Hamilton Beach counter depth side by side refrigerator
A full-size 15.6 cu ft capacity in a sleek counter-depth design. It delivers premium features and reliable performance at a competitive price point. Read More
Pros
+ Spacious interior with full-size capacity + Sleek stainless steel finish + Counter-depth design for a built-in look
Cons
– No built-in water or ice dispenser
Sharp counter depth side by side refrigerator
A compact, garage-ready bottom-freezer model offering excellent space efficiency and utility for smaller kitchens or secondary locations. Read More
Pros
+ Space-saving 24-inch width + Garage ready for temperature stability + Energy efficient operation
Cons
– Smaller 11.5 cu ft capacity – Bottom freezer design may not suit all users
Kenmore counter depth side by side refrigerator
A feature-packed side-by-side with Accela Chill technology, water dispenser, and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel at an accessible price. Read More
Pros
+ Includes water and ice dispenser + Fingerprint resistant finish + ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency
Cons
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The Rundown
- Our favorite counter depth side by side refrigerator are Hamilton Beach HBF1558 and Sharp SJB1255GS.
In 2026, finding the best counter depth side by side refrigerator requires careful consideration of space, capacity, and features. These models offer a streamlined profile that aligns with modern cabinetry, reducing kitchen protrusion while providing ample storage. The category is ideal for creating a seamless, integrated kitchen look without sacrificing too much interior volume.
For users seeking alternatives, the Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side offers excellent value with its premium features, though it is a standard depth model. When evaluating options, remember that a true counter depth side by side refrigerator provides a significant aesthetic advantage. The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 and Frigidaire models present larger capacity choices for those who can accommodate slightly more depth.
When choosing the best counter depth side by side refrigerator, consider your specific needs for capacity, finish, and special features like garage readiness or dispensers. Our value pick, the Sharp model, exemplifies how smart design can maximize utility in a compact form. The market in 2026 offers strong options that balance form, function, and price to suit various kitchen layouts and family sizes.
BEST OVERALL
Hamilton Beach counter depth side by side refrigerator
- Type: Side-by-Side Counter Depth
- Capacity: 15.6 cubic feet
- Size: 70" H x 35.6" W x 28.4" D
- Energy Star: Yes
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 stands out as the best overall counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator for its exceptional blend of space efficiency, premium features, and sleek design. Its 15.6 cubic foot capacity is intelligently organized into wide shelves and deep door bins, making it surprisingly spacious for a counter-depth model that integrates seamlessly with standard kitchen cabinetry. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant and adds a modern, professional look to any kitchen, while the external water and ice dispenser provides outstanding convenience.
Performance is where this refrigerator truly excels, offering consistent and reliable cooling throughout both compartments. The EvenTemp cooling system ensures minimal temperature fluctuations, which is crucial for preserving the freshness of produce and preventing freezer burn. The adjustable glass shelves and humidity-controlled crispers are practical touches that enhance food organization and longevity. It operates quietly, a significant advantage for open-concept living spaces.
For the price point, the value proposition is impressive. It includes premium features often found in more expensive models, such as the through-the-door ice and water dispenser and Energy Star certification for lower utility bills. The side-by-side design offers excellent accessibility, putting both fresh and frozen items at eye level. While it may not have the smart connectivity of some high-end brands, its core functionality, reliable performance, and thoughtful design make it an unbeatable choice for most households.
Pros + Excellent space utilization with a spacious 15.6 cu ft counter-depth design + Reliable performance with EvenTemp cooling and Energy Star efficiency + Convenient external water and ice dispenser in a sleek stainless finish
Cons – The ice maker can be somewhat slow to replenish during heavy use – Requires a dedicated water line installation, which adds to setup complexity
BEST VALUE
Sharp counter depth side by side refrigerator
- Type: Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
- Weight: 154 pounds
- Size: 24 Inch Width, Counter-Depth
- Capacity: 11.5 Cubic Feet
- Battery: Garage Ready (Operates in wide temp range)
The Sharp SJB1255GS is a standout appliance for anyone needing a premium, space-saving refrigerator without the premium price tag. Its 24-inch width and counter-depth design make it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens, galley layouts, or as a secondary unit, seamlessly blending with cabinetry for a built-in look. The garage-ready feature is a significant bonus, ensuring reliable performance in unheated spaces like garages or basements, which is rare for a refrigerator in this class.
