The KitchenAid KRFC300ESS is a 19.4 cu. ft. counter-depth French door refrigerator designed to deliver a built-in look without the built-in price tag. With its stainless steel finish, smooth-glide drawers, and thoughtful interior layout, it's aimed at home cooks who want premium styling and flexible storage in a standard 36-inch opening.
TL;DR
The KRFC300ESS is a counter-depth French door fridge offering 19.4 cu. ft. of capacity, dual evaporators for fresher food, an interior water dispenser, and LED lighting. It's a strong fit for kitchens prioritizing a flush, modern look over maximum storage volume.
Key specifications at a glance
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Total capacity | 19.4 cu. ft. |
| Refrigerator capacity | 13.7 cu. ft. |
| Freezer capacity | 5.7 cu. ft. |
| Configuration | French door, bottom freezer |
| Depth | Counter-depth (~24" without handles) |
| Width | 35 3/4" |
| Height | 70 1/8" |
| Finish | PrintShield Stainless Steel |
| Water dispenser | Interior (in-door) |
| Ice maker | Automatic, in freezer |
| Lighting | LED interior |
| Energy rating | ENERGY STAR certified |
Design and build quality
The counter-depth profile is the signature feature here. Instead of protruding several inches past your cabinetry like a standard-depth fridge, the KRFC300ESS sits nearly flush with surrounding counters, creating a cleaner, more integrated look. The PrintShield finish resists fingerprints and smudges — a meaningful upgrade if you have kids or simply hate constant wipe-downs.
Both French doors and the lower freezer drawer use solid metal handles in a satin-textured stainless. The hinges are sturdy, and the doors close with a soft, damped pull thanks to the auto-closing design when opened less than 20 degrees.
Counter-depth vs. standard-depth: Counter-depth models trade some interior volume for a sleeker footprint. Expect roughly 4–6 cu. ft. less capacity than a comparable standard-depth model in the same width. For a larger standard-depth alternative with door-in-door access, consider the LG LRFLC2706S French Door Refrigerator.
Interior layout and storage
Refrigerator section
- SatinGlide crispers: Two humidity-controlled drawers slide smoothly even when fully loaded — useful for organizing produce by ripening rate.
- Adjustable spill-proof shelves: Glass shelves with raised edges contain spills and can be repositioned to fit tall bottles or pitchers.
- Herb storage bin: A dedicated upper drawer keeps delicate greens and herbs from getting crushed.
- In-door water dispenser: The dispenser is mounted inside the left door, preserving exterior aesthetics and freeing up shelf real estate compared to through-the-door designs.
Freezer section
- Two-tier organization: A pull-out upper basket separates frequently used items from bulk storage below.
- Automatic ice maker: Located in the freezer to keep door space free; produces standard cubes.
- Full-extension drawer: Lets you reach items at the back without rearranging the front.
Cooling performance
The KRFC300ESS uses a dual evaporator system — separate evaporators for the fridge and freezer compartments. This matters because it prevents freezer air (which is dry) from circulating into the fridge, which helps produce stay fresh longer and prevents odor transfer between sections.
Reduces odors with a replaceable carbon filter — swap roughly every 6 months.
An optional ethylene-absorbing pack that extends the life of fruits and vegetables in the crisper.
Dual sensors monitor and adjust both compartments to maintain target temps.
Theater-style lighting along the side walls evenly illuminates contents without harsh shadows.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sleek counter-depth profile fits flush with cabinetry
- PrintShield finish hides fingerprints exceptionally well
- Dual evaporators improve freshness and reduce odor mixing
- SatinGlide drawers feel premium and operate smoothly
- Interior water dispenser preserves clean exterior look
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- Smaller total capacity than standard-depth alternatives
- No through-the-door ice or water (a dealbreaker for some)
- No smart/Wi-Fi connectivity
- Ice maker output is modest compared to premium tiers
- Interior dispenser limits use with containers taller than roughly 10 inches — large pitchers and some reusable bottles won't fit under the spout
Considering alternatives? If you want more capacity or smart features, compare with the GE Profile PFE28KYNFS with Hands-Free AutoFill or the Frigidaire Gallery GRFN2853AF with Dual Ice Maker.
