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Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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Posted by stretchad (My Page) on Tue, May 13, 08 at 21:26
| Up until some grumblings from the DH I had only been considering a counter-depth refrigerator for replacing our old standard-depth...I was looking at them 90% for aesthetic reasons and 10% for the additional space gained in a main thoroughfare in the kitchen. Aside from that, I am not concerned about loss of interior space or anything like that...but DH's grumblings have me thinking; is it really worth it to spend significantly more money for a counter depth fridge? It looks like I'd only get 6" more space in the walkway area, and aestetically, it wont be too much different than a standard. FWIW, I was considering the kitchenaid architect-II counter-depth.
Thoughts? Is it worth it?
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| In my opinion it wasn't - I couldn't see spending more money for less space. In my kitchen, though, the fridge is at the end of a cabinet run so I think it looks fine. If it were in the middle of a cabinet run, I might have felt differently - although a cabinet depth fridge isn't flush with your cabinets - the doors and handles still protrude. To get it flush, you need a built-in, even more $$$. |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| Last fall I shopped for counter depth refrigerators and was so disappointed that I didn't buy one. I didn't want a side by side, and was told that all the mainstream bottom mounts, except for a new GE were made by the same manufacturer. Molding, hardware, and outer appearance are what differs. The crisper drawers are useless. They can hold one head of leaf lettuce and little more. The ubiquitous shallow drawer (is it supposed to be a meat drawer?) is of no use to me. I also disliked the abundance of white molded plastic inside. I grocery shop every 5-6 days and buy mainly produce. There is simply not enough room inside. There are just two of us using an old counter depth side by side Amana. I am prepared to pay twice the price of KA, JA, etc., but haven't found the ideal product. I was disappointed that the new 36" Liebherr is a FD with two freezer drawers, but I'll revisit the 30" (I think it's about a thousand more than the others) and check out the pricier new model. I love the simplicity of that 30"; super tall, though. |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| Funny...so mant different people, so many different opinions. We love our counter-depth frifge and would never go back. Six inches may not seem like much (did I really just say that!?), but asthetically in kitchen design it makes a huge difference not having the fridge protrude beyond the counter. We have a 36" side-by-side (Electrolux) and have no issues with space (I do have a separate bar fridge elsewhere in the house though).So I guess its a matter of personal taste, but I say it is well worth the cost upgrade. Cheers' |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| Six inches of space doesn't sound like much but it is a lot! I have the counter depth (Jennair French door). It is small inside....very small, but I needed the space for walkway. I don't mind it being small inside because I was able to put refrigerator drawers on the island and I have a full size refrigerator in the garage which is used when entertaining. I had no choice, would recommend a full refrigerator if space is not a requirement. I do like the looks of the counter-depth. Mine is paneled and Jennair gives as close an integrated look as you can get short of a built in. If you think the counter-depth is expensive, the built-ins run about $6,000. Once again, six inches in a walkway is a lot. Ihave 38" from refrigerator to island....42" to 46" would be better. I will also point out that even though it is called counter-depth, it still juts out about 4" to 5" from the counter. Hope this info is helpful. |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| It depends on what YOUR priorities are! For me, I didn't want something that would stick out significantly between dining room and kitchen, and I wanted something where I didn't lose the food. It works for me. List out the pros and cons for you and see which side wins. |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| Not for me. We were able to recess a full depth fridge (Samsung) and have both more space in the fridge and more walkway. |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| We've had our counter depth subzero for 27 years. I love being able to find and reach all the food easily. When I'm visiting other people or in a vacation rental it's a real pain to search to the backof the refrigerator for something. We have 42 inches for walkways. We can fully open the single door on the 36" Subzero and still get past it with the 180 degree plus hinge. The extra cost of the Subzero is worth it because the temperature is so consistent, which keeps food longer. When we built the kitchen in 1981 we went with top of the line appliances. We are just now redoing the kitchen and have not had to replace one single appliance. We would have been bummed if we had needed to replace a refrigerator with a panel front after only 15 years. Think about how long you expect the kitchen to last and how long you want the appliances to last. |
RE: Are counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
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| I am shopping for a fridge and came across this post from a few years back. I'd like to get some new opinions and recommendations. |
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