A counter-depth refrigerator can give your kitchen a more streamlined look, but the right choice also needs to fit your opening, hold your usual groceries, and make ice conveniently. These five French-door models offer different trade-offs: some prioritize a smaller footprint, while others provide more storage, extra ice options, or a built-in water dispenser. Compare their listed dimensions and features below, and confirm installation requirements before you buy.
| Refrigerator | Capacity | Ice and water | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 30-Inch French Door Refrigerator | 17.5 cu. ft. | Factory-installed ice maker | Compact width, ENERGY STAR certification | Smaller kitchens and households |
| Verona 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator | 20.2 cu. ft. | Automatic ice maker; internal water dispenser | Super Cool and Super Freeze modes | Shoppers who want filtered water without an exterior dispenser |
| Samsung 27-Cu.-Ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator | 27 cu. ft. | Dual ice maker with cubed ice and Ice Bites | Large capacity and SmartThings connectivity | Families who want more storage and ice choices |
| GE 36-Inch French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator | 22.1 cu. ft. | Space-saving ice maker; cold-water dispenser listed | Fingerprint- and smudge-resistant finish | Buyers seeking a balanced-size model with a streamlined look |
| ZLINE 36-Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator | 22.5 cu. ft. | Built-in automatic ice maker | Two freezer compartments and adjustable temperatures | Shoppers who value freezer organization |
Our Picks: Best Counter Depth Stainless Steel Refrigerator With Ice Maker reviews
Kenmore 30-Inch French Door: A Compact Fit with Factory-Installed Ice
The Kenmore is the narrowest option in this group, measuring just under 30 inches wide. Its 17.5-cubic-foot capacity is more modest than the larger models, but that smaller footprint can be helpful when a wide refrigerator will not fit your kitchen. The counter-depth design aims for a less protruding look than a standard-depth refrigerator.
A factory-installed ice maker means you do not need to add a separate ice-making appliance. Inside, the French-door layout includes adjustable glass shelves, six gallon-size door bins, and a two-tier freezer drawer. Accela Chill and a multi-flow air system are designed to help cool groceries and spread air through the fresh-food compartment. LED lighting helps illuminate the interior.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish and ENERGY STAR certification are useful everyday details. The listed dimensions are 31.77 inches deep, 29.88 inches wide, and 70.3 inches high, so check the full installation space—including door clearance—rather than relying on the counter-depth label alone. Its capacity is the main compromise: households that buy in bulk or need generous fresh-food storage may prefer a larger model.
Pros:
- Narrow 30-inch-class width suits tighter kitchen openings.
- Factory-installed ice maker and two-tier freezer drawer.
- Six gallon-size door bins and adjustable glass shelves.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish and ENERGY STAR certification.
Cons:
- 17.5 cubic feet is less storage than the other models here.
- Its listed depth still requires careful measurement against your cabinets and walkway.
Verdict: Choose the Kenmore if kitchen width is your main constraint and its 17.5-cubic-foot capacity meets your needs.
Verona 36-Inch French Door: Internal Water and Flexible Cooling
The Verona is a 36-inch French-door model with 20.2 cubic feet of total capacity. Its internal water dispenser keeps the exterior uncluttered, while the automatic ice maker supplies ice from inside the refrigerator. The listing describes adjustable glass shelves, a full-width chiller zone, and a gallon-size door bin for larger containers.
Its Super Cool and Super Freeze settings are intended for short-term temperature adjustments: Super Cool sets the refrigerator to 35°F for 24 hours, while Super Freeze sets the freezer to -15°F for the same period. These functions may be useful after loading groceries or when you want a temporary cooling boost. Total No Frost and digital touch controls add convenience without requiring manual defrosting.
One important shopping check: the supplied product details do not clearly identify the exterior finish as stainless steel. Confirm the finish on the product listing before choosing it for a stainless-steel kitchen. Also compare the 36-inch width with your opening and account for door swing. This model offers more capacity than the Kenmore, but less than the Samsung, GE, and ZLINE.
Pros:
- Internal water dispenser keeps the exterior looking clean.
- Automatic ice maker is included.
- Adjustable shelves and a full-width chiller zone help organize food.
- Super Cool, Super Freeze, and frost-free operation add useful controls.
Cons:
- The supplied details do not confirm a stainless-steel finish; verify before buying.
- Its 20.2-cubic-foot capacity is below the largest options in this comparison.
Verdict: Consider the Verona if you want an internal water dispenser and flexible cooling settings, but confirm the finish and fit first.
