STANDARD-DEPTH REFRIGERATORS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Your refrigerator runs day and night, keeping groceries fresh and meals ready. When choosing a new fridge, one of the first decisions is counter depth vs. standard depth. Standard-depth refrigerators—sometimes called full-depth refrigerators—extend a few inches beyond most standard counters and cabinets. That extra depth can give you more room to store family-size grocery hauls, bulk items and meal-prep containers.
This guide covers what makes a refrigerator standard-depth, key shopping considerations, how these fridges compare to counter-depth models and the benefits they bring to your kitchen.
WHAT MAKES A REFRIGERATOR STANDARD DEPTH?
A standard-depth refrigerator, also known as a full-depth refrigerator, often measures around 29-36 inches in depth, although some makes and models do vary. These models extend beyond counters and cabinets, providing a deeper capacity compared to counter-depth refrigerators. Maytag® refrigerators are available in widths of roughly 30, 33 and 36 inches, with heights ranging from about 66 to just over 70 inches.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A STANDARD-DEPTH FRIDGE
The right refrigerator for you should fit your space, stand up to daily demands and help keep your food organized. When shopping for a standard-depth refrigerator, consider these key features.
Maytag® refrigerators
Built strong to hold in the cold
Maytag® refrigerators are designed to help keep your perishables in their ideal climate
1. CONFIGURATION
Refrigerators are typically available in a variety of configurations. Standard-depth refrigerators usually come in French door, side-by-side, top-freezer and bottom-freezer designs. French door models typically provide wide shelves with a pull-out freezer, while side-by-side models divide fresh and frozen storage vertically.
2. SIZE AND CAPACITY
Typical standard-depth refrigerator sizes vary from model to model, but often they fall into the general range of 29-36 inches deep, 24-40 inches wide and 62–72 inches tall. For capacity, plan on about 4-6 cubic feet per person. A fridge with a capacity of 20 cubic feet often suits a family of four, while a model with 25 cubic feet or more may work better for larger households.
3. STORAGE OPTIONS
Storage options like adjustable shelving, door bins and full-width drawers can help make organizing easier in any refrigerator, but standard-depth models give you the added advantage of a bit extra interior depth. With this depth, you can often store bulkier items like family-size leftovers, large platters or freezer containers that might not fit as easily in a counter-depth fridge, depending on the make and model.
Select Maytag® refrigerators make use of their capacity by including helpful storage features like the Wide-N-Fresh™ Deli Drawer for trays and deli items, and the Soft Freeze Bin to keep foods like ice cream soft enough to scoop.
4. FEATURES & SETTINGS
Features on standard-depth refrigerators are often similar to those found on counter-depth models. Standard-depth refrigerators offer generous interior space for your everyday storage needs. Adjustable shelves can easily accommodate taller pitchers or bulk items, while wide drawers help organize large platters or family-sized meals.
Many Maytag® standard-depth refrigerators also include hardworking features like external or internal ice and water dispensers, bright LED lighting and various cooling settings.
5. COLOR AND FINISH
Standard-depth refrigerators give you plenty of options to match your kitchen style. Choose from classic black or white for a clean, traditional look, or upgrade to stainless steel for a timeless, modern aesthetic. Maytag brand also offers Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel that’s easy-to-clean and keeps your refrigerator looking as good on the outside as it works on the inside.
6. ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Standard-depth refrigerators can be energy efficient when they meet specific guidelines for energy use. Select Maytag® standard-depth refrigerators are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they exceed government standards for efficiency to help conserve natural resources and save money on your utility bills.
7. FIT & CLEARANCE
When planning for a standard-depth refrigerator, it’s essential to consider its placement in your kitchen space. Because these models extend a few inches beyond the countertop, they can become more noticeable in your layout and may affect workflow in tighter kitchens.
Standard-depth doors also need more room to swing open—some models can extend up to 45 inches when fully opened.
If your refrigerator is near an island or a wall, make sure there’s enough space to comfortably access shelves and drawers without obstruction.
Unlike counter-depth refrigerators that often sit more flush with cabinetry, standard-depth models project forward, so they become more of a visual focal point. For many households, this is a worthwhile trade-off for the added capacity—but it’s best to measure carefully to ensure your space can handle the depth and clearance needs.
