The KitchenAid KRMF706ESS and the KRMF606ESS are both premium counter-depth French door refrigerators, but the key differences relate to their internal layout, capacity, and price. The KRMF706ESS features a unique five-door configuration for superior organization and offers a slightly larger 20.8 cubic feet of capacity, while the KRMF606ESS uses a more traditional French door design with 20.0 cubic feet of space at a more accessible price point.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid refrigerator for your home.
KitchenAid KRMF706ESS Refrigerator
The KRMF706ESS stands at the top of KitchenAid's counter-depth lineup, designed for homeowners who value premium features and maximum organizational flexibility. Its defining characteristic is the five-door design, which includes two separate external drawers for easy access to frequently used items. This model blends sophisticated, professional-grade style with advanced food preservation technology, making it an excellent choice for serious home cooks and large families who love to entertain.
- What it is: A premium 20.8 cu. ft. counter-depth refrigerator with a five-door configuration.
- Key features: Five-door layout for enhanced organization, Preserva® Food Care System, exterior ice and water dispenser, In-Door-Ice® System frees up shelf space, herb storage compartment, and PrintShield™ Finish to resist fingerprints.
- Price: Around $3,200 to $3,500.
- Dimensions: ~36" Width x ~70" Height x ~25" Depth (without handles).
- Materials/Construction: High-grade stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish and high-quality interior shelving. Interior features include platinum accents and under-shelf LED lighting.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and professional aesthetic designed to sit flush with cabinetry for a built-in look.
- Pros: Superior organization with dedicated zones for different foods. Slightly larger capacity ideal for bigger households. Premium interior features create a luxury feel. Easy access drawers reduce cold air loss.
- Cons: Higher price point. The two extra drawers can feel small for some items. Complex design with more potential points of failure than simpler models.
The KRMF706ESS is ideal for households demanding maximum organizational flexibility and a high-end, feature-rich appliance that complements a modern kitchen.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/counter-depth-refrigerators/krmf706ess.html
KitchenAid KRMF606ESS Refrigerator
The KitchenAid KRMF606ESS offers the same premium performance and counter-depth design as its counterpart but in a more conventional and cost-effective package. It retains the essential high-quality features, like the advanced food preservation system and fingerprint-resistant finish, in a standard three-door French door layout. This makes it a fantastic option for those who want the reliability and style of a high-end KitchenAid refrigerator without the added cost or complexity of the five-door system.
- What it is: A 20.0 cu. ft. counter-depth French door refrigerator with essential premium features.
- Key features: Standard three-door French door design, Preserva® Food Care System, exterior ice and water dispenser, full-width pantry drawer, humidity-controlled crispers, and PrintShield™ Finish.
- Price: Around $2,800 to $3,200.
- Dimensions: ~36" Width x ~70" Height x ~25" Depth (without handles).
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel exterior with fingerprint-resistant finish and thoughtfully organized interior with LED lighting.
- Style: Modern and minimalist, providing the same sleek, built-in aesthetic as the more expensive model.
- Pros: More affordable than the 706ESS model. Excellent performance with core KitchenAid technology. Simple and proven French door layout is familiar and efficient. Offers great value for a premium appliance.
- Cons: Slightly smaller capacity. Less organizational flexibility compared to the five-door model. Standard interior lacks the luxury feel of the 706ESS.
The KRMF606ESS is a strong choice for buyers seeking the performance and style of a luxury counter-depth appliance at a more moderate price point.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/counter-depth-refrigerators/krmf606ess.html
KitchenAid KRMF706ESS vs. KRMF606ESS Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
Both models share nearly identical exterior dimensions, measuring approximately 36 inches wide. This allows both to fit into standard kitchen cutouts for a high-end, built-in look. The main difference is the internal capacity. The KRMF706ESS provides 20.8 cubic feet of space, while the KRMF606ESS comes in slightly smaller at 20.0 cubic feet.
While a 0.8 cubic foot difference might seem minor, the bigger distinction is how that space is organized. The five-door layout of the KRMF706ESS creates highly specific zones - including two external drawers for deli, produce, or beverages - that appeal to meticulous organizers. The KRMF606ESS uses a more traditional, open-plan French door layout that offers more flexibility for arranging large or awkwardly shaped items.