Installation considerations
Before purchase, measure carefully. While the unit is counter-depth, the doors and handles still extend past your cabinet face by a few inches.
Clearance requirements: KitchenAid recommends 1/8" side clearance and 1" rear clearance for proper ventilation. Allow extra space above for the doors to swing fully open and clear adjacent cabinetry.
- Water line: Required for ice maker and dispenser. A 1/4" copper or approved plastic supply line is standard.
- Electrical: Standard 115V grounded outlet on a dedicated 15- or 20-amp circuit.
- Door swing: French doors mean each door only swings half the width — handy in tight kitchens where a single full-width door would hit a wall or island.
- Delivery: At roughly 290 lbs, professional delivery and installation are strongly recommended.
Maintenance and care
Routine tasks
- Replace the water filter every 6 months (KitchenAid uses the EveryDrop filter system; the indicator light will alert you).
- Replace the air filter every 6 months to keep odors in check.
- Clean condenser coils annually — vacuum the base grille area to maintain efficiency.
- Wipe door gaskets with warm soapy water every few months to maintain a tight seal.
Cleaning the PrintShield finish
Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water or a stainless-steel-safe cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads, ammonia-based products, and bleach, which can damage the protective coating.
Tip: If the ice maker stops producing, first check that the freezer is at or below 0°F and that the shut-off arm or switch is in the "on" position. Most "broken" ice makers are simply turned off or have a frozen fill tube.
Who should buy the KRFC300ESS?
This refrigerator is best suited for:
- Design-conscious buyers who want a built-in look on a freestanding budget
- Small to mid-size households (typically 2–4 people) where 19.4 cu. ft. is plenty
- Renovation projects where flush cabinetry alignment matters
- Homeowners replacing an older fridge who want better efficiency and modern features without paying for smart tech (pair it with our KitchenAid KDTM354ESS buying guide if you're updating multiple appliances)
It's less ideal for large families, anyone who relies heavily on a through-the-door dispenser, or shoppers who want app control and connected features. If you're outfitting a full KitchenAid kitchen, our KitchenAid KDTM354ESS dishwasher review covers a great pairing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the KRFC300ESS truly counter-depth?
Yes. The cabinet body sits at approximately 24 inches deep, matching standard 24-inch-deep cabinetry. The doors and handles add a few additional inches of projection.
Does it have a through-the-door water dispenser?
No. The dispenser is located inside the left refrigerator door. This keeps the exterior clean and uninterrupted but means you have to open the door to dispense water.
What water filter does it use?
It uses KitchenAid/Whirlpool's EveryDrop filtration system. Filters are widely available and should be replaced approximately every six months.
Can the doors be reversed?
No — French door configurations have fixed door swings since both doors meet in the middle.
Is it ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes, the KRFC300ESS meets ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements.
Does it have Wi-Fi or smart features?
No. This model focuses on core refrigeration performance rather than connectivity. If smart features are essential, you'll want to look at higher-tier KitchenAid or competing models like the Café 27.8 cu. ft. Smart 4-Door French Door Refrigerator.
What's the warranty?
KitchenAid typically provides a one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor, with sealed refrigeration system components often covered for up to five years. Terms can vary by purchase channel, so confirm the full warranty documentation with your retailer before buying.
Final thoughts
The KitchenAid KRFC300ESS hits a sweet spot for buyers who care most about appearance and core refrigeration quality. Counter-depth styling, a fingerprint-resistant finish, dual evaporators, and smooth-glide drawers add up to a refrigerator that looks expensive and performs reliably day to day. Just go in knowing the trade-offs: less capacity than standard-depth peers, no exterior dispenser, and no smart features. If those align with your priorities, it's a confident pick for a design-forward kitchen — and one that regularly competes well on price against comparable counter-depth models from Bosch and Samsung.
