Imagine this: you open your refrigerator door, ready to grab a snack, but there’s just not enough space. Sound familiar? For many kitchens, especially those that are a bit cozier or where families love to entertain, a standard-sized refrigerator just doesn’t cut it. That’s where the 42-inch refrigerator steps in, offering a sweet spot of ample storage without overwhelming your kitchen footprint.
But choosing the right 42-inch refrigerator can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that looks good, keeps your food fresh, and fits your budget. Yet, with so many brands and features, it’s easy to get lost in the details and feel unsure if you’re making the best choice for your home. You worry about wasting money or buying something that’s too big or too small.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to make that decision a whole lot easier. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about 42-inch refrigerators. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the different styles available, and discover tips to find the perfect model that not only stores all your groceries but also complements your kitchen’s style. Get ready to find your dream fridge!
Our Top 5 42 Inch Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 42 Inch Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. frigidaireusa PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo & Trim FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF TRMKTEZ2LV79
Rating: 9.4/10
The Frigidaire Professional Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo is a sleek and spacious appliance designed to handle all your food storage needs. This unit combines a powerful freezer column with a generous refrigerator column, offering plenty of room for groceries. Its professional stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. The included trim kit gives it a custom, built-in appearance, making it a stylish addition to your home.
What We Like:
- Huge storage: The 18.6 cu. ft. capacity in both the refrigerator and freezer columns means you can store a lot of food.
- Convenient ice and water: The freezer has an internal ice maker, and the refrigerator has an internal water dispenser for easy access to chilled water and ice.
- Flexible installation: The Twins Pairing Kit lets you install them side-by-side for a true refrigerator-freezer combo.
- Stylish look: The stainless steel finish and the louvered trim kit give your kitchen a high-end, professional feel.
- Smart organization: SpaceWise features help you organize your food efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires pairing kit: You need the separate Twins Pairing Kit for a side-by-side installation, which is an extra cost.
- Large footprint: Being a combo unit, it takes up significant space.
- Internal dispensers: While convenient, internal dispensers can sometimes take up a bit of shelf space.
This Frigidaire Professional combo offers a large capacity and a high-end look for your kitchen. It’s a great option for families who need a lot of storage and appreciate stylish appliances.
2. BANGSON 4.0 Cu.Ft Small Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 8.6/10
The BANGSON 4.0 Cu.Ft Small Refrigerator with Freezer is a smart choice for anyone needing extra cooling space. It’s a double-door, black mini-fridge designed to fit into apartments, bedrooms, dorms, and offices. This fridge offers both freezing and refrigerating capabilities in a compact size.
What We Like:
- It has a separate 1.27 Cu.Ft bottom freezer and a 2.75 Cu.Ft refrigerator. This means you can keep ice cream frozen and fruits fresh at the same time.
- The fridge is small, only 17.9″ W x 18.3″ D x 45″ H, but it holds a lot. You can adjust the glass shelves for taller items. Side racks hold drinks, and a crisper drawer keeps veggies and fruits crisp.
- You can set the temperature precisely. The freezer goes down to -0.004°F, and the fridge stays between 35°F and 50°F. This keeps your food at the right temperature to stay fresh.
- It runs very quietly, about 39 dB. This is great for bedrooms or offices where you don’t want noise distractions.
- The fridge is energy-efficient, helping to keep your electricity bills down.
- It has handy features like reversible doors, an automatic LED light inside, and leveling legs for stability. It even comes with an ice tray and a defrost tool.
- The packaging is upgraded to protect the fridge during shipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to let the fridge sit upright for 12 hours before plugging it in. This is a common step for new fridges, but it’s something to remember.
This BANGSON refrigerator is a practical and quiet solution for your cooling needs. Its thoughtful design and user-friendly features make it a solid addition to any small space.