Features & Technology
At their core, both refrigerators are built on the same foundation. They both feature KitchenAid's Preserva® Food Care System, which uses two independent cooling systems to maintain optimal temperatures and humidity for produce. Both also include an exterior ice and water dispenser and the PrintShield™ finish to keep the stainless steel looking clean.
The standout feature of the KRMF706ESS is its five-door design, which provides unparalleled organization for those who appreciate dedicated compartments. This is the primary feature that sets it apart from the more straightforward, but still highly functional, three-door KRMF606ESS.
Style & Aesthetic
From the outside, these two refrigerators are almost indistinguishable. Both feature the signature KitchenAid handles, a modern stainless steel finish, and a clean, minimalist design meant to blend seamlessly with your cabinetry. They both successfully achieve a professional-grade look.
The interior of the KRMF706ESS has a slightly more luxurious feel, with premium finishes like platinum-colored accents and more advanced under-shelf LED lighting. The KRMF606ESS has a clean and bright interior as well but sticks to more standard finishes to keep the cost down.
Price & Value
There is typically a price difference of several hundred dollars between the two models. The KRMF606ESS offers exceptional value by providing the majority of the features and the same high-end look for less. The extra cost of the KRMF706ESS buys you slightly more capacity, a highly specialized organizational system, and minor aesthetic upgrades inside. The decision on value comes down to how much you prioritize that unique five-door layout for your daily life.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models offer the professional performance and sleek look that KitchenAid is known for, but they cater to slightly different organizational needs and budgets.
Choose the KRMF706ESS if:
- You prioritize organization and appreciate having dedicated drawers for different food types.
- You frequently entertain and need easy access to drinks, snacks, or charcuterie items.
- Your budget accommodates a top-tier appliance with all the latest features.
- You have a busy household and want to grab frequently used items without opening the main refrigerator doors.
Choose the KRMF606ESS if:
- You want the premium look and feel of a counter-depth KitchenAid refrigerator at a more accessible price.
- A traditional and flexible French door layout works well for your storage needs.
- You prioritize value and want the core performance features without paying for extra compartments.
- The 20 cubic feet of capacity is sufficient for your family's groceries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KRMF706ESS and KRMF606ESS?
The main difference is the door configuration. The KRMF706ESS has five doors, including two separate exterior pull-out drawers for enhanced organization and a slightly larger capacity (20.8 cu. ft.). The KRMF606ESS uses a more traditional three-door French door layout with an internal pantry drawer and has a 20.0 cu. ft. capacity.
Are both models counter-depth?
Yes, both refrigerators are counter-depth models. This means they are designed to have a shallower depth (around 25 inches without handles) to sit nearly flush with standard kitchen cabinets and countertops for a streamlined, built-in look.
Which KitchenAid refrigerator is bigger?
The KRMF706ESS is slightly bigger, offering 20.8 cubic feet of total capacity compared to the KRMF606ESS at 20.0 cubic feet.
Do they have the same cooling technology?
Yes, both models feature KitchenAid's Preserva® Food Care System. This system uses separate cooling units for the refrigerator and freezer to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, helping to keep food fresh for longer.
Is the KRMF706ESS worth the extra money?
Whether the extra cost is worthwhile depends on your personal needs. If you highly value organizational features and benefit from having dedicated zones for specific foods, the five-door design of the KRMF706ESS can be a significant advantage. If you prefer a simpler, more flexible interior, the KRMF606ESS offers nearly identical performance and saves you money.
What is the PrintShield™ finish?
The PrintShield™ finish is a specialized stainless steel coating applied to the exterior of both refrigerators. It resists smudges and fingerprints, making it easier to keep the appliance looking clean, which is especially useful in homes with children.
Are these refrigerators energy efficient?
Yes, both the KRMF706ESS and KRMF606ESS models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy performance standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are designed for energy efficiency.
Do both have an external ice and water dispenser?
Yes, both models feature an external ice and water dispenser on the left door for convenient access to filtered water and ice without having to open the refrigerator.
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