Ok ..new issue .. i went to the store to check out counter depth refrigerators . After measuring , we discovered that the right refrigerator door will not open fully and extend back because of the pantry wall next to it . It needs to open fully to allow use of the ”deli drawer ” or whatever its called . Looks like I have to stay with standad size . I am however still returning this recessed handled fridge for one with handles . kinda bummed .

Are you sure? The counter depth ones do still stand out in front of the counter several inches. Just not as much as a standard one

Do you plan on remodeling your kitchen in the next few years? If so, removing the pantry closet and moving the fridge down or using pantry cabinets instead would be a change I’d suggest.

We have no plans for a major remodel.

We are certain the coubter deoth will not work . The depth of the refrigerator is 28 inches and the pantry wall depth is also 28 inches

Can you try different models? Also, maybe dont push it all the way against the back wall. To keep it from sliding back, simply nail a 2x4 onto the floor.

I could check other models . Any idea how far out further than the wall it would need to sit before the door would fully open ?I wouldnt want too much of a gap between the back wall and the refrigerator . Im thinking that could look bad from the sink area .

Had no idea buying a refrigerator would be this difficult . My husband is being very patient with me but voiced his frustation last night lol . He says keep the one we have .. He had to take the front door off of the house to get the new fridge in . Will have to do the same to get it out

Do you guys think I should look at 33 inch wide refrigerators instead of 36 wide ? This one is 36 wide and really does fill that space completely . Do I need a little space on each side ?

If current fridge was counter depth and not out into the kitchen would it still look so big ?

^^ Believe me, I know all about remodelling, appliance choices etc. Its just a great big dominoe effect. I am absolutely not a pro, but it seems that doors should protrude 2” from wall to be able to open. According to GE

“WHEN THE DOOR IS OPEN, IS THERE ENOUGH SPACE ON THE HINGE SIDE FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN WITHOUT HITTING YOUR WALLS?

If there's not about 2-inches of space on the hinge side, then you'll have to keep in mind that the refrigerator will need to be pulled out about 2-inches to make up for this. https://www.geappliances.com/ge/refrigerators/refrigerator-measurements.htm

I found a picture from many years ago . This is a standard size fridge 33 inch wide

Do you have a second ref in the house? If not , just keep the ref . Yes it is deeper. But honestly, with the layout of your kitchen, I don't think the counter depth model is going to look that much smaller.

I have had both size ref and greatly prefer a full depth to a counter depth any day.

But it is personal opinion/experience. If I need to throw a pizza box or large tray into my ref I can . I couldn't do that in my counter depth one. Those may be lame examples , but they were something I am glad to have back.

Good luck - do what is best for you and don't stress over it.

Do you have a stainless steel sink?

Stainless steel will "fit" in your existing kitchen because stainless steel is timeless. However, if you need other stainless steel in the kitchen, consider adding a stainless steel water pitcher to your countertop -- there are even serving sets available.

https://www.google.com/search?q=stainless+steel+water+pitcher+and+tray&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwj3p6W-upryAhUsjK0KHQliAvsQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=stainless+steel+water+pitcher+and+tray&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoFCAAQgAQ6BAgAEB46BggAEAUQHjoGCAAQCBAeOgQIABAYUKoUWNUfYOQiaABwAHgAgAHPA4gBqxeSAQkwLjEuMi4zLjOYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=liYMYfeEDKyYtgWJxInYDw&bih=615&biw=1366&client=firefox-b-1-d

You could also hang decorative and useful stainless steel trivets on your backsplash.

https://www.decorpad.com/bookmark.htm?bookmarkId=73469

https://kitchenspain.com/product/alessi-trivet-cactus/

https://www.etsy.com/listing/130616027/celtic-knot-trivet-stainless-steel-irish

While you could add the look of stainless steel to your existing appliances until they need to be replaced -- wouldn't replace perfectly good appliances, I like the pitcher / trivet / decor idea better.

https://www.amazon.com/STAINLESS-STEEL-ADHESIVE-APPLIANCE-COVER/dp/B008AJT7R0

annie123- I went from a 28cu in Samsung (it was huge) to a GE Cafe counter depth. (about 22 cu in and much smaller interior) imagine my horror when the door wouldn't fully open! how could a much larger fridge open and a smaller one not? it's the way the doors operate. my Samsung didn't need all the room and basically opened in on itself. the Cafe, not so much. Returning it wasn't an option. luckily we were able to cut the door opening back a bit

here's the old one. it was a 36" depth? I believe. you can see how far it protrudes

and the new one. it's almost flush w/the wall oven. see the cased opening on the left? we cut it back about 5" or so.

I don't know if doing that is an option w/your pantry.

some models have different opening requirements. you'll have to check diff brands. (but LG and Sumsung fridges have the worst ratings, so keep that in mind. I did a lot of research before I bought mine)

check for depths (without the handle) of diff models. maybe you can get by w/something in the 33" range. this cafe is 30" if I remember correctly.

