If you want to achieve a luxury look without buying a built-in refrigerator, the slender Miele KFN 15943 DE edt/cs is by far the best option among the few freestanding true counter-depth fridges available.

It sits nearly flush with cabinets and countertops and has a convenient design. A true counter-depth fridge, the KFN 15943 DE is 24.875 inches deep (plus a small handle). If you install it in a custom cutout between cabinets, it has nearly the same super-sleek facade as a built-in refrigerator, unlike any other fridge in this guide. The KFN 15943 DE is a bottom-freezer refrigerator, which our research shows is the fridge style with the highest rates of owner satisfaction (more than 75%).

It has a large capacity for its size. With 15.96 cubic feet of capacity, the KFN 15943 DE has a little more space for groceries than other, comparably sized fridges—about the same as a small standard-depth top-freezer refrigerator.

It looks and feels great. Though this model is not as luxurious as Miele’s built-in refrigerators, it still looks and feels premium, with a sturdy stainless steel exterior and distinctive soft-close hinges that allow the door to swing shut on its own. Inside, it has sturdy glass shelving and removable brushed-metal, dishwasher-safe pockets in the refrigerator door. The freezer, which comes with an ice maker, has three shelves with sliding drawers, instead of the deep cavity found in many other bottom-freezer fridges.

It has a cleverly designed handle. This refrigerator has a small, horizontal handle with a lever that makes it easy to grasp and to open while still taking up little space. Other counter-depth-style fridges have recessed handles, which can be harder for some people to use, or vertical handles that extend beyond the counter.

It’s efficient. This Energy Star–certified fridge is estimated to use 496 kWh of energy per year.

Miele has a large national network for sales, service, and parts. This model is the only true counter-depth freestanding fridge that has such extensive support. Miele has its own repair fleet for service in some parts of the country. The company also has a reputation among experts for quality and for testing its products for longevity.

It has a strong warranty. The KFN 15943 DE’s warranty covers the refrigerator for two years, the cooling system for five years, and parts and labor for the cooling system for 10 years. Miele also directly offers either a five-year or 125-month extended warranty, which is rare.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This model is not ideal for a large household, even though it has more capacity than many other 30-inch true counter-depth models. Our research shows that most larger households are likely to be more satisfied with about 20 cubic feet of capacity.
• It stands nearly 80 inches tall—as most true counter-depth fridges do—so it needs plenty of overhead clearance.
• It has an ice maker in the freezer but no option for a through-the-door water or ice dispenser. However, our research shows that dispensers frequently leak, break, or fail in other ways.
• It costs more than most of our 36-inch freestanding standard-depth French-door fridge recommendations, and even some counter-depth versions in this guide, all of which have more storage and features.

Key specs

• Depth: 24.9 inches (excluding handles)
• Width: 30 inches
• Height: 79.6 inches
• Capacity: 15.96 cubic feet
• Style: bottom-freezer
• Ice, water: ice maker
• Finish: stainless steel
• Energy Star certification: yes
• Warranty: two years; five years cooling system; 10 years parts and labor for cooling system

Freestanding true counter-depth fridges are tall, small, and expensive. The GE GBE17HYRFS represents a fantastic compromise: A bit shorter, wider, and deeper than models with true counter-depth dimensions, it’s one of the least-expensive nearly counter-depth fridges we found. It’s also quite stylish.

It’s designed to look like it sits flush with countertops, even though it isn’t true counter-depth. The doors of the GBE17HYRFS, which is 27 inches deep, extend 2 to 3 inches from the edge of a kitchen counter. Its boxy frame, however, should line up neatly with the counter, and its doors have recessed handles for an even slimmer profile.

It isn’t terribly tall. At 68 inches, the GBE17HYRFS is shorter than true counter-depth refrigerators, which are often closer to 80 inches in height. This model is more likely to fit into an existing cutout, and it allows for more room above for cabinets (or anything else).

