Finding the best stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator with a counter-depth fit means balancing kitchen clearance with the storage and features you need. The options below range from compact models to roomier choices, and not every refrigerator labeled “counter-depth” has the same dimensions. Check the listed measurements against your cabinet opening and delivery path before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Refrigerator | Capacity | Listed dimensions (W × D × H) | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forno Salerno 33-inch Side-by-Side | 15.6 cu. ft. | 32.9 × 27.42 × 70.14 in. | Fast cool and freeze, frost-free design, spill-proof shelves |
| Frigidaire Professional 36-inch Side-by-Side | 22.3 cu. ft. | 36.13 × 31 × 69.88 in. | External ice and water, Energy Star certified, ADA compliant |
| Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Side-by-Side | 15.6 cu. ft. | 32.91 × 25.04 × 70.08 in. | Digital controls, gallon-size door bins, frost-free defrost |
| Kenmore 29-cu.-ft. Side-by-Side | 29 cu. ft. | 36 in. wide; verify depth and height | External ice and water, fingerprint-resistant finish, large capacity |
| Midea MRS25I7BST Side-by-Side | 24.5 cu. ft. | 29 × 36 × 70 in. (listed) | AutoFill water pitcher, icemaker, fingerprint-resistant finish |
Dimensions are shown as provided in the product information. Confirm the manufacturer’s measurements, including handles and required ventilation space, before ordering.
Our Picks: Best Stainless Steel Side By Side Refrigerator Counter Depth reviews
1. Forno Salerno: Best Compact Pick with Flexible Storage
The Forno Salerno is a practical choice if you want side-by-side access without moving up to a 36-inch-wide refrigerator. Its listed dimensions are 32.9 inches wide, 27.42 inches deep, and 70.14 inches high, with 15.6 cubic feet of total storage. Measure your own opening carefully: the product information also lists a standard cutout size, so compare those figures with your cabinets and installation plan.
Inside, the refrigerator has adjustable shelves, two crisper drawers, and door bins in both compartments. Fast cool and fast freeze modes are designed to help bring newly added groceries down to temperature. The automatic frost-free system avoids manual defrosting, while spill-proof glass shelves have raised borders to help contain small spills.
This is a straightforward option for a smaller household or a kitchen where width and depth are limited. Its 15.6-cubic-foot capacity is much less than the Frigidaire, Kenmore, or Midea options, so it may feel tight if you shop in bulk. The stainless steel VCM finish and two-year limited parts-and-labor warranty are useful practical details; the listed noise level is 37.54 dBA.
Pros:
- Relatively narrow, 33-inch-class design
- Adjustable shelves and separate crisper drawers
- Fast cool, fast freeze, and automatic defrost features
- Two-year limited parts-and-labor warranty
Cons:
- Less capacity than the larger models in this roundup
- Confirm cutout and appliance measurements before installation
Verdict: Choose the Forno if its dimensions suit your kitchen and you value adjustable storage over maximum capacity.
2. Frigidaire Professional: Best for More Capacity and an External Dispenser
The Frigidaire Professional offers 22.3 cubic feet of storage, divided into 14.3 cubic feet for fresh food and 8 cubic feet for frozen food. It is a more spacious choice than the Forno and Hamilton Beach, while retaining the side-by-side layout. The listing identifies it as counter-depth, but its stated depth is 31 inches. Check the full installation specifications and how far the doors and handles extend before treating it as a flush-fitting option.
An external dispenser provides filtered cold water and cubed or crushed ice without opening the doors. The EvenTemp cooling system is designed to maintain consistent temperatures, while CrispSeal Plus crispers and a deli drawer help keep produce and ready-to-use foods organized. It is also listed as Energy Star certified and ADA compliant.
At 36.13 inches wide, this model needs more cabinet width than the compact picks. Its stated annual energy use is 615 kWh, so compare the energy label with your priorities and usage. The listed depth with a door open is 45 inches, making door clearance an important part of planning.
