A 42 inch side by side refrigerator is a counter-depth or fully built-in unit measuring 42 inches across, with vertical doors that split the fresh-food and freezer compartments side by side. Most side-by-side fridges you see on a showroom floor are 33 to 36 inches wide, so 42-inch models occupy a specific niche — flush-mounted kitchen remodels, galley layouts, and homes replacing older built-in units that left a 42-inch cabinet opening.
I want to be upfront with you about something important. After digging through dozens of listings on Amazon and major appliance retailers, I can tell you this niche is dominated by specialty brands like Sub-Zero, Thermador, Monogram, and Fisher and Paykel that mostly sell through dealer networks and are not stocked on Amazon. Among what IS available on Amazon, only one product on this list — the Viking Professional 5 Series — is a true 42-inch-wide unit. The other five are 36-inch counter-depth alternatives that solve the same flush-mount problem in a kitchen where a true 42-inch cabinet opening does not exist. I’ve included them because most shoppers searching for a 42-inch fridge actually need a flush, built-in look that fits a standard remodel — and these are the best Amazon-stocked options for that.
If you are remodeling a kitchen and want a flush-mounted fridge, replacing an older built-in unit, or building a new home with custom cabinetry, this guide is for you. I compared capacity, dimensions, ice and water options, smart features, and energy efficiency across six models to give you a clear picture of what works in 2026.
Top 3 Picks for Best 42-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerators (September 2026)
Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter…
- 20.6 cu ft counter-depth
- ENERGY STAR efficient
- LED interior lighting
- side-by-side doors
- digital temperature display
Samsung Family Hub 26.7 cu ft Side-by-Side
- Family Hub touchscreen with Alexa
- 26.7 cu ft capacity
- fingerprint-resistant finish
- ENERGY STAR
- all-around cooling
Viking Professional 5 Series 42 inch Built-In
- True 42 inch built-in width
- ProChill temperature management
- 23.9 cu ft capacity
- LED interior lighting
- filter-free design
Best 42-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerators in 2026 at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth |
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| Samsung Family Hub 26.7 cu ft Side-by-Side |
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| Viking Professional 5 Series 42 inch Built-In |
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 SUMMIT FFRF36 36 inch 5.8 cu ft Built-In Side-by-Side |
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 Frigidaire Professional PRSC2222AF 36 inch Counter Depth |
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 Iceblue LS-207BSSD 20.7 cu ft Black Side-by-Side |
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1. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 Counter Depth Side-by-Side — Editor’s Choice
Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
20.6 cu ft counter-depth
ENERGY STAR
LED lighting
digital temp display
Pros
- Strong 4.1-star average from 36 owners
- Counter-depth design stays under 30 inches deep for a built-in look
- ENERGY STAR rated at 378 kWh per year
- Side-by-side layout puts fresh and frozen items at eye level
- LED interior lighting throughout
- Digital display panel mounted on the door interior
Cons
- No dedicated deli or cheese compartments
- Smaller freezer at 7.4 cu ft
- At least one owner reports freezer failure within two weeks of delivery
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is my top pick in 2026 because it solves the actual problem most people have when they search for a 42 inch side by side refrigerator — they want a flush, counter-depth look without stepping up to a $10,000 built-in. This model sits at 27.79 inches deep and 35.86 inches wide, so it slips into a standard 36-inch cabinet opening while still giving you that built-in appearance against your countertops.
Inside, you get 13.25 cu ft of fresh food storage and 7.4 cu ft of freezer space. Side-by-side shoppers love this layout because everything stays at eye level — no bending down for the produce drawer and no digging through a bottom freezer for peas. The gallon-size door bins swallow 2-liter bottles and milk jugs without a fight, and the slide-out glass shelves make cleanup easier than wire racks.
Owners consistently mention how quiet this fridge runs compared to their previous units. ENERGY STAR certification means it draws roughly 378 kWh per year, which our team calculated out to noticeable savings versus an older 1990s-era fridge. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish keeps the front clean through daily use, and the digital control panel on the inside of the door makes temperature adjustments painless.
Where it falls short is small-item storage — there is no dedicated cheese or deli drawer, so butter and specialty items live on the door. The 7.4 cu ft freezer is smaller than what you get on a French door competitor in the same price band. One owner on Reddit’s r/appliances forum reported their freezer failed within two weeks, though the overwhelming majority of the 36 reviews sit at 4 or 5 stars. If you want a true 42-inch built-in, you need to step up to Viking or a dealer-only brand — but for everyone else shopping this category, this is the safest bet on Amazon right now.
Who should buy the Hamilton Beach HBF2064
Anyone remodeling a kitchen on a real-world budget who wants the flush, counter-depth look without paying built-in prices. It is the best fit for a small to mid-size family (3 to 5 people) that needs roughly 20 cu ft of organized storage and ENERGY STAR efficiency. If you entertain large crowds weekly and need a cavernous freezer, look at the Samsung instead.
Who should skip the Hamilton Beach HBF2064
Skip this if you need a true 42-inch-wide cabinet opening match — only the Viking on this list fits that exactly. If you want a smart fridge with a touchscreen, Wi-Fi app control, and Alexa, jump to the Samsung Family Hub. And if your kitchen has an existing 42-inch Sub-Zero or Thermador built-in to replace, neither of these Amazon options will drop in cleanly.
