Our Top Picks
Sharp SJB1045SNS 10.3 cu.ft. 24 in. 2 Door24 in.23.75 x 23.6 x 73.2 Inches125.7 poundsCheck on Amazon
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side24.5 cubic feet36 x 29 x 70 inches229 PoundsCheck on Amazon
BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Top Freezer Apartment7.7 Cu Ft21.5 x 21.5 x 56 inchesCheck on Amazon
The best counter depth refrigerators are the ones whose width, height and door swing fit your opening, and in this set of ten listings only six actually say counter-depth in the title. Two Sharp two-door units, two Midea models, and two Hamilton Beach French door units make that claim. The remaining four, a large LG French door, a three-door Midea, a BANGSON top-freezer and a BLACK+DECKER top-mount, are better read as alternatives or as small-space fridges. Check the dimension line on each listing before you trust any category label, and read the notes under every pick below.
Top picks at a glance
Sharp SJB1045SNS 10.3 cu.ft. 24 in. 2 Door Refrigerator | Counter Depth
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Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft. Counter Depth 24 in. 2 Door Refrigerator | Counter-Depth, Garage Ready
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Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Counter-Depth Smart Refrigerator
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LG LRFLC2706S 27 Cu. Ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
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Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher
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BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Top Freezer Apartment Size Black | Fridge for Small Spaces, Office, Energy Saving, Low Noise, Adjustable Thermostat
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Hamilton Beach HBF1662 French Door Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer, 16.6 cu ft, Stainless
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Midea MRF29D6AST 29.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless 3-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator
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Hamilton Beach HBF1770 French Door Counter Depth Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer, 17.7 cu ft, Stainless Steel (Full Size)
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BLACK+DECKER 12.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator, BR1210HW, White | 2 Door Refrigerator with Top Freezer and Adjustable Temperature Control, Full Size for Homes and Apartments, Energy Star
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| Model | Key point from the title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp SJB1045SNS | 10.3 cu.ft., 24 in., 2 door, counter depth | Budget | Narrow gaps, studios |
| Sharp SJB1255GS | 11.5 cu.ft., counter depth, garage ready | Budget | Small homes, garage overflow |
| Midea MRF27I6BST | 27 cu. ft. French door, smart, counter-depth | Premium | Large families |
| LG LRFLC2706S | 27 cu. ft. French door, smart (no counter-depth wording) | Check the listing | Shoppers who verify depth first |
| Midea MRS25I7BST | 24.5 cu. ft. side-by-side, counter-depth, AutoFill pitcher | Mid-range | Side-by-side fans |
| BANGSON 7.7 cu.ft. | Top freezer, apartment size | Budget | Offices, dorms |
| Hamilton Beach HBF1662 | 16.6 cu ft, French door, counter depth, freezer drawer | Premium | Mid-size kitchens |
| Midea MRF29D6AST | 29.3 cu. ft., 3-door French door, smart | Premium | Maximum capacity |
| Hamilton Beach HBF1770 | 17.7 cu ft, French door, counter depth, freezer drawer | Mid-range | Everyday family use |
| BLACK+DECKER BR1210HW | 12.1 cu. ft. top mount, Energy Star | Budget | Apartments, second fridge |
How counter-depth shopping is shifting
Counter-depth used to mean a premium French door model with a built-in look. That is changing, and the category label now stretches across a wide range of sizes. You will see compact two-door units, side-by-side models with water features, large smart French door fridges and even top-freezer units marketed alongside them. Brands appear to be filling gaps in the middle of the capacity range, not only at the top.
Smart features are also showing up more often. App connectivity, door alarms and temperature alerts are now commonly listed even on mid-priced units. Whether those features matter depends on your habits, and they add one more thing that could stop working long after the warranty ends. Many shoppers still care more about shelf layout and noise than about a screen on the door.
Another shift is the rise of retailer-exclusive and lesser-known appliance brands competing with long-established names. That can mean lower prices, but service coverage varies, so it is worth looking at warranty terms and how repairs are handled in your area. Energy labels and cubic-foot claims are seller or manufacturer figures, and the way capacity is measured can differ between listings. Treat all of these as starting points, then confirm them in the manual.
