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What Does “Counter Depth” Mean For Your Kitchen?

The distance between the front of your kitchen countertops and your back wall or backsplash is your “counter depth.” It’s usually somewhere in the 24–25-inch range.

 

A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to offer basically the same storage as a regular, full-size refrigerator in a style that doesn’t stick out past the kitchen counters and cabinets.

By contrast, most full-size refrigerators are over 30 inches deep, often in the 35- to 36-inch range. So in many kitchens, the refrigerator will stick out half a foot or more from the edge of the kitchen counters.

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What is the benefit of a counter-depth fridge?

  • Refrigerator does not stick out beyond the edge of the countertop
  • More room to open the doors without bumping into something
  • Easier to get around the kitchen, even with multiple cooks
  • Shallower depth means easier access to food and condiments
     

If you already have a counter-depth fridge and you’re looking for a replacement, it’s important to revisit and confirm the dimensions of the space for your counter-depth fridge.

You should pay special attention to the “door open” and “with handle” dimensions, to ensure a match that allows you to continue enjoying the benefits of a more flush appliance.

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A Sleek Solution

What’s nice about a counter-depth fridge is that it provides a seamless design solution. Even if you don’t need the extra space for floor traffic, you can still enjoy the sleek look of a counter-depth refrigerator. Since these refrigerators are designed to line up with the end of your cabinets, they fit in nicely with most modern kitchen designs. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice space for style since by going a bit taller and/or wider, counter-depth refrigerators can deliver the same amount of usable space as a full-size refrigerator, without sticking out.

Before you can start enjoying the perks of integrated design, it’s important to measure your specific counter depth to ensure your fridge will be truly aligned.

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The Freedom to Choose

You can find counter-depth refrigerators in side-by-side, french door or top- or bottom-freezer styles with a narrower depth. You can also find counter-depth, top- or bottom-freezer refrigerators that are narrower to give you more space in a small kitchen.

So what does counter-depth mean? It means you can get the sleek look you want, with just as much storage, while minimizing disruptions in your workflow — especially when you’ve got one too many cooks in the kitchen! Remember to measure your cabinet cutout thoroughly and keep those dimensions in mind before you buy.

 

Ready to Find Your New Maytag® Refrigerator?

View popular counter-depth dimensions here.

Shop all our space-saving counter-depth models here.

And check out the best Maytag® refrigerators for various lifestyles and tasks here.

 

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