A Guide to Under Counter Refrigerator Sizes

Standard under-counter refrigerators are specifically designed to slide right under most commercial countertops. You're typically looking at a height between 32 to 34.5 inches and common widths like 15, 18, or 24 inches. These dimensions are the industry standard, making it much easier to integrate them into existing cabinetry without needing a custom-built solution.

Decoding Standard Undercounter Refrigerator Sizes

Picking the right undercounter refrigerator is a lot like fitting a new piece into an already assembled puzzle. You start with a standard shape that should fit, but you really need to get your tape measure out to make sure it slots in perfectly. Those numbers on the spec sheet—height, width, and depth—are your foundation for a hassle-free installation.

Think of these standard sizes as the industry’s answer to a common problem: how do you add refrigeration to a busy prep line or bar without tearing everything apart? Manufacturers have thankfully aligned their designs with the most common cabinet dimensions. In fact, getting a basic handle on standard kitchen cabinet sizes first can make it much easier to visualize exactly how a new unit will fit into your workspace.

The Three Core Dimensions

Every undercounter refrigerator is defined by three critical measurements. Getting these right is the first and most important step toward a flawless fit.

• Height: This is the most crucial dimension. The standard height for these units ranges from 32 to 34.5 inches. This is intentionally designed to slide neatly under a typical 36-inch countertop, leaving just enough breathing room for proper ventilation.
• Width: Common widths you'll see are 15, 18, and 24 inches. The 24-inch model is easily the most popular, hitting a sweet spot between capacity and footprint that works well for both commercial kitchens and residential bars.
• Depth: Standard depth is usually right around 24 inches. This allows the front of the unit to sit flush with your surrounding cabinets, giving you that clean, built-in look every kitchen designer aims for.

This market is surprisingly big, which just shows how much demand there is in both commercial and home settings. The global undercounter refrigerator market was valued at around USD 3.42 billion in 2024, with a huge chunk of that coming from foodservice and biomedical applications.

Pro Tip: Always measure the opening for your new unit in three different places for both height and width—top, middle, and bottom. Then, use the smallest of those measurements. Cabinet openings are almost never perfectly square, and this one simple step can save you from major installation headaches.

Understanding these fundamentals is key, because even a tiny quarter-inch difference can be the deciding factor between a perfect fit and a frustrating return. For a deeper look at what to consider when choosing a model, check out our comprehensive undercounter fridges guide.

To make these numbers even clearer, here's a quick reference table.

Quick Guide to Standard Undercounter Refrigerator Dimensions

This table breaks down the typical dimensions you'll encounter when shopping for an undercounter unit. Use it as a quick cheat sheet to see if a model is likely to fit your space.

Remember, these are industry standards, but it's always smart to double-check the exact specs of any model you're considering. Now, let's move on to how these dimensions translate into actual storage capacity.

How External Dimensions Impact Usable Capacity

The physical size of an undercounter refrigerator doesn't always tell the whole story. While those outside measurements tell you if a unit will physically slide into your cabinetry, it’s the usable capacity—measured in cubic feet—that reveals how much it can actually hold. It’s a classic case of not judging a book by its cover.

Think of it like this: imagine two suitcases that look identical on the outside. One is filled with bulky dividers and thick padding, leaving you barely any room for your clothes. The other has a smarter, more streamlined interior and holds way more. Undercounter refrigerators are the same; their internal design is what really defines their storage potential.

What Reduces Internal Space

Several internal components can eat away at the total cubic footage, even in units that look exactly the same from the outside. Getting a handle on these factors is the key to choosing an undercounter refrigerator that truly maximizes your storage.

• Insulation Thickness: Great insulation is absolutely crucial for keeping temperatures stable and your energy bills down. But thicker walls mean less space inside. Commercial-grade units often have thicker insulation to keep things consistently cold during a chaotic dinner rush.
• Compressor Location: The compressor is the heart of the whole cooling system. In some models, its housing juts right into the storage area, creating an awkward hump at the bottom. This can be a real pain, as it kills the flat space you need for things like sheet pans or large prep containers.
• Shelving and Drawer Design: Bulky shelf mechanisms, thick-lipped drawers, and fixed dividers can seriously cut down on flexible storage. Adjustable or removable shelves are your best friend here, giving you the versatility to fit items of all different heights.