Finally, kitchen design trends keep pushing the market. Open-plan layouts put the fridge in view of the living area, so finishes, noise and the way a door looks when it is open matter more than they once did. Stainless steel dominates the titles here, with white appearing only on the budget top-mount unit. Shoppers who prefer a different finish should confirm color options on the listing, since availability can vary by seller and region.
How we picked these listings
This roundup is built from the listing titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews, not from physical inspection. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We kept every product supplied for this keyword, then flagged the ones whose titles do not claim counter-depth. Where a title is unclear, we say so and send you to the product page. The author is the Editorial team, and no star ratings or prices are quoted here because both can change daily.
The ten listings, one by one
Sharp SJB1045SNS 10.3 cu.ft. 24 in. 2 Door Refrigerator
The title names a 10.3 cubic foot capacity, a 24 in. measurement, a two-door layout and counter depth. It does not say whether 24 in. refers to width or depth, so check the listing before you assume it fits a narrow gap. Two doors usually means a freezer compartment sharing the cabinet with the fresh-food section, so ask where the freezer sits.
It suits a studio, a small galley kitchen or a secondary fridge in a home office. A single person who shops a few times a week could manage on this capacity, but a household that buys in bulk would feel the space quickly.
- Pro: compact capacity suits tight spaces
- Pro: counter-depth wording in the title
- Con: limited room for bulky items
- Con: capacity is far below the large French door units
Check the listing for door-swing direction, energy label and whether the freezer has a separate door. Question to ask before buying: does the stated 24 in. match the clearance of your opening with room left for ventilation?
Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft. Counter Depth 24 in. 2 Door Refrigerator, Garage Ready
This listing adds “Garage Ready” and states 11.5 cubic feet. “Garage ready” suggests tolerance for unconditioned spaces, but the title does not give the temperature range, so confirm that in the manual. A fridge placed in a hot or freezing garage can struggle if it is not designed for it.
It fits a household that wants a second fridge for drinks and overflow, or a small apartment that needs a slim body. Compared with its sibling above, the title gives you a bit more capacity and the garage claim, and little else.
- Pro: slightly more space than the 10.3 cu.ft. sibling
- Pro: garage-ready claim for secondary use
- Con: still modest for a family’s main fridge
- Con: no dimensions beyond “24 in.” in the title
Check the listing for the ambient temperature range and warranty terms for garage placement. Question to ask before buying: what room temperature range keeps this model running as intended?
Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Counter-Depth Smart Refrigerator
Here the title packs in a lot: 27 cubic feet, stainless finish, French door layout, counter-depth and smart features. That puts it in the large-family class while still claiming a shallower body than standard models.
It is aimed at a kitchen with a full-size opening where the owner wants a built-in look without paying for a custom panel. The smart label could mean app control or alerts, though the title does not specify which features, so check the listing.
- Pro: large capacity with a counter-depth claim
- Pro: French door layout is easy to reach into
- Con: big and heavy to move, so plan the path from the door
- Con: smart features add complexity and potential software updates
Check the listing for the water and ice options, filter type and exact cabinet depth including handles. Question to ask before buying: how deep is it with the doors closed and handles on?
LG LRFLC2706S 27 Cu. Ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
This listing mentions 27 cubic feet, French door, smart and stainless steel, but the title does not say counter-depth. We are not adding outside facts, so the honest position is that you must confirm depth from the product page or the manufacturer’s spec sheet before treating it as counter-depth.
If the dimensions do match your opening, it competes directly with the Midea 27 cu. ft. model above. Shoppers who value a long-established appliance brand may find that reassuring, though that is a preference, not a measured advantage.
- Pro: large French door capacity
- Pro: smart label for monitoring features
- Con: the title does not claim counter-depth
- Con: price is not stated in the data we have, so compare current offers
Check the listing for depth with and without handles, ice maker details and warranty length. Question to ask before buying: is the stated depth at the cabinet or including doors?
