The answer to which is better, a standard depth or counter-depth refrigerator, depends on several factors.
Standard depth refrigerators typically have greater storage capacity, as the doors, shelves, and drawers usually open to the full depth of the unit. While counter-depth refrigerators have doors and shelves that don’t extend to the cabinet’s full depth.
The advantage is that counter-depth models look more integrated into kitchen designs, as they have a shallower depth and align more closely with cabinetry.
When it comes to cost, counter-depth models are usually more expensive than their standard depth counterparts. The difference in price can be attributed to the amount of material used to manufacture each unit, as counter-depth refrigerators typically have less insulation and fewer internal components than their standard depth siblings.
Overall, the decision of which refrigerator is better for you comes down to how much space you need and how much you are willing to spend. If you need ample storage and a lower price tag, a standard depth model might be your best bet, while counter-depth models are great for those who want a more cohesive integration with their kitchen cabinetry, boast the convenience of a shallow depth and don’t mind compromising on interior storage space.
Do counter-depth fridges cost more?
Yes, counter-depth fridges typically cost more than standard-depth fridges. Counter-depth fridges are shallower than standard-depth models, allowing for a more streamlined, built-in look. When taking into account its sleeker design, it is understandable why counter-depth fridges cost more.
Counter-depth models tend to cost 10%-20% more than their standard-depth counterparts. Additionally, depending on the size and features, counter-depth fridges may even cost 40% more. When shopping around, be sure to compare features and prices between standard and counter-depth models to find the best fit for your needs.
Do counter depth refrigerators have less space?
Counter depth refrigerators can look more spacious than standard-depth models, because they blend in with cabinetry and don’t encroach into the room as much. However, they do typically have less internal storage space.
Standard-depth models protrude farther into the room, but they also have more capacity—an extra 6 to 8 cubic feet or more.
The trade-off is that a counter-depth refrigerator won’t protrude too far and can offer a more integrated appearance. This can be especially important in small kitchens, where a standard-depth model would take up too much space.
However, counter-depth refrigerators usually can’t be bumped together with wall cabinets or other kitchen features as easily as standard-depth models. Furthermore, counter-depth refrigerators may have less storage convenience features than standard-depth models (e. g.
, fewer door bins and shelves, adjustable drawers, etc).
So, if you plan to fit your counter-depth refrigerator inside a particularly tight space, you may need to sacrifice some storage space or convenience features in order to make it fit.
What is the difference between a counter-depth refrigerator and a regular refrigerator?
The main difference between a counter-depth refrigerator and a regular refrigerator is the depth. A counter-depth refrigerator is shallower than a regular refrigerator, typically between 24 and 36 inches deep.
This allows the refrigerator to blend in with cabinetry and create a sleek, seamless look in the kitchen. Due to their shallower depth, counter-depth refrigerators typically have smaller capacities, making them better suited for smaller spaces or kitchens with minimal storage needs.
On the other hand, regular refrigerators, also known as full-depth refrigerators, are usually between 30 and 36 inches deep and can feature larger capacities and more spacious interiors. Additionally, they usually have a few more features than counter-depth refrigerators since they can accommodate more space.
This includes extra door bins, adjustable shelves, meat drawers, and other storage options.
It’s important to note that many models of counter-depth and regular refrigerators come with a variety of features, from adjustable shelves to water filtration systems. However, the depth is the biggest difference between the two.
How far should a fridge stick out past the counter?
The exact distance that a fridge should stick out past the counter depends on the size of the fridge and the location of the counter. Generally, leaving around 4-5 inches between the counter and the fridge door is recommended.
In some cases, it may be necessary to cut the counter away for a deeper or wider fridge to be installed. If the counter is to be cut back, make sure that the outer layer of the cabinet box is also trimmed back at the same time to ensure the countertop is supported and remains level.
It’s also important to plan for adequate space to open the refrigerator door fully and allow enough room to access the items inside without obstruction.
How do the doors open on a counter-depth refrigerator?
Most counter-depth refrigerators have a reversible door swing that allows the door to be opened from either the left or the right side, depending on your preference. Some models may also have special door-opening mechanisms such as ones that open with a simple push or pull of the handle.
Other models are designed with a hinge system that allows the door to be opened outward or inwards as your preference requires. The refrigerator usually comes with a set of levers and buttons that allow you to adjust how far the door should open and at what angle it should remain when open.
Generally, the door stop short of being fully open and the hinges keep the door at a closed or an open position. If the door is designed to be opened inwards, then the handle will usually be located near the center of the door and it should be pushed down in order to open it.
For right-hinge, side-by-side, and French door models, the door should be opened by pulling the handle towards you.
How deep should a refrigerator cabinet be?
The ideal depth for a refrigerator cabinet depends on the size of the refrigerator and the kitchen space you have available for it. Generally speaking, a 24″ deep cabinet is good for a standard top-freezer or bottom-freezer refrigerator.
However, depending on your kitchen space, you can opt for a larger refrigerator that requires a shallower cabinet depth of 18-20″. Additionally, many built-in refrigerator cabinets are counter-depth, meaning they are only as deep as the countertops in the kitchen, which is typically 24″.
If you plan on building a refrigerator cabinet, be sure to consider the dimensions of the refrigerator and allocate enough space in the cabinet.
