Trying to fit a full-sized refrigerator into a small apartment kitchen can feel like solving a puzzle with no right pieces. Tight corners, shallow counters, and limited floor space can make it nearly impossible to find a model that looks balanced and still gives you enough storage.
That’s why many homeowners are turning to counter depth french door refrigerators, because they provide a built-in look without eating up valuable room. In this blog, we’ll explain what a french door counter depth refrigerator is, and how to choose the right one for your layout. We've also shared our reviews of the most stylish and space-efficient models from trusted brands.
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Shop RefrigerationWhat is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
A counter depth refrigerator is designed to align with your kitchen counters and cabinetry to create a clean, built-in appearance without the bulk of a traditional full-depth model. It typically measures around 24 to 30 inches deep, which helps it sit flush with surrounding surfaces for a more streamlined look.
This design is ideal for small apartments, where every inch of floor space counts and visual clutter needs to be minimized. A counter depth french door refrigerator combines this space-saving build with a split-door top and pull-out freezer drawer to make food organization easier. The double doors open outward, which requires less clearance than a single swing door, so it's perfect for tighter kitchen layouts. It's similar to a side by side fridge, but with this model, there are two refrigerator sections, and the freezer is usually located at the bottom.
On the other hand, a french door counter depth refrigerator also has wide shelving and full-width storage options, so you can keep fresh produce and larger platters neatly arranged without sacrificing accessibility or modern design.
→ Learn More: 5 Best Side By Side Refrigerators Under $1500
How to Choose a Counter Depth French Door Fridge
Finding the right fridge for a small apartment takes more than just measuring the space. You need something that looks balanced, stores plenty of food, and doesn’t crowd your kitchen. A counter depth french door refrigerator gives you that sleek, built-in style, but there are a few key things to consider before buying.
Measure Beyond the Basics
Before choosing your fridge, take careful measurements and be sure you know the refrigerator sizes available. Measure your available space, such as doorways and walkways. A french door counter depth fridge usually sits nearly flush with countertops, but depth can vary slightly by brand. Allow extra clearance for the doors to open comfortably and for ventilation behind the unit for proper operation and easy access.
→ Learn More: 6 Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
Think About Style and Finish
Design plays a big role in how your kitchen feels. If you’re after a clean, modern aesthetic, a white counter depth french door refrigerator blends beautifully with light cabinetry and minimalist interiors. Stainless steel remains a timeless option for urban apartments because they have a more professional look. The finish should complement your space without making it feel crowded or cold.
→ Learn More: 8 Best Stainless Steel Refrigerator Styles
Focus on Interior Layout
Inside the fridge, every inch matters. Adjustable shelves, wide bins, and full-width drawers make a big difference in a compact kitchen. Look for models that allow flexible configurations so you can fit taller bottles or large meal-prep containers without rearranging your entire setup. Smooth-glide drawers and LED lighting also make daily use more convenient.
→ Learn More: Best French Door Refrigerator Brands for Bay Area Kitchens
Consider Useful Extras
If you enjoy chilled beverages or host frequently, a counter depth french door refrigerator with ice maker is the ideal choice without needing a separate appliance. Some models feature filtered water dispensers, temperature-controlled drawers, or smart Wi-Fi connectivity. Choose features you’ll actually use.
Balance Efficiency with Size
Compact living doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance. Energy-efficient models save electricity without compromising cooling power. Pay attention to ENERGYSTAR® ratings and compressor technology to ensure steady temperatures and long-term reliability. With thoughtful planning, your small kitchen can feel organized, functional, and stylish.
7 Best French Door Counter Depth Refrigerators
Looking for the best french door counter depth refrigerator for your small space? The following models might pique your interest as they're specifically designed for small spaces.
Café™ 33 in. 18.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop the Café™ 33 in. 18.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
A refrigerator that fits beautifully into a 33-inch space without sacrificing style or storage is a rare find, but Café® makes it look effortless. This counter-depth fridge design creates a smooth, built-in appearance that enhances your kitchen’s sightlines. Inside, an internal water dispenser keeps the exterior clean, while showcase LED lighting highlights every shelf like a curated display. The humidity-controlled drawers and adjustable full-width compartment make it easy to store anything from fresh greens to sheet cakes.