3. Cafe CVE28DP4NW2 27.8 cu. ft. Smart 4-Door French Door Refrigerator in Matte White
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the stylish and smart Cafe CVE28DP4NW2 refrigerator. This 27.8 cu. ft. French door model in a sleek Matte White finish looks great and resists fingerprints, keeping it clean. It’s also ENERGY STAR certified, so it’s good for your wallet and the planet.
What We Like:
- The Convertible Drawer with Soft Freeze gives you tons of options. You can set it from 23°F to 42°F, perfect for chilling drinks or keeping ice cream just right. Plus, the sliding glass dividers help you keep everything neat.
- The LED Light Wall shines brightly and evenly across the back of the fridge. This means you can easily see all your food, even in the back corners. No more digging around!
- AutoFill makes getting filtered water a breeze. Just press the button, and sensors measure out the perfect amount for your glass or pitcher.
- The Humidity Control System with two bins keeps your fruits and veggies fresh. A sealed Wet Zone is great for leafy greens, and a vented Dry Zone works well for things like peppers.
- The full-width tray is super handy for big items. You can easily slide it out to fit a large frozen pizza or other uniquely shaped frozen foods.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Smart features are a plus, some users might find the initial setup or app integration a little tricky.
- The Matte White finish is beautiful, but like any finish, it might require specific cleaning products to maintain its pristine look over time.
This Cafe refrigerator offers smart features and thoughtful design. It’s a fantastic choice for families who want both style and advanced functionality in their kitchen.
4. 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: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Summit Appliance FFBF181ES2KIT48 48″ Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Set. This stylish set includes two energy-efficient refrigerators and a decorative grill, creating a seamless look. It’s designed for convenience and efficiency, making it a fantastic addition to any home.
What We Like:
- It offers a massive 23.4 cu.ft. of storage space, so you can fit all your groceries.
- The French door design and bottom freezer make it easy to access everything.
- No-frost operation means you won’t have to deal with messy defrosting.
- The advanced internal fan system keeps food at a consistent temperature.
- It’s just under 24 inches deep, perfect for kitchens with limited space.
- The stainless steel doors look sleek and modern.
- An open door alarm and high temperature alarm help prevent spoilage.
- The included decorative grill adds a touch of elegance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock feature is a bit confusingly named as “Child Lockation” and “Child Lock” in the product title, which might lead to some confusion.
This refrigerator set is a great choice for families needing ample storage and a modern aesthetic. It combines smart features with a beautiful design to enhance your kitchen.
5. DEMULLER 4.5 Cubic Feet Double Door Fridge with Top Freezer Large Capacity Refrigerator with 7 Temperature Control & 3 Removable Shelves Black
Rating: 8.8/10
The DEMULLER 4.5 Cubic Feet Double Door Fridge is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its black finish adds a modern touch, and its thoughtful design makes storing your food easy and organized. This fridge is a great option for smaller spaces or for individuals and small families who need a reliable refrigerator.
What We Like:
- Spacious Yet Compact: Despite its smaller footprint (17.52 x 18.35 x 42.93 inches), it offers a generous 4.5 cubic feet of storage, perfect for 4-5 people.
- Smart Compartments: The double-door design separates a 1.0 cubic foot freezer from a 3.5 cubic foot refrigerator. Three adjustable shelves and a food storage drawer let you organize everything just right.
- Precise Temperature Control: You get seven temperature settings, ranging from a chilly -0.4°F to a cool 50°F, so you can keep your food at the ideal temperature.
- Easy to Move: Two wheels on the bottom make it simple to reposition the fridge when you need to clean or rearrange your kitchen.
- Stable Design: Two adjustable feet ensure the fridge stays balanced and stands upright, preventing wobbling.
What Could Be Improved:
- The temperature range, while good, might not be ideal for those needing extremely low freezer temperatures for long-term deep storage.
- While compact, the 4.5 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for larger families or those who buy groceries in bulk.