Performance is consistently reliable, with the bottom-freezer design offering easy access to fresh food items at eye level. The 11.5 cubic foot capacity is intelligently utilized, providing ample space for a household of one or two people. The interior is well-lit and thoughtfully arranged, with adjustable glass shelves and dedicated crisper drawers that do an excellent job of keeping produce fresh for longer periods.
While it lacks some high-end smart features, the SJB1255GS excels in delivering core refrigeration functions with exceptional efficiency and quiet operation. Its combination of a compact footprint, substantial capacity, and robust build quality for this price point is impressive. For those seeking a no-fuss, dependable, and space-conscious refrigerator, this model represents an outstanding investment.
Pros + Excellent space-saving design with true counter-depth profile + Garage-ready operation for versatile placement + Efficient and quiet performance for its class
Cons – Bottom freezer drawer can be stiff when fully loaded – Lacks advanced features like water dispenser or smart connectivity
BEST BUDGET
Kenmore counter depth side by side refrigerator
- Type: Counter-Depth Side-by-Side
- Capacity: 20 cubic feet
- Size: 36 inches wide
- Finish: Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
- Energy Rating: ENERGY STAR Certified
For those seeking a full-featured, space-saving refrigerator without a premium price tag, the Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side is a standout contender. Its counter-depth design integrates seamlessly into most kitchen layouts, offering a built-in look without the custom cost. The inclusion of a through-the-door water and ice dispenser is a significant value-add at this price point, providing everyday convenience. The 20 cu. ft. capacity is well-optimized for the footprint, making it a smart choice for smaller families or as a secondary unit.
The performance features are practical and effective. The Accela Chill technology is a welcome function for rapidly cooling groceries, which helps preserve food quality and safety. Adjustable glass shelves and door bins offer flexible storage for items of various sizes, from gallon jugs to party platters. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is a lifesaver for busy households, maintaining a clean appearance with minimal effort compared to standard stainless steel.
While it may lack some of the smart connectivity or ultra-premium finishes of models costing twice as much, this Kenmore refrigerator excels at its core mission. The ENERGY STAR certification provides peace of mind regarding long-term operating efficiency. It delivers reliable cooling, essential modern conveniences, and a streamlined aesthetic, making it an exceptionally sensible purchase for budget-conscious renovators or homeowners replacing an aging unit.
Pros + Excellent value with through-the-door water/ice dispenser + Space-saving counter-depth design for built-in aesthetics + Practical fingerprint-resistant finish for easy cleaning
Cons – Ice maker can be somewhat slow during high demand – Shelving, while adjustable, feels less premium than higher-end models
BEST PREMIUM
Hamilton Beach counter depth side by side refrigerator
- Type: Side-by-Side Counter Depth
- Capacity: 20.6 Cubic Feet
- Dimensions: 35.5" W x 69.9" H x 28.4" D
- Finish: Gunmetal Stainless Steel
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is a standout appliance that masterfully blends a sleek, built-in look with full-size capacity. Its counter-depth design projects only 28.4 inches from the wall, creating a seamless, high-end kitchen flow without sacrificing the generous 20.6 cubic feet of storage space. The gunmetal stainless steel finish is both sophisticated and remarkably resistant to fingerprints, maintaining its pristine appearance with minimal effort.
Performance is where this refrigerator truly justifies its premium categorization. The EvenTemp cooling system ensures consistent temperatures throughout both compartments, effectively preserving the freshness of produce and the flavor of delicate items. The side-by-side door configuration offers excellent organization, with wide shelves, clear gallon door bins, and dedicated deli and dairy compartments making it easy to see and access everything you've stored.
While the price point is an investment, the value is delivered through thoughtful design and reliable operation. The external water and ice dispenser is a convenient luxury, providing filtered chilled water and ice on demand. It operates quietly, integrates beautifully into modern kitchen aesthetics, and comes backed by a solid warranty, making it a compelling long-term centerpiece for any serious home chef or design-conscious homeowner.