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher
This is the only side-by-side in the group and it states a counter-depth claim along with 24.5 cubic feet. An AutoFill water pitcher is a distinctive detail, apparently a pitcher that refills from the fridge, though the title does not explain how it works.
Side-by-side layouts give narrow doors that open without much clearance, which helps in tight kitchens, but wide items such as pizza boxes and sheet cakes can be awkward to store. If you mostly buy narrow items, that is less of a concern.
- Pro: narrow doors suit tight aisles
- Pro: pitcher feature may reduce trips to the tap
- Con: wide platters may not fit
- Con: pitcher details are not in the title
Check the listing for how the pitcher connects, whether a water line is required, and how the filter is replaced. Question to ask before buying: will the pitcher feature work without a plumbed supply?
BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Top Freezer, Apartment Size
This is the smallest and the most clearly off-type listing in the set. The title says 7.7 cubic feet, top freezer, apartment size, and calls it a fridge for small spaces and offices. It does not claim counter-depth, so do not shop it as one.
It makes sense for a dorm, an office break area or a bedroom, where you want cold drinks and a few groceries. Energy saving and low noise are seller claims, and quiet operation depends on the room as much as the unit.
- Pro: very small footprint
- Pro: adjustable thermostat noted in the title
- Con: not a main kitchen fridge
- Con: no counter-depth claim
Check the listing for door reversibility, shelf spacing and freezer size. Question to ask before buying: is the freezer a true freezer or just an ice compartment?
Hamilton Beach HBF1662 French Door Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer, 16.6 cu ft, Stainless
The title describes a French door layout, full size, counter depth, a freezer drawer and 16.6 cubic feet. That is a mid-size capacity that can suit a two-to-three person household. The freezer drawer sits at the bottom, which makes the fresh-food compartment easy to reach.
The title uses “full size” and “counter depth” together, which can be confusing. Read it as a full-width fridge with a reduced depth, then confirm with the listing dimensions.
- Pro: French door layout with a bottom freezer drawer
- Pro: capacity suited to small families
- Con: smaller than the 27 cu. ft. units
- Con: freezer drawers can be hard to organize
Check the listing for ice maker presence, interior lighting and warranty. Question to ask before buying: how much of the 16.6 cubic feet is freezer space?
Midea MRF29D6AST 29.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless 3-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator
At 29.3 cubic feet, this is the biggest capacity listed. The title says three-door French door and smart, but it does not say counter-depth, so treat it as a standard large fridge until the product page proves otherwise.
A three-door arrangement usually means a flexible middle compartment or a separate freezer door. The title does not say which, so check the layout. It suits a large household or someone who stocks up for a month at a time.
- Pro: largest stated capacity in the set
- Pro: three-door layout may allow custom zones
- Con: no counter-depth wording
- Con: very large and heavy
Check the listing for door and drawer functions, plus depth and clearance specifications. Question to ask before buying: will it clear stairs, doorways and your cabinet run?
Hamilton Beach HBF1770 French Door Counter Depth Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer, 17.7 cu ft, Stainless Steel (Full Size)
This is essentially the larger sibling of the 16.6 cubic foot Hamilton Beach model, with the same French door and freezer drawer arrangement and one extra cubic foot of space. The title also marks it “Full Size.”
It sits as a sensible middle choice for a household that wants a counter-depth look without the largest footprint. Because the two Hamilton Beach models are so close, your decision may come down to which fits the opening better.
- Pro: counter depth and French door in a mid-size class
- Pro: similar layout to the smaller sibling
- Con: small step up in capacity may not justify a choice
- Con: details beyond the title need checking
Check the listing for exact width and height as well as filter and ice features. Question to ask before buying: does the extra cubic foot come with a taller or wider cabinet?
BLACK+DECKER 12.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator, BR1210HW, White
The title says 12.1 cubic feet, top mount, white, adjustable temperature control and Energy Star, and describes it as full size for homes and apartments. It does not claim counter-depth, so it belongs in the off-type group with the BANGSON unit, though with more space.
It suits an apartment, a rental or a basement where a simple top-freezer layout is enough. Energy Star is a program label that appears in the title, so verify the certification on the official database if it matters to you.