It has a lot of storage for its size. A tad wider than a true counter-depth fridge, at about 31 inches wide, the GBE17HYRFS provides nearly 18 cubic feet of capacity—about the same as that of a 30-inch standard-depth top-freezer refrigerator. The freezer has three shelves with sliding drawers, instead of the deep cavity found in many other bottom-freezer fridges.

It’s a popular style from a dependable company. Like the Miele KFN 15943 DE edt/cs, the GE GBE17HYRFS is a bottom-freezer style, which our research shows is the fridge style with the highest rates of owner satisfaction. Our research and surveys also indicate that GE Appliances has one of the strongest track records for repairs and customer service, and it gets high marks for reliability and satisfaction. The company relies on its own repair fleet—the largest in the country—for service in much of the US, and it works with a third party that offers extended service warranties.

It’s efficient. This refrigerator is Energy Star–certified and estimated to use 454 kWh of energy per year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This GE fridge can accommodate more groceries than a true counter-depth refrigerator can, but it still falls short for a large household. Our favorite standard-depth French-door model, for example, has another 9 cubic feet of storage.
• It lacks an ice maker.
• Its recessed-handle doors look sleek, but some people may find them harder to grip.
• Despite being one of the least-expensive counter-depth-style models we found, it still costs as much as or more than many larger standard-depth fridges, which give you more features and storage space.

Key specs

• Depth: 27 inches
• Width: 31.1 inches
• Height: 68 inches
• Capacity: 17.7 cubic feet
• Style: bottom-freezer
• Ice, water: none
• Finish: stainless steel
• Energy Star certification: yes
• Warranty: one year

Owners of Fisher & Paykel refrigerators—like the Fisher & Paykel Series 7 RF201ADJSX5—tell us they love their fridges for the appliances’ timeless look and feel and thoughtful, high-quality interior layouts. That organization helps maximize storage, which is an especially great feature in a counter-depth model.

It’s designed to look like it sits flush with countertops, even though it isn’t true counter-depth. The Series 7 RF201ADJSX5 is 27.4 inches deep; though its doors extend 2 to 3 inches from the edge of kitchen counters, its crisp frame should line up neatly with them. Fisher & Paykel’s rectangular bar handles, one of the most distinctive features on the brand’s models, also have a trim profile. (The company also offers a version with rounded, “professional”-style handles.)

It is truly premium. The Series 7 RF201ADJSX5 has many of the high-end features and design elements that Fisher & Paykel fridges are known for, such as more interior lighting, better-quality stainless steel, sturdy door pockets and handles, thicker glass shelving, high-end door hinges, and drawers that glide seamlessly.

It has ample capacity and a convenient layout. With just over 20 cubic feet of capacity, this fridge offers as much storage space as many large, freestanding standard-depth refrigerators, but with a much sleeker look. Our appliance surveys show that 20 cubic feet is plenty for most households. And French-door fridges are great for accommodating wider items, such as sheet pans, casseroles, platters, and pizza boxes.

It has a dual cooling system. Most freestanding refrigerators have a single system that circulates the same cold air from the freezer into the fridge. In contrast, the Series 7 RF201ADJSX5 has two separate cooling elements (or evaporator coils), one in the freezer and one in the fresh-food compartment. A dual system is more efficient and reduces odor transfer.

It’s connected. Thanks to this model’s Wi-Fi connectivity, you can connect via an app to receive alerts (if a door is ajar, for example), adjust settings, or allow a service technician to run diagnostics or even fix some issues remotely.

It’s efficient. This Energy Star–certified fridge is estimated to use 532 kWh of energy per year.

It has options for ice and water. This model comes with an ice maker in its freezer, but another version (RF201ADUSX5 N) also has a filtered water dispenser in the door. You can instead opt for a version without water or ice (RF201ADX5 N).

Fisher & Paykel has its own repair fleet in many parts of the country. The company also has a 24-hour service call center, works with third-party service technicians in areas its own service techs don’t cover, and uses an online booking system for repairs that enables you to track the status of your repair.

