The short answer: If you need a reliable, space-saving refrigerator for a commercial kitchen, the KitchenAid counter depth refrigerator is probably your best bet—but only if you understand what you're giving up.
I manage appliance purchasing for a 60-person company with three locations. We spend roughly $45,000 annually on kitchen equipment across 8 vendors. When I took over in 2020, I assumed all refrigerators were basically the same. I was wrong.
After specifying KitchenAid counter depth refrigerators for two full kitchen remodels in 2023 and 2024, here's what I've learned—including some things I wish I'd known upfront.
Why counter depth matters more than you think
Our biggest mistake in the first remodel was buying standard depth refrigerators. They stuck out past the counter by about 5 inches. That doesn't sound like much until someone's constantly walking into it in a narrow galley kitchen.
Switching to KitchenAid counter depth models solved this completely. The units sit flush with our countertops. That's the main advantage—actually, the only real advantage for most use cases. Everything else is a tradeoff.
The tradeoffs nobody talks about
It's tempting to think a counter depth fridge is just a shallower version of the same thing. But here's the reality: you lose roughly 20-25% of interior volume compared to a standard depth model of the same width.
For our staff kitchen, that was fine—we feed about 40 people daily, so storage needs are modest. But for a busy commercial kitchen that stocks ingredients for multiple meal services? You'll want standard depth or a bigger unit.
I've never fully understood why KitchenAid doesn't offer more interior organization options for their counter depth line. The adjustable shelving is adequate, but compared to some competitors—well, we're not naming names—it feels like an afterthought. If someone has insight on why, I'd genuinely love to hear it.
Cleaning the dishwasher filter: a quick lesson I learned the hard way
While we're on KitchenAid maintenance, here's something that cost me two weeks of frustration. Our kitchen staff kept complaining that dishes weren't getting clean. I assumed a mechanical issue. Before calling for service, I decided to check the manual. Turns out you should clean the KitchenAid dishwasher filter every 1-2 months depending on usage.
I'd been running our unit for nearly six months without once checking it. Pulled out the filter assembly, and it was absolutely clogged with food debris. It took maybe 10 minutes to clean under running water. Solved the problem instantly. If I remember correctly, the manual says to twist the filter counterclockwise and rinse. That's it.
So the answer to "how to clean Kitchenaid dishwasher filter" is: locate the filter at the bottom of the tub, twist to remove, rinse under hot water, scrub gently with a soft brush if needed, and reinstall. Don't use soap—it can damage the filter. And don't wait until dishes look dirty. Just do it monthly.
People think expensive dishwashers never need maintenance. Actually, the more advanced the filtration system, the more frequently you need to clean it. The causation runs the opposite direction.
Other kitchen appliances worth mentioning (because you'll need them too)
When we upgraded our kitchen, we didn't just need a refrigerator. We needed a coherent system. Here are a few things I've learned about companion appliances, whether you're outfitting a commercial kitchen or a serious home setup.
On air fryers: We tried a couple of brands. One tip that actually surprised me: air fryer cubed potatoes come out best when you soak them in cold water for 30 minutes first, then pat them dry, toss in oil and seasonings. I never expected that extra step to make such a difference. Turns out the soaking removes excess starch, letting them crisp up properly. Our chef was skeptical until he tried it. Now it's standard procedure.
Not all air fryers are equal for this, though. We ended up with a model that has a larger basket and more even heat distribution—worth paying extra for if you're doing any quantity.
On food storage: A recurring debate in our kitchen was whether should apples be stored in the refrigerator. Short answer: yes, if you want them to last longer. Apples produce ethylene gas, which speeds ripening. In the fridge at around 30-32°F, they stay fresh for weeks. On the counter, you get maybe 5-7 days before they start going soft.
The caveat? Cold temperatures can change the texture slightly—they get a bit mealy. For eating fresh, some people prefer room temperature apples. For cooking or baking, refrigerated is fine. We store ours in the fridge because we buy in bulk. Works for us.
What about other appliances? (Yes, even hair dryers)
I know this sounds random, but one of our staff brought in a Philips hair dryer for the staff bathroom after a shower mishap. It's actually a decent unit—good airflow, not too loud. But it made me realize something about our purchasing philosophy.
An informed customer asks better questions and makes faster decisions. Whether it's a refrigerator, a dishwasher, an air fryer, or even a hair dryer for the break room, understanding the product's strengths and limitations upfront saves time, money, and frustration later. I'd rather spend 10 minutes explaining options than deal with mismatched expectations.
The Philips hair dryer works great for what it is: a mid-range, reliable hairdryer for general use. It's not designed for professional styling marathons. If you need that, you'd want something more specialised. But for a staff bathroom? Perfectly adequate.
My bottom line on KitchenAid counter depth refrigerators
Would I spec them again? Yes—for our particular needs. The flush installation, consistent reliability (we've had no service issues across 4 units in 2 years), and professional look are worth the tradeoffs in interior space and organization.
But the counter depth design isn't for everyone. Here's when I'd advise against it:
- If you need maximum storage per square foot of floor space
- If your kitchen has deep counters where standard depth would work
- If your budget is tight (counter depth models typically cost 15-25% more per cubic foot of capacity)
- If you regularly store large platters or sheet pans (they may not fit on standard shelves)
Otherwise, for a clean, built-in look that integrates smoothly into kitchen workflow, it's a solid choice. Just plan for the reduced capacity and stay on top of that dishwasher filter cleaning.
Pricing as of January 2025; verify current rates. Model specs and features vary by year and region. I'm not an engineer—just someone who's ordered a lot of kitchen gear and learned a few things the hard way.
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