Cabinet Depth Refrigerator

When deciding on the proper decor for your kitchen, nothing looks cooler than a well placed refrigerator. Its important to know the difference between different design elements.  The two most common design types are the traditional “free standing refrigerators” – These models typically range from 5-6 feet tall, with varying widths, and are normally 30-32 inches deep. The “cabinet depth refrigerator” is a modern approach to fridge design.  The height ranges are comparable to traditional models. There are also under-counter, and apartment design fridges, but for the purpose of this article we will discuss full sized models.

The cabinet depth refrigerator is different due to its interior depth measurements. The average depth of these model range from 24-27 inches.  People who think in terms of a fridges interior space may be thinking such a design must be inferior, or less accommodating for those who store a great deal of food.  Such an assumption would be incorrect however. 

Many modern manufacturers have focused their attention on this growing refrigeration trend, known as cabinet depth refrigerator design. They are designed to give your kitchen a sleek and seamless look. Featuring a shallow 24 inch depth, they allow for the refrigerator doors to align nicely with the surrounding cabinetry, creating more of a “built-in” look for your kitchen. Cabinet depth styling is most commonly found in side-by-side models, and can also be found in top freezer models, bottom freezer styles and french door refrigerators. The cabinet depth refrigerator offers convenient features such as roomy interior, digital push button controls, and spacious door bins. It means achieving a built-in, professional look without sacrificing any valuable storage space.

Its important to consider that the sleeker feel and look that comes with the cabinet depth refrigerator, also comes at a higher price than the free standing type. Typically two times the price, and higher compared to free standing models. The price however is off-set by the cabinet depth models ability to blend in to your kitchen space. Features like max cool technology, keep the unit cool when the door is opening frequently, and humidity control designs also help to offset the price, and make this type of investment worthwhile.

Many cutting edge appliance companies are releasing much more spacious refrigerators, bumping the average height of their cabinet depth refrigerator to 72″, a three inch increase over the former 69″ industry standard for this cutting edge design.  Such a change equals more storage space inside your fridge.  Models such as the Jenn Air JFC2290VEP, LG Panorama, and Maytag Trilogy all incorporate this increased height in their design.

This design change, along with the features described above help increase energy star ratings, and thus help us to become more environmentally friendly. The current average price has come down from approximately three times the price of a free standing model, making a former upper class appliance affordable to middle class, and lower middle class people.