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Kenmore 31 Inch Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
★ 4.3/5 Editor's Score

Kenmore 31" Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (17.8 Cu. Ft.)

A 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerator in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel — with a quiet inverter compressor, built-in ice maker, full-width adjustable tempered glass shelves, three-tier freezer organization, and ENERGY STAR certification.

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⚠ Counter depth design — confirm your kitchen space and door swing clearance. The ice maker requires a water line connection.

Quick Summary

Best For

Households wanting a counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerator with an ice maker and quiet inverter compressor

Main Strength

Counter-depth built-in look with a quiet inverter compressor, built-in ice maker, full-width glass shelves, and ENERGY STAR efficiency — from a trusted brand

Main Weakness

17.8 cu. ft. is on the smaller side for a primary family refrigerator, and the ice maker needs a water line

Key Specifications

Features & Performance

Highlights:

The main reasons to buy this refrigerator are the trusted Kenmore brand, the counter-depth profile, the inverter compressor, and the built-in ice maker — together in one unit at a competitive price. Kenmore has a long service history in the U.S. market and established parts and service availability, which matters for a primary kitchen appliance expected to run for 10 or more years.

In everyday use, the bottom freezer layout is the quality-of-life improvement that buyers notice most after switching from a top-freezer unit. Fresh food — which you access multiple times a day — is at eye level. Frozen food — accessed less frequently — requires bending to the lower drawer, which most users find a worthwhile tradeoff for the more natural fresh food access.

Daily Use & Kitchen Fit

At 31 inches wide and counter depth, this fits a narrower kitchen footprint than a standard 33- or 36-inch refrigerator while maintaining the flush, built-in appearance that counter-depth units are known for. This makes it a practical choice for kitchens that can't accommodate a full 36-inch unit but still want the counter-depth look and bottom-freezer layout.

The ice maker requires a water line connection at the back of the unit. If your kitchen doesn't already have a water line at the refrigerator location, plan for a plumber to add one before delivery. If you don't have or want a water line, the ice maker bin space can typically be used as regular freezer storage instead. The counter-depth profile means confirming door swing clearance, particularly for the freezer drawer, which pulls outward and needs forward floor clearance.

Who Should Buy This?

Buy This If

  • You want a counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerator from a trusted, established brand
  • You want the quiet efficiency of an inverter compressor
  • You want a built-in ice maker and don't mind adding a water line
  • You prefer fresh food at eye level with the freezer in a lower pull-out drawer
  • You need a 31-inch width that fits a tighter kitchen while maintaining a flush, built-in look

Avoid This If

  • You need more than 17.8 cu. ft. of total capacity for a large family
  • You don't have or want to add a water line for the ice maker
  • You want a water and ice dispenser in the door rather than just an internal ice maker
  • You want smart Wi-Fi or app connectivity
  • Your kitchen space can't accommodate the counter-depth footprint or door clearance

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Trusted Kenmore brand with established U.S. service and parts availability
  • Counter-depth design sits flush with standard cabinetry
  • Quiet inverter compressor runs more efficiently and with less wear
  • Bottom freezer puts fresh food at eye level
  • Built-in ice maker for on-demand ice
  • Full-width adjustable tempered glass shelves
  • 5 clear door bins including gallon bin
  • 3-tier freezer organization
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior
  • ENERGY STAR certified
  • Door alarm alerts you to open doors

Cons

  • 17.8 cu. ft. may feel limited for large families
  • Ice maker requires a water line hookup
  • No external water or ice dispenser in the door
  • No smart Wi-Fi or app connectivity
  • Counter-depth means slightly less interior depth than standard units
  • Bottom freezer drawer needs forward floor clearance to pull out fully

Final Verdict

The Kenmore 31" Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is a well-rounded choice for buyers who want a counter-depth built-in look, an inverter compressor for quiet and efficient cooling, a built-in ice maker, and organized storage — from a brand with a long track record of appliance service in the U.S. market.

The 17.8 cu. ft. capacity is the honest limitation: it suits couples, smaller households, or anyone downsizing to a sleeker kitchen footprint, but it may feel tight for a family of four or more with heavy weekly grocery loads. If the capacity fits your needs and you want the counter-depth look with a trusted brand name behind it, this is a strong, practical choice.