It is relatively new, but have you looked at the Ikea Nutid? We are considering one as you can get counterdepth (side by side) for under 1500 if I remember right. I believe it is made by whirlpool. The reviews seem pretty favorable but they haven't been around that long. I'm trying to find some feedback as we need to replace a 20 yo fridge and the counter depth would be nice. Our fridge is located in an area of the kitchen that gets a good amount of traffic.

The Nutid isn't exactly high end, so please disregard if you are looking for something more high end :) We're looking for under 1800 or so if possible, and the Nutid offers counterdepth at that price point (or close to counter depth).

Can you knock out the wall behind the fridge and recess it somewhat?

Actually, I think common sense dictates that you redo your plan, not get an expensive fridge! Try a different layout. If you have not visited the kitchen forum here for ideas, you oughta!

I have a very similar situation as you describe. I just purchased a Samsung 24.5 cu ft counter depth for 1500. I then saw it for 1400. & was able to get the difference refunded. I have had it for about a month & just love it. I am really glad that I did not get the standard as it would have really bothered me every time that I looked at it.

Gale

A 36" walkway isn't real wide to begin with. I know because I have one. A regular depth fridge will narrow the walkway to something around 30". Too narrow for most circumstances and certainly too narrow for the main entrance to the kitchen from the dining room.

You might try to relocate the fridge or shortening the peninsula. Otherwise I'd bite the bullet and go for the CD fridge.

can you post a pic of your layout

Without knowing the details, which everyone has asked for, and if I was forced into saying something, I'd say get an LG LBRP1031 or a Blomberg (24"w) or a GE (24"w). Don't rebut this, if in any way it's not appropriate for your space.

luvn2oxfrd, I've seen timid new posts before, and they often lead to unresolved frustrated threads with no conclusion. Often the thread starter doesn't come back to answer questions. Or, if they do, they get defensive and apologetic. luvn2oxfrd, don't be shy, don't be distant, don't be apologetic, just answer every question that asks for facts.

Layout is one thing people have asked for.

While "doing a gut reno" the fridge is the one and only thing you have focused on, and you ask for help about this alone. Hmm, I find it hard to believe that this one thing will help you very much. Nonetheless, I do hereby confirm to you that you need to have more space than you would have if you installed a regular depth fridge in an aisle that is 36" across AND that is the main highway in your house.

So far, no-one has asked or answered as to whether about the volume of a 24"w fridge will satisfice. Those 24" wide fridges I mentioned above are 24" wide. Nobody has said that you want a 24"w fridge. Luvn2oxfrd, you haven't asked about them specifically. And yet you want confirmation that a big door will block the aisle. Doesn't sound like a real gut reno job to me, I mean, what with leaving out massively significant details like this and all.

I would get two 24"w fridges if I had a 36" aisle and if I needed to have more space than a single 24"w fridge provided.

luvn2oxfrd, post again, here or in another thread.

The really important questions are, 'how many people in your family?' and do you have a supplemental refrigerator, in the basement or in the garage, undercounter or somewhere?

Most people are happy with counter depth if they have other frig space available. They are not happy if the only frig space is the main one and they have 3 or more family members. They are very sorry. If you have no other frig space, and a family of three or more, you will not be happy with a true counter depth model.

We, too, have a narrow aisle, the main traffic path, and no matter how you slice it, butts will bump or have to wait. counter or standard. So you need to assess your needs, fully acknowledging that butts will protrude whether you have cd or standard depth or something in between. Supplemental frig space and how many ppl. that's it.

It is obvious that a counter depth is easier to find things and not lose leftovers. A counter depth is just fine for one or two or even three ppl. But families of three or more need the space of a non counter depth model, if there is no other supplemental frig space.

When you look at a counter depth as versus non, you must also consider that you lose considerable interior space as well. A good example is a 25.6 cuft fridge in regular depth becomes 20.1 (in the majority of cases). On top of that, you must consider things such as door opening, whether left or right or side by side (or french)and if the fridges depth impedes on access or egress of any kind in the kitchen.

I would get the counter depth fridge - in the scheme of your remodel, the extra expense will be well worth it. Otherwise, you'll be walking around and staring an an unsightly full depth fridge.

As far as the posts that it's not big enough, I don't agree. I have the KA counterdepth with stainless panels. It's taller than the average fridge so I think it gets a little more space that way. From a purely practical matter, no one needs to store as much stuff as they can pack into a full size fridge. I have three teenage boys and never felt I didn't have enough room. If you can't see it back there, you won't eat it and will be throwing it away.

I find I keep my fridge cleaned out much more frequently because things don't get "lost" in the back forty of those fridge shelves. I can even fit a large pizza box of leftover pizza.

I find the fridge to be one of the most important purchases in a kitchen remodel. It is the one appliance that you will count on above all others. Get a fridge that works in your space and for your family. Cut back on the range, or dishwasher or lighting etc....

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