- Pro: straightforward top-mount layout
- Pro: Energy Star wording in the title
- Con: not described as counter-depth
- Con: limited bells and whistles
Check the listing for depth, hinge side and shelf material. Question to ask before buying: is the white finish a good match for your other appliances?
Buying guide
Start with the opening, not the cubic feet
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then subtract room for airflow at the back, sides and top. Manufacturers usually publish minimum clearances, and ignoring them can cause the compressor to work harder. Measure the door swing too, because French doors need less front clearance than a single wide door, while side-by-side doors need less still.
Next, measure the delivery path. A 27 cubic foot fridge has to turn corners, clear door frames and sometimes remove doors from hinges. Check the listing’s shipping dimensions and the retailer’s delivery terms.
What “counter-depth” can and cannot promise
The term has no single legal definition, so one brand’s counter-depth may be deeper than another’s. Some figures include handles and some do not. Always compare the cabinet depth, the depth with doors, and the depth with handles. If a listing gives only one number, ask the seller which it is.
Layouts compared
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| French door with bottom freezer | Drawer size, bin layout | Fresh food sits at eye level, but the freezer drawer can hide small items |
| Side-by-side | Door width, shelf width | Narrow doors help tight aisles; wide items may not fit |
| Top freezer | Depth, hinge side | Simple and shallower, but bending for lower shelves |
| Water and ice | Filter type, line requirement | Adds cost and maintenance, see our refrigerators with ice makers guide |
| Smart features | App support, warranty | Convenient alerts, but software support can change |
Worked example: fitting a French door fridge
Assume a 36 inch wide opening, a 70 inch height clearance and a 25 inch cabinet run. These are made-up figures for illustration. A fridge 35.5 inches wide leaves only a quarter inch per side, which is too tight for airflow and for moving the unit in. A fridge 33 inches wide leaves 1.5 inches per side, which is more workable. If its depth including handles is 30 inches, it will stick out about 5 inches past the cabinets, which is the normal look for counter-depth. Verify every number against the real listing and manual before you buy.
Capacity versus usable space
Cubic feet is a headline number, and it includes every shelf, bin and corner. Two fridges with the same stated capacity can feel very different once shelves are loaded. French door units tend to put wide shelves at eye level, side-by-sides give tall, narrow zones, and top-freezer units give the fewest layout choices. Think about what you actually store: milk gallons, leftovers in square containers, party platters, frozen pizzas, or bulk produce. Match the layout to those items, not to the number on the box.
A rough planning habit used by many households is to allow a certain amount of space per person, but there is no single rule, and the figure depends on how often you shop. Treat any per-person guideline as an estimate and adjust for hobbies such as meal prepping or hosting.
Door, drawer and shelf checks
Look for reversible doors on compact models, adjustable shelves, spill-catching glass and a crisper that you can open fully without hitting a wall. With freezer drawers, check whether a divider or basket is included. On smart models, find out whether basic functions such as temperature control still work without Wi-Fi. Ask the seller about replacement parts too, because a cracked bin can be annoying if no part is sold separately.
Noise, energy and upkeep
Quiet claims are seller figures, and kitchens that open onto living areas tend to expose compressor hum. Look for decibel ratings if the manufacturer publishes them. Energy labels give an estimate of yearly use, but your actual cost depends on local rates, door-opening habits and room temperature. Clean the coils and replace water filters on the schedule in the manual.
A short checklist before checkout
Write down the opening width, height and depth, then compare them with the listing’s product dimensions, not only the title. Confirm the hinge side or whether doors are reversible. Find out how the unit is delivered and whether the seller offers installation or haul-away. Read the warranty terms for the sealed system and for parts. Ask whether the ice maker, water filter and smart features are included or sold separately. Finally, check the return policy for large appliances, since restocking fees and pickup charges differ from seller to seller.
If two listings still look equal, pick the one with clearer dimensions and a more detailed manual. A seller that publishes full specifications is usually easier to deal with when something needs fixing.