Pros:
- Roomier fresh-food and freezer sections than the compact models
- External filtered water and cubed or crushed ice dispenser
- Energy Star certified and ADA compliant
- Dedicated deli drawer and humidity-control crispers
Cons:
- Listed depth is 31 inches, so verify the fit for your counter-depth space
- Requires more width and door clearance than the narrower options
Verdict: Consider the Frigidaire if you want a larger refrigerator with an external dispenser and its measured depth works for your kitchen.
3. Hamilton Beach HBF1558: Best for a Shallower, No-Frills Fit
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is a 15.6-cubic-foot side-by-side with listed dimensions of 32.91 inches wide, 25.04 inches deep, and 70.08 inches high. Among the models here, its stated depth is the shallowest. That makes it worth considering when projecting less into the kitchen matters, though you should still confirm how the appliance is measured and allow for the required clearances.
Gallon-size door bins provide space for larger bottles, and the digital display inside the refrigerator door lets you adjust temperature settings. The shelves can be removed or repositioned, and the unit has a built-in interior light and frost-free defrost system. Its listed annual energy use is 378 kWh, lower than the figures provided for the Forno and Frigidaire; actual use can vary with conditions and settings.
This model has less capacity than the larger Frigidaire, Kenmore, and Midea choices, and it does not list an external water dispenser or icemaker. Its one-year parts-and-labor warranty is shorter than the Forno’s stated warranty. Some owners also find that careful measuring is essential for delivery, so check your entryways and path into the kitchen—not just the cabinet opening.
Pros:
- Shallow listed depth of 25.04 inches
- Gallon-size door bins and adjustable shelves
- Digital temperature controls and frost-free defrost
- Listed annual energy use of 378 kWh
Cons:
- 15.6-cubic-foot capacity may be limiting for larger households
- No external ice or water dispenser is listed
Verdict: Pick the Hamilton Beach if a shallower listed depth and simple storage matter more than a dispenser or extra capacity.
4. Kenmore 29-Cubic-Foot: Best for Maximum Storage, Not a Tight Counter-Depth Fit
The Kenmore stands out for its 29-cubic-foot capacity, adjustable glass shelves, and four gallon-size door bins. It is a full-size side-by-side refrigerator rather than a clear fit for a counter-depth shortlist: the product information gives a 36-inch width but does not provide a depth measurement here. Treat it as a capacity-focused alternative, and confirm its complete dimensions before considering it for your kitchen.
Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are designed to boost airflow to cool or freeze newly added groceries. The refrigerator also includes an external filtered ice-and-water dispenser, with a space-saving icemaker located in the freezer door. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and LED lighting may be useful for a busy household.
The generous capacity has a trade-off: a large refrigerator can be difficult to fit through doorways and may take up more floor space than expected. Some owners report needing to plan carefully for delivery and entry clearance. Since the supplied product details do not state the appliance depth, measure the unit’s full published dimensions and compare them with your cabinets before purchase.
Pros:
- Large 29-cubic-foot capacity for family groceries and meal prep
- External filtered ice and water dispenser
- Adjustable glass shelves and gallon-size door bins
- Fingerprint-resistant finish and enhanced LED lighting
Cons:
- Not presented as a counter-depth model in the supplied product details
- Full depth and height need to be confirmed before ordering
Verdict: Choose the Kenmore only if storage capacity is your priority and its full dimensions fit your space; look elsewhere for a verified counter-depth fit.
5. Midea MRS25I7BST: Best for a Water Pitcher Feature, with Dimensions to Verify
The Midea MRS25I7BST pairs 24.5 cubic feet of listed capacity with a side-by-side layout, an icemaker, and an AutoFill water pitcher. It also has an electronic control panel and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish. The pitcher feature may suit households that prefer chilled water stored inside the refrigerator rather than using an external dispenser.
There is an important fit question: the supplied dimensions are listed as 36 inches deep, 29 inches wide, and 70 inches high, even though the product title calls it counter-depth. That depth could be a poor match for a shallow cabinet opening. Confirm the model’s official dimensions and measurement method before buying, especially if keeping the refrigerator close to the counter line is essential.
The listing provides limited detail about the interior layout, energy use, and warranty beyond a one-year manufacturer warranty. That makes it harder to compare organization and operating costs with the more fully specified Forno, Hamilton Beach, and Frigidaire. Its 24.5-cubic-foot capacity is a useful middle ground on paper, but the unusual listed dimensions deserve priority in your research.
