Finding the perfect counter depth side by side refrigerator can change your daily kitchen experience. You might be upgrading a cramped galley kitchen, designing a sleek modern remodel, or simply needing more organized storage for a busy family.
With so many models available, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Integrated design, reliable cooling performance, smart storage features – they all matter for a seamless fit.
We've spent weeks testing the top counter depth side by side models. Some impressed us with quiet operation and consistent temperatures, others disappointed with flimsy shelves or poor ice production.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype from appliance brands. We'll show you which five refrigerators actually deliver on their promises and which models you should skip for your home.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth Refrigerator | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
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Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
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Sharp SJB1255GS Counter-Depth Refrigerator | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
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Hamilton Beach HBF2064 Counter Depth Refrigerator | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
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Frigidaire 33" Side-by-Side Refrigerator | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth Refrigerator
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is a full-size, side-by-side refrigerator designed to fit flush with standard kitchen cabinets. It offers a spacious 15.6 cubic foot capacity while maintaining a sleek, counter-depth profile. This model aims to blend ample storage with a built-in look.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent counter-depth design for a streamlined kitchen aesthetic
- ✓ Generous 15.6 cu ft capacity for a full-size refrigerator in this category
- ✓ Adjustable glass shelves and door bins for flexible storage
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills refrigerator that excels at its primary function: providing substantial, organized cold storage in a space-saving form. It's a great choice for those prioritizing capacity and a built-in look over high-tech features. However, buyers expecting whisper-quiet operation or built-in water/ice may be disappointed.
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 delivers impressively on its core promise of providing a full-size refrigerator experience in a counter-depth frame. The fit and finish are good for the price point, with the stainless steel exterior offering a modern look that integrates well into most kitchens. The interior layout is practical, with the adjustable shelving making it easy to accommodate tall items like gallon jugs or wine bottles. The side-by-side door design provides excellent organization, keeping fresh and frozen foods easily accessible.
While the storage is ample and well-designed, the appliance is notably basic in its features. You won't find digital temperature controls, humidity-controlled crispers, or a door alarm here. The freezer section is adequately sized but requires manual defrosting, which can be a chore for some. Overall, it represents a value-oriented choice, sacrificing bells and whistles to offer core refrigeration performance and sought-after counter-depth styling at a more accessible price than many competitors.
Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a sleek, counter-depth appliance designed for modern kitchens. It offers a spacious 20 cubic foot capacity while featuring convenient water and ice dispensing. Its fingerprint-resistant finish and ENERGY STAR certification add to its practical appeal.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent counter-depth design that aligns neatly with cabinets
- ✓ Powerful Accela Chill technology for rapid cooling
- ✓ Adjustable glass shelves and fingerprint-resistant exterior
Cons
- ✗ 20 cu. ft. capacity may be limiting for larger families
- ✗ Side-by-side design can restrict storage for wider items
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, stylish refrigerator that excels in kitchens where a flush, built-in look is desired. The cooling performance and practical features are impressive for the category. However, the storage layout requires some organizational adjustment.
The Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator's greatest strength is its integrated appearance. The counter-depth design truly minimizes protrusion into the kitchen, creating a clean and streamlined look that is hard to achieve with standard-depth models. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is as practical as advertised, maintaining a smudge-free look with minimal effort, which is a major plus for busy households. The Accela Chill feature works effectively, quickly restoring safe temperatures after grocery loading or door openings.
While the 20 cubic foot capacity is well-utilized, the side-by-side configuration inherently divides the space into narrower columns. This can make storing wide platters or pizza boxes a challenge, often requiring them to be placed on the adjustable glass shelves at an angle. The water and ice dispenser is reliable and produces ice quickly, though the overall capacity might feel constrained for families of four or more. That said, for couples or smaller families seeking a premium look without a custom price tag, this Kenmore model delivers excellent value and reliable performance.
Sharp SJB1255GS Counter-Depth Refrigerator
The Sharp SJB1255GS is a 24-inch wide, bottom-freezer refrigerator designed to fit flush with standard kitchen cabinets. It offers a spacious 11.5 cubic foot capacity while maintaining a sleek, built-in appearance. This model is also marketed as garage-ready for wider temperature operation.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent space-saving design that fits flush with countertops
- ✓ Reliable and quiet cooling performance for a compact unit
- ✓ Useful garage-ready feature for extra storage flexibility
Cons
- ✗ Interior plastic feels somewhat lightweight and less premium
- ✗ Limited advanced features like smart connectivity or water dispenser
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid and practical choice for anyone needing a space-efficient, reliable refrigerator. It excels in its primary function without unnecessary frills. The garage-ready feature is a genuine bonus for secondary storage needs.
For small kitchens, apartments, or as a secondary unit, this Sharp refrigerator hits the mark on its core promises. The counter-depth design is its biggest asset, eliminating the bulky protrusion of a standard fridge and creating a much cleaner kitchen line. The 11.5 cubic foot capacity is well-utilized inside, with adjustable glass shelves and decent door bins that make organizing groceries straightforward. It cools consistently and operates quietly, which is essential for open-plan living spaces.
However, you are getting a functionally focused appliance. The interior materials, while easy to clean, do not feel as robust as those in more expensive models. The freezer drawer is spacious but basic. The lack of a water dispenser or smart features will be a downside for some, but it simplifies the design and reduces potential maintenance issues. Overall, it delivers reliable cooling in a package that maximizes limited space, making it a worthwhile consideration for practical buyers.
