Counter depth refrigerators sit closer to surrounding cabinets than standard depth models, giving a kitchen a more integrated look while often trading away some storage space. My best overall pick is the GE Profile 21.9 cu. ft. French door refrigerator, which pairs a useful capacity with an internal dispenser. The KoolMore 18.5 cu. ft. French door is a simpler fit for buyers who want a familiar layout, while the Sharp 11.5 cu. ft. bottom freezer suits narrower kitchens and smaller households. The main tradeoffs are cabinet fit, usable capacity, door clearance, and whether extra features justify their added complexity. Read on for how these seven models compare and which one fits your kitchen.
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Key Takeaways
- GE Profile is the most balanced pick: its 21.9 cu. ft. capacity and internal dispenser make it more versatile than the smaller KoolMore and Samsung French door options.
- Sharp is the compact specialist: its 24-inch width and 11.5 cu. ft. capacity suit tight kitchens, but it cannot replace a full-size family refrigerator for many households.
- Midea’s two layouts serve different priorities: the 27 cu. ft. French door model emphasizes capacity and smart features, while the 24.5 cu. ft. side-by-side keeps fresh and frozen food vertically organized.
- Hamilton Beach makes a style-led choice: brushed gold handles set it apart visually, though shoppers should weigh that finish against the more conventional layouts and features elsewhere in the group.
- Counter depth does not guarantee a flush fit: cabinet depth, handles, door swing, and ventilation all affect how far a refrigerator projects into the room.
| counter depth refrigerator | Capacity | Configuration | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| KoolMore 30-Inch Counter-Depth | 18.5 cu. ft. | French door | Stainless steel |
| Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu. ft. C | 11.5 cu. ft. | Bottom freezer, two doors | Fingerprint- and smudge-resistant stainless steel |
| Hamilton Beach 17.7 cu. ft. Co | 17.7 cu. ft. | French door | Soft white with gold trim and brushed gold handles |
| GE Profile 21.9 cu. ft. Counte | 21.9 cu. ft. | French door | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| Midea 27 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth | 27 cu. ft. | French door | Stainless steel |
| Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 cu. ft. | 24.5 cu. ft. | Side-by-side | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. Smart Cou | 17.5 cu. ft. | French door, 3 doors | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
More Details on Our Top Picks
KoolMore 30-Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator, 18.5 cu. ft., Stainless Steel (KM-RERFDSS-18C)
The KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C balances a 30-inch width with 18.5 cu. ft. of French door storage, making it a strong fit when a wider refrigerator would crowd the kitchen. Adjustable glass shelves and six door bins give you options for bulky containers, while the two freezer drawers separate frozen items. Compared with the Sharp SJB1255GS, it offers substantially more capacity and a French door layout, though the Sharp takes up less width. Its humidity-controlled crispers and double-flow cooling add useful food-storage control, but the counter-depth format still limits front-to-back room versus standard-depth models. Choose it for a tighter kitchen that needs family-friendly organization; skip it if maximum interior depth matters more than a flush fit.
Pros:- 30-inch width suits narrower kitchen openings
- Adjustable glass shelves and six door bins make storage easier to configure
- Humidity-controlled crispers support produce storage
- Two freezer drawers help separate frozen foods
Cons:- Counter-depth interior offers less depth than standard-depth models
- 18.5 cu. ft. capacity may feel limited for large households
Best for: Households with a 30-inch refrigerator opening that want French door access and flexible fresh-food storage.
Not ideal for: Large households that rely on deep shelves or need the most freezer and refrigerator capacity possible.
- Width:30 inches
- Capacity:18.5 cu. ft.
- Configuration:French door
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Freezer:Two drawers
- Door bins:6
- Shelving:Adjustable glass
- Cooling:Double-flow system with digital temperature control
Our verdict“Choose the KoolMore for a narrow kitchen that needs a well-organized French door layout without moving up to a wider appliance.”
Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, 24 in.
The Sharp SJB1255GS is the space-saving choice here: its 24-inch width and 11.5 cu. ft. capacity suit compact kitchens where a standard-width refrigerator will not fit. The bottom freezer has three drawers, keeping smaller frozen items organized, and the reversible door gives more flexibility when the kitchen layout dictates its swing. A convertible Fresh Converter drawer can switch between chiller and crisper settings, while Vacation Mode lets the freezer keep running with the refrigerator cavity off. Compared with the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C, the Sharp gives up considerable capacity and French door access in exchange for a narrower footprint. Its two refrigerator shelves also mean less room to rearrange tall items. It makes sense for one or two people with limited space, but not for bulk shoppers.