@Debbi Washburn we have an extra ref in the garage . Weve had to use it for a month while trying to find the right refrigerator . We are more than ready to be done with the whole process .

@Beth H. : Your new ref is beautiful ! Unfortunately , I cant cut the wall back since that is the pantry wall . Im almost settled on a standard size ref becauae counter doesnt seem to be the answer .

The new ref i have is actually 33 depth . I thought with no handles it wouldnt seem to jut out into the kitchen so far . ( Be sure to see the current stainless ref not the black older one ) . The new ref seems soo big -all over . Is it just me ? Or is it allover too big ? Im wondering if i should get a 33 inch wide instead of 36 wide ? The height and depth would be the same but would 3 inches give a smaller look and make the ref look more suitable for my size kitchen ?

I'm not much help on size or style, I've gotten accustomed to every fridge I've had. With kids, though, I think a dinky top freezer would have been pretty useless.. When the kids were at home, though, I had a separate manual-defrost freezer in the basement anyway, so the upstairs fridge freezer just held everyday stuff and whatever meat I was using in a week. (And I swear by Fridge Binz in the side-by-side, they are so helpful fort organizing that narrow space.)

But, for integrating stainless into the kitchen, easy as others said. We have white appliances but the oven was chrome. When it died we wanted to get white but didn't like any of them, so we got stainless. It is truly a neutral. It almost disappears.

Over time as we've replaced the white and black countertop appliances, we've gotten stainless. So it looks pretty cohesive.

I love your kitchen, btw. Very inviting!

@suezbell thank you for your ideas . I actually have a white cast iron sink but will replace it with stainless when I can repkace the countertop too . Thank you for the kind remark of my kitchen being inviting . Thats really all i want , I want the refrigerator to look great in this space not be the first thing everyone looks at because its so big and overwhelms the space . Im considering going with 33 inch wide to help shrink the look of it some .

I would be elated to find the same size ref I had , which I thought was a little small for the space . It just seemed to have a better look scale wise . Apparantly , ref are made bigger these days

I have a small space but a bigger fridge is a need for me. What do I do?

Judging by your last pic, The 33” doesnt seem to look as overwhelming in your space. Or get counterdepth and set it forward from the back wall by 2”, so doors clear pantry wall.

@likestonehomes I know , in your opinion does that size look better than tje larger stainless ?

I don't like the normal bottom freezers with baskets that pull out. I much prefer a bottom freezer that has a swing out door with drawers. But I'm single and I don't have a huge fridge. Like this one...you'll need to go to the other photos to see the inside....

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Summit-Appliance-27-in-W-16-8-cu-ft-Bottom-Freezer-Refrigerator-in-White-Counter-Depth-FFBF281WLHDE/317556231?

I don’t want to dishearten anyone, but last year the first three repair cos. I contacted said they no longer work on Samsung fridges. One said the brand is too unreliable and they got sick of being blamed when repairs didn’t hold. Am I saying don’t buy Samsung? No, because things change. But before you buy ANY fridge, consider calling a few repair companies to ask if they service the brand you’re looking at… and if not, why not? If you find a really friendly tech, ask what they would buy themselves.

I HATE my Samsung fridge. mainly because it's badly organized on the inside in a bunch of different ways. also, you have to slam the doors shut or they won't seal, something we keep forgetting to do.

Tara - that fridge - i like it . I had not seen one like that . I am enjoying the pullout freezer drawer so far , Ive only had it for 4 days though lol

How does everyone feel about seeing space between fridge and counter or walls ? Im talking 1 1/2 inches on each side ? Im considering the 33 in wide for 2 reasons - I think the 33 inch wide might look better size wise for the kitchen (although most still has a depth that will come out into the kitchen ) and also the new 36 inch is really stuffed in that hole . Some areas i could not even slide a piece of paper between them

With many models that clearance will be needed for doors to fully open.

@Mama Cita Thank you . I will remember that . I do make sure I check out the reviews on almost anything i buy

@likestonehomes thank you for the ge link answering those questions . That was helpful

If between two cabinets, center it. I'd much rather have the 1 1/2" spaces on each side than have a refrigerator squeezed into the space with no air space for the coils to breathe, have it too tight to pull out for spring and/or fall cleaning -- and, likely, scratched up on the sides awaiting rust.

If you can match your backsplash or countertop material and create a curb -- or add a 1" thick trim board to the side of the cabinet to create a curb -- so nothing falls between cabinet and fridge, consider doing that.

If, however, the refrigerator is between a cabinet and a wall, push it against the cabinet so nothing drops off the countertop in the space and leave the space between fridge and wall . leaving a 3" wide place between fridge lets the fridge breathe and gives you a place to park/hang a broom or fly swatter on the wall (or on a magnet on the side of the fridge).

@auntannie123, 33” seems to look better. No issue re leaving a bigger gap around the fridge either. The 27” swing door looks awesome too, but may be way too small. Maybe they make 33”.

I agree @likestonehomes I think 33 in wide is looking more appropriate for my kitchen . The only thing is the depth is still going to be the same as the new SS ref and Im feeling worried about that . Goodness , I know people think Im acting silly about this but I have to look at it everyday .