FORNO® Espresso Gallipoli 30 in. 17.5 Cu. Ft. Black Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop the FORNO® Espresso Gallipoli 30 in. 17.5 Cu. Ft. Black Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
For apartments where style and efficiency matter, FORNO® delivers a striking option with sleek black doors and antique brass handles. Its counter-depth design fits flush with cabinetry, while 12.4 cu. ft. of fresh food space and a 5.1 cu. ft. freezer keeps groceries organized with adjustable shelves, see-through bins, and a pull-out ice bucket. High-efficiency LED lighting illuminates every corner to reduce food spoilage, and the LED touch panel provides precise, user-friendly temperature control. Super Cool and Super Freeze settings quickly restore ideal temperatures, so produce, dairy, and frozen items stay fresh.
Electrolux 36 in. 22.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop the Electrolux 36 in. 22.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Electrolux® gives you a spacious, 22.6 cu. ft. counter-depth french door design that fits flush with cabinetry for a sleek, built-in appearance. The LuxCool™ Cooling System maintains consistent temperatures, and the adjustable temperature drawer keeps everything from wine to charcuterie perfectly chilled. Premium LED lighting and organization, including slide-under shelves and indoor storage, make accessing groceries easier. Quick Freeze and PureAdvantage™ air filters help preserve freshness while eliminating odors.
Frigidaire Gallery® 36" 22.1 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
An apartment kitchen can feel instantly more organized with Frigidaire Gallery®’s counter-depth french door design, as it gives you 22.1 cu. ft. of smartly arranged storage. Its TwinTech® Cooling System and CrispSeal® Fresh crisper drawers maintain ideal humidity to keep vegetables and fruits fresh longer. The Custom-Flex® Temp Drawer adapts to your needs, while SpaceWise® organization and an internal water dispenser streamline daily access. Bright LED lighting highlights every shelf so it's easy to find ingredients quickly.
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 36 in. 19.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Fisher & Paykel® gives you this 19.0 cu. ft. counter-depth French door refrigerator that combines style and adaptability. ActiveSmart™ Foodcare constantly adjusts temperature, airflow, and humidity to keep groceries fresher for longer. The Variable Temperature Zone lets you switch a compartment between Fridge, Chill, Soft Freeze, or Freezer for versatile storage for any occasion. An ultra-slim internal water dispenser and dedicated ice maker provide convenience without sacrificing shelf space. Adjustable cantilevered shelves, full-extension bins, and LED lighting make organization easier.
JennAir® RISE™ 36 in. 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop this JennAir® RISE™ 36 in. 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
You get efficiency and elegance in the JennAir® RISE™ 36-inch counter-depth french door refrigerator, as it provides 23.8 cu. ft. of designed storage. Humidiseal™ crisper drawers maintain optimal moisture levels to keep produce fresh longer, while LED Theater Lighting brightens every corner for easy visibility. The Glide-Out Freezer Drawer with Premium Glide System makes accessing frozen items easy, with multiple tiers for versatile storage. An EveryDrop™ water filter and external dispenser provide fresh, filtered water and ice without taking up space inside.
Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator FAQs
A counter depth french door refrigerator typically measures between 24 and 30 inches deep, so it can sit nearly flush with standard kitchen counters, which are about 25 inches deep. The width usually ranges from 30 to 36 inches, while the height averages around 68 to 70 inches.
GE refrigerators are often rated among the most reliable because they use proven compressor systems and straightforward electronic controls that reduce the chance of breakdowns. What's more, GE models require fewer repairs than many competitors, especially in French-door and top-freezer categories.
If you live in a smaller home with limited space, a counter depth french door refrigerator is absolutely worth considering. Its shallower depth, which is around 24 to 30 inches, allows it to sit nearly flush with your countertops that frees up walking space and creates a cleaner, built-in appearance. You’ll still get generous storage and easy access to food without the bulky profile of a standard refrigerator.
You can buy a french door counter depth refrigerator at Friedmans Appliance, as we carry premium brands like Café, JennAir, and GE Monogram. Models come in stylish finishes such as black, white, and stainless steel, which makes it easy to match your kitchen’s design. Shop online or visit our showroom to find the perfect counter depth french door model for your small apartment.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Refrigerators at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop refrigerators online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you choose a counter depth french door refrigerator, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: 5 Black French Door Refrigerator Models That Redefine Kitchen Design