Pros:- 24-inch width fits compact kitchen openings
- Three freezer drawers help organize frozen items
- Convertible drawer switches between chiller and crisper settings
- Reversible door and removable wine rack add layout flexibility
Cons:- 11.5 cu. ft. capacity is limited for family groceries
- Only two refrigerator shelves restrict storage flexibility
Best for: One- or two-person households furnishing a narrow apartment kitchen or secondary living space.
Not ideal for: Families or bulk shoppers who need broad shelves, high capacity, or a larger freezer.
- Width:24 in.
- Capacity:11.5 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity:4.2 cu. ft.
- Configuration:Bottom freezer, two doors
- Finish:Fingerprint- and smudge-resistant stainless steel
- Freezer storage:Three drawers
- Door:Reversible
- Modes:Eco Mode and Vacation Mode
Our verdict“Pick the Sharp when a narrow footprint matters more than capacity or French door convenience.”
Hamilton Beach 17.7 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Brushed Gold Handles
The Hamilton Beach 17.7 cu. ft. French door stands apart with a soft white finish and brushed gold handles, a less conventional look than the stainless steel KoolMore and Sharp models. Its inverter compressor is designed for quiet, energy-efficient operation, and frost-free cooling removes the need for manual defrosting. Six gallon-size door bins make it easier to keep frequently used containers accessible, while Super Cooling and Super Freezing modes offer a way to rapidly cool or freeze newly added groceries. The KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C has slightly more listed capacity and humidity-controlled crispers, so it may suit produce-heavy households better. The Hamilton Beach’s supplied details do not give its width, which makes checking the cabinet opening especially important before purchase. Its distinctive finish also will not suit every kitchen palette.
Pros:- Soft white finish and brushed gold handles create a distinctive look
- 17.7 cu. ft. capacity offers substantial storage
- Frost-free cooling avoids manual defrosting
- Six gallon-size door bins accommodate larger containers
Cons:- Width is not provided in the supplied product details, complicating fit checks
- The white and gold styling may not coordinate with stainless steel kitchens
- Listed capacity is slightly below the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C
Best for: Buyers coordinating a light kitchen with gold hardware who want French door storage and frost-free operation.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who need a confirmed narrow width or prefer a conventional stainless steel finish.
- Configuration:French door
- Installation:Freestanding
- Capacity:17.7 cu. ft.
- Refrigerator capacity:12.4 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity:5.3 cu. ft.
- Cooling:Frost-free
- Compressor:Inverter
- Finish:Soft white with gold trim and brushed gold handles
Our verdict“Choose the Hamilton Beach if its white and gold finish suits your kitchen and its dimensions fit the available opening.”
GE Profile 21.9 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Internal Dispenser, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
The GE Profile GWE22JYMFS pairs a counter-depth French door layout with 21.9 cu. ft. of capacity, giving it more listed room than the KoolMore and Hamilton Beach. Its internal dispenser keeps filtered cold water available without adding an exterior dispenser to the door, and the factory-installed icemaker supplies filtered ice. Five shelves and five door shelves provide several places to organize groceries. Compared with the Midea MRF27I6BST, the GE has less listed capacity and lacks the Midea’s AutoFill pitcher and dual ice makers, but its filtered water and ice setup is straightforward. The internal dispenser also means opening the refrigerator to get water, and the supplied specifications do not detail dimensions beyond the counter-depth designation. Confirm the fit and storage layout before choosing it for a busy household.
Pros:- 21.9 cu. ft. capacity exceeds the KoolMore and Hamilton Beach models listed here
- Internal dispenser provides filtered cold water
- Factory-installed icemaker produces filtered ice
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
Cons:- Internal water dispensing requires opening the refrigerator door
- Less listed capacity than the 27 cu. ft. Midea MRF27I6BST
- Supplied specifications do not state width or depth measurements
Best for: Households that want filtered water and factory-made filtered ice in a counter-depth French door refrigerator.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want an exterior water dispenser, automated pitcher filling, or the highest listed capacity.
- Model:GWE22JYMFS
- Capacity:21.9 cu. ft.
- Configuration:French door
- Water dispenser:Internal, filtered cold water
- Icemaker:Factory-installed with water filtration
- Defrost system:Automatic
- Shelves:5
- Finish:Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
Our verdict“Choose the GE Profile if filtered water and ice matter more than maximum capacity or an exterior dispenser.”