It has a strong warranty. The Series 7 RF201ADJSX5 has a premium warranty that covers the fridge for two years and parts and labor for the compressor and cooling system for five years.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This model is smaller and more expensive than a standard-depth 36-inch French-door refrigerator. If you need more capacity, consider the 36-inch LG LRFLC2706S, which has nearly 27 cubic feet of storage and is 29.125 inches deep, excluding the handles.
• Our research shows that appliances from smaller brands such as Fisher & Paykel can be harder to get serviced in some areas outside of major cities. Check before you buy, and if you can’t find a local repair company that can service this model within its warranty period, consider one of our other good premium counter-depth French-door refrigerators.

Key specs

• Depth: 27.4 inches (plus a small handle)
• Width: 35.4 inches
• Height: 70.5 inches
• Capacity: 20.1 cubic feet
• Style: French-door
• Ice, water: options for ice maker, through-the-door water dispenser, or neither
• Finish: stainless steel
• Energy Star certification: yes
• Warranty: two years; five years compressor and cooling system (parts and labor)

Though the Maytag MFC2062FEZ isn’t a truly premium fridge, it still feels sophisticated inside and out, with an internal water dispenser and an ice maker in the freezer. Also, Maytag has a strong track record for customer service, reliability, and overall satisfaction.

It’s designed to look like it sits flush with countertops, even though it isn’t true counter-depth. The MFC2062FEZ is 26.9 inches deep, a couple of inches more than true counter-depth. Its doors extend about 2 inches from the edge of kitchen counters, but its frame should line up neatly with them for a flush look. Compared with our other French-door recommendations, this refrigerator’s frame is actually about an inch shallower, though its handles are chunkier.

It has plenty of capacity for most households. This fridge gives you as much storage as many large, freestanding refrigerators do, but it offers a much sleeker look. Its 20 cubic feet of capacity should be plenty for most families, as our surveys indicate. (For more on the layouts of French-door fridges, read our guide to standard-depth French-door models.)

It’s efficient. French-door fridges rank among the least-efficient refrigerator styles, according to Energy Star, but efficiency improves in shallower, counter-depth versions. The Energy Star–certified MFC2062FEZ is estimated to use 563 kWh of energy per year—about 70 kWh less than our most efficient standard-depth French-door refrigerator pick.

It’s made by a dependable company and has a generous warranty. According to our research and our surveys of refrigerator owners, Maytag, a division of Whirlpool, has a strong track record for repairs, customer service, reliability, and satisfaction. The MFC2062FEZ has a standard one-year warranty, but the parts for its compressor are covered for 10 years, which is longer than the coverage on most competitors.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This refrigerator’s capacity may be small for larger households. If you need something larger, consider our pick for a standard-depth 36-inch French-door refrigerator, which has nearly 27 cubic feet of storage and an elegant profile.
• It is less expensive—and less high-end—than our other counter-depth French-door pick, but it still costs more than our recommendations for standard-depth 36-inch-width refrigerators, which offer more storage and features.

Key specs

• Depth: 26.9 inches (plus a handle)
• Width: 35.6 inches
• Height: 68.5 inches
• Capacity: 20 cubic feet
• Style: French-door
• Ice, water: ice maker and internal water dispenser
• Finish: stainless steel
• Energy Star certification: yes
• Warranty: one year; 10 years compressor (parts only)

If you’re looking for a large counter-depth French-door fridge with a different aesthetic or in a different color than our picks offer, you have a few options.

The Bosch 800 Series and Bosch 500 Series are both 36-inch French-door refrigerators that are a few inches shy of being true counter-depth. Each model is similar in features, functionality, and price to our top nearly counter-depth 36-inch French-door pick but has a more modern aesthetic. Both fridges also have more customizable features, such as doors with recessed handles or multiple styles of handles, as well as options for various finishes (including white and black stainless steel), through-the-door ice and water dispensers, and layouts, including a fourth see-through glass drawer for wine (pictured above).