SHOP MAYTAG® STANDARD-DEPTH SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATORS
Maytag® standard-depth side-by-side refrigerators are built tough to handle daily demands while helping to keep food organized and accessible. On select Maytag brand models, you’ll find convenient features designed to help simplify storage and access, like the in-door Can Caddy that frees up shelf space by keeping cans and bottles easy to grab and go. Long-lasting BrightSeries™ LED Lighting casts a bright, white light inside the refrigerator while using less energy than incandescent bulbs. You can also enjoy the convenience of an Exterior Ice and Water Dispenser on select models that provides easy access to ice and chilled water, even when filling tall glasses and pitchers.
COMPARING STANDARD-DEPTH VS. COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATORS
Standard-depth refrigerators extend well beyond countertops and typically offer more storage, while counter-depth models are shallower front-to-back to sit closer with cabinetry. Both come in popular configurations and can include modern storage and cooling features.
Choosing between a standard-depth or counter-depth model may depend on whether your priority is maximizing storage or achieving a seamless kitchen layout.
STANDARD-DEPTH REFRIGERATOR BENEFITS
Standard-depth refrigerators extend further from countertops and often provide more overall space, making them a good fit for larger households or those who need extra storage, while maintaining your kitchen’s aesthetic. The benefits of a standard-depth refrigerator may include:
Extra depth for organizing groceries, depending on the model
Classic refrigerator style and layout
Often available in larger capacities for big households and bulk storage
SHOP MAYTAG® STANDARD-DEPTH FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATORS
Maytag® standard-depth French door refrigerators combine dependable performance with everyday convenience to help keep your kitchen routines running smoothly. On select Maytag® models, you can enjoy features like the Temperature-Controlled Wide-N-Fresh™ Deli Drawer, which is the ideal size for large party platters and deli trays. You’ll also find the Max Cool Setting on other Maytag® refrigerators to help you get groceries cold fast with the touch of a button by dropping the refrigerator temperature to the coldest level for 24 hours.
TIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST STANDARD-DEPTH REFRIGERATOR
When choosing a standard-depth refrigerator, it’s not only about style—it’s about making sure the appliance fits your space, your household size and the way you use your kitchen. Standard-depth models often give you more depth than counter-depth refrigerators, but they still come in a variety of widths, capacities and configurations. Keep these tips in mind:
Measure your cutout: Always measure your kitchen’s width, height and depth before shopping to ensure the fridge you pick out will fit your space.
Leave clearance space: Allow space on both sides and behind the appliance. This helps ensure proper ventilation and makes it easier to fully open drawers and shelves. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.
Estimate storage needs: Plan on 4-6 cubic feet of storage per person. A family of four usually does well with a 20 cubic foot fridge, while larger households may want 25 or more cubic feet of capacity.
Choose the right configuration: French door and side-by-side models are generally larger in width and height, while top- and bottom-freezer designs tend to be more compact—of course this may vary by make and model. Select the style that best matches your space and cooking habits.
Think through features: If you entertain often or buy in bulk, look for wide drawers, flexible shelving and spacious freezer compartments. For everyday convenience, consider models with quick-cool settings that help bring groceries down to the right temperature fast.
Pick a finish that fits your kitchen: Standard-depth refrigerators extend well past cabinets, so they’re likely going to get noticed. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a durable, low-maintenance option that can help keep your kitchen looking clean.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® REFRIGERATORS
Maytag® refrigerators are built to handle the demands of everyday life while keeping your favorites within easy reach. On select models, you’ll find features designed to help maximize storage and make daily kitchen routines more convenient. On certain Maytag brand refrigerators, you’ll get Frozen Pizza Storage that holds two boxes upright and out of the way, so quick meals are an easy grab or a Full-Width Deli Drawer, which helps keep meats and cheeses organized for ready-to-eat snacks and everyday lunches. Select Maytag® refrigerators also feature Gallon Door Bins, to keep food accessible while maximizing shelf space, while the Max Cool Setting drops the refrigerator temperature to its coldest level for 24 hours, so groceries get cold fast with just the touch of a button.
