Imagine a kitchen where everything feels perfectly placed, where your appliances blend seamlessly into the design, and where food stays fresh for longer. This dream often starts with a high-quality refrigerator, and when it comes to serious culinary spaces, the 42-inch built-in refrigerator is a true game-changer. But let’s be honest, choosing one can feel like navigating a maze. You want a fridge that not only keeps your groceries cold but also enhances your kitchen’s style and function. The sheer number of brands, features, and styles can leave you feeling overwhelmed, wondering if you’re making the best choice for your home and your budget.
That’s where we come in. This guide is designed to cut through the confusion and empower you to find the perfect 42-inch built-in refrigerator. We’ll explore what makes these appliances so special, the key features to look for, and how to match them to your specific needs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your knowledge and ready to make a decision that will bring both beauty and efficiency to your kitchen for years to come.
Our Top 5 42 Inch Built In Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 42 Inch Built In Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Viking Professional 5 Series 42″ Built-In Side By Side Refrigerator
Rating: 9.1/10
The Viking Professional 5 Series 42″ Built-In Side By Side Refrigerator brings professional-grade cooling to your kitchen. This spacious appliance offers a sleek, built-in look that enhances any culinary space. It’s designed to keep your food fresh and organized with advanced features.
What We Like:
- The ProChill Temperature Management system keeps your food at the perfect temperature. It ensures consistent cooling, which helps your groceries last longer.
- Spill control technology makes cleaning up messes much easier. Spills are contained, so you don’t have to worry about them spreading.
- New LED lighting brightens the interior. You can easily see everything inside, even in the back.
- Filter-Free Freshness means you don’t have to replace filters. This saves you time and money over the life of the refrigerator.
- The side-by-side design offers convenient access to both the refrigerator and freezer sections.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial price point can be an investment for some households.
- Installation requires professional help, adding to the overall cost.
- While the filter-free system is convenient, some users might miss the option of advanced water filtration if it’s not built-in.
This Viking refrigerator is a fantastic addition for those seeking top-tier food preservation and kitchen style. It delivers on its promise of advanced features and reliable performance.
2. Summit Appliance FFBF181ES2KIT48 48″ Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Set; 23.4 cu.ft; Grill Included; Adjustable Glass Shelves; No-frost Operation; Child Lockation; Child Lock
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the Summit Appliance FFBF181ES2KIT48, a 48-inch wide bottom freezer refrigerator set that’s designed to impress. This package includes two sleek European-style refrigerators, the FFBF181ES2 and FFBF181ES2LHD, along with a decorative top grill. It’s built to fit perfectly into standard 84-inch high by 48-inch wide kitchen spaces, giving your kitchen a polished look. With over 23 cubic feet of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for all your groceries. Plus, its slim design, just under 24 inches deep, makes it a great choice for kitchens of all sizes, even smaller ones.
What We Like:
- Generous 23.4 cu.ft. of storage space provides ample room for food.
- No-frost operation means you won’t have to deal with icy build-up.
- The advanced internal fan system keeps temperatures even throughout the fridge.
- Stainless steel doors give it a modern and stylish appearance.
- French door swing offers easy access to both refrigerator compartments.
- An open door alarm and high-temperature alarm help prevent food spoilage.
- LED visual alarms provide clear alerts.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- The included decorative grill enhances the overall look.
- Its slim depth makes it a good fit for smaller kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions “Child Lockation” and “Child Lock” separately, which might be redundant or unclear.
- No specific information is provided about the energy efficiency rating.
This refrigerator set offers a blend of style, functionality, and smart features for your kitchen. It’s a practical and attractive upgrade for any home.
3. GE PVD28BYNFS Full-Size-refrigerators
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE PVD28BYNFS Full-Size-refrigerator in sleek stainless steel offers a generous 27.6 cubic feet of space to store all your groceries. Its smart capabilities keep your food fresh and your kitchen connected. Plus, the door alarm ensures you never accidentally leave it open.
What We Like:
- Huge 27.6 Cu.Ft. capacity holds a lot of food.
- The door alarm helps save energy and keeps food cold.
- It’s smart capable, so you can connect it to your phone.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and stylish in any kitchen.
- It’s a full-size refrigerator, great for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the smart features a bit complex to set up initially.
- The price point might be higher than basic refrigerator models.
This GE refrigerator is a fantastic option for busy households needing ample storage and modern features. It’s a smart investment for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen organized.
4. Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Two Freezer Drawers
Rating: 8.9/10
The Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator with Two Freezer Drawers, 17.9 cu ft, Stainless offers a stylish and spacious solution for your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any home. This refrigerator is designed to keep your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity of 17.9 cubic feet. This is enough space for a big family.
- The French doors give it a modern look.
- It has a separate freezer compartment. This keeps your frozen foods perfectly chilled.
- You can easily control the temperature with the thermostat. This helps keep your food fresh for longer.
- The adjustable shelves let you customize the inside. You can move them around to fit your needs.