The Bosch 800 Series models have two complete systems (video) for the freezer and refrigerator compartments—two compressors and two evaporator coils—which are features more commonly seen on higher-priced built-in refrigerators. This design encourages more efficient cooling and helps reduce odor transfer between compartments.

The JennAir JFFCF72DKM and JennAir JFC2290REM are handsome, spacious, nearly counter-depth 36-inch French-door fridges with the same features and functionality as our Fisher & Paykel French-door pick—plus extras, such as an interior hanging wine rack. (JennAir is a luxury brand owned by Whirlpool.) The JFFCF72DKM has wide, curved handles; the JFC2290REM has rounded, slightly narrower handles. In either case, the handles are a bit longer and more pronounced than those on our Fisher & Paykel pick.

The affordable, 36-inch Whirlpool WRS571CIHZ is a shallower version of a model we recommend in our guide to standard-depth side-by-side refrigerators. In contrast to many of the other recommendations in this guide, the WRS571CIHZ isn’t a truly premium fridge, but it is a classic, well-made appliance with better-than-average features, a prominent ice and water dispenser in the door, and large, curved handles.

It’s more streamlined than most side-by-side fridges. At 27.5 inches deep, the WRS571CIHZ is a few inches deeper than true counter-depth. Its doors extend about 2 to 3 inches from the edge of kitchen counters, and its wide, curvy handles stick out a bit farther. But its frame should line up neatly with counters to create a pleasing low-profile silhouette.

It has plenty of capacity and a convenient layout. Offering 21 cubic feet of capacity, this fridge has more storage than any other model in this guide. Our appliance surveys show that 20 cubic feet is plenty for most families.

The narrow compartments of a side-by-side fridge aren’t for everyone, but they do make it easier for you to see what’s in your fridge or freezer; the shallower shelves of the WRS571CIHZ make it even more likely that you’ll keep track of what’s inside. This model also comes with a third storage drawer in the fridge compartment for quick-access items such as snacks and cold cuts, which is a feature that many side-by-side owners say they wish they had.

It comes in multiple finishes, including black and white. Finish options other than stainless steel are increasingly rare with any type or style of fridge, especially counter-depth versions.

It has a fancy dispenser for water and ice. The WRS571CIHZ’s through-the-door ice and water dispenser doles out cubed or crushed ice and water by the ounce, cup, or liter. The removable ice container is in the freezer door, rather than inside the compartment, so you lose less storage space.

It’s made by a dependable company, and getting it fixed should be easy. Our research and our appliance-owner surveys show that Whirlpool models fare well in distribution, service, owner satisfaction, and reliability, and that they are typically widely available and well priced. Justin Evatt, an experienced appliance service company owner in South Carolina, told us that Whirlpool models rank among the easiest fridges to service post-warranty, as parts are widely available.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The tall, narrow shape of side-by-side fridges in general tends to frustrate many people, and a counter-depth version is even more cramped. Our surveys show that most people are happier with a counter-depth French-door refrigerator.
• This model, which is not Energy Star–certified, is less efficient than most counter-depth refrigerators. Energy Star estimates that it uses 654 kWh of energy per year—that’s about the same as an efficient standard-depth side-by-side model.
• With prominent handles and rounded, rather than rectangular, door pockets, this model’s design looks a little less crisp and modern than the other recommendations in this guide.

Key specs

• Depth: 27.5 inches (plus a handle)
• Width: 35.5 inches
• Height: 68.9 inches
• Capacity: 21 cubic feet
• Style: side-by-side
• Ice, water: ice maker, through-the-door water and ice dispenser
• Finish: stainless steel, white, black
• Energy Star certification: no
• Warranty: one year

If you need a narrow but spacious counter-depth fridge for an apartment kitchen, a guest house, or a rec room, consider the Bosch 800 Series B24CB80ESS.