I looked at a 33 inch wide counter depth today . Wow . No way would that small work for me .

If a 36" counter depth won't work, then I think a 33" full depth may be a good compromise for you. The fridge may stick out about the same, but with it not looking so squeezed in on the sides it will have more breathing space visually. I would think having it pushed against the counter and leaving about 3" in the pantry side would be a better look, but you can decide that once it's in place.

@Amy Lynn That has been the question i keep asking myself . would 33 wide full depth look better or 36 wide counter depth . The counter depth I looked at was actually a 33 wide which was very small .

If Im thinking correct , a counter depth will have to be pulled out from the back wall a little so the doors on the ref

will fully open . If thats the case then a 31 depth ref will be sitting out into the kitchen about the same distance as the new stsinless one I have (33 depth) . So even though its counter depth the look wont change … again , If Im thinking about it right . I just know I need to make the right decision this time lol . I cant keep returning refrigerators 🙄

I'm going to ask a silly question you may have already answered - are you going to remodel the kitchen any time ? If so , then keep the ref that FUNCTIONS the way you need and stop worrying about how it looks.

Do you really dislike the ref the way it is now - please forget everything that everyone has said so far ? Everyone is going to have strong opinions and will want to tell you what to do.

You are the one who has to look at it every day and use it every day. Let's face it - a ref is a big appliance .

Whatever you choose - do what's best for you .

Good luck!

Curious what brand refrigerators are you comparing counter depth and full size? Usually there is a greater difference than 2 inches between the two types, otherwise there would be little benefit to choosing counter depth. It's usually more along the 4 or 5" difference line.

@Amy Lynn the counter depth I looked at was a Fridgiare and 31 inch deep .

Not that it matters due to your pantry wall situation, but for clarity purposes, the Frigidaire counter depth is 28" without handles included, 31" with. The standard depth is 33 without handles. If you're doing a comparison be sure to check if depth measurements you're seeing include the handles when making your decisions.

@Amy Lynn yes that is correct . It is 31 with handles and the appliance tech said to plan on moving it forward , away from the back wall 1-2 inches so the ref doors would fully open . If thats the case it will sit out into the kitchen at 33 inches and that is the size of the stainless ref I have now that looks too big . Am I right or am I thinking about this wrong ?

It depends on how you choose to look at it. I wouldn't consider the handles,since they don't really come into play when considering the space you are looking at. If you're talking about the fridge box, which is the part that really takes up the visual space, 1 to 2" brings it to 29 or 30" out into the room.
Are you comparing to the current fridge you have with no handles? I take it that fridge is only 33" deep, which is a more shallow standard depth than most. So the difference in comparison is 3 or 4". Only you can decide if that is worth it to you.

Yes the new ref is 33 inches . Ive been looking at kitchen pictures to help me see what I think will look best .

@Debbi Washburn I dont really have plans to remodel . The only thing I would like to do would be remove the large bar area and replace it with an island . I really dont like the new refrigerator in my kitchen but First Let me say I do love it lol . I like the sleekness of it with no handles , I like the stainless , it is made well , the configuration is perfect and

it holds a ton of items . I just dont think it looks good in my kitchen . Its really big ( I think this is the biggest issue ) with that modern look and while I like that look , there is nothing modern about my house or my decor . I feel like it stands out …. both in size and style

Update : for anyone still out there .. a new counter depth fridge was delivered today . It was the right choice for my space . It does not sit out into the kitchen as far as the standard size fridge and no trouble opening the doors . Thanks for all the ideas !

@auntannie123 so happy you found a fridge that works. What size, style and make? Please put up a pic. cheers!

Yay! So happy you found the fridge you needed. Please post a pic when you can.

I dont think the picture truly shows the difference in this fridge and the last one . I bought another 36 width but the counter depth was a game changer . The fridge does not sit out into the kitchen like the other one . Its a Frigidaire 22 cu ft counter depth . The other fridge was 25 or 26 cu ft . I did lots of research before purchasing . This is rated 4 out of 5 stars so i hope its a good one for me .

Now to slowly incorporate other stainless pieces into the kitchen

Big improvement! I can definitely tell the difference in scale.

I see a difference, too. Good choice!

I see it. more importantly, it's something you will feel when you're in there. nice choice!

how hard is it to return a refrigerator? I didn't even know that was possible! (unless it's defective of course.)

Yay - looks really nice! I scrolled back to the photo of your first fridge and the counterdepth looks much more proportional.

@User It was no problem to return it . It was bought at a big box store . I had 30 days to return no questions asked , no restocking fee . I asked several times before buying it if it could be returned because I knew there was that chance lol .

If you are thinking you have too much black, can you find a different spot for your coffee pot? Mayb change your MW/hood for SS or just get a SS hood. These might be inexpensive and easy to do changes.

Thats funny , I just told my husband that i think i need to move his coffee pot to another spot on the counter and yes , a stainless microwave is the next purchase . I think it will help to tie the black and stainless together