If budget isn't as much of a concern, you should also think about counter depth models. While they nominally have less capacity, many people find they have similar usable/effective capacity and are much easier to keep organized. They also look less bulky.

But that pushes you towards models from SubZero, Miele, Bluestar, True, Perlick, ... All of those tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, unlike most consumer models, they have excellent reputation for reliability and can actually be repaired if something fails.

Given that you already have a freezer somewhere else, you could also think about getting an all-fridge for the kitchen and relying on the freezer in your garage. Or you could supplement with a small under-counter freezer drawer (not cheap though!)

All of this is just food for thought. I'm not at all implying that it's the correct solution for you. But it gives you options and only you would know if they would work for your family

Against a wall like that, the only thing that will work is a built in. SubZero. French door is better for internal space utilization.

I thought the same thing as Sophie Wheeler. Even with filler between the fridge and the wall, you will always have difficulty opening the door fully because of the wall right there. The built-in-style fridges with the special interior hinges might make things slightly easier—but still not completely—cost $9,000+. It would be much easier for you to move the fridge to another location. Can you post your kitchen floor plan?

To the right of the fridge- no wall

I have started looking at counter depth and built-ins, thank you!

If your design plan gives you the walking space, then get whatever ref. gives you the best function whether its, full depth, counter depth or built-in... You need to get to the appliance store and take a look inside these things and think of what your needs are. Built-in 36" ref are usually 21-22 cft, counter depth adds 2 more and full depth can go up to 28 cft.

If you haven't ordered the cabinets yet, then go for a wider built in to increase your storage.

Good luck!

Thanks Debbi,
I’d like to keep the space as is there, so will stick with 36 inch width.

We have ok walk-way clearance (42-45 inches the exact number escapes me)
But I’d love for the fridge not to bulge out much. I’ve gone through every appliance website and located some places that have some in person.

Going from a 28cu ft black Kenmore the last 15 years (which never gave me 1 issue!) I’m having serious appliance decision making anxiety.

Everyone does..... that's why I encourage all my customers to get in front of the ref they are considering so they can see it - or one the same size... sometimes you compromised a shallow look for a functioning ref....

sometimes you compromised a shallow look for a functioning ref....

I don't think it's quite as clear cut. Yes, full-depth fridges are designed to give you nominally more storage than counter-depth fridges. But there is a reason why a lot of people still end up buying the "smaller" model. They even pay extra for that privilege! And it's not just because of looks.

Shallower refrigerators are much easier to keep organized. You might not be able to fit quite as much into them. But you also won't use it to store two months old left-overs that should have been tossed 7 weeks ago.

Being able to easily see everything that is currently in your fridge and never "losing" forgotten items in the far back does go a long way towards making the fridge more usable. A 36" counter-depth fridge holds way more than most families need -- especially, if there is easy access to overflow space in the garage. That's where we store food items that we bought in bulk. No need to clutter up the main fridge in the kitchen with that.

So, this isn't an argument for buying a smaller fridge. It's an argument for buying a fridge that is better organized.

We’d adapt to a counter-depth if that’s what works best in the space. With having a deep freezer and getting a garage fridge, we’ll hopefully have a more organized kitchen fridge. Right now it’s a mess. Even with organizers and clean-out once a week.

Oh, with 30 inch depth space (that’s what we’ll have) would a counter-depth fridge work?
Drawing shows a side-by-side but we are good with either type (French door or SBS).

We have 30" deep cabinets and we're installing a counter-depth fridge. There is a little more of a gap behind the fridge than with "normal" 24" counter depth. But we also recess the fridge just a little more, so that it is flush mounted. So, effectively, there really isn't that much unused space.

This would be a question for your cabinet maker. They should be able to tell you whether the fridge will install easily into your cabinets.

You could also go for an "integrated" look. In that case, you would in fact have a 6" in the back of your cabinet. But the upside is that the door panel looks absolutely seamless, just like your regular cabinets. Only you can decide if that's important to you.

I wouldn’t say it has to look totally seamless for us, but I do want it pretty flush with the cabinets.

I have a list of fridges to send to the cabinet guy to ask.

We are leaning toward a counter-depth, French 3-door, prefer NO water but There aren’t a lot to choose from, internal ice maker bin.

LG
https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/LFC21776ST.html

Fisher & Paykel
https://www.appliancesconnection.com/fisher-paykel-rf201acjsx1n.html?ref=froogle&ref=rap&mkwid=s&pcrid=38939790134&KW=&pdv=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsOD265i03QIVxI-zCh0x-ghxEAQYAiABEgK84_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Bosch
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-800-Series-20-7-cu-ft-Counter-Depth-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-Stainless-Steel/1000379111

GE Cafe
https://m.lowes.com/pd/GE-Cafe-23-1-cu-ft-Counter-Depth-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-Stainless-steel-ENERGY-STAR/50285335

@mrswaves, what did you decide? I am facing a similar dilemma just a few months later than you. My fridge needs to be at the end of wall next to a cabinet above/trash pullout below on the left and a wall to the dining room on the right. I was looking at counter-depth models but some of them have 3-4" thick doors that will not open in my space Trying to avoid SubZero price but willing to consider F&P or Liebherr or other. Would love to know how yours worked out.