It’s designed to look flush, even though it isn’t true counter-depth. The doors of this fridge, which measures 26.2 inches deep, extend 2 to 3 inches from the edge of kitchen counters. But its crisp frame should line up neatly with the counters to create a pleasing profile, and the doors have recessed handles.

It has more storage than most fridges this size. This model has 14.1 cubic feet of storage. Most 24-inch fridges come closer to 12 cubic feet.

It’s available in multiple finishes. The B24CB80ESS is available in black and white, as well as in stainless steel.

It’s truly premium. This model has sturdy glass shelving and pockets in the refrigerator door, plus good lighting. The freezer, which comes with an ice maker, offers three shelves with sliding drawers, instead of the deep cavity found in many other bottom-freezer fridges.

Bosch 800 Series models also have two complete systems (video) for the freezer and refrigerator compartment—two compressors and two evaporator coils—which results in less odor transfer between compartments and more efficient cooling. This is a feature more commonly seen on higher-priced built-in refrigerators.

It’s connected. The B24CB80ESS comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can connect via an app to get alerts (if a door is ajar, for example), adjust settings, or allow a service technician to run diagnostics or even fix some issues remotely.

It has an ice maker and an internal water dispenser. The B24CB80ESS has an ice maker in the freezer and an internal water dispenser in the refrigerator compartment. If you don’t need either amenity, the similar Bosch 500 Series B24CB50ESS omits ice and a water dispenser and costs about $300 less, but it comes only in fingerprint-proof stainless steel.

It’s efficient. Small fridges are generally the most efficient. The B24CB80ESS is Energy Star–certified, and Energy Star estimates that it uses 490 kWh of energy per year.

It’s made by a reliable brand and has a good warranty plan. Bosch is known for its good-looking and durable appliances. It also directly offers extended warranties for an additional three years, which is rare.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This model has more capacity than many other 24-inch counter-depth models, but it’s too small to serve as a primary fridge for a household of more than one person.
• Because it stands nearly 80 inches tall, it requires plenty of clearance.
• Its recessed-handle doors look sleek, but many people find handles easier to use.
• It costs as much as or more than many of the other recommendations in this guide, all of which have more storage capacity and features.

Key specs

• Depth: 26.2 inches
• Width: 23.6 inches
• Height: 79.9 inches
• Capacity: 14.1 cubic feet
• Style: bottom-freezer
• Ice, water: ice maker and internal water dispenser, option for neither
• Finish: stainless steel, white, black
• Energy Star certification: yes
• Warranty: one year; two years non-electric components (parts only); five years electric components (parts only); lifetime for rust-through on stainless steel

I’m a senior staff writer covering large kitchen appliances at Wirecutter, as well as a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing about food, cooking, and the culinary industry. I’ve written guides to French-door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, induction cooktops, and gas and electric ranges. I also offer advice on how to make the most of large kitchen appliances, including tips on how to avoid cleaning your fridge.

Wirecutter has been evaluating refrigerators for more than a decade. For this guide, we’ve done the following:

• We’ve interviewed repair technicians, appliance-store owners and staff, home cooks, kitchen and product designers, product engineers, and multiple representatives of the brands whose products we cover.
• We’ve traveled to appliance trade shows and visited dozens of big-box stores and small showrooms to get hands-on experience with, and a feel for, the quality and sturdiness of our picks. We’ve also visited appliance manufacturing facilities to see how refrigerators are designed, tested, and assembled.
• To identify whether particular fridges have any reliability problems or real-world quirks, we’ve evaluated thousands of owner reviews and reader comments. We’ve also read the manuals and other product documentation.
• In 2023, we conducted our second reader survey, in which we asked nearly 1,500 homeowners about their refrigerators, among other appliances. We built this survey on the insights from our first refrigerator survey (completed in 2021), which polled 5,000-plus readers about fridge performance, reliability, and features.
• We regularly host paid testers with diverse backgrounds, builds, heights, and mobility levels to discuss, use, and evaluate large appliances at our office in Long Island City, New York.

