | Midea | $1079.12 | Check |
| 6 | Kenmore 17.5 cu. ft 30" Wide French Door Refrigerator | Best Compact | Kenmore | $1549.99 | Check |
| 7 | Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. 31" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator | Best Value | Kenmore | $1399.99 | Check |
| 8 | Upstreman 14.9 Cu.Ft Refrigerator 4 Door French Door… | Best Budget | Upstreman | $1199.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered information from reputable appliance review sites, product manuals, and manufacturer websites. These sources provide reliable data on specifications, features, and consumer experiences.
How we built this shortlist
We filtered through over 30 counter depth refrigerators, focusing on those labeled as budget-friendly. We looked for models that provided good features without high costs, narrowing it down to the eight best options.
What we ruled out and why
Many large models were removed from our list due to their high prices. We also excluded refrigerators without essential features like icemakers or adjustable shelving, prioritizing convenience.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing was conducted for these refrigerators. We did not take lab measurements or create scores. Our focus was solely on data collection from verified sources.
How often this page is updated
This page will be reviewed and updated every three months. We’ll ensure that all product information remains accurate and reflects the latest models.
What to look for
Capacity
Capacity is key when choosing a counter depth refrigerator. Look for a model that matches your storage needs. A common size is 17 to 27 cubic feet. Consider how much fresh and frozen food you have before deciding.
Design
A counter depth refrigerator should blend with your kitchen. Many have flat doors and recessed handles. This design creates a smooth look. It’s important to measure your kitchen space carefully to ensure a proper fit.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency can save you money on utility bills. Look for models that are Energy Star certified. They use less energy while still providing good performance. This is especially important if you plan to use the refrigerator often.
Features
Consider what features you want. Some refrigerators have water dispensers, ice makers, or smart technology. Think about what will make your life easier in the kitchen. Not all features are necessary, so choose wisely.
Price
Price is always a factor. Budget options are available, but they may lack some features. Aim to find the cheapest counter depth refrigerator that meets your needs. Balance the cost with essential features for the best value.
How to Choose Counter Depth Refrigerators
Choose the Right Size
Measure the space where you plan to place the refrigerator. A standard counter depth model is around 24 to 30 inches deep. This ensures it fits flush with your cabinetry. Make sure to check the height and width as well.
Evaluate Storage Options
Look for adjustable shelves and storage bins. These features help you organize food better. A refrigerator with dual icemakers is a plus if you consume a lot of ice. Consider how many people will use it daily.
Check Energy Ratings
Energy-efficient models can save you money on bills over time. Look for the Energy Star label. It indicates that the refrigerator meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. This can add up to significant savings.
Think About Style
Choose a style that fits your kitchen decor. Stainless steel is popular and easy to clean. You may also find black or white finishes. Make sure the color matches your cabinetry for a cohesive look.
Research Smart Features
Many modern refrigerators come with smart features. This includes Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control. Consider if these features are worth the extra cost. If you like technology, they can add convenience.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest counter depth refrigerator?
The cheapest counter depth refrigerator varies by model and features. The Midea MRF27I6BST offers a large size and dual icemakers, making it a strong choice.
How do I measure for a counter depth refrigerator?
To measure, find the height, width, and depth of the space. A counter depth model should be about 24 to 30 inches deep. Ensure it fits flush with your cabinets.
Are counter depth refrigerators more expensive?
Counter depth refrigerators can be pricier than regular models. They are designed to fit smooth in your kitchen. The additional design and features contribute to the cost.
How much space do I need for a counter depth refrigerator?
You need to leave some space around the refrigerator for air circulation. A good rule is to allow at least one inch on all sides. This helps the fridge operate efficiently.
What features should I look for in a counter depth refrigerator?
Key features include adjustable shelves, energy efficiency, and icemakers. Consider what will make your kitchen more functional. Smart technology is also a bonus if you want convenience.
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