Refrigerators have gotten a lot bigger in recent years. That’s good for food storage, but not so much for space efficiency, especially in smaller kitchens, where a mammoth fridge might jut out 10 inches or more past the countertop. Counter depth (also referred to as cabinet depth) refrigerators are a slimmer option that provide a more streamlined look. And thanks to improvements in refrigerator design, some of the best examples in our latest refrigerator Ratings can hold a lot more food than previous generations. One point of clarification: though they’re called counter depth, most models in this category are around 28 inches deep, so they do protrude a bit past the edge of the countertop. That’s unlike true built-ins, from the likes of Thermador and Sub-Zero, which typically measure 25-inches deep, the standard depth of a kitchen countertop (there are also some 24-inch and 26-inch models in our built-in refrigerator Ratings). We should also explain why not many counter depth refrigerators make our recommended list.

In a lot of cases, this is the result of less-than-stellar energy efficiency, which reflects electricity consumption (based on our tests) per cubic foot of measured usable storage space. The fact that a counter depth refrigerator is, on the whole, less spacious can drive down its efficiency and, in turn, overall score. solid core wood door slabBut that may be a worthwhile compromise if space efficiency is your top priority.bi fold upvc patio doors Here are 10 strong picks to consider from the various configurations we test.sliding door track vancouver Best French-Door Counter Depth Refrigeratorsgarage door parts scarborough

It used to be hard to find a counter depth refrigerator with French-door styling, but manufacturers have made more of an investment in the option. Best in class in our current Ratings is the GE Profile PWE23KMDES, $2,600, which delivers excellent temperature control and is also surprisingly energy efficient, given the challenges described above. everest front door quoteGE has the only other recommended model at this time, the GE Cafe CYE22USHSS, $2,970, which is the first coffee-dispensing counter depth refrigerator, thanks to its built-in Keurig brewing system.fire rated door saskatoon Though it missed the winners podium, the Samsung RF18HFENBSR counter depth refrigerator is well priced at $1,250 and performed very well overall. black pvc doors for sale on ebay

The Kenmore Elite 74053, $2,800, is another impressive option. Best Bottom-Freezer Counter Depth Refrigerators The traditional bottom-freezer category in general has gotten smaller in recent years, which has meant fewer counter depth models coming through our labs and into the Ratings. If you have your heart set on this configuration, our top point scorer is the Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart E522BRX5, $1,800. Temperature control, energy efficiency, and noise are all solid, though it’s lacking in convenience features—no ice maker, no water dispenser, no temperature-controlled meat/deli bin. Paying $500 more for the Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170WDRUX5 counter depth refrigerator gets you similar performance, plus an ice maker and external water dispenser. Best Side-by-Side Counter Depth Refrigerators Two counter depth refrigerators make our current recommended list in this configuration: the LG LSC22991ST, $2,200, and the Samsung RS22HDHPNSR, $2,400. Their overall scores are identical, with the Samsung proving slightly quieter in our tests.

At 28 inches deep, the Samsung is also an inch shallower than the LG, which you’ll appreciate if space is super tight in your kitchen. The GE Cafe CZS25TSESS, $3,050, is another 28-inch deep side-by-side that earned solid marks in our tests, though not enough to be a considered a top pick. What's your favorite fridge configuration? Counter-depth refrigerators, which stand flush with the edge of kitchen cabinets and counters, offer the sleek look of a built-in fridge for far less money. However, they're still more expensive than most equivalent standard-depth fridges, and they have less usable space. Still, if you're willing to accept those trade-offs, it's possible to find a counter-depth fridge that performs well. If you don't have to have that built-in look, would like to save money, or want more variety in capacity, check out our discussions of French-door refrigerators, bottom-freezer refrigerators, top-freezer refrigerators and side by side refrigerators elsewhere in this report.

Rising to the top in this category is the 21.6 cu. ft. LG LSC22991ST (Est. $2,300). Energy efficiency is normally a downer with both side-by-side and counter-depth fridges, but it's not as bad with this fridge. The LG uses a door-in-door design that lets you put your most used items in bin storage on an outer door, while leaving bulkier items behind a clear glass inner door. calls the energy efficiency "impressive," while an independent testing agency gives the LSC22991ST its highest rating classification on that score. The LG LSC22991ST is a top choice among all reviewers that have looked at it. Depending on who you ask, temperature performance is either very good or excellent. did notice that temps were higher toward the bottom, by the crisper, but wonders if that's by design. "It could be intentional—produce should be stored at higher temperatures than most other refrigerated foods—but it's still something you should keep in mind," says Matthew Zahnzinger. Outside of the door-in-door design, the feature set is limited.

There's the obligatory (in this price range) through-the-door ice maker and water dispenser. The controls are digital and door mounted. A door alarm sounds if you leave the door open for more than a minute. Of course, the big reason to opt for this model over others is its shallow, counter depth -- just under 29 inches with the door and handles, roughly 24.5 inches for the cabinet alone. It's designed to fit into a 36-inch wide space. The exterior is available only in stainless steel. There aren't as many user reviews for the LG LSC22991ST as there are for most other fridges in this report, but what we found are remarkably good for a counter-depth model. With several dozen owners giving it very high ratings. Most say they just love its looks and great storage options -- and the door-in-door feature gets particular raves. The stainless-steel Samsung RS22HDHPNSR (Est. $1,900) is another well-reviewed choice that will be a bit easier on your wallet. This counter-depth side-by-side fridge is also available in white as the Samsung RS22HDHPNWW (Est. $1,800) and black as the Samsung RS22HDHPNBC (Est. $1,900).

It scores similarly to the LG LSC22991ST in one professional test, and does even a hair better when it comes to noise. User reviews are good, though the LG scores just a bit better with owners. Features are on a par with the LG, minus the door-in-door design; but there is a through-the-door icemaker and water dispenser, on-door digital controls, a door alarm and spill proof glass shelves. The Samsung RS22HDHPNSR has a counter depth of 29.5 inches with the doors in place, or 23.75 considering the cabinet only. This 22 cu. ft. refrigerator is 36 inches wide and has sufficient capacity to store 22 bags of groceries, Samsung claims. If you're looking for a French-door style counter-depth refrigerator, none we found get better reviews from experts and owners than the 22 cubic foot, 4-door, Samsung RF23J9011SR (Est. $4,000). It's pricey, yes, but in expert testing it earns Excellent scores for temperature performance, noise and energy efficiency (it's also often available on sale as low as $3,000).