We bought a Kitchen Aid side by side, cabinet depth that is 72" high. The kitchen isn't finished yet so I can't comment on how much useable space there is but I do know that GE and Bosch also make counter-depth fridges. Not all manufacturers make them as tall as 72". We were trying to get one that was as big as possible, which is why we went for the taller one.

Gosh sorry...just reread your original post and noticed it has to be 32 1/2" wide! So ignore my earlier post.

You are extremely limited by width. Most counter depth fridges make up for the loss of capacity in two ways: built ins tend to be taller, while freestanding tend to jump up to 36" wide.

I don't have personal experience with Fisher Paykel but I have heard some problems exist with reliability.

I would recommend the 18 cubic foot Samsungs: they seem to get good ratings. That is the highest capacity I think you can get at your dimensions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Samsung Refrigerators.

The mmore shelves, the more useable volume. Liebherr, and Blomberg have a lot of shelves. Maybe Samsung and LG do too.

If you get an all-fridge like a Freedom column, you only need to put a chest freezer in the basement.

You didn't define your ideal of "cabinet/counter depth".

Even my 36" wide x 72" tall counter-depth refrigerator has a stated capacity of only 20.9 cu ft.

I don't think you'll find many CD refrigerators less than 36" wide in the "regular" lines (GE, KA, etc.). You may have to go with a Liebherr or similar for the width. BTW...with the exception of "true" counter depth, the vast majority of CD refrigerators stick out 30" to 31" from the back wall. You may need to go w/a Liebherr (or similar) for this reason as well. On the plus side, Liebherr seems to get good reviews...

Try asking on the Appliances Forum as well.

Thanks everyone. Palimpsest - For the price, the Samsung looks pretty good. Buehl - No, it is not true cabinet depth, but it is at least less deep and will let some light into the room.

The drawbacks to this one seems to be fewer shelves and an icemaker which I don't want. I am also not a fan of pull-out door freezers nor of French doors. My sister has an LG with these features and there is far less usable room (and yes, her LG did catch on fire!).

Davidrol - I considered a refrigerator only, as we have a freezer in the garage, but it would be rather inconvenient to go down the stairs and through the basement to get a few ice cubes several times a day.

The Liebherr is still tempting - it seems to be much better made and I especially like the metal shelves rather than plastic. If I am reading correctly, there is one less cubic foot of space than the Samsung. I just don't know if it is worth 4x the price of the Samsung.

I agree that you will be unlikely to get that much cubic footage with the width limitation, but we have a CD Samsung (36" wide) that we like, very quiet, very efficient and good use of space.

Goodness! I didn't realize there was an appliance forum. Lots of info there. Thanks!

One last question - does anyone know if the shelves on the Samsung 18 cu. ft. bottom freezer are adjustable? I like this model because of the regular freezer door and no ice maker.

Here is a link that might be useful: Samsung 18 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer

I have the 30" Liebherr and it's hands down the best fridge I've ever had in my life. Whether it's worth the extra $$ is a judgement call, but if you get one, I don't think you'll regret it for its performance. It's silent and it keeps my produce fresh for an eternity. The shelves are well laid out and we find that it's ample space for a household of 2, but we also use very few packaged/processed foods, and those do take up a lot of space. If you dislike freezer drawers, the Liebherr lets you remove the drawers so you just have three nice deep shelves.

I also think you're wise to go without an icemaker - they take up so much space. The only negative reviews I've ever seen for a Liebherr (any model) were for broken icemakers.

You probably can't go wrong with any of the models you're considering - just a matter of juggling compromises. Definitely try to see each one in person before deciding!

Thank you circuspeanut. The Samsung I thought had no icemaker, DOES have one. We may have to drive the 50 miles to the nearest Liebherr dealer. I also have to find someone with the Samsungs in stock. I definitely want to look before I buy.

Oasis- Finally a topic I know a lot about! I was in the same boat. Other than the Samsung (which was a little deeper than we wanted to go) the other options are Liebherr, which we almost bought but then found the Fisher & Paykel. Ours is 31 1/8 wide and about 27" deep. Freezer is on the bottom. Have not been able to use it yet since the plumber has not been to the house yet to hook it up. There is an icemaker and water only in the door. I originally did not want water or ice in the door since it takes up room in the fridge portion AND that it is not as clean of a look. But this water does not take up any room in the door as is almost flush with the fridge. Part of the reason is because there is no ice in the door. They also make them without icemakers.

I did see the Liebherr in person and it is beautiful but for $4,200 the Fisher at $1900 seemed the way to go for us. We also have a chest freezer and extra fridge in the basement.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fisher

Thank you! I will add the F & P to our list.

oasis - You can search by width and depth on the AJMadison website, which I think is pretty comprehensive.

newbieremod - I was just look at the exact same F&P fridge yesterday. It's lovely in its simplicity. I'm so torn though, having made the mistake of reading an australian forum where the F&P haters seem to congregate :) I am curious how good service is in the US, so I'll keep looking for info. Please post if you have pertinent research on reliability and service. The 5 year compressor warranty seems quite good.

All this said, I've never heard of anyone who dislikes their Liebherr...