I like the idea of recessing the wall behind the fridge, if that's an option. That way you can use a standard fridge (with more space), and still have the nice look from the front.

So easy to lose things in the back of a standard depth fridge.

will definitely be going with a CD fridge.
dadereni makes a great point.
i really like the look.

We are having our framer frame the area behind the fridge like a door, with a header. We can recess the fridge into the 3.5 space in the wall which is a little deeper with the drywall on one side. If its not enough then we can bump out the wall in the pantry a bit. Hope that makes sense.

An aunt of ours has a counter depth fridge and she has lost a considerable amout of space that I wouldn't be willing to give up.

Jenny

I guess the appeal of a counter-depth fridge is highly personal, and the improved aesthetics have to be weighted against capacity and pricing of "normal", bulky refrigerator/freezers.

Without fully recessing a normal refrigerator, they always look bulky and overbearing, because that's what they are, compared to the dimensions and proportions of everything else in a kitchen. They are sort of the 3-car garage of kitchens.

Would I use a counter depth refrigerator? In a New York nano-second!

Good luck with your project.

Most people who opt for a counter depth also have a "utility" refrigerator located elsewhere in addition to the kitchen refrigerator. There are ways of designing in a full depth refrigerator so it doesn't appear so bulky, but it has to work for the overall home's layout to do some of them.

I can't remember why, but there was a construction issue of some sort as to why we couldn't recess a regular fridge into the space which would've been my preference.

We are surviving with the counter depth and it works for most instances, but I miss having a deeper fridge during parties.

It really grated me to go with the counter depth as it was so much more expensive for so much less fridge space.

I've had a CD fridge for three years. It is a bit wider than a normal fridge I think, but certainly shallower. I like that I can see the back easily, I'm less likely to lose things back there and aesthetically, I love it. It is our only fridge/freezer, we are a family of four. More than enough space for us.

But of course they are a good amount more expensive, the major negative point.

thanks everyone! you all make great points! i guess one the blue prints are started, i will make a decision. the architect isn't drawing in cabinets. so i will work with the builder to figure out what's best for the space. most likely it will be a counterdepth

I don't think a regular refrigerator always looks too bulky. It depends upon its placement in the room. I totally agree that the picture above is a bit awkward. It's right there in the middle, and the two colors draw attention to the problem.

However, I have an all-black fridge that's at the back end of a galley kitchen. It sticks out just as much as the one in this picture, but it doesn't draw the attention that one does. I hate MANY things about my kitchen, but this isn't one of them.

I am 50-50 on whether we'll go with a counter-depth 'fridge in our next house. The biggest hang-up is the idea that you pay more and get less size. I do wonder if, as time goes on and these are more and more common, if they'll come down in price.

I also agree with hollysprings that IF you give up the space of a regular fridge, it's wise to have another, smaller refrigerator somewhere else. In our case, we're probably going to leave space for a little dorm-sized fridge in the butler pantry area between the kitchen and dining room. We'd use it for canned drinks, which -- for us -- would free up a good bit of space in the big fridge.

bmh-good question. I *think* we likely will go for the counter depth. My main issues are: cost for less and loss of space with 2 growing boys. If it's for the best I can bite the bullet on cost as it's not crazy high like some other high end appliances.

Space-wise, sometimes I think it really would be best because we lose so much in the back of the fridge that isn't seen, therefore not eaten and a waste of $. That drives me CRAZY. The times that give me pause are when we are making dishes for holidays and already with the big fridge I have items in our over flow mini fridge that normally just houses gatorade or pop at times.

So as for every day living - I think it will be just fine but I am sure we will have another small fridge somewhere for those entertaining times. I can't imagine not.

Nope. We got a standard depth and then boxed it with fridge panels. Looks AMAZING and isn't obtrusive at all. CD are definitely now worth the big price jump IMHO.

In reference to the capacity issues mentioned above, there are some CD fridges that have more storage. Options from Samsung, Whirlpool, and Kenmore I know for sure all have fridges in the area of 24.5 cu. feet. While still smaller than a big normal size fridge it is better than many of the normal cd fridges that are in the area of 22.6 cu. feet. Also really look at the size of both the fridge and freezer parts separate. Some give up more space in the freezer than the fridge compared to the full size fridges so fridge space isn't reduced nearly as much as freezer space. If you have a separate freezer this wouldn't be much of an issue.

swensoca-good point. We have a chest freezer also so I am most definitely concerned with shrinking fridge space over freezer. I will be sure to check that when the time comes.