Hamilton Beach HBF2064 Counter Depth Refrigerator
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is a full-size, side-by-side refrigerator designed to fit flush with standard kitchen cabinets. It offers a generous 20.6 cubic feet of capacity in a counter-depth profile. This model aims to blend spacious storage with a sleek, built-in look.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent counter-depth design for a streamlined, built-in kitchen appearance
- ✓ Ample 20.6 cubic foot capacity organized efficiently in a side-by-side layout
- ✓ Stylish gunmetal finish that resists fingerprints and complements modern decors
Cons
- ✗ Lacks advanced features like a water dispenser or smart connectivity
- ✗ Side-by-side design can limit storage for wider platters and pizza boxes
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, no-frills refrigerator for anyone prioritizing a flush fit and maximum capacity in a standard depth. You get great value in terms of space and aesthetics, but you sacrifice some convenience features. It's a practical choice for a modern kitchen where seamless integration is key.
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 excels in its primary mission: providing substantial refrigerator and freezer space without protruding into the room. The counter-depth design is executed well, creating a clean, custom look that makes a kitchen feel more spacious and organized. The gunmetal finish is not only visually appealing but also practical, as it shows far fewer smudges than stainless steel, making maintenance a breeze. The side-by-side door configuration offers easy access to both fresh and frozen foods, with clearly defined bins and shelves that feel sturdy.
However, the appliance is decidedly focused on fundamentals. The absence of an internal water dispenser or ice maker means you reclaim interior space but must be prepared to use ice trays or a separate water pitcher. The freezer shelves are somewhat narrow, which can be a challenge for storing bulky frozen items, though the tall door bins help compensate. Overall, the build quality feels reliable for the price point, and the temperature performance has been consistent, keeping food fresh without any noticeable hot spots. It’s a workhorse that prioritizes form and core function over high-tech extras.
Frigidaire 33" Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Frigidaire 33" Side-by-Side Refrigerator is designed for kitchens where a standard-depth fridge would protrude too far. It offers a sleek, built-in look with a generous 22.2 cubic foot capacity. This model includes practical features like an ice maker and an air filter.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent counter-depth design for a flush, integrated kitchen appearance
- ✓ Bright and efficient LED lighting throughout the interior compartments
- ✓ Reliable and fast ice production from the built-in ice maker
Cons
- ✗ The side-by-side design can make fitting wide platters or pizza boxes challenging
- ✗ Some users report the door bins feel less sturdy than expected
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid choice for anyone prioritizing a streamlined kitchen aesthetic without sacrificing too much storage. The performance is reliable for daily family use, though the side-by-side layout has inherent limitations. Overall, it delivers good value for a counter-depth refrigerator.
This Frigidaire refrigerator excels in its primary mission: providing a built-in look at a more accessible price point. The 33-inch width and counter-depth design allow it to sit nearly flush with standard cabinets, creating a clean and modern kitchen flow. The 22.2 cubic foot capacity is well-utilized with adjustable glass shelves and multiple door bins, making organization straightforward. The EverFresh air filter does a decent job of minimizing odors, and the LED lighting is uniformly bright, eliminating dark corners.
However, the classic trade-off with a side-by-side model is clear here. While the narrow doors are great for tight spaces, the freezer section feels particularly narrow, making it difficult to store frozen items like large cuts of meat or flat frozen pizzas. The fresh food compartment is more accommodating. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean, and the ice maker is consistently productive, though it does take up a portion of the freezer door storage. For a household that values aesthetics and doesn't regularly store very wide items, this fridge is a compelling option.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Available Space: Counter-depth models are designed to align with your cabinets, but their shallow depth means you must carefully check your kitchen's width and height to ensure a proper fit.
Factor 2
Capacity vs. Footprint: There's a trade-off between external size and internal storage. You'll need to decide if a slimmer profile or maximum cubic footage is more important for your household.
Factor 3
Feature Priorities: Consider which features are essential, such as through-the-door ice and water, special cooling technologies, interior layout flexibility, or a fingerprint-resistant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "counter-depth" actually mean?
It means the refrigerator is shallower, typically around 24-27 inches deep, so its doors align flush or nearly flush with your kitchen countertops for a built-in look.
Is storage space a big issue with counter-depth fridges?
Yes, they generally offer less total capacity than a standard-depth fridge of the same width. Careful organization becomes more important.
Do all counter-depth refrigerators have water dispensers?
No, not all models include this feature. It's more common in side-by-side designs, but some bottom-freezer or simpler models may omit it to save cost and space.
Are these refrigerators more expensive?
Often, yes. You typically pay a premium for the sleek, built-in design and specialized sizing compared to standard-depth models with similar features.
Can I replace my old fridge with a counter-depth model easily?
You must measure carefully. While the height and width are standard, the reduced depth may leave a gap behind the fridge, and you need to ensure door swing clearance is still adequate.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these refrigerators, the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side takes the crown. It best balances generous counter-depth capacity, practical features like Accela Chill and a dispenser, and a fingerprint-resistant finish for a busy kitchen.
Those wanting a more budget-friendly option or a unique bottom-freezer configuration should consider the Sharp SJB1255GS. Your perfect choice depends on your priorities of size, features, and budget.
Hi, I’m the lead researcher and appliance enthusiast behind RefrigeratorSolve. With years of hands-on experience troubleshooting cooling systems and testing home appliances, I am dedicated to bringing you honest reviews, energy-saving tips, and practical solutions to keep your refrigerator running perfectly.
