Bump out countertop so it's flush w/ fridge?

9 years ago

Our fridge will stick out 31" from the wall, and the cabinets above will be 28" deep. So wondering, should we also bump out the countertop & lower cabinets on the fridge wall to be 28" deep too? We're going with a private cabinet company so it won't be much of an up-charge to do this.

Or should we just go with the standard 25" countertop depth there?

Attached is a picture of that wall. Any input on the design of this wall (open shelving placement?) is also welcome!

(Note: Cabinets above and to the left of the fridge are 28" deep... Cabinets to the right of fridge will be standard-ish depth, will depend on what countertop depth we go with. Open shelving in between the two right cabinets).

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Joanymb

9 years ago

Sounds like left side of fridge will appear built in. Right side of fridge looks exposed. can you order a panel to build in the right side? We are donning the same at our house. Contractor is going to try to recess the fridge a bit behind if nothing is in the way in the wall behind. Fridge will protrude no matter what.

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Comments (16)

kmschaefer628
Original Author
9 years ago
I should add, it will be an L-shaped kitchen, and the right side of the picture is the corner. The stove is centered on that other wall and we will have all upper cabinets surrounding the hood.
flopsycat1
9 years ago
Are you considering a counterdepth refrigerator?
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Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
a 'normal' fridge, even counter depth, does need to protrude for the door to open all of the way, make sure you arent outsmarting yourself.
lrweber
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would do a counterdepth fridge or extend the cabinets. It makes a big difference in my opinion to have it all almost flush (fridge and countertops/cupboards) Gives is a polished look for lack of a better term.
Joanymb
9 years ago
Only problem with counter depth refrigerator is the crisper drawers. The CD models I looked at didn't open enough to put in a head of lettuce! I was only looking at side x side. Maybe French door counter depth has better storage configuration.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
The cabinets on both sides should be the same depth and make sure that that fridge depth quoted in not including the door which as mentioned will need to protrude
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
I have has counter depth fridges in my last 2 houses never had a problem with the crisper drawers
djtedford
9 years ago
We also have never had a problem with crisper drawers with our counter depth refrigerators. In fact, we much prefer them, not just for looks, which are much better, but because fewer items get lost in the back! Do look at French door or other counter depth fridge options as I think you will be pleased with both the design and function over the long run!
kmschaefer628
Original Author
9 years ago
Joanymb our contractor is doing the same! He says he can give us 3 inches in the wall, so our 34" D French for style fridge will protrude 31".
nnigrt I believe cabinets and countertop at 28" with a 31" D fridge (including doors) should allow enough room for the doors to open. Or am i missing something?
flopsycat1 we considered a countertop depth fridge, but we're a growing family and figured functionality is more important than aesthetics at this point so opted for a larger one.
Irwebr I 100% agree and just needed someone else to say it. Thanks for the affirmation!
kmschaefer628
Original Author
9 years ago
Patricia, you're saying have the cabinets on either side of the fridge be the same depth? Or the two cabinets on either side of the open shelving?

And does anyone have an opinion about the setup of the open shelving? I thought it'd be nice to break up the uppers a bit.
PRO
Roanoke Woodworking Inc.
9 years ago
You really need to check the specs for the refrigerator. It will have all the information you need regarding recommended depths of cabinets on each side of the unit to allow for the full function of the refrigerator.
kmschaefer628
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks all for bringing the fridge depth issues to my attention. I will pass the fridge specs along to our cabinet company to make sure we don't run into issues with opening the doors.

So assuming the cabinets and countertop will be set at an appropriate depth to allow full function of the fridge. Would everyone agree to adjust the countertop depth to be as close to flush with the fridge as possible? Or should I leave it standard 25"?

And one more try for any input on the setup of the open shelving!
Lori
9 years ago
adjust the cabinets on left to be 28 inches and then have cabinet company panel the wall to the right of the frig. That way the bottom cabinets can be flush at 28 inches. And then the top cabinets can be set back and it will look finished because of the panel on the right of the frig
kmschaefer628
Original Author
9 years ago
Love it Lori. Definitely doing this! Thank you!!
PRO
Roanoke Woodworking Inc.
9 years ago
You also must take into account the depth of the countertop on the right side, which is usually 1 1/2" deeper than the base cabinets.