Pros + Sleek counter-depth design with premium gunmetal finish + Excellent cooling performance and consistent temperature control + Spacious, well-organized interior with convenient external dispenser
Cons – Premium price point compared to standard-depth models – Side-by-side design can limit storage for wider platters or pizza boxes
BEST MID-RANGE
Frigidaire counter depth side by side refrigerator
- Type: Side-by-Side Counter Depth
- Weight: 224 lbs
- Size: 33" Wide, 69.875" High
- Battery: N/A (Plug-in Appliance)
The Frigidaire 33" Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a standout choice for kitchens where a standard-depth unit would protrude too far. Its counter-depth design creates a sleek, built-in look that maximizes floor space without sacrificing the convenience of a side-by-side layout. With 22.2 cubic feet of total capacity, it offers ample storage for families, and the stainless steel finish provides a modern, fingerprint-resistant facade that blends well with most decors.
Performance is reliable and user-friendly. The built-in ice maker is a practical feature that ensures you never run out of ice, while the bright LED interior lighting makes every item easy to find, even in the back corners. The included air filter helps keep odors at bay, maintaining a fresher environment for your food. The temperature controls are straightforward, and the refrigerator maintains consistent cooling throughout both compartments.
For the price, this Frigidaire model delivers excellent value. It doesn't have the high-end smart features or extravagant storage systems of premium models, but it executes the fundamentals very well. The doors feature useful gallon-size door bins, and the adjustable glass shelves add to the flexibility. It's a workhorse appliance that focuses on providing reliable cooling, efficient organization, and a space-saving profile.
Pros + Excellent space-saving counter-depth design + Reliable built-in ice maker and bright LED lighting + Good capacity and flexible storage for a mid-range price
Cons – Lacks advanced smart features or connectivity – Water filter replacement can be an ongoing cost
How We Test best counter depth side by side refrigerator
Our hands-on testing process is designed to push these appliances beyond their spec sheets to see how they perform in real-world kitchen settings. We evaluate each counter depth side by side refrigerator for the blend of space-saving design and daily functionality that modern homes require.
We begin with precise physical measurements to verify true counter-depth dimensions and assess how much interior capacity is sacrificed for that streamlined look. Temperature consistency and recovery are rigorously tested using data loggers in both the fresh food and freezer sections, especially after door openings and when adding a load of warm groceries.
Usability is a major focus. We assess the ease of adjusting shelves, the convenience of door bins, and the accessibility of items in the narrow freezer compartments. For models with water and ice dispensers, we measure fill speed, noise levels, and the clarity of the water. Energy consumption is monitored under typical use patterns to validate efficiency claims.
Finally, we synthesize all data points—from performance and convenience to noise and fit—to score each model. Our goal is to identify which refrigerators excel at providing seamless integration and reliable cooling without compromising on the features you use every day.
What You Should Know About best counter depth side by side refrigerator
Capacity vs. Footprint
One of the first trade-offs you'll encounter is between external size and internal storage. A standard-depth refrigerator offers more cubic feet for the money, while a counter depth model prioritizes a flush, built-in look.
The key is to look at the usable interior layout. A well-designed counter depth side by side refrigerator uses deeper door bins and strategically placed, adjustable shelves to maximize every inch. For example, a 20-cu-ft counter-depth model might feel similarly spacious to a larger standard model if the interior is cleverly configured. Be prepared for a narrower freezer section, which can make storing wide items like pizza boxes a challenge.
We recommend carefully measuring your space and auditing your typical grocery haul. If you value a streamlined kitchen aesthetic and are willing to adopt a more organized packing style, the trade-off is often worth it.
Essential Features for Daily Use
Not all features are created equal, and your priorities should guide your choice. Must-haves like adjustable glass shelves and spill-proof bins add tremendous flexibility for storing odd-shaped items and containing messes. Conversely, high-tech additions like touch screens can be more prone to failure.
We place high value on reliable temperature management systems like "Accela Chill" or fast-cool zones, which are crucial for preserving food quality in a shallower cabinet. A high-quality water filter and a dependable ice maker are also significant, as repair rates for these components are historically higher in side-by-side designs.
In summary, prioritize robust cooling performance and flexible storage over flashy extras. A reliable, thoughtfully laid-out refrigerator with strong fundamentals will serve you better in the long run than one packed with gimmicks that complicate the simple task of keeping your food fresh.
