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Samsung
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Credit:
Samsung
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If you want a seamless, streamlined kitchen, you’ll need a counter-depth fridge. These compact refrigerators typically measure about 30 inches from front to back, sacrificing storage space to give you more floor space.
While they may be more shallow than standard-depth fridges, we hold them to the same standards in testing. We measure temperature consistency, storage space, energy efficiency, and ability to retain humidity. In testing, the Frigidaire Gallery Quattro GRQC2255BF (available at Best Buy for $1,949.99) has emerged as the top-performing counter-depth model. In fact, it's the best refrigerator of any kind we've tested to date.
Editor's Note: Appliances purchases are a large investment of both money and time. We’ve not only compiled lists of the best fridges to shop, but also the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now and the best times of year to buy appliances to take advantage of sales and new releases.
Near-perfect temperatures
Through-the-door dispenser
Smart connectivity
Less storage space than average
Perfectly consistent temperatures
Innovative deli net storage
Stylish design
Crisper settings can be confusing
Near-perfect temperatures
Lots of highly-customizable storage space
Effective crispers
A few fixtures feel cumbersome to use
Sleek and modern look
Incredible attention to detail
Flexible compartment that can be fridge or freezer
Inconsistent temperatures
Ice separate from the beverage center
Consistent temperatures
Custom-temperature refreshment center
Smart features
Crispers don't hold on to humidity well
The controls' digital temperature readout is inaccurate
Glass surfaces could crack
Maintains consistent temperatures
Interior wood finish
Through-door dispensers
Drawers feel rickety
Excellent temperature control
Large fridge compartment
Internal dispensers
Small freezer
Stable temperatures
Great value
Freezer temps need calibration
Wire racks don't handle spills well
Weighing the floral foam ball lets us measure how much water it was able to retain after a while in the fridge's crisper, allowing us to figure out the rate at which humidity escapes.
There are many, many considerations that come into play when testing refrigerators in the Reviewed lab. For a complete rundown of the process, you can read our refrigerator lab testing procedures. But, in general, we examine temperature, humidity loss, useable space and energy efficiency from a science-based perspective.
Inside our fridge lab, we maintain a strictly standardized environment — to ensure that each fridge operates under the same conditions. Refrigerators pull in air and cool it down to preserve food and prevent bacterial growth. Extreme temperatures outside of the fridge can affect its operation.
We keep the lab temperature to 72°F +/- 5°F (basically, room temperature), with a relative humidity of 50% RH +/- 15% RH. We also pack the fridge with water-filled containers, because fridges operate better when there’s less empty space. Then, we spend a week testing and measuring the fridge’s temperature, humidity loss, freezing time, usable space, and energy use.
Making an appliance smaller than standard often means squeezing its technology into ever-smaller spaces. That’s why counter-depth refrigerators often cost more than standard-depth fridges. Higher-end models are definitely more expensive than full-sized fridges, but you can find basic, budget-friendly counter-depth fridges that provide good performance.
While they’re great for smaller kitchens or seamless aesthetics, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough room in your fridge. You typically lose about 6 inches of depth, so you may want to seek out a fridge that maximizes space in other ways.
In general, a counter-depth fridge should be fine for one or two people. If you have a larger household, you may want to go with a full-size unit.
There are plenty of feature-rich counter-depth fridge models. However, adding features eats into your storage space, and drives up the price. If you need the extras and all the refrigerator and freezer space you can get, you may want to consider a full-size fridge.
A standard countertop is 24 inches deep, and the body of a counter-depth refrigerator—not counting the doors or handles—is usually close to that depth. By comparison, the body of a standard refrigerator is usually the same width and height as a standard-depth refrigerator, but closer to 30 inches deep.
There is no standard for what defines counter-depth—but if you don’t want your fridge to stand out six inches from your counters, a counter-depth model is your best bet.
So, what's the tradeoff? You'll have less space in your fridge.
Most standard-depth refrigerators can hold between 26 and 32 cubic feet of groceries, while the majority of counter-depth fridges can only hold between 20 and 24 cubic feet.
(Also, the smaller overall size often means better efficiency—compare a counter-depth's Energy Star rating to its standard depth refrigerator counterpart.)
They do come with downsides, however. You often pay 5% to 20% more for the counter-depth version of a fridge, despite getting less storage space.
Before you buy a new fridge, there's a few things you should know.
A counter-depth fridge is typically around 24 inches in depth, not including the door and handles, which typically stick out further.
No typical counter-depth fridge with standard doors will fit perfectly flush with your cabinetry. They need space around their hinges so they can open properly, and so they’ll always extend past your cabinetry at least a little bit.
There may be a few options out there. There are a few specially-engineered, low-profile designs. You may also look into column fridges or other custom-made models, but that will involve specialized retailers and premium prices.
Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Michael Garrett Steele has been writing and editing professionally since 2013, and has been a part of Reviewed since 2020. An MFA in music composition, Garrett has lent audio expertise to everyone from Independence Community College to Bethesda Softworks, informing reviews of audio equipment and services. Garrett also covers tech, drawing on experience working everywhere from IT helpdesks to enterprise architecture sales. Steele has also become a go-to reviewer for minor plumbing fixtures since covering bidets for Reviewed in early 2020.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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