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Looking for a shallow counter depth fridge

9 years ago

We bought our current refrigerator back in 2007. It's only 26 inches from the back to the edge of the door. I know sometimes the specs measure to the handles. Because of where it sits in the kitchen following a remodel we'd like to stay in that depth range. We're having trouble finding a french door, counter-depth fridge that's close to what we have now -- most are 29 inches or more. Not sure if there's a been a change in the way refrigerators are designed that makes our desired depth less common. If anyone has brands or models to recommend that are shallow depth we'd appreciate it. Thanks

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9 years ago

AJ Madison's website is my go-to for searching for appliances by size. Hers what my quick search of 23 to 26 inches deep turned up: Shallow refrigerators

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Comments (6)

User
9 years ago
You need an actual built in model, not a freestanding counter depth model.
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Refrigerator carcass/box depth is only part of the story when determining the depth of a refrigerator and its impact on an aisle. You need to measure the full depth - including: (1) Box + Doors + Handles (2) Amount of space you will have behind the refrigerator for air circulation, power outlet + plug, and water line (if you have a water spigot and/or an icemaker). From my experience, CDs need less recommended air circulation than standard depths. Check the refrigerator's specs for the minimum recommended - but be aware that your installation may need more space, depending on your setup (e.g., do you need more space for the plug or water line than is recommended in the specs?) As Lisa mentioned, you need to measure from the handles when determining the aisle width and you need to determine how busy that aisle will be. You also need to take into account what is in front of the refrigerator - is the Prep Zone in front of the refrigerator? the Cooking Zone? If the Prep or Cooking Zone is directly in front or it is in any way "shared" work space, you will need more space in that aisle. So, measure from the refrigerator's handles to the counter edge of an island/peninsula or whatever is in front of the refrigerator, determine what you will have directly across from the refrigerator, and determine how busy that aisle will be.
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I too have the same concern, we did Thermador integrated panel ready, the contractor has part of the box constructed and the framing for the fridge is flush with the lower cabinet, the fridge is at the end of a 36 inch cabinet/counter run, and I'm worried that the countertop is going to stick out past the panel fridge doors? We really wanted that seamless look, but I'm worried our cabinet guy didn't factor in clearance for the counter overhang? will it look weird for the countertop do be proud of the panel fridge door, or will the panel/door hinge help factor in that 3/4 inch of countertop, I'm fine if it's flush, but I'm worried it won't be? The fridge is the end piece on that wall, so it might not look weird...but??? Any advice? Worst case scenario we make them redo the framing for the fridge to be flush with counter?
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Jancy
9 years ago
I have a single door bottom freezer Fisher Paykel and like it very much. They also have French Door. Depth/door closed not including handle 27 3/8. I'll post a link to their site.

FisherPaykel
Pippin
9 years ago
I agree with Jancy re Fisher and Paykel - we had limited space and got their latest French door ... I LOVE it - it's also very stylish looking compared with most others besides sub zero
steph2000
9 years ago
You can get a 30" Liebherr with 26" depth that is not built in but looks like it for about $4300. The FP's are about half that. They do not have integrated hinges like the Liebherr, which is something to think about. My own decision is down to one of these...though I don't think I'm going with a french door model due to the layout in our kitchen.
rococogurl
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Even if you were to purchase an integrated-built in Sub Zero you would need at least a 26" cabinet depth.

Depth is the single most important refrigerator measurement. It's amazing that a site like AJ Madison doesn't include depth for every single fridge.

Also, when checking depth, it's best to look at the specification sheet. Manufacturers measure in different ways. But you want to know the depth from the back of the fridge (watch for clearance/placements needed for air circulation, water lines & outlets) to the front of the finished door -- but not the handle. If panels are involved I'd go over the specs very carefully to be sure the thickness of the panel is included in the measurement if there is concern with anything fitting flush.

Handles have different depths (projections) themselves but aren't considered in depth measurement.

Depth is key because most fridge doors need some type of clearance in order to open. So usually it's necessary to install with the thickness of the door (and sometimes part of the gasket or side) showing. Ask about the finishes on each side of the fridge as well if the door thickness will sit proud of the adjacent cabinets.

A zero clearance fridge, like Liebherr, can be made to look fully built in however.

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