What are the primary differences between 48″ and 42″ built-in refrigerators? The 42″ models are smaller, obviously, which means that they’re easier to fit into your kitchen.
It also means they’re less expensive to buy and may be less expensive to operate as well. They still come ready to overlay with cabinet paneling, or to frame with side panels, or with an all-metal exterior. They still reach from floor to soffit. Here are some of the best ones available.
1: Sub-Zero 642
Sub-Zero products set the high-end industry standard. The 642 is a full-size, cabinet-depth unit. Because it is shallower than a standard refrigerator, it is not offered with ice and water in the door.
On the other hand, it doesn’t stick out to block movement and the food in the back is easier to see and reach. Your choice of Overlay, Framed, or three versions of Stainless Steel for the exterior.
2) Sub-Zero 685
The Sub-Zero Model 685 is the standard-depth 42″ wide unit. It is very new to the line – it was introduced in 2004. It replaces the 680. Because the 685 is full-depth, it offers ice and water in the door – the 642 doesn’t. Your choice of Overlay, Framed, Partial Framed, or Classic Stainless Steel for the exterior.
3) Viking Professional Series VCSB423
Gotta love those colors! I mean Eggplant, or Burgandy, or Cobalt! I think I’ll get the Forest Green with the optional brass hardware. Yeah! Or an overlay model, or… Oh, yes – this is the cabinet-depth 42″ model, so no water and ice dispenser in the door. For that, you need to get the standard-depth Viking Model VCSB423D (for Deep).
4) Viking Professional Series VCSB423D
Same amazing Viking color selection, plus overlay, framed and stainless, of course. The difference is that this model is standard depth, so it’ll hold more and it comes with a water and ice dispenser in the door.
5) Thermador KBUIT4270A
Thermador makes stoves. Really good stoves, and ovens, and cooktops. And now they make really good refrigerators too. So, you can buy one to match the stove. This is the cabinet-depth model, so no ice and water in the door.
6) Thermador KBUDT4270A
This is the standard-depth, custom cabinetry 42″ Thermador with ice and water in the door.
7) Jenn-air JS42SEDBDA
The refrigerator that you can raise or lower by turning a handle! While all the stuff is still on it! The Jenn-air JS42SEDBDA comes with or without an ice and water dispenser in the door – your choice, and you can get either the stainless steel shown here or one that’ll take cabinet panels
8) KitchenAid KSSC42QMS
KitchenAid may have been bought by Whirlpool, but it’s still built like a Hobart. What’s a Hobart? The company that sets the standard for commercial kitchen equipment, especially refrigeration. Why else would you want a KitchenAid refrigerator? It’s a top-quality product and it’ll match your other KitchenAid appliances. This is the 42″ wide model with ice and water in the door, and you can get it in any color you like – as long as it’s stainless.
9) GE Monogram® ZISW420DR 42″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with White Dispenser
This GE cabinet-depth built-in has a water and ice dispenser in the door – a rare feature in cabinet-depth models. The dispenser is white, which makes it a good choice for blending with light finishes or contrasting with dark finishes.
10) GE Monogram® ZISB420DR 42″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Black Dispenser
What’s the difference? Just the color of the dispenser. This one is black, so it’ll blend in with dark cabinet faces and contrast with light ones. Your choice.