People who are considering a freestanding counter-depth refrigerator typically want a fridge that provides the look of a built-in model at a lower price. They may also want a fridge that can fit into a smaller kitchen or a tight corner.

True counter-depth refrigerators are no deeper than 24 or 25 inches, and the vast majority of them are expensive built-in models designed to fit into a custom cutout and sit flush with the cabinetry; the best-known brand in this category is Sub-Zero. Some models even allow you to add panels to match that cabinetry—these are usually called “panel-ready” or “integrated” refrigerators.

Freestanding counter-depth refrigerators have finished sides, so they can be installed anywhere, not just between cabinets or counters. They are more affordable than built-ins, typically costing between $2,000 and $5,000 no matter the size, whereas built-in models tend to cost at least twice that. But freestanding counter-depth fridges don’t look or feel as premium, though some come close.

The few freestanding, true counter-depth refrigerators sold in the US are mostly bottom-freezer styles designed for apartments or small to medium-size households. They are made primarily by manufacturers based in Europe, where smaller kitchens are more common. These models usually trade depth for extra height, which results in about the same capacity as in a small standard-depth fridge. Freestanding, true counter-depth fridges can often be more than 10 inches taller than our standard-depth French-door and side-by-side picks.

But many brands—most of them higher-end or premium—sell other styles or sizes of refrigerators labeled “counter-depth” even though they don’t fit the strict definition of the term. These fridges are a little deeper and offer a bit more storage; we refer to them in this guide as being “nearly counter-depth.” Such fridges usually have a little less capacity than their standard-depth counterparts but more capacity than a true counter-depth model offers. The frame on such models is typically 24 inches deep to line up with counters and cabinets, while the door and handles extend another few inches. These fridges look more streamlined than traditional standard-depth refrigerators, some of which have a frame that can be at least 30 inches deep and can stick out 5 or so inches from counters.

This kind of counter-depth design varies by brand and model; for this guide, we focus on fridges whose frame and door together measure less than 28 inches deep, not including the handle. A slimmer fridge tends to give the entire kitchen a sleeker look and feel. Such models are ideal for small, cramped, or narrow kitchens, or for fitting a fridge into a corner, where you need a little extra room to fully open the door. Because the shelves aren’t as deep, they are easier to keep organized and clean, and seeing what’s on each shelf is easier too. Counter-depth refrigerators are also more efficient than standard-depth fridges of the same size because they are shallower—they have less space to keep cool.

That said, if you can afford a built-in refrigerator or plan to design your kitchen around a fridge, most interior designers we spoke to recommend a built-in option. Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors in Los Angeles told us that not only do built-in versions tend to offer higher quality, come with dedicated service technicians, and provide more layout and capacity options, but they are also more standardized in size, so when it’s time to replace yours, swapping for one from another brand is easier. If you build around a freestanding fridge, she said, you end up with a box that typically fits only that particular brand’s models.

To make our recommendations, we’ve drawn on years of research, including two reader surveys focused on refrigerators. Here are the factors we prioritize most in a counter-depth refrigerator:

Depth: A true counter-depth refrigerator is less than 25 inches deep (excluding a handle), so it fits flush with your counters. Because freestanding fridges this shallow are rare, and no wider than 30 inches, this guide also includes models that are slightly deeper but have frames that line up neatly with a counter for a sleek, stylish profile; only the door and the handle extend beyond.

Many—maybe even most—brands use the term “counter-depth” to describe models whose frame and door measure 29 or 30 inches deep, and sometimes far more. (One example is our top recommendation for a standard-depth French-door refrigerator, which is around 29 inches deep and marketed as a “counter-depth max” model.) However, in this guide we limit our recommendations to fridges with a frame and door that together measure less than 28 inches deep. We want our recommendations to get you as close to true counter-depth as possible; if placed into a cutout, your counter-depth fridge should almost blend into your cabinetry.

