A typical counter-depth refrigerator is about as deep as the countertops themselves: roughly 24–25 inches deep for the main cabinet, and usually under about 30 inches total depth when you include the doors and handles. Many manufacturers describe counter-depth models as falling in the 24–30 inch depth range (not counting handles), compared with roughly 30–36 inches for standard- depth refrigerators.

What “counter depth” really means

  • Most kitchen counters are around 24–25 inches deep, measured from the wall to the front edge.
  • A counter-depth refrigerator is designed so the main box of the fridge is about that same 24–25 inch depth, so it sits nearly flush with cabinets and counters.
  • When you add doors and handles, total depth often ends up just under 30 inches, sometimes a bit more depending on the model.

Common depth ranges you’ll see

  • Cabinet (box) depth: about 24–25 inches for true counter depth.
  • Marketed counter-depth range: roughly 24–30 inches deep, not including handles, depending on brand and style.
  • Standard-depth fridges by comparison: about 30–36 inches deep, so they can stick out several extra inches past the counter front.

Why the numbers vary

  • Different configurations (French door, side‑by‑side, bottom freezer) change the exact depth slightly.
  • Specs are often listed several ways:
    • depth of cabinet only,
    • depth with doors,
    • depth with handles,
    • depth with doors fully open.
  • Some brands also offer especially shallow models with cabinet depths around 24 inches and total depths under 29 inches, marketed as “shallow” or “slim” counter depth.

Quick measuring tip

  • Measure from the wall (not the backsplash) to the front edge of your countertop; that number (around 24–25 inches) is the target cabinet depth for a counter‑depth fridge.
  • Leave about 1 inch behind the fridge for ventilation, and expect the doors to project about 1–2 inches beyond the counter so they can fully open.

In everyday terms: a counter-depth refrigerator’s body usually matches the 24–25 inch depth of your counters, with the front doors and handles sticking out just a little beyond that.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.