Samsung 27-Cu.-Ft. French Door: The Most Storage and Two Ice Styles
With 27 cubic feet of listed capacity, the Samsung is the largest model in this group. It pairs a French-door refrigerator with a bottom freezer and is designed for households that need more room for fresh and frozen groceries. The listing gives dimensions of 35.75 inches wide, 31.75 inches deep, and 70 inches high, so make sure those measurements work with your cabinetry and available door clearance.
Its dual automatic ice maker offers cubed ice and Ice Bites, giving you more choice for drinks. The refrigerator also includes a fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish, adjustable shelves, and all-around cooling designed to distribute cold air across the interior. SmartThings connectivity lets you monitor and manage power use and receive alerts through a smartphone.
Capacity is the clear advantage, but do not assume that every counter-depth refrigerator will sit flush with your cabinets. Measure the refrigerator’s full depth and the clearance needed to open its doors. The listed annual energy consumption is 657 kWh, which is higher than the Kenmore’s listed figure, though capacity also differs substantially. For shoppers who want a smaller or simpler refrigerator, this Samsung may offer more space and connected features than they need.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity in this comparison at 27 cubic feet.
- Dual ice maker offers cubed ice and Ice Bites.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish and adjustable shelves.
- SmartThings connectivity includes power-use monitoring and alerts.
Cons:
- Its size calls for careful checks of width, depth, and door clearance.
- The listed annual energy use is higher than the smaller Kenmore’s.
Verdict: The Samsung is the strongest fit if you want the most storage and multiple ice options, and your kitchen can accommodate its dimensions.
GE 36-Inch French Door: A Balanced Capacity with a Smudge-Resistant Finish
The GE offers 22.1 cubic feet in a 36-inch French-door design. It provides a middle ground between the compact Kenmore and the higher-capacity Samsung. The product details describe a counter-depth profile, a space-saving ice maker, LED lighting, and a stainless-steel finish designed to resist fingerprints and smudges.
The listed dimensions are 35.75 inches wide, 31.25 inches deep, and 70.5 inches high. It also has a cold-water dispenser listed in its specifications. Together, the dispenser and ice maker make it a practical option if you want chilled water and ice without adding separate countertop appliances. The model is listed as ENERGY STAR qualified and ADA compliant.
Plan for filter upkeep if you use its water dispenser; supplied owner experiences mention replacing the water filter periodically. Some owners also describe the protective packaging film as difficult to remove, so allow time to peel it away carefully during setup. These are small but useful considerations alongside the refrigerator’s main benefit: a combination of counter-depth styling, a useful capacity, and everyday dispensing features.
Pros:
- 22.1 cubic feet offers a practical middle ground for storage.
- Counter-depth design and space-saving ice maker.
- Fingerprint- and smudge-resistant stainless-steel finish with LED lighting.
- Listed as ENERGY STAR qualified and ADA compliant.
Cons:
- Water-filter replacement is an ongoing maintenance task.
- Protective packaging film may take extra care to remove.
Verdict: The GE is a well-rounded choice if you want a counter-depth French-door layout, a smudge-resistant finish, and both water and ice features.
ZLINE 36-Inch French Door: Flexible Freezer Storage and Built-In Ice
The ZLINE has 22.5 cubic feet of total capacity, including a 15.9-cubic-foot refrigerator compartment and a 6.6-cubic-foot freezer. Its counter-depth French-door design is finished in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. The freezer’s two separate compartments, each with full-extension drawers, provide a distinct way to sort frozen food compared with a single open freezer space.
The built-in automatic ice maker stores up to 1.75 pounds of ice and is listed as capable of making up to 4.85 pounds per day. Digital ChillControl lets you adjust the refrigerator from 34°F to 44°F and the freezer from -7°F to 7°F. Super Cool and Super Freeze modes set the compartments to lower temperatures for a limited period. The control also includes vacation, Sabbath, and eco modes.
This model stands out for freezer organization and adjustable settings rather than maximum capacity. Its listed electrical requirements call for a dedicated 120-volt, 15-amp circuit, so confirm your kitchen setup before ordering. The product data also identifies the model and capacity but provides fewer installation measurements than some alternatives here; check the full specifications and measure your space carefully.
Pros:
- Two freezer compartments with full-extension drawers help separate frozen items.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish.
- Built-in ice maker with listed storage and daily production capacities.
- Adjustable temperature range and special cooling modes.
Cons:
- Confirm the dedicated circuit requirement and fit before ordering.
- It does not offer the Samsung’s larger 27-cubic-foot capacity.
Verdict: Pick the ZLINE if divided freezer storage and adjustable cooling matter more to you than having the largest possible refrigerator.