Capacity: Measured in cubic feet, capacity is the amount of fillable space in your fridge and freezer. Because counter-depth models are shallower than standard-depth refrigerators, they have less capacity. We primarily recommend counter-depth fridges with at least 15 cubic feet of capacity, which is about the same size as what you get with a 28-inch-wide standard-depth refrigerator. Some of the smaller, apartment-size counter-depth models in this guide have a little less.

If you need something larger, all of the 36-inch-width refrigerators we recommend have at least 20 cubic feet of capacity. Our research shows that bigger fridges tend to make people happier than smaller ones, but that happiness levels off after 20 cubic feet.

Aesthetics: In our 2023 fridge-owner survey, 61% of respondents said that they considered their fridge’s looks to be the most important factor in the buying-decision process, no matter which brand or type they were evaluating. Counter-depth refrigerators fall primarily in a higher-end category, and spending more should buy you a refrigerator that looks and feels premium, too. For this guide, we prioritize refrigerators that not only look great from all angles but also have notably attractive interiors, elegant handles that don’t take up unnecessary space, and components that feel high-end and sturdy.

Brand reputation and reliability: We prioritize brands that have fairly wide national distribution and service teams, and that earn high ratings for quality, reliability, and long-term satisfaction. Overall, according to our research, most fridges, regardless of brand, tend to perform reliably, and major problems such as total compressor or cooling-system failures are rare. (Such issues can crop up regardless of brand or price.) It’s what comes next—such as service access or parts availability—that is ultimately more important. Before you make a purchase, determine which local repair companies will service the model you want to buy during and after the warranty period.

Warranty and service: A one-year warranty for parts and labor is standard. Although we give extra credit to coverage that goes beyond that, in this guide we prioritize models from companies that also have dedicated service providers and extended warranty programs—these fridges cost more than most other styles, so ideally you should be able to protect your investment for a longer period.

Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness: In all of our refrigerator guides, we prioritize fridges that have Energy Star certification. While counter-depth models are more efficient than their standard-depth counterparts (there’s simply less fridge to keep cool), we still seek out energy-efficient models, as they usually have more-sophisticated insulation designed to keep more cold air inside the fridge, as well as components designed to work more efficiently.

Among these components are variable-speed compressors. Traditional compressors (which power the flow of refrigerant through the refrigerator and freezer) essentially have just one, high speed—they’re either on or off. Variable-speed models, in contrast, change based on how much cooling your fridge actually needs, whether it’s a little (when you open the fridge to grab a drink) or a lot (when you load it up with still-warm leftovers). Our most efficient recommendations tend to use variable-speed compressors.

Some models also have some form of a dual cooling system: Whereas most freestanding refrigerators have a single system that circulates the same cold air from the freezer into the fridge, some have a separate cooling element (called an evaporator coil) for the freezer and another for the fresh-food compartment. A dual system makes temperature management more efficient and tamps down on odor transfer, said Jason May, head of product management for bottom-freezer fridges at GE Appliances.

Nearly all new refrigerators use climate-friendly R600a refrigerant, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If the refrigerant leaks, it will have no effect on the ozone layer and a negligible effect on global warming.

Before you buy a counter-depth refrigerator, be sure to consider the following:

Exact dimensions: Be sure to measure everything carefully, especially if your counter-depth fridge needs to fit under cabinets or inside a cutout, a tight corner, or a narrow galley kitchen. Every fridge has slightly different dimensions, said Jessica Petrino Ball, who runs the education program at the appliance retailer AJ Madison. Your fridge must also fit through the doors and hallways of your home to get to wherever it will be placed, she said.

You should also confirm that you will have enough space around the fridge for airflow and enough room to fully open the doors—otherwise you won’t be able to pull out the drawers completely or remove the shelves for cleaning. Most manufacturers include the necessary measurements in their manuals or specification sheets, which tend to be more accurate than the measurements listed on retailers’ websites.

