The modern fridge can be a bulky appliance; some of the largest units we've tested measure nearly 37 inches in depth with the doors closed. Combined with the added inch or two for clearance, you're looking at an appliance that'll stick out far beyond most kitchen cabinets, which can be an eyesore or even an inconvenience. That's where a counter-depth model comes in: sure, you're giving up a (sometimes significant) measure of space, but you'll get sleek, nearly flush looks without paying the exorbitant premium that comes with an (admittedly even better-fitting) built-in refrigerator.
We've tested more than 25 refrigerators, and below are our recommendations for the best counter-depth refrigerators to buy. We made our choices based on their performance, feature set, and price. Of course, it's worth noting that since refrigerators are routinely sold at considerable discounts, the price difference between our recommendations can be quite small. If you're looking for more general recommendations, see our recommendations for the best refrigerators and our refrigerator brand overview. We've also updated our refrigerator testing methodology. If you're interested in reading more, check out our changelog for Test Bench 1.1.
Quick Look
We've recently started testing refrigerators. We independently purchase each unit from major retailers, just like you, to keep our reviews free from manufacturer influence. Each refrigerator goes through the same tests to measure objective data for metrics like temperature uniformity, produce preservation, and actual storage capacity so you can easily compare the results.
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Best Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Everyday Use8.1Refrigerator Capacity7.1Freezer Capacity6.7Parts Availability8.5See all our test resultsAuthorized Service Coverage9.0If you're willing to spare no expense and have the room for a 36-inch fridge, the Bosch 800 Series B36CT80SNS is the best counter-depth fridge that we've tested. The 800 Series lineup contains some of the few consumer-grade refrigerators to utilize separate inverter-controlled compressors for the fridge and freezer sections, along with separate evaporators, effectively ensuring each cabinet has its own refrigeration loop. This allows for more precise temperature regulation and humidity control, not to mention virtually eliminating odor transfer between cabinets. This fridge is also equipped with Bosch's VitaFresh drawers, which can maintain a stable temperature-controlled microclimate and seal in moisture to keep delicate greens crisp for weeks at a time.
Unfortunately, freezer space is limited, even by the standards of other counter-depth fridges. The lower bins don't extend to the back of the freezer cabinet, severely limiting space for stowing larger boxed items. While its in-freezer ice maker can produce an impressive amount of ice in a pinch, the high-capacity ice tray also takes up a significant portion of the upper drawer.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Counter-Depth Refrigerator
If you're looking for something a little less expensive, the Samsung Bespoke RM80F23VMR is worth a look. This four-door fridge offers just as much fridge capacity as the pricier Bosch 800 Series B36CT80SNS, and its partitioned freezer is both larger and easier to keep organized. It's also an impressive performer overall, with very consistent temperatures in both the fridge and freezer compartments, so you don't have to worry about premature spoilage when unpacking your groceries. That's despite its comparatively rudimentary single-compressor, single-evaporator cooling system.
It isn't all rosy, however: while the Samsung fridge's produce preservation performance is good overall, especially for an appliance with a simple single-evaporator cooling system, it falls short of the pricier Bosch's performance. In terms of serviceability, it's also important to note that Bosch has a more robust network of authorized service providers in more rural US states, making it easier to get in touch with a technician if something does go wrong with your fridge. While its twin ice makers and in-door water dispenser are both eye-catching additions, it's worth noting that they do introduce additional potential failure points versus a simpler fridge.
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Best Mid-Range Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Everyday Use7.7Refrigerator Capacity7.6Freezer Capacity6.0Parts Availability7.4See all our test resultsAuthorized Service Coverage7.2The Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6600QL is the best mid-range counter-depth refrigerator that we've tested. This French door model offers a good amount of room in its fridge compartment, comfortably exceeding the capacity of the pricier Samsung Bespoke RM80F23VMR. What you give up versus that pricier four-door is freezer space: the latter compartment is very shallow, and much of the space in the shorter upper drawer is taken up by its ice maker tray. If you're the type to shop for family-sized packs of frozen meals, you might want to look elsewhere.
Performance-wise, the RF24BB6600QL is good overall, with above-average produce preservation and generally good temperature uniformity thanks to its dual-evaporator cooling system. The in-door Beverage Center makes it easy to pour yourself a glass of water or pull out a canned drink, but the thinned outer door may also be a contributing factor in its slightly warmer-than-baseline door bins.
