You need the extra space to allow for the doors to open. Talk to the cabinet maker about this if they are custom.

If you have a large kitchen, some people make the cabinet wider to allow for a wider fridge in the future since fridge sizes change. We have a small fridge in a small kitchen so if we have to replace it is will be $$$ and a hassle.

I've got the KA counter depth SxS and had the cabinet built to 25" depth. It's pushed all the way back and the front of the fridge box is even with the front of the cabinet. I think it's hitting the plug behind the fridge. This leaves the doors sticking out in front of the cabinet. You could build the cabinet 26" deep if you want the doors more covered and they would still open.

Cavu

I have the Jenn Air CD FD, so the measurements might be different. BUT I had my cabinet made 25.5 inches deep. What I didn't realize was that that measurement is from the ENTIRE CABINET, in otherwords, it's the back of the back panel to the front edge. Asking for 25.5 deep only got me a cavity that was 25" deep, allowing for the 1/2 plywood used in back of the cabinet. Mine came out okay, I can still push the fridge in and the tiny sliver of white gasket from the fridge doors that shows is really really tiny. You don't see the sides of the fridge at all. But to get a cavity 25.5 I should have ordered a cabinet 26" deep. Yes, I explained what I was trying to do to the idiot KD, and he nodded and smiled, and AS USUAL (because there are other probs with my kitchen) said "No problem." Make sure you add the extra to get the cavity size you want.

Thanks for the responses. I had a feeling I needed it to be deeper. My kitchen is not at all big so every inch counts. Is an opening of 36 inches wide enough?

Judithn- I am just at the beginning of this process but definitely know from past renovations that there will be problems. I hope to avoid as much as possible by planning like crazy.

I have the 25 sq ft Kitchen Aid CD SXS and the cabinet is 26 inches deep. The frig still sticks out a bit, but it has to in order for the doors to open. There is a picture of it if you look at the post "finished white kitchen." The width is 37and 1/2 inches.

socabeth- I really appreciate your response. I looked at your kitchen and was so impressed! I think that a 26 inch deep cabinet will be about right. That is the same fridge we are getting but without the panels so your advice was great.

Beth

Make sure you live enough space on the sides for easy slip in and slip out.

Also, have you checked out the LG CD. We almost bought the KA CD but found the LG gave us more room. We have been very happy with it. A friend of mine just bought one and loves it too.

We went with the KA Counter-depth, but went 42" wide to make up for the loss of cu. ft. However, it becomes a true built-in with a huge jump in price.
But I have some tips for you since you're designing the cabinets. We have the power source in one of the cabinets. Also, the icemaker connection is in another cabinet. And last but not least, my one regret is getting the french doors with the freezer on the bottom. I miss all the freezer shelves that were in my side by side.

Thanks for the responses and ideas.

Lisa - What were the benefits of the connections being in the cabinet next to the fridge. Was that so it would slide further in?

Beth

Hi Beth,
Yes, you can slide in further. Also, the shut-off valve is accessible in case of a leak. My cabinets are 24" deep. I have a doorway to the right of the ovens, so I couldn't go any deeper, and this gave me the extra inch that I would've lost.
Good Luck, Lisa

I have the Kitchenaid KSCS25FT. The panels on either side of the fridge are 27" deep, and the space between the panels is 36". I don't see any of the refrigerator box or the gasket, just approximately 2.5" of door. It seems like a perfect fit from the front, though I'm sure there's an inch or two of wasted space at the back for the water and electical lines. (That's a great idea about relocating the outlet and the water valve...wish I'd heard of that sooner.)

Hope this helps.

Lisa: What a great way to gain an inch for your refrig! I think I'm going to steal your idea. I'm just starting the process of a new kitchen, and one of my concerns was how far out my refrig would extend past the cabinets. Thanks!
Barb

I am so glad that I asked this question. Those pictures are so helpful!

ksfaustin- Your cabinet looks just right. And I love your granite.

Hopefully I will get started on my project soon. We have not officially started and have already run into problems. Last night we opened up the sofits above the old cabinets and found what looks like all of our upstairs plumbing in there!

Beth