Why are tall refrigerators so expensive?
Tall refrigerators are typically pricier than their shorter counterparts due to a variety of factors. One of the key reasons is the cost of materials since a taller model requires more material than a standard size refrigerator.
In addition, it also takes more time to construct them as each component needs to be carefully crafted to the necessary dimensions. Furthermore, a larger internal size also means that more components such as motors, integral parts and insulation need to be included, which increases the cost to manufacture.
Taller refrigerators also offer more space, a wider selection of shelves and compartments and are usually equipped with a variety of modern features such as ice makers and precise temperature controls, which all contribute to the price.
As a result, tall refrigerators are typically more expensive than the standard size but are also designed to offer greater convenience, better performance and more versatile storage options.
How far from the wall should a fridge be?
When determining how far from the wall a refrigerator should be, the main consideration to keep in mind is the refrigerator’s ventilation needs. Generally, the manufacturer’s instructions or information included with the product will provide you with a “minimum clearance” for the wall or any other obstruction that should be maintained in order for the appliance to operate correctly.
This minimum clearance will typically be between 1-2 inches, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer. In addition to providing enough space for the refrigerator to ventilate, it is also important to consider the size of the refrigerator and the space available in the kitchen.
For those with large refrigerators and limited space, it may be necessary to move the refrigerator further from the wall than the minimum clearance would suggest. Conversely, if a large amount of space is available in the kitchen, the refrigerator can be closer to the wall than the minimum clearance would specify.
It is also important to consider the type of backing found behind the refrigerator when determining the distance from the wall, as different backings can require different amounts of clearance. In general, maintaining at least 1-2 inches of clearance from all walls or other obstructions should be sufficient for most refrigerators, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you are providing the correct amount of clearance.
Do you lose a lot of space with a counter-depth fridge?
No, you don’t lose a lot of space with a counter-depth refrigerator. Counter-depth models are designed to fit into a standard kitchen cabinet or counter space, plus they offer a few extra inches of depth compared to other refrigerator styles.
The depth of a counter-depth model is typically between 22-27 inches, while standard models range from 28-35 inches. While counter-depth refrigerators will take up slightly less interior space compared to standard models, the real advantage is that you can fit it into a standard counter or cabinet space and achieve a more streamlined, integrated look.
That being said, you may not have as much space for larger items such as trays or platters.
Is counter-depth or standard depth better?
The choice between counter-depth and standard-depth refrigerators ultimately depends on personal preference and available space.
Counter-depth refrigerators are built so they line up flush with kitchen countertops and cabinets and typically offer a more seamless integration into the kitchen space. Less depth also makes them easier to open in tight spaces.
However, counter-depth models are typically more expensive than standard-depth, and usually have limited interior capacity and lack features such as ice-makers and interior lighting.
Standard-depth refrigerators have a greater capacity, with more features, larger door bins, and useful adjustable shelving, although they protrude into the kitchen and can stick out about 6 to 8 inches from the counter.
Some manufacturers offer models with shallower depth than standard ones, but with almost all the features of a standard-depth refrigerator.
Based on personal preference and available space, the choice between counter-depth and standard-depth can be overwhelming. For automated shopping assistance, there are online size calculators that can help you measure and determine which refrigerator fits best in your kitchen.
What depth is counter-depth?
Counter-depth refers to the depth of a refrigerator, which typically ranges from 24 to 30 inches. It is important to note that it should not be confused with a standard depth refrigerator, which ranges from 30 to 36 inches deep.
The counter-depth measurement includes the case, doors, and any handles protruding from the face of the refrigerator. The space between the counter-top and the refrigerator defines the counter-depth.
When looking for a counter-depth refrigerator, most manufacturers will provide measurements that are taken from the wall to the front of the refrigerator, including anything protruding from the face.
For example, if the total depth of a counter-depth refrigerator is 25 inches, a standard depth refrigerator would be more than 25 inches deep, because it has an additional 6 inches of case. Counter-depth refrigerators are becoming more popular, as they allow for a more efficient kitchen design and increased available counter space.
How is the depth of a fridge measured?
The depth of a fridge is typically measured by taking the distance from the front of the refrigerator to the rear wall. This is because most fridges have a standard depth of approximately 28 inches when the doors are closed.
However, if the depth increases when you open the doors to access the interior of the refrigerator, this measurement will be greater than the standard depth of 28 inches.
The height of the refrigerator can also influence the depth measurement. When taking into account the height of a refrigerator, measure from the highest part of the refrigerator to the deepest part of the refrigerator.
Depending on the model of the refrigerator, this could be an additional few inches of depth that must be considered.
When checking the depth of a refrigerator, make sure to also check for any extra attachments such as built-in shelving, drawers, and other built-in features that might affect the overall depth measurement.
Additionally, other factors such as door handles and hinges may also contribute to a slightly deeper depth measurement.
How much space is needed between refrigerator and dishwasher?
Due to safety concerns and to make sure both appliances have adequate space to function properly, the space between a refrigerator and dishwasher should be at least 6 inches. If possible, the space should be left open on both sides of the appliances, allowing air to circulate and helping keep them cool during operation.
Additionally, make sure that the refrigerator is not blocked off to allow adequate air circulation. Finally, avoid overloading the circuit with both appliances to minimize the risk of overloads and damaging the circuits.