Midea 27 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French Door Smart Refrigerator
The Midea MRF27I6BST has the largest listed capacity in this group at 27 cu. ft., which makes it the strongest fit for households that want substantial storage while keeping a counter-depth form. Its internal dispenser pairs with an AutoFill water pitcher, and dual ice makers can produce up to five pounds of ice per day—more built-in drink support than the GE Profile’s single factory-installed icemaker. That expanded capacity comes with a practical tradeoff: the supplied details do not state the unit’s width or depth measurements, so the counter-depth label alone is not enough to confirm fit. The listing also describes it as full-size, making a careful cabinet and clearance check particularly useful. Compared with the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C, it prioritizes capacity and ice production over a specified narrow 30-inch width.
Pros:- 27 cu. ft. listed capacity is the largest in this batch
- Dual ice makers produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day
- AutoFill pitcher adds convenience for regular water use
- Internal water dispenser keeps the front of the refrigerator clear
Cons:- Width and depth measurements are absent from the supplied specifications
- High capacity may make confirming clearances especially important in a compact kitchen
- The product details do not specify shelf adjustability
Best for: Large households that want high listed capacity, frequent ice production, and an internal water pitcher.
Not ideal for: Buyers with a tightly constrained cabinet opening who need verified width and depth dimensions before choosing.
- Model:MRF27I6BST
- Capacity:27 cu. ft.
- Configuration:French door
- Form factor:Counter-depth
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Water dispenser:Internal
- Ice makers:Dual; up to 5 pounds per day
- Additional feature:AutoFill water pitcher
Our verdict“Choose the Midea for its unusually high listed capacity and dual ice makers after confirming its exact fit in your kitchen.”
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Midea MRS25I7BST pairs a counter-depth footprint with 24.5 cu. ft. of capacity, giving it more listed space than the other models in this batch. Its side-by-side layout keeps refrigerated and frozen food visible in tall, narrow sections, while gallon door bins and crisper drawers help organize everyday groceries. The internal dispenser and autofill pitcher add water access without an exterior dispenser taking up the door. Compared with the smaller Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA, this Midea gives households more room, but Samsung offers Wi-Fi alerts, independently controlled cooling, and ENERGY STAR certification. The Midea’s listed features focus on storage and convenience rather than connected controls or a stated efficiency certification. Its side-by-side shelves may also be less accommodating for wide trays than a French door layout.
Pros:- 24.5 cu. ft. capacity is the largest stated capacity among these two products.
- Internal water dispenser and autofill pitcher provide convenient water access.
- Icemaker is included.
- Gallon-sized door bins and crisper drawers support practical grocery organization.
Cons:- Side-by-side compartments can limit space for wide dishes and trays.
- The listed features do not include Wi-Fi alerts or an ENERGY STAR certification.
- An internal dispenser requires opening the refrigerator door to get water.
Best for: Households that want substantial refrigerator and freezer storage in a counter-depth side-by-side layout, plus convenient chilled water and ice.
Not ideal for: Buyers who regularly store wide platters or want app alerts and a stated ENERGY STAR certification; the Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA better matches those priorities.
- Capacity:24.5 cu. ft.
- Configuration:Side-by-side
- Installation:Freestanding
- Finish:Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Water dispenser:Internal
- Icemaker:Yes; autofill water pitcher
- Storage features:Gallon-sized door bins and crisper bins
- Controls and lighting:Electronic control panel and interior LED lighting
Our verdict“Choose the Midea if you want the larger-capacity counter-depth option with built-in water and ice and prefer a side-by-side layout.”
Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. Smart Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator, Stainless Steel (RF18A5101SR/AA)
The Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA suits kitchens where a tidy cabinet line and useful remote alerts matter more than maximum storage. At 33 inches wide and 17.5 cu. ft., its French door design offers a different fit from the larger Midea MRS25I7BST side-by-side, which has 24.5 cu. ft. but a narrower door layout. Samsung adds Wi-Fi alerts for temperature changes and an open door, so owners can catch certain problems without being beside the appliance. Twin Cooling Plus gives the refrigerator and freezer independent controls, and its ENERGY STAR certification is a concrete efficiency distinction in this pair. The tradeoff is less capacity than the Midea and no listed water dispenser or icemaker. Its smart functions are most useful to buyers who will actually check the app.
Pros:- 33-inch width and counter-depth design suit kitchens with tighter cabinet clearances.
- Wi-Fi app alerts cover temperature changes and an open door.
- Twin Cooling Plus provides independent refrigerator and freezer controls.
- ENERGY STAR certified, with adjustable glass shelves.
Cons:- 17.5 cu. ft. capacity is substantially less than the Midea MRS25I7BST.