Two units might both be 24 inches wide, but one could offer 5.5 cubic feet of storage while the other only gives you 4.8 cubic feet. That 0.7 cubic foot difference is like losing space for about 20 standard 12-ounce cans.

Visualizing Cubic Feet in Practical Terms

Thinking in "cubic feet" can feel a little abstract, so let's translate it into items you actually use. A typical 5.5 cubic foot undercounter refrigerator can generally hold:

• Around 160 standard 12-ounce cans
• Approximately 45 standard 750ml wine bottles (if it's designed as a wine cooler)
• A mix of deli trays, food prep containers, and beverage cartons for a small prep station

This kind of practical visualization helps connect the refrigerator's size to what you need to get through a busy shift. For a more detailed comparison of different unit types and what they can hold, our undercounter refrigerator and freezer guide offers some really valuable insights.

Ultimately, always check the listed capacity and take a good look at interior photos to make sure the layout actually works for what you plan to store.

Matching Refrigerator Size to Your Specific Needs

Figuring out dimensions and capacity is a great start, but now it’s time to connect those numbers to how your kitchen actually runs. Picking the right undercounter refrigerator isn't just about making sure it slides into a cabinet; it’s about choosing a tool that’s perfectly suited for its job. What works for a home bar is going to be completely different from what a high-volume professional kitchen needs.

Think of it like buying a vehicle. A sleek two-seater convertible is fantastic for a weekend cruise but totally useless for a construction crew hauling lumber. In the same way, a stylish 24-inch beverage center is perfect for entertaining guests, while a tough 48-inch worktop freezer is an absolute workhorse on a busy prep line. The goal is to make sure the unit’s footprint and its function are a perfect match for your workflow.

Residential vs. Commercial Applications

The environment where the refrigerator will live is the single biggest factor in determining the right size and model. Each setting has its own unique demands that shape everything from durability to looks.

• For the Home Bar or Kitchenette: In a home setting, looks are often just as important as function. A 24-inch glass-door beverage cooler or a panel-ready model that disappears into your cabinetry is usually the top pick. Here, you’re looking for quiet operation, energy efficiency, and a design that complements your decor.

• For the Outdoor Patio: An outdoor unit has to be tough enough to handle the weather. You’ll want to look for models specifically rated for outdoor use, which usually means a durable stainless steel build. The size depends on how you entertain, but a 24-inch model is typically plenty for keeping drinks cold and storing grilling essentials.

• For the Commercial Kitchen: In a pro kitchen, it’s all about efficiency and durability. A 48-inch or 60-inch undercounter or worktop refrigerator gives you plenty of storage and extra counter space for prep. These units are built for constant use, frequent door openings, and holding precise temperatures to keep food safe.

The Power of Worktop and Undercounter Units

In a professional kitchen, these aren't just cold boxes; they're strategic tools that make the entire operation run smoother. Their ability to maximize space is a huge reason for their growing popularity. In fact, the commercial undercounter refrigeration market is projected to expand from USD 12.16 million in 2025 to USD 16.19 million by 2035. This growth shows just how much the industry is focused on optimizing every square inch and saving energy, with new tech like smart refrigeration systems becoming more common. You can dive deeper into this trend in this detailed commercial refrigeration market report.

A well-placed worktop refrigerator can eliminate dozens of steps for a line cook during a busy service. Instead of walking to a central walk-in cooler, ingredients are right where they are needed, dramatically speeding up prep and plating times.

By thinking carefully about your application—whether you're chilling a few bottles of wine at home or prepping for hundreds of meals a night—you can confidently pick the perfect undercounter refrigerator size for your needs. This ensures your investment not only fits your space but makes your daily routine better.