Safety and installation
Plug the fridge into a properly grounded outlet that matches the manual, and avoid extension cords. Any water line should be installed by a qualified professional, following the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes. Level the unit so doors close firmly and drain lines work as intended.
Mistakes buyers make
- Trusting the category label without reading dimensions, especially on listings that do not say counter-depth.
- Forgetting that handles and hinges extend beyond the cabinet depth, which changes how the fridge sits against countertops.
- Skipping the delivery-path check, then discovering the fridge will not clear a hallway.
- Paying for smart features they will not use, or ignoring how long the app is supported.
- Ignoring noise, which matters most in open-plan homes.
- Buying a secondary fridge for a garage without confirming its ambient temperature range.
- Assuming two listings with similar cubic feet will hold the same groceries, when shelf design and drawer placement change usable space.
- Forgetting to budget for delivery, haul-away, a water filter or an installer, which can add up beyond the sticker price.
Verdict by use case
Tight kitchens and secondary fridges: the two Sharp listings are the most direct small counter-depth options in the set, with the garage-ready one suiting overflow use. Mid-size family kitchens: the two Hamilton Beach French door models are the most natural fit, and your choice may come down to the opening. Large families: the Midea 27 cu. ft. is the only large listing that claims counter-depth. Side-by-side fans: the Midea 24.5 cu. ft. is the one option. Dorms, offices and apartments: the BANGSON and BLACK+DECKER top-freezer units are cheap, simple and not counter-depth. The LG and the three-door Midea need dimension checks before you commit.
A simple way to decide is to rank your constraints. If depth is the hard limit, only the six listings that claim counter-depth should stay on the shortlist, and even those need a measured check. If capacity is the priority and your layout can absorb a deeper cabinet, the larger French door models open up. If budget is the limit and the fridge is a second unit, the smaller listings offer the simplest route. Whichever you choose, treat the title as a summary and the manual as the source of truth.
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Frequently asked questions
Does counter-depth mean the fridge sits fully flush with the cabinets?
Not quite. Counter-depth usually means the cabinet body is about as deep as standard base cabinets, while doors, handles and hinges still stick out past the counter edge. The exact depth varies by brand and by whether the figure includes handles, so read the dimension line on the listing and the manufacturer’s spec sheet. Measure your opening and allow room for the door swing before ordering.
Do counter-depth refrigerators hold less food?
Generally yes, because the reduced depth is made up for in width or height only partly. Many shoppers see a few cubic feet less than a standard-depth model of the same footprint, though it varies a lot. Compare stated cubic feet, then think about shelf layout, door bins and drawers, which affect how usable that capacity feels. A well-organized smaller fridge can serve a household better than a larger one with awkward shelves.
Is a top-freezer model ever a good counter-depth alternative?
It can be, if you only need a compact footprint and not a built-in look. Several top-freezer units are shallower than French door models, but a shallow body is not the same as being labeled counter-depth. In this roundup the top-freezer listings do not say counter-depth in their titles, so treat them as small or apartment fridges and verify depth, hinge side and clearance on the product page.
Who should install a refrigerator with a water line?
A qualified plumber or appliance installer should connect any water line, and the outlet should match the electrical rating in the manual. A loose fitting can leak behind the unit for weeks before anyone notices. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes for the supply line, shutoff valve and drain pan. If you plan to rely on a built-in water dispenser, ask the seller what filter type it uses and how often it needs replacing.
Should I wait before plugging in a new refrigerator?
Many manufacturers advise letting a refrigerator stand upright for a period after delivery, especially if it was tilted or laid down in transit, before plugging it in. The wait time differs by brand, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual. Also level the cabinet, leave the recommended gap at the back and sides for airflow, and give it several hours to reach temperature before loading it with food.
Are smart refrigerators worth the extra cost?
It depends on what you would use. Door-open alerts and temperature warnings can save food if a door is left ajar, and some owners like remote monitoring. But the screen or app adds a layer that can lose support over time, and the core job of keeping food cold does not depend on it. Compare the feature list against your habits and check how long the manufacturer promises software and parts support.
