Ever feel like your kitchen is missing that perfect finishing touch? Perhaps your current refrigerator sticks out too far, making your kitchen feel cramped. That’s where the magic of a 42-inch counter-depth refrigerator comes in! These sleek appliances are designed to blend seamlessly with your cabinetry, creating a more polished and spacious look.
But choosing the right one can be a puzzle. You want it to fit perfectly, keep your food fresh, and maybe even have some cool features. It’s easy to get lost in all the different brands, sizes, and styles. You might worry about whether it will have enough space for your groceries or if it will be too noisy.
Don’t let the confusion stop you! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the key features, discuss what makes a 42-inch counter-depth model so special, and help you find the refrigerator that’s just right for your home and your budget. Get ready to transform your kitchen!
Our Top 5 42 Inch Counter Depth Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 42 Inch Counter Depth Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. ZLINE 36 in. 22.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker in Fingerprint-Resistant Black Stainless Steel (RFM-36-BS)
Rating: 8.5/10
The ZLINE 36 in. 22.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Black Stainless Steel (RFM-36-BS) brings a sleek, modern look to any kitchen. Its counter-depth design creates a seamless, built-in appearance, fitting perfectly flush with your countertops. Inside, you’ll find a generous 22.5 cubic feet of storage, split between a 15.9 cubic foot refrigerator and a 6.6 cubic foot freezer. This makes organizing groceries a breeze.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design offers a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- A total of 22.5 cu. ft. of space, including separate fridge and freezer compartments, provides ample room for all your food.
- You can easily control the temperature for both the fridge (34°F to 44°F) and freezer (-7°F to 7°F) for optimal freshness.
- Super Cool and Super Freeze modes quickly chill items, saving you time.
- The bright white interior makes it easy to see everything inside.
- Dual freezer compartments with full-extension drawers offer flexible storage for all your frozen goods.
- The built-in ice maker conveniently stores and makes ice daily.
- The Digital ChillControl LED display makes adjusting settings simple, with options for vacation, sabbath, or eco modes.
- The fingerprint-resistant black stainless steel finish keeps your refrigerator looking spotless with minimal cleaning.
- Dual crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the capacity is good, some users might find the freezer space a bit limited for very large families or bulk purchases.
- The specific temperature ranges, while adjustable, might not satisfy extreme temperature needs for certain specialty items.
This ZLINE refrigerator is an excellent choice for those seeking both style and practical features in their kitchen appliance. It delivers on its promise of attainable luxury and everyday convenience.
2. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 is a stylish, modern refrigerator that brings both storage and good looks to your kitchen. This 36-inch counter-depth side-by-side model offers 20 cubic feet of space. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean. Plus, the filtered ice and water dispenser provides convenient refreshment right at your fingertips.
What We Like:
- It has a stylish, modern look with a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
- The filtered ice and water dispenser offers easy access to drinks.
- Accela Chill technology helps cool your food down faster.
- An automatic icemaker makes up to 3 lbs of ice daily, either cubed or crushed.
- The Multi Flow air system ensures all your food is cooled evenly.
- A deep gallon-sized door bin gives you extra storage for large items.
- Clear crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the space for taller items.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified and uses an inverter compressor for quiet, energy-efficient operation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers good storage, the 20 cu. ft. capacity might be small for very large families.
- Counter-depth models can sometimes offer less interior space than standard-depth refrigerators.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a great choice for those seeking both style and functionality in their kitchen. It efficiently keeps your food at the right temperature while offering convenient features and a sleek design.
3. Midea 22.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
Rating: 9.3/10
The Midea 22.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator offers a sleek design and smart features to keep your food fresh and organized. Its counter-depth build fits beautifully into most kitchen spaces, giving you a modern look. This fridge is designed to make your life easier with its user-friendly controls and ample storage.
What We Like:
- Electronic Temperature Control: You can easily set the perfect temperature for your fridge and freezer. This keeps your food at its best.
- Humidity Controlled Double Crispers: These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables crisp. They have special settings to control moisture.
- Dual Freezer Drawers: Having two freezer drawers makes it simple to sort and find your frozen items. You can keep meats separate from ice cream, for example.
- LED Interior Light: The bright LED light shines throughout the refrigerator. It makes it easy to see everything inside, even in the back corners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 22.5 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for very large families.
- Some users might prefer more customizable shelving options.
This Midea refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and functional appliance. It brings convenience and good food preservation to your kitchen.
4. GE PROFILE PSB42YSNSS 42″ Built-in Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 24.33 cu. ft. Capacity WiFi Connect Automatic Defrost and Dispenser in Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.0/10
The GE PROFILE PSB42YSNSS 42″ Built-in Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a large, stylish appliance that brings convenience and modern features to your kitchen. Its spacious 24.33 cubic feet capacity holds plenty of groceries for families. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern. This refrigerator also connects to WiFi, offering smart features for managing your appliance. It includes an automatic defrost system, so you won’t have to worry about ice buildup. Plus, the built-in dispenser makes getting ice and water super easy.
What We Like:
- Generous 24.33 cu. ft. capacity stores a lot of food.
- WiFi Connect allows for smart control and monitoring.
- Automatic defrost means less hassle for you.
- The dispenser provides quick access to ice and water.
- The stainless steel finish gives a premium look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “N/A” for specific features suggests some details might be missing or not applicable, which could be a con for shoppers wanting more granular information.
- Built-in refrigerators can sometimes be more complex to install than freestanding models.
This GE refrigerator is a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen with its large storage and smart capabilities. It offers a blend of style and practicality for busy households.
5. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Kenmore 46-75525, a sleek 17.5 cu. ft. counter-depth French door refrigerator that brings both style and smart storage to your kitchen. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking sharp, while the French doors offer easy access to your chilled goods. This fridge is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, giving you more space and a modern look.
What We Like:
- Stylish and Modern Design: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and French doors give your kitchen a fresh, updated feel.
- Keeps Food Fresh: Accela Chill technology speeds up cooling, and the Multi Flow air system makes sure everything stays evenly cold.
- Smart Storage Solutions: Deep door bins hold gallons of milk, and the crisper drawers keep your fruits and veggies crisp. The two-tier freezer makes finding your frozen treats a breeze.
- Flexible Shelving: Adjustable glass shelves let you customize your space, easily fitting taller items.
- Energy Efficient and Quiet: It’s ENERGY STAR Certified and uses an inverter compressor for quiet operation and energy savings.
- Convenient Ice Maker: The factory-installed ice maker churns out up to 4 lbs. of crescent ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity Might Be Small for Large Families: With 17.5 cu. ft., larger households might find it a bit tight for weekly grocery hauls.
- Limited Color Options: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is the only finish available.
Overall, the Kenmore 46-75525 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a stylish, efficient, and well-organized refrigerator that enhances both the look and functionality of their kitchen.
Your Guide to Choosing a 42-Inch Counter Depth Refrigerator
Why a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
A counter depth refrigerator sits flush with your kitchen counters. This gives your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. It also helps prevent the fridge from sticking out into your walkway. A 42-inch width is a popular size. It offers good storage without taking up too much space.
Key Features to Look For
Storage and Organization
- Adjustable Shelving: You can move shelves up or down. This helps fit tall items like milk jugs or soda bottles.
- Door Bins: Look for deep door bins. They are great for condiments and drinks. Some bins are even adjustable.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Some have humidity controls.
- Convertible Drawer: Some models have a drawer that can switch between fridge and freezer temperatures. This adds flexibility.
Cooling Technology
- Dual Evaporators: These systems keep the fridge and freezer compartments separate. This prevents odors from mixing and keeps temperatures stable.
- Even Cooling: Good refrigerators circulate air evenly. This ensures all food stays at the right temperature.
Convenience Features
- Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: Many counter depth models have these. Check if the dispenser is internal or external. External dispensers are easier to use.
- Smart Features: Some refrigerators connect to Wi-Fi. You can control settings or get alerts on your phone.
- LED Lighting: Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside.
Important Materials
The outside of your refrigerator can be made of different materials.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most common material. It looks modern and is durable. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a plus.
- Black Stainless Steel: This offers a different look and is also fingerprint resistant.
- Panel-Ready: These refrigerators have doors you can cover with your own custom panels. This helps them blend perfectly with your cabinets.
The inside is usually made of sturdy plastic and glass shelves. Glass shelves are easy to clean and look nice.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Reputable Brands: Choose brands known for reliability and good customer service.
- Warranty: A longer warranty, especially on the sealed system (compressor, etc.), shows the manufacturer’s confidence.
- Build Quality: Feel the doors and drawers. They should open and close smoothly. The interior materials should feel solid.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic or flimsy shelves can break easily.
- Poor Insulation: This can lead to higher energy bills and inconsistent temperatures.
- Noisy Operation: Some refrigerators can be quite loud. Look for models that mention quiet operation.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 42-inch counter depth refrigerator is great for families and individuals who want a stylish kitchen. It’s ideal for medium-sized kitchens where space is a consideration. The counter depth design makes your kitchen feel more open and less cramped. People who like to keep their kitchen tidy will appreciate the flush design.
If you entertain often or have a large family, ensure the interior capacity meets your needs. For those who love to cook, good crisper drawers and flexible shelving are important. Smart features can be helpful for busy households.
Choosing the right refrigerator is an important decision. By considering these features and factors, you can find a 42-inch counter depth refrigerator that fits your style and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “counter depth” actually mean?
A: Counter depth means the refrigerator is not as deep as a standard refrigerator. It sits almost flush with your kitchen cabinets. This creates a more built-in look.
Q: How much storage space do 42-inch counter depth refrigerators typically offer?
A: They usually offer between 20 to 28 cubic feet of storage. This is a good amount for most households.
Q: Are 42-inch counter depth refrigerators more expensive than standard depth ones?
A: Yes, they often cost a bit more. You pay for the sleeker design and the engineering that makes them fit better in kitchens.
Q: Do counter depth refrigerators have less storage than standard depth ones?
A: Yes, because they are shallower, they generally have a bit less usable space inside compared to a similarly sized standard depth model.
Q: Is a 42-inch width a common size for counter depth refrigerators?
A: Yes, 42 inches is a popular width. It’s a good balance of storage and fitting into many kitchen layouts.
Q: What are the most important features for keeping food fresh?
A: Look for good temperature control, dual evaporators, and humidity-controlled crisper drawers. These help keep different types of food at their best.
Q: Are fingerprint-resistant finishes worth it?
A: If you dislike wiping down your refrigerator often, then yes, they are worth it. They help keep the stainless steel looking cleaner.
Q: Can I install a 42-inch counter depth refrigerator myself?
A: Installation can be tricky, especially with water lines for ice makers. It’s often best to have a professional install it.
Q: What is a “panel-ready” refrigerator?
A: A panel-ready refrigerator allows you to attach your own cabinet panels to the doors. This makes it look like part of your kitchen cabinets.
Q: How do I clean the exterior of my stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth and a cleaner specifically made for stainless steel. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!