Installation Tips for a Perfect Fit

Picking out the right size under-counter refrigerator is a great start, but getting a perfect fit is all about the installation. Just because the unit's dimensions seem to match your opening doesn't mean it's going to work the way it should. The biggest thing to remember is that a refrigerator isn't just a box you slide into a hole; it's a machine that needs to breathe.

The most critical distinction here is between freestanding and built-in models. A freestanding unit usually has its cooling coils on the back and is designed to have open air all around it to get rid of heat. Shoving one of these into a tight cabinet space is a recipe for disaster—it'll overheat, perform poorly, and die an early death. Built-in models, on the other hand, are engineered with front-facing ventilation, usually through a grille at the bottom, which lets them sit flush with your cabinets for that seamless, integrated look.

Why Breathing Room Is Non-Negotiable

Proper clearance—what we call "breathing room"—is the single most important factor for your refrigerator's health and efficiency. Without enough space for air to circulate, the compressor has to work overtime just to keep things cool. This drives up your energy bills and puts a ton of unnecessary strain on the appliance. In fact, poor ventilation is one of the leading causes of premature unit failure.

This infographic gives you a clear visual of the minimum clearances you should plan for.

As you can see, the unit needs the most space on top to let heat rise and escape. You should always follow the manufacturer's specific guidelines, but these numbers are a solid industry standard to go by.

Planning for Utilities

Beyond the physical space, you have to think about the utilities. If your under-counter refrigerator has an icemaker or a water dispenser, you'll need a water line ready to go at the installation spot. You also need to make sure there’s a dedicated electrical outlet within reach of the unit's power cord. Trying to figure out plumbing and electrical needs after the fact is a massive headache you don't want.

Key Takeaway: Installing an under-counter refrigerator is more than just sliding it into place. It takes some careful planning for ventilation, plumbing, and electrical hookups to make sure you get a perfect physical fit and a machine that runs great for the long haul.

When you're thinking about the precise fit for your refrigerator, it can be helpful to look at guides for other built-in kitchen components. For instance, understanding the process for installing kitchen fixtures like undermount sinks really drives home how important precise measurements and utility planning are for all built-in appliances. By thinking through these details ahead of time, you can sidestep common problems and end up with a perfectly integrated, efficiently running refrigerator.

Comparing Different Types of Undercounter Units

Choosing the right under-counter unit isn't just about measuring the opening in your cabinetry. Not all of these compact workhorses are created equal. The "right size" has as much to do with the job it needs to perform as it does with its external dimensions.

Think of it this way: a toolbox and a camera bag might be the same size on the outside, but their insides are designed for completely different tasks. One has open space for wrenches, while the other has padded dividers for delicate lenses. It's the same story with undercounter refrigerators—a unit built for wine is fundamentally different from one made for general food prep.

Beverage Centers For Quick Access

Beverage centers are the crowd-pleasers of the undercounter world. They’re built for one thing: displaying drinks and making them incredibly easy to grab. You’ll usually find them with glass doors and highly adjustable shelving.

Their capacity isn't measured in cubic feet but in something far more practical: the number of 12-ounce cans they can hold. A standard 24-inch model might pack in around 150 cans, making it a perfect fit for a breakroom, home bar, or customer-facing service area. The whole point here is flexible, high-density storage for standardized drinks.

Wine Coolers For Precise Preservation

Wine coolers, sometimes called wine refrigerators, are specialists. Their capacity is almost always communicated by the number of bottles they can hold (based on a standard 750ml Bordeaux-style bottle). A key feature is often dual-zone temperature control, which lets you store reds and whites at their own ideal temperatures within the same unit.

The internal design is what really sets them apart. Scalloped or sliding wood-trimmed shelves are designed to cradle bottles securely. This means they're great for wine but not so great for storing anything else. A unit that holds 45 wine bottles offers very different utility than a standard refrigerator of the same external size.