Pros:
- 24.5-cubic-foot stated capacity
- AutoFill water pitcher and icemaker
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
- Electronic control panel
Cons:
- Listed 36-inch depth may not suit a counter-depth installation
- Product information gives limited detail on storage layout and energy use
Verdict: The Midea is worth considering for its capacity and AutoFill pitcher, but verify its actual dimensions before deciding it will fit a counter-depth space.
How to Choose a Counter-Depth Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Measure the Opening and the Appliance
Measure the cabinet opening’s width, height, and depth, then compare those numbers with the refrigerator’s full dimensions. A product title that says “counter-depth” is not enough to confirm a fit. Check whether the listed depth includes handles, and leave room for ventilation and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
Plan for Doors, Drawers, and Delivery
A refrigerator can fit the opening but still be awkward to use if its doors cannot swing wide enough. Check the door-clearance information and think about nearby walls, islands, and cabinets. Measure the route from the delivery entrance to the kitchen, including hallways and turns. Large units may need more clearance than the appliance dimensions alone suggest.
Choose Capacity for Your Household
The models here range from 15.6 to 29 cubic feet. A smaller refrigerator may fit a narrow space more easily, but it can leave less room for bulk shopping. A larger capacity may help a busy household, though the cabinet opening and kitchen layout still set practical limits. Also compare the stated fresh-food and freezer capacities when those numbers are available.
Think About How You Store Food
Side-by-side doors keep the fresh-food and freezer sections next to each other, making both easy to reach without a wide single door swing. Look at shelf adjustment, crisper drawers, deli storage, and door-bin size. If you regularly store gallon containers or tall items, make sure the shelf layout can accommodate them.
Decide Whether You Need Ice and Water Features
An external dispenser offers water and ice without opening the refrigerator, while an internal pitcher keeps water stored inside. These features can add convenience, but they should not outweigh an uncertain fit. Compare the specific dispenser type, filtration details, and icemaker setup listed for each model.
Compare Energy Information and Warranty Coverage
Annual energy-use figures are available for some models but not all. Compare the numbers where provided, and check the product’s energy label for the latest details. Warranty coverage also varies: the Forno lists two years of limited parts and labor coverage, while the Hamilton Beach and Midea listings specify one year. Confirm the full terms before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a refrigerator counter-depth?
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to sit closer to the front edge of kitchen counters than many standard-depth models. The exact fit depends on the appliance’s dimensions, handles, cabinets, and installation clearances, so verify measurements rather than relying only on the product label.
Which model has the shallowest listed depth?
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 has the shallowest listed depth in this roundup at 25.04 inches. Check the manufacturer’s measurement details and installation requirements to confirm how much space it needs in your kitchen.
Which option has the most storage?
The Kenmore has the largest stated capacity at 29 cubic feet. It is described as a full-size refrigerator, and its full depth is not included in the supplied specifications, so it may not suit a counter-depth opening.
Do any of these models include an external ice and water dispenser?
The Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore listings specify external ice-and-water dispensers. The Midea listing describes an AutoFill water pitcher and icemaker. The Forno and Hamilton Beach product details do not list an external dispenser.
Which refrigerators are listed as Energy Star certified?
The Frigidaire Professional is identified as Energy Star certified in the supplied product information. Energy-use figures are also listed for the Forno and Hamilton Beach, but those figures alone do not indicate certification.
Are all five refrigerators a good fit for a counter-depth kitchen?
No. The Forno and Hamilton Beach provide specific, relatively shallow measurements. The Frigidaire is labeled counter-depth but has a listed depth of 31 inches, and the Midea listing gives a 36-inch depth. The Kenmore is a full-size model with no depth listed in the supplied information. Verify measurements before choosing any of them.
Final Recommendation
For a compact side-by-side with clearly stated dimensions and flexible shelves, the Forno Salerno is the strongest all-around place to start. The Hamilton Beach is a good alternative if a shallower listed depth is especially important and you can work with its smaller capacity. If you need more storage or a dispenser, consider the larger models only after checking their complete dimensions and confirming they suit your kitchen opening.