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Best Budget Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Everyday Use7.3Refrigerator Capacity7.7Freezer Capacity7.6Parts Availability7.2See all our test resultsAuthorized Service Coverage8.3The LG LRFLC2706S is worth a look if you're on a tighter budget. Compared to the Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6600QL, it falls short in terms of produce preservation performance, with a comparatively rudimentary cooling system comprising a single compressor and single evaporator in the freezer. In real-world terms, this results in a much drier refrigerator cabinet. Combined with its relatively poorly sealing drawers, there's a fair amount of moisture loss in this space, so delicate produce like lettuce or celery will lose its snap much faster than it would if stored in the Samsung.
If you're not too fussed about its general lack of performance in this regard, this fridge does offer some advantages over the far pricier (and generally better-performing) Samsung. The LG offers more space in both its fridge and freezer cabinets thanks to its Counter-Depth MAX design, which essentially hollows out space at the back of the fridge cabinet, unlike most conventional counter-depth units. It also does a great job of maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the freezer and fridge cabinets, so you can place temperature-sensitive items like milk or cream wherever it's most practical, without worrying they'll spoil early.
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Best Cheap Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Check out the Frigidaire FFTR1425VW if you're looking to spend as little as possible. This 28-inch top freezer fridge is about as basic as fridges can be, and really isn't suited for a household of more than two people if you cook frequently. Still, it's got some handy touches: there's a sliding deli drawer for keeping smaller items out of the way, and the door bins are just about wide enough to squeeze in bulky things like juice cartons. This unit's cooling system is simple, comprising a fixed-speed compressor and a single evaporator, with temperature regulation being handled by a mechanical thermostat. If something does go wrong with this fridge, Frigidaire has a comprehensive network of authorized service providers, and spare parts are plentiful.
Beyond that, it does a good job of maintaining stable temperatures in both the freezer and fridge cabinets, with the notable exception of the fridge's lower door bins, which are really only good for chilling things like drinks. As expected for a single-evaporator fridge with basic crisper drawers, moisture retention in the fridge cabinet is pretty poor. The optional ice maker's ice tray is impressively spacious, and when it's filled to capacity, you'll have enough ice for slinging cold drinks at a family dinner. That said, the ice maker occupies a huge chunk of the already limited freezer space, so you're better off going without it if you find yourself shopping for frozen goods.
Notable Mentions
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LG STUDIO SRFB27W3:
The LG STUDIO SRFB27W3 is effectively the same fridge as the LG LRFLC2706S, but with a premium appearance consisting of an optional matte-white exterior, brass touchpoints, and an interior finished in dark grey plastic. It's a solid performer overall, but not worth the additional outlay over the much cheaper and identically performing LG fridge.
See our review -
KitchenAid KRSC703HPS:
The KitchenAid KRSC703HPS is a 36-inch side-by-side fridge with good overall performance and relatively spacious fridge and freezer cabinets, especially when compared to the Samsung Bespoke RM80F23VMR, but its availability is unfortunately rather limited.
See our review -
Whirlpool WRQA59CNKZ:
The Whirlpool WRQA59CNKZ is a 36-inch counter-depth four-door refrigerator that offers good freezer capacity and impressive temperature consistency, but its produce preservation performance lags behind units with dual evaporators like the Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6600QL.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jan 20, 2026:
We added Samsung Bespoke RM80F23VMR as the new 'Best Upper Mid-Range Counter-Depth Refrigerator' and Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6600QL as 'Best Mid-Range Counter-Depth Refrigerator' picks. Recategorized LG LRFLC2706S as 'Best Budget Counter-Depth Refrigerator' and Frigidaire FFTR1425VW as 'Best Cheap Counter-Depth Refrigerator' pick. Added KitchenAid KRSC703HPS and Whirlpool WRQA59CNKZ to Notable Mentions.
Nov 11, 2025:
Replaced the KitchenAid KRQC506MPS with the Whirlpool WRQA59CNKZ as the 'Best Counter-Depth Four-Door Refrigerator' pick, as the latter provides all but identical performance to the latter for a lower price. Added the KitchenAid KRQC506MPS, LG STUDIO SRFB27W3, and Samsung Bespoke RF24BB6600QL to the Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are currently the best counter-depth refrigerators to buy. We don't base our results solely on overall performance, but also on factors like availability, price, and reader feedback.
If you'd like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of all our counter-depth refrigerator reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While there's no single fridge that's perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.