We are agonizing over the fridge decision for our remodel. The former pantry area will be used for the fridge.

We were planning all along to get a counter depth fridge, but after demo, we realized we have a little extra depth. As the picture shows, we have about 28.5" now and will have 29.25" after the cabinet framing is added.

Many standard depth fridges have a case depth around 29". However, they recommend 1-2" for air clearance behind them. I can recess water and electric in the stud bay in the wall, but are we pushing the limit here? Thanks for any input!