Installation and service: Before you buy a fridge, determine who will install it (especially if you’re hooking up a water line for an ice maker), and who will haul away the old one. You should also figure out which local repair companies will be able to service your fridge if it breaks, both during the warranty period and afterward. Many of our 2023 survey respondents noted that they should have learned more about these points before they bought their fridges. Familiarize yourself with your new refrigerator’s warranty and service plan, and consider purchasing any available extended warranties from the company or the seller.

Ice makers and dispensers: Despite their ubiquity and convenience, ice makers and dispensers are still a primary “point of failure” in a fridge, said Dan Conrad, an appliance reliability and testing expert at the commercial-refrigeration company Hussmann. They’re likely to need repairs or costly parts, work poorly, or stop functioning altogether. And they require a water-line connection. Through-the-door dispensers interrupt the facade of a fridge and are among the first features to look out-of-date. That said, we do have several recommendations that offer the option of a through-the-door dispenser.

Finishes: In our 2023 survey, many fridge owners said they were frustrated with stainless steel finishes, no matter the brand or model of fridge or whether a finish is labeled fingerprint-resistant. Stainless steel requires specific types of cleaning agents and more attention to keep it free of smudges or scratches than other kinds of finishes—be sure to consult your fridge’s manual for the best approach. (Or read our guide to cleaning stainless steel appliances.)

Smart-home technology or Wi-Fi connectivity: Some counter-depth models come with internet-enabled features. With a connected fridge, you can get remote alerts if it fails or if a door is ajar (ideal if your refrigerator will be installed in a second home). Better still, you can potentially adjust temperature settings remotely, get diagnostic help for issues, or even set an ice maker to make more ice for a dinner party while you’re still on your way home.

Liebherr (based in Germany) and Blomberg (based in Turkey) make nice-quality, freestanding true counter-depth fridges that are similar in style to our true counter-depth pick and include some models that are slightly shorter, such as the Leibherr C7620. But these companies have a very small footprint in the United States, which makes getting their appliances repaired a lot harder. We wouldn’t recommend buying a fridge from either one unless you can first confirm that a local company can service them during and after the warranty period.

Haier, the parent company of GE Appliances, makes a few nearly counter-depth refrigerators that are generally designed for apartments and fall into a lower price category. (They’re serviced by GE Appliances too.) The Haier QHE16HYPFS is a 33-inch four-door French-door refrigerator. The ​​QJS15HYRFS is a 27.5-inch French-door model with a fourth drawer above the freezer. For both models, Haier offers an option to add an ice maker to the freezer. These fridges, however, are nearly as expensive as our more affordably priced picks, and they don’t look or feel as high-quality. On top of that, with their four-door design, you give up some freezer space in what is already a smaller fridge.

The Fisher & Paykel RF170WDRJX5 is a beautiful counter-depth 32-inch bottom-freezer refrigerator with Wi-Fi connectivity and an option for a water dispenser, and the Fisher & Paykel RF170ADJX4 is a similar counter-depth 32-inch French-door fridge. But the water filter on these models is on the back of the refrigerator, which means you have to pull out the fridge to replace the filter every few months, so it may not be a great fit for many smaller kitchens. You can buy either of these fridges without an ice maker or a filter, but most people want those features, especially at this price.

With just 18.9 cubic feet of capacity, the Fisher & Paykel RF203QDUVX1—a 36-inch four-door refrigerator with a through-the-door dispenser—has less capacity than the Fisher & Paykel counter-depth 36-inch French-door refrigerator we recommend. That may be enough for your household, especially if you don’t keep much in your freezer: The lower-right compartment of the fridge can work as either a freezer or a refrigerator compartment. But the RF203QDUVX1 can also be harder to find.

We’d like to evaluate freestanding, counter-depth column refrigerators and freezers, such as the Frigidaire FPRU19F8WF. Columns (also called single-door models) come as either all-fridge or all-freezer models that are installed side-by-side. They often include the option for a trim kit, which can help approximate the look and feel of a built-in refrigerator.

This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.