What's Best: Counter Depth or Full Size Refrigerator

Kevin Drako is here today to explain the difference between counter depth and full size refrigerators.

If you look closely at your current refrigerator, you may notice that it sticks out beyond the counter. Most refrigerators are like this and is called full size or standard depth refrigeration.

Counter depth refers to where the refrigerator alignment with the counter tops. This means that the refrigerator front is flush with the counter that is next to the refrigerator. The only thing that will stick out is the doors when you open it all the way. This option is all about looks and people that might be particular about things lining up just perfectly. The disadvantage with this refrigerator option is that there will actually be less usable space in the refrigerator and the cost of counter depth is usually more than standard depth. You may want to consider counter depth if you have less room in your kitchen as it frees up space.

Stop by one of our stores to see the difference yourself and to decide which options is best for you.

Inside Look at Refrigerators: Capacity & Sizes

Chuck Ewing, owner of Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom is here to give you an inside scoop on refrigerators. There are different sizes and capacity options. Know a little about each one to find the perfect refrigerator for you and your family.



Pro Refrigerators
Average size is 25 cu. ft.

• Great finish and most people love the built-in look.
• Inferior capacity, but more expensive than other options.

Counter Depth Refrigerators
Average size 22.7 cu. ft.

• Walls are thinner between the refrigerator and freezer making a little more space.
• They are usually taller and stick out from your cabinets.
• Great capacity at a great value.

Standard Depth (Non-counter depth) Refrigerators
Average size 29.7 cu. ft.

• More capacity than a 48 inch wide built-in pro refrigerator.
• More depth going back which is less convenient to access food in the back.
• Great for bigger families with a larger size and huge capacity. 

We hope that this video gives you a great starting point when deciding what type of refrigerator is the best for you.

If you have more questions about refrigerators, give one of our stores a call or come on by to one of our 17 locations.

5 Things You Never Realized About Your Kitchen Appliances

 

 1. How far does your refrigerator stick out?

Most people don’t realize that their fridge sticks out 6 to 8 inches from their counter top.  This is standard, but if you notice that you are shuffling sideways to get between your island and fridge when the door is open you may consider a counter depth refrigerator. For more details, check out the full guide of buying a refrigerator. 

    2. New French Door Fridge vs. Old Side by Side Fridge

If you have never owned a French Door Refrigerator this is what you have to look forward to.  No more getting on your knees for fresh vegetables, actually being able to fit a pizza box in your fridge or freezer and not at an angle.  No more losing things in the back of your fridge for months until the stench is overwhelming.

    3. How loud is your dishwasher?

Does your dishwasher sound like a jet engine taking off?  Are you tired of running your dishwasher only at night?  With new technology in sound deafening material dishwasher have become so quiet you don’t even know if it is running.  A good rule of thumb is to look for dishwashers 50dBA or below.  Here is a full guide to buying a dishwasher.  

    4. Where to find the serial number on your appliance.

All appliances will have a sticker specifying the model and serial number of the unit.

Refrigerators - most commonly found in the refrigeration portion of the unit either on the upper left or right wall. 

Dishwasher – most commonly found on the outer edge of the door or interior where the door seals with the case.

Range – If you slide open your storage door it will be located on the interior door jam either on the left or right hand side. 

Microwave – Probably the easiest to find just open the door and it will be located on the inside casing.

    5. The cost of running 15 year old appliances.

   In the last 15 years appliances have improved drastically in energy consumption.  With new government regulations as well as new technology it literally pays to buy new appliances.  Take a 15 year old refrigerator for example.  The annual cost of running a side by side refrigerator from the year 2000 is about $190.00 a year!  A new Energy Star Certified model will cost you on average $81.00 a year.  We are talking about a 42% savings.  Over the course of 10 years you could save upwards of $1,100.00 on your electrical bill.  Your new refrigerator will almost pay for itself over its life span.  That is just for your refrigerator.  Imagine the savings on the rest of your household appliances.

Counter Depth vs Standard Depth Refrigerator Rap Battle

Here is a fun rap battle from one of our stores that explains the difference between Counter Depth and Standard Depth Refrigerators.






Stop by one of our 16 locations in Colorado. You can ask any of our Product Specialist to help you figure out which refrigerator is best for you.



What features do you look for when shopping for a new refrigerator?