- The built-in lamp makes it easy to find what you need. No more digging around in the dark!
- The counter-depth design fits nicely against your cabinets. It gives your kitchen a built-in look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 17.9 cu. ft. capacity a bit small for very large families.
- While it has a thermostat, some users may prefer more advanced temperature control features.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a solid choice for many households. It balances style, capacity, and useful features well.
5. LG LRFS28XBS French Door Refrigerator
Rating: 8.7/10
The LG LRFS28XBS French Door Refrigerator in Stainless Steel is a fantastic choice for families who need a lot of storage space. This fridge is designed to hold all your groceries with ease. Its French door style makes it easy to see and grab what you need. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Huge 28 cu. ft. capacity lets you stock up on all your family’s favorite foods.
- Ample space keeps everything organized and easy to find.
- Convenient French door design allows for quick access to items.
- Stylish stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your kitchen.
- Keeps food fresh and well-preserved for longer periods.
What Could Be Improved:
- May be too large for smaller kitchens or tight spaces.
- The initial cost might be a significant investment for some.
- Some users might find the internal layout requires adjustment for optimal organization.
This refrigerator is an excellent solution for busy households that require substantial storage. It offers both style and functionality, making grocery management a breeze.
Your Guide to Choosing a 42-Inch Built-In Refrigerator
So, you’re looking for a new refrigerator that fits perfectly into your kitchen. A 42-inch built-in refrigerator is a fantastic choice for many homes. It offers a lot of space and a sleek, custom look. Let’s dive into what you need to know to pick the best one for you.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Capacity: How much food do you need to store? 42 inches is a good size, but think about your family’s eating habits.
- Configuration: Do you want a French door, side-by-side, or a bottom freezer? French doors give you wide shelves. Side-by-side makes both fridge and freezer easy to reach. Bottom freezers are great for keeping fresh food at eye level.
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Do you want one inside or outside? An external dispenser is very convenient. Some models have filtered water and different ice shapes.
- Smart Technology: Some fridges connect to your phone. You can check temperatures or get alerts. This can be a handy feature.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge uses less electricity and saves you money on bills.
Important Materials
The materials used in your refrigerator affect how it looks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most popular choice. It looks modern and is durable. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus.
- Panel Ready: This means you can add your own cabinet panels. The fridge then blends in perfectly with your kitchen cabinets.
- Interior Shelving: Glass shelves are easy to clean. Some shelves can be adjusted or slide out, making them more useful.
Factors That Affect Quality
What makes one refrigerator better than another?
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Do some research on brands you trust.
- Build Quality: Feel how sturdy the doors are. Check if the drawers glide smoothly. Good build quality means the fridge will last longer.
- Cooling System: A good cooling system keeps food fresh for longer. Look for features like dual evaporators, which prevent odors from mixing between the fridge and freezer.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators are louder than others. If your kitchen is open to living areas, a quiet model is important.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your refrigerator every day.
- For Families: Large families need lots of space. French door models with adjustable shelves are great for storing big items like pizza boxes or platters.
- For Entertaining: If you host parties, you’ll appreciate the extra storage. A built-in look makes your kitchen feel more high-end.
- For Organization: If you like to keep things tidy, look for models with good drawer dividers and door bins. Smart features can help you manage your groceries.
- For Small Spaces: Even though it’s 42 inches, a built-in design can make a kitchen feel more spacious because it doesn’t stick out.
Frequently Asked Questions about 42-Inch Built-In Refrigerators
Q: What is the main advantage of a 42-inch built-in refrigerator?
A: The main advantage is its large capacity and how it can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen cabinets for a custom, high-end look.
Q: Are 42-inch built-in refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many newer models are very energy efficient, especially those with an ENERGY STAR rating. Always check the label.
Q: How much space do I need to install a 42-inch built-in refrigerator?
A: You need to account for the refrigerator’s dimensions plus space for ventilation. Always check the installation manual for exact requirements.
Q: What is a “panel-ready” refrigerator?
A: A panel-ready refrigerator allows you to attach your own cabinet doors to it. This makes it blend in perfectly with your kitchen.
Q: How do I clean the exterior of a stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth and a cleaner made for stainless steel. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.
Q: Can I put a regular refrigerator into a built-in space?
A: Not usually. Built-in refrigerators are designed to fit flush with cabinets and often have specific ventilation needs.
Q: What is the difference between French door and side-by-side refrigerators?
A: French door models have two doors for the refrigerator section on top and a freezer drawer below. Side-by-side models have the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other, both with single doors.
Q: How long do built-in refrigerators typically last?
A: With proper care, built-in refrigerators can last 10-15 years or even longer.
Q: Are built-in refrigerators more expensive than freestanding ones?
A: Yes, built-in refrigerators are generally more expensive due to their design, features, and the custom integration they offer.
Q: What should I do if my refrigerator is making a strange noise?
A: First, check that it is level. Sometimes a slight adjustment can fix noises. If the noise continues, consult your user manual or contact customer service.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.