The demand for specialized units like these is growing fast. The global market for undercounter refrigerators, valued at USD 36.93 billion in 2022, is projected to hit USD 51.89 billion by 2030. This boom is driven by kitchens needing specific features, from healthcare settings that require precise temperature control to homeowners wanting elegant beverage storage. You can discover more insights about this growing market and its drivers to see where the industry is headed.

General Refrigerators and Freezers

Your standard undercounter refrigerators and their freezer cousins are the versatile workhorses of the kitchen. Their capacity is measured in cubic feet, and their interiors are all about flexibility. They come with flat, adjustable shelves ready to hold food pans, prep containers, and all sorts of ingredients.

To get a better handle on which type might be the best fit for your space, our guide to the best under counter fridges available breaks down the top models based on what they do best.

To make the differences crystal clear, it helps to see them side-by-side.

Comparing Undercounter Refrigerator Types

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you match the right unit to the right job.

As you can see, understanding how you'll use the unit is the first—and most important—step in choosing the right one.

Common Sizing and Installation Questions

When you're trying to fit a new under-counter refrigerator into your kitchen layout, a handful of questions always seem to pop up. Getting the details right on sizing and installation is the final, crucial step to making sure your new equipment doesn't just fit into the space, but works perfectly once it's there.

Think of this as the practical advice you get from someone who’s done this a dozen times. We'll cut through the confusion with some quick, straight answers to help you avoid those common little mistakes and feel confident in your choice.

What Is the Standard Height of an Under Counter Refrigerator?

Most under-counter refrigerators are built to a height between 32 and 34.5 inches. This isn't an arbitrary number; it's designed specifically to slide neatly under a standard 36-inch high countertop, leaving just enough breathing room for proper air circulation and for leveling the unit.

That said, always, always double-check the manufacturer's spec sheet. Some models, especially those designed to be ADA-compliant, might be a bit shorter to fit under lower countertops.

Can I Use Any Compact Refrigerator for a Built-In Installation?

Absolutely not, and this is a big one. You have to use a model that is specifically designed for built-in or under-counter installation. The entire difference comes down to one critical feature: ventilation.

A true built-in unit is designed with front-facing vents, usually right on the kickplate at the bottom. This allows the refrigerator to pull in cool air and push out warm air from the front, letting it breathe even when it's snugly enclosed in cabinetry. Trying to build in a standard freestanding model will trap heat, forcing the compressor to work overtime, run up your energy bill, and eventually burn out.

Key Takeaway: Front-venting isn't a "nice-to-have" feature; it's the single most important thing that makes a refrigerator suitable for built-in installation. It's the non-negotiable difference between a built-in and a freestanding model.

How Do I Correctly Measure My Space?

To get an accurate measurement, you'll need to check the height, width, and depth of your opening. Measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the countertop, the width from one side of the cabinet opening to the other, and the depth from the back wall to the very front of your adjacent cabinets.

Here’s a pro tip: measure each of those dimensions in at least two different spots. Floors and cabinets are rarely perfectly level or straight. Use the smaller of your measurements and compare that to the refrigerator's specs, making sure to leave the recommended clearance space—usually about 1/4 to 1 inch on the sides, top, and back for ventilation.

Are Commercial and Residential Units the Same Size?

While they can sometimes have similar footprints, like a standard 24-inch width, commercial and residential units are engineered for completely different worlds. A commercial model is a workhorse, built for the grind of a professional kitchen with a more powerful cooling system, heavy-duty stainless steel construction, and essential sanitation certifications like NSF.

Residential units, on the other hand, are designed for the home. The focus is on things like whisper-quiet operation, energy efficiency ratings like Energy Star, and cosmetic touches like panel-ready doors that let the unit blend in with your kitchen decor. They simply aren't built to withstand the constant use of a commercial environment.

At The Restaurant Warehouse, we provide the durable, high-performance commercial refrigeration your business needs to operate efficiently. Explore our extensive selection of undercounter units from top brands to find the perfect fit for your prep line or bar. Visit The Restaurant Warehouse