- No water dispenser or icemaker is listed.
- Smart alerts depend on Wi-Fi and app use.
Best for: Apartment households or smaller families seeking a 33-inch counter-depth French door refrigerator with app alerts and independently controlled cooling.
Not ideal for: Large households that need the most listed storage, or buyers who want an included water dispenser and icemaker; the Midea MRS25I7BST offers greater capacity and those conveniences.
- Capacity:17.5 cu. ft.
- Width:33 in.
- Configuration:French door, 3 doors
- Finish:Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi and app control
- Cooling:Twin Cooling Plus
- Shelves:3 adjustable glass shelves
- Certification and defrost:ENERGY STAR certified; frost free
- Warranty:1 year parts and labor on refrigerator; 5 years parts and labor on sealed refrigeration system; 10 years parts and 5 years labor on digital inverter compressor
Our verdict“Pick the Samsung if a 33-inch counter-depth French door fit and connected alerts matter more to you than maximum capacity or built-in water and ice.”
How We Picked
I ranked these refrigerators by how well their dimensions and usable layouts serve common kitchen needs. Capacity, width, door configuration, freezer access, dispenser placement, and smart features all matter, but they matter differently to a small apartment household than to a family replacing a main refrigerator. I gave more weight to practical fit and useful everyday storage than to feature count alone.
The GE Profile leads for its blend of capacity, familiar French door access, and internal water dispensing. The KoolMore and Samsung offer more straightforward mid-capacity French door alternatives, while the Midea models stand out for distinct capacity and layout priorities. Sharp ranks as a compact solution rather than a broad household pick, and Hamilton Beach earns a distinct style role. I also considered the drawbacks: smaller interiors, less convenient layouts, and the need to verify exact installation dimensions before buying.
| counter depth refrigerator | Configuration | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| KoolMore 30-Inch Counter-Depth | French door | Stainless steel |
| Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu. ft. C | Bottom freezer, two doors | Fingerprint- and smudge-resistant stainless steel |
| Hamilton Beach 17.7 cu. ft. Co | French door | Soft white with gold trim and brushed gold handles |
| GE Profile 21.9 cu. ft. Counte | French door | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| Midea 27 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth | French door | Stainless steel |
| Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 cu. ft. | Side-by-side | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. Smart Cou | French door, 3 doors | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Counter Depth Refrigerators
Choosing a counter depth refrigerator starts with the kitchen opening, then moves to how your household stores and reaches food. A model that looks right in a product listing can still project too far or leave too little room for doors and drawers to open. These checks help narrow the field before features become the deciding factor.
Measure the Whole Installation, Not Just the Cabinet
Measure the opening’s width, height, and depth, then check the refrigerator’s full dimensions with doors and handles included. Counter depth usually describes the cabinet box; handles and doors can still extend past nearby counters. Leave the clearance specified by the manufacturer for ventilation, and account for baseboards, trim, and uneven walls. Check the path from the entry door to the kitchen too, since a refrigerator that fits the alcove may not fit through a hallway or doorway. For French door models, verify that both doors can open far enough to pull out interior drawers. This step prevents a common mistake: treating “counter depth” as a promise of a perfectly flush installation.
Match Capacity to the Food You Actually Store
Capacity figures help with comparisons, but shelf shape and drawer layout affect how much food fits in everyday use. A wide French door interior can make trays and broad containers easier to place, while narrow shelves may limit those items even when the listed volume looks generous. Think about how often you shop, whether you freeze batch-cooked meals, and how much room you reserve for drinks or produce. Smaller households may prefer the compact Sharp, while households with more groceries may find its capacity restrictive. Avoid choosing a larger model solely by the headline number if its layout makes your usual containers awkward to store. Check shelf adjustability and drawer access against your routines.
Choose a Door Layout Around Your Kitchen Traffic
French door refrigerators keep the fresh food section wide, but their paired doors need room to swing and can require two hands to open fully. Side-by-side models divide fresh and frozen food into tall, narrow compartments, which can make frozen items easier to see while limiting space for wide dishes. A bottom freezer places frequently used fresh food at eye level, though reaching items at the bottom of the freezer may take more effort. Map door swings against islands, walls, and nearby appliances before settling on a layout. In busy kitchens, consider who opens the refrigerator at the same time and whether doors will block a walkway. The right configuration can matter more to daily convenience than a small difference in capacity.
