A counter-depth refrigerator is a type of fridge that sits flush with your kitchen cabinets, giving the appliance a sleek and integrated appearance. The term "counter-depth" refers to the distance between the front of your kitchen countertops and your back wall or backsplash, which is typically 24-30 inches. Counter-depth refrigerators are usually 24-25 inches deep, which is about 9-10 inches less than a standard fridge. They are designed to match the depth of countertops, so that the front of the appliance aligns with the edge of the countertop. Counter-depth refrigerators are available in all fridge types, including French door, side-by-side, bottom-freezer, top-freezer, and mini-fridge configurations.

The reduced size of a counter-depth refrigerator means there is less storage space, but they don’t protrude into your kitchen space, which is important when you’ve got a small kitchen or want a seamless look. However, counter-depth refrigerators offer nearly identical storage as a traditional full-size refrigerator, but they won’t stick out past the kitchen cabinets and impede your walk path. Standard-depth refrigerators, on the other hand, are more traditional, with a depth of 30 to 36 inches or more, and offer more interior storage space than counter-depth refrigerators.

Both refrigerator types are available at a range of price points, but counter-depth refrigerators tend to be more expensive than their standard-depth counterparts. If youre on a budget, a standard-depth refrigerator may be the better option.