How to Choose a Counter-Depth Stainless Steel Refrigerator with an Ice Maker
Measure the Opening, Cabinet Depth, and Door Clearance
Measure the opening’s width, height, and depth, then compare those numbers with the refrigerator’s listed dimensions. Leave room for any clearances required by the manufacturer. Also consider the path from your entryway to the kitchen and whether the French doors and freezer drawer can open fully without hitting an island or nearby cabinets. A counter-depth label describes the design intent, but it does not guarantee the refrigerator will sit perfectly flush in every kitchen.
Choose Capacity for Your Household
Capacity across these picks ranges from 17.5 to 27 cubic feet. The Kenmore is the smallest and may suit a tighter kitchen or a household that does not need bulk storage. The Samsung offers the most room, while the GE and ZLINE sit in the middle. Think about how often you shop, how much fresh food you keep, and whether you regularly freeze large items. More capacity is helpful only if the refrigerator fits your space and your habits.
Check What the Ice Maker Actually Offers
All five selections include an ice maker, but their setups differ. The Kenmore and ZLINE list built-in or factory-installed ice makers, the Verona lists an automatic ice maker, and the Samsung adds dual ice makers with cubed ice and Ice Bites. If you use ice often, look for details about ice storage and production where available. If you want an exterior that stays uncluttered, note whether a water dispenser is internal, external, or not specified.
Compare Water Features and Filter Upkeep
A water dispenser can be convenient, but it may require periodic filter replacement. The Verona lists an internal dispenser, while the GE specifications list cold-water dispensing. Check the installation and filter details for the model you choose, especially if you want filtered water or prefer to avoid ongoing filter changes. The supplied information does not establish the same water-dispenser setup for every refrigerator in this group.
Look at Shelf and Freezer Organization
Adjustable shelves, gallon-size door bins, chiller zones, and separate freezer drawers can make a refrigerator easier to use. The Kenmore includes six gallon-size bins and a two-tier freezer drawer. The Verona has adjustable glass shelves and a full-width chiller zone, while the ZLINE separates its freezer into two compartments. Consider the items you store most often and choose the layout that makes them easy to see and reach.
Compare Finish and Cleaning Needs
Fingerprint-resistant finishes can help reduce visible smudges, but finish details vary. Kenmore, Samsung, GE, and ZLINE are described with stainless-steel finishes in the supplied product information. The Verona’s finish is not clearly confirmed in those details, so verify it before purchasing if matching your other appliances matters. Also check care instructions and whether the refrigerator’s exterior has a texture or coating that affects how you clean it.
Review Energy and Electrical Requirements
Compare the listed annual energy use where it is available, while keeping capacity in mind. The Kenmore lists 512 kWh per year, the Samsung 657 kWh, and the GE 665 kWh. These figures do not by themselves show which refrigerator is the best fit for your household, since the models have different capacities and features. The ZLINE listing specifies a dedicated 120-volt, 15-amp circuit; check the manufacturer’s requirements for any model before arranging installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does counter-depth mean?
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to project less from kitchen cabinetry than many standard-depth models, creating a more streamlined appearance. The term does not mean the appliance will be exactly flush with your counters. Check its full dimensions, required clearances, and door depth before buying.
Which refrigerator in this comparison has the most capacity?
The Samsung has the largest listed capacity at 27 cubic feet. It also has the dual ice maker with cubed ice and Ice Bites. Make sure its dimensions work in your kitchen before choosing it for its extra storage.
Which option is the narrowest?
The Kenmore is listed at 29.88 inches wide, making it the narrowest of these five models. Its capacity is also the smallest at 17.5 cubic feet, so weigh the narrower fit against your storage needs.
Do all five models include an ice maker?
Yes. The supplied product descriptions list an ice maker for each model. The Samsung is the only one in this group specifically described with dual ice makers and two ice styles.
Which models list a water dispenser?
The Verona lists an internal water dispenser, and the GE specifications list cold-water dispensing. The product details supplied for the other models do not establish a water-dispenser feature, so check the full listing if that feature is important to you.
Is the Verona definitely stainless steel?
The supplied Verona product details describe its dispenser, shelves, cooling modes, and other features but do not clearly confirm a stainless-steel finish. Verify the finish on the product listing before buying if stainless steel is a requirement.
What should I measure before ordering?
Measure the refrigerator opening’s width, height, and depth, and check the floor-to-ceiling path from your home’s entrance to the kitchen. Confirm door-swing and drawer clearance, ventilation space, and any electrical or water connections required by the model.
Final Recommendation
For most shoppers who want a balanced counter-depth French-door layout, stainless-steel finish, and both water and ice features, the GE is a practical place to start. Choose the Kenmore if a narrower appliance matters most, the Samsung if you need the most storage and ice options, or the ZLINE if separate freezer compartments are a priority. The Verona may suit shoppers who prefer an internal water dispenser, but confirm its finish and installation fit before making a decision. In every case, measure your space and check the latest product specifications before ordering.