Overall, the DEMULLER 4.5 Cubic Feet Double Door Fridge offers a great balance of capacity, features, and style for its size. It’s a smart choice for efficient food storage.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect 42-Inch Refrigerator
Choosing a refrigerator is a big deal! You want one that fits your kitchen, keeps your food fresh, and looks good. A 42-inch refrigerator is a great size for many families. It offers a good amount of space without taking over your kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes a 42-inch fridge a winner.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a 42-inch refrigerator, keep these features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? For a 42-inch fridge, you’re usually looking at around 20-25 cubic feet of space. This is enough for a family of four or five.
- Configuration: Do you want a top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, or French door style? French door models are very popular because they offer easy access to the most-used items.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge uses less electricity, saving you money on your bills and helping the planet.
- Adjustable Shelving: This lets you move shelves around to fit tall items like milk jugs or large platters.
- Crisper Drawers: These special drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Some have humidity controls.
- Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: Many 42-inch fridges come with these handy features. Check if the ice maker is in the door or freezer for more storage space.
- Smart Features: Some refrigerators connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control the temperature or get alerts on your phone.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect its durability and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus.
- Plastic: The inside shelves and drawers are usually made of strong plastic. Look for clear plastic so you can see what’s inside easily.
- Glass: Shelves made of tempered glass are strong and can hold heavy items. They also wipe clean easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a refrigerator great or not so great.
Improving Quality:
- Good Insulation: This helps the fridge stay cold without working too hard.
- Reliable Cooling System: A good system keeps food at the right temperature consistently.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy fridge can be annoying. Look for models that are known for being quiet.
- Durable Parts: Strong hinges, smooth-gliding drawers, and sturdy shelves mean your fridge will last longer.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Plastic: Flimsy plastic parts can break easily.
- Poor Sealing: If the door seals aren’t tight, cold air escapes, and the fridge works harder.
- Inconsistent Temperatures: Some fridges have hot or cold spots, which can spoil food.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 42-inch refrigerator is perfect for many situations.
- Families: It offers enough space for groceries for a family of four or five. The French door style makes it easy for everyone to grab snacks or drinks.
- Entertaining: If you often host parties, the ample space and features like water dispensers are very useful.
- Kitchen Layouts: This size fits well in many standard kitchen layouts. It’s not too big to feel cramped but large enough to be practical.
- Food Storage: The adjustable shelves and crisper drawers help you organize and keep food fresh. This means less food waste and more money saved.
Choosing the right 42-inch refrigerator means looking at its features, materials, and how it fits your lifestyle. A well-chosen fridge will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 42-Inch Refrigerators
Q: What is the typical capacity of a 42-inch refrigerator?
A: A 42-inch refrigerator usually has a capacity of about 20 to 25 cubic feet. This is a good size for most families.
Q: Are 42-inch refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many 42-inch refrigerators are ENERGY STAR certified. This means they use less energy and can save you money.
Q: What is the most popular style for a 42-inch refrigerator?
A: French door models are very popular. They offer easy access to the main refrigerator section.
Q: Can I fit tall items in a 42-inch refrigerator?
A: Yes, most 42-inch refrigerators have adjustable shelves. You can move them to make space for tall items.
Q: Do 42-inch refrigerators come with ice makers?
A: Yes, many 42-inch refrigerators include an ice maker. Some also have a water dispenser.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my refrigerator?
A: You can clean the inside with a mild soap and water solution. Make sure to unplug the refrigerator first.
Q: What does “cu. ft.” mean?
A: “Cu. ft.” stands for cubic feet. It is a measure of the total space inside the refrigerator and freezer.
Q: How important is the finish of a refrigerator?
A: The finish affects how the refrigerator looks and how easy it is to clean. Stainless steel is popular, and fingerprint-resistant options are great.
Q: Can I put a magnet on a stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Many stainless steel refrigerators are magnetic, but not all. It’s best to check the product description or test with a magnet.
Q: How long do refrigerators typically last?
A: With good care, a refrigerator can last 10 to 20 years. Regular cleaning and maintenance help it last longer.
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.