Decide Which Dispenser and Smart Features Earn Their Place
Water dispensers can save trips to the sink, but they may use interior space or require a water line and filter changes. An internal dispenser keeps the exterior cleaner and avoids a door-mounted unit, though you must open the refrigerator to fill a glass. Smart connectivity is most useful when it supports a routine you will use, such as checking temperature or getting a door alert. Extra connected functions add setup steps and another feature set to maintain. Before paying more for them, consider whether a simple temperature control and dependable storage meet your needs. Look up filter type and replacement schedule as part of ownership planning.
Compare Usable Freezer Space and Access
Freezer organization changes how quickly you can find food and how much effort it takes to keep items sorted. Bottom freezer drawers can hold bulky packages but may stack food out of sight unless they include helpful dividers. Side-by-side designs give frozen food its own vertical shelves, which can make small items easier to locate but may not fit wide boxes or trays. Consider what you freeze most: bags and containers behave differently from frozen pizzas or large cuts of meat. Also check whether the freezer’s opening and drawers have room to extend in your kitchen. This is a useful way to compare layouts when refrigerator capacity alone does not settle the choice.
Check Service, Filters, and Finish Before Committing
Ownership costs include more than electricity: water filters, replacement parts, and access to local service can shape how easy a refrigerator is to keep running. Review the warranty terms and confirm who handles service in your area before ordering. Fingerprint-resistant finishes can reduce visible smudges, while distinctive handle finishes may be harder to match with future appliances. Look at the care guidance for stainless steel and any special finish so routine cleaning does not damage the surface. If a model has connected features, check how setup and ongoing software support work. These practical checks help distinguish a convenient feature from one that becomes a maintenance chore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a counter depth refrigerator sit flush with my cabinets?
Not always. Counter depth usually refers to the refrigerator cabinet, while doors and handles may extend beyond the counter edge. Measure the full depth from the wall to the front of the handles and compare it with your kitchen’s available space. Also leave the manufacturer’s required ventilation clearance and check how far the doors need to open for drawers to slide out. A nearly flush look depends on the specific model and the surrounding cabinetry.
Is a counter depth refrigerator large enough for a family?
It can be, but the answer depends on shopping habits, meal preparation, and freezer use. The Midea 27 cu. ft. model offers the largest listed capacity in this group, while the GE Profile provides a more balanced capacity with a familiar French door layout. Smaller models may suit households that shop often or keep fewer frozen foods, but they can feel constrained during bulk shopping. Compare shelf and drawer arrangements with the containers you use rather than relying on capacity alone. Measure the available space before moving up to a larger model.
Should I choose French door or side-by-side for a narrow kitchen?
Neither layout is automatically better; the room’s traffic pattern and the food you store should guide the choice. French doors need clearance on both sides, but opening one door at a time can keep the swing narrower. A side-by-side design separates frozen and fresh food vertically, though its compartments may be too narrow for wide dishes. Check the appliance’s door-open dimensions and nearby obstacles, including an island or wall. The Midea side-by-side is worth comparing if vertical freezer organization matters more than wide shelves.
Does an internal water dispenser reduce refrigerator storage?
An internal dispenser takes up some space inside the fresh food compartment, though its placement and size vary by model. It also keeps the outside of the door simpler and may avoid the visual bulk of an external dispenser. You need to open the refrigerator to fill a glass, and a plumbed model may require filter replacements. If you rarely use chilled water, the space may be more valuable for shelves or door bins. Check the interior layout and water-line requirements before choosing based on the dispenser alone.
When is it worth choosing a smart counter depth refrigerator?
Smart features make the most sense when remote temperature checks, alerts, or other connected functions solve a task you already have. They are less persuasive if you only want basic cooling and do not plan to use an app. Compare the connected functions available on the specific model, along with setup requirements and ongoing support. A smart label does not tell you whether the shelves, freezer, or dimensions suit your kitchen. For a fit-first purchase, prioritize installation measurements and layout, then treat connectivity as a tie-breaker.
Conclusion
For most buyers seeking a balanced family refrigerator, I recommend the GE Profile as the best overall, thanks to its 21.9 cu. ft. capacity and internal dispenser. The KoolMore is my best value-oriented pick for a straightforward French door layout, while the Midea 27 cu. ft. model is the best premium-style choice for shoppers who prioritize capacity and smart features. Beginners who want a familiar, uncomplicated layout can start with the Samsung, after confirming its dimensions and feature needs. For specific needs, choose the Sharp for a narrow kitchen, the Midea side-by-side for vertical freezer organization, or the Hamilton Beach if brushed gold handles suit your kitchen design. Match the shortlist to your measured opening and daily storage habits before deciding.