2. Samsung RS27T5561SR Family Hub Side-by-Side — Most Versatile
Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Family Hub, Stainless Steel, RS27T5561SR/AA
26.7 cu ft capacity
Family Hub touchscreen
ENERGY STAR
Fingerprint-resistant
Pros
- Family Hub touchscreen with Alexa built-in and app control
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- 26.7 cu ft redesigned interior fits 10 percent more groceries
- All-around cooling via multi-vent technology
- ENERGY STAR 2020 Emerging Technology Award
- High-capacity indoor icemaker saves shelf space
- 10-year parts warranty on the digital inverter compressor
Cons
- Standard-depth at 33.5 inches — will protrude past 36-inch cabinetry
- App features have a limited supported lifespan per reviewer reports
- Heavier at 306 pounds — needs two people to install
The Samsung RS27T5561SR is the smartest fridge on this list, and for a lot of shoppers that is the deciding factor. The Family Hub touchscreen on the right door lets you stream music, mirror your TV, see inside the fridge from the grocery store, and run Alexa voice commands without a separate Echo. For a household that already lives inside Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, this is the most integrated fridge in this price band.
Capacity is the headline number here — 26.7 cu ft is huge, with 17.2 cu ft of fresh food and 9.5 cu ft of freezer. If you cook in batches or entertain often, that extra cubic footage matters. The interior was redesigned in this generation to fit 10 percent more groceries than the previous Samsung 27 cu ft model, and the recessed handles give you a flat panel front that mimics a built-in look.
Cooling performance is even, thanks to multi-vent technology that pushes air through every shelf. The high-capacity indoor icemaker frees up an entire freezer shelf that older through-the-door designs used to eat. Owners rate this model 4.1 stars across 10 reviews, and the consensus on Samsung reliability has improved significantly over the past five years. The 10-year parts warranty on the digital inverter compressor is one of the longer coverage terms in the category.
The trade-off is depth — at 33.5 inches, this fridge is standard-depth and will stick out past your countertop edge by several inches. It will not give you the flush counter-depth look most shoppers searching “42 inch side by side” actually want. The Family Hub apps also stop getting updates after about 4 to 5 years according to forum chatter on r/appliances. For a smart fridge shopper who does not mind standard depth, this is the premium pick. For everyone else, Hamilton Beach is the better fit.
Who should buy the Samsung RS27T5561SR
Anyone who wants a smart fridge with a real touchscreen, app control, and voice assistant built in. It fits families that entertain often and need 25+ cu ft of storage. If you already use SmartThings or Alexa, this fridge ties into your existing smart home without extra hubs.
Who should skip the Samsung RS27T5561SR
Skip this if your kitchen layout requires a flush, counter-depth profile — this is a standard-depth unit. Skip it if you need a true 42-inch cabinet opening match (the Samsung is 35.88 inches wide). And skip it if you want zero smart features — you can save real money going with the Hamilton Beach or Iceblue.
3. Viking Professional 5 Series 42-Inch Built-In Side-by-Side — Best for True Built-In 42-Inch
Viking Professional 5 Series 42″ Built-In Side By Side Refrigerator
True 42 inch width
ProChill temperature management
23.9 cu ft
Built-in installation
Pros
- Only Amazon-available fridge on this list that is genuinely 42 inches wide
- ProChill Temperature Management System for tight temperature control
- Filter-free freshness design eliminates a maintenance step
- LED interior lighting throughout both compartments
- Stainless steel doors with professional-grade appearance
- Spill-proof glass shelving
Cons
- Average rating of 2 stars across 2 reviews — long-term durability concerns
- Reports of ice maker failure within years of purchase
- Reports of water damage developing underneath the unit
- Heavy professional installation almost certainly required
- Limited parts availability outside specialty service channels
The Viking Professional 5 Series is the only true 42-inch side-by-side refrigerator on this list. Every other model here is 36 inches wide. If you have a genuine 42-inch cabinet opening — typically left behind by an older Sub-Zero, Thermador, or Viking built-in — this is the unit that drops in cleanly without modification.
The build is professional-grade. Viking uses their ProChill Temperature Management System, which combines a variable-speed compressor with a single electronic control board to hold temperatures within a one-degree range. The filter-free design means no replacement air filters to buy every six months. Inside, you get 23.9 cu ft split across a left freezer and right refrigerator compartment, with LED lighting and spill-proof glass shelves. The stainless doors and professional handle design look at home next to a Wolf range or similar pro-grade setup.
I have to be honest with you about the reliability picture. The 2-star average across 2 Amazon reviews reflects two owners who experienced serious long-term problems — one replaced the unit after 15 years and another switched brands entirely after water damage appeared underneath. The through-the-door ice maker on side-by-side fridges of any brand has a 5 to 7 year expected lifespan according to multiple forum threads, and Viking’s is no exception.
Installation is another factor. A 42-inch built-in fridge is not a DIY project — it requires professional delivery through a 36-inch or wider door opening, dedicated electrical, and sometimes plumbing for the water line. You will want to budget for a specialty installer who works on Viking appliances regularly. If you have a real 42-inch opening and want a flush built-in without going through Sub-Zero’s dealer network, the Viking is the only Amazon-stock option. If you do not have a true 42-inch opening, the Hamilton Beach or Frigidaire counter-depth models solve the same flush-mount problem for less money.
Who should buy the Viking Professional 5 Series
Anyone with a real 42-inch cabinet opening left behind by an older built-in fridge. It fits homeowners who specifically want a pro-grade stainless look and need 23 to 24 cu ft of capacity in a flush-mounted configuration. It is also the right call if you are building out a kitchen around a Wolf or Viking appliance suite.
Who should skip the Viking Professional 5 Series
Skip this if your cabinet opening is actually 36 inches wide — you do not need to spend pro-grade money to solve a 36-inch problem. Skip it if reliability data matters more than the flush-mount look (the Hamilton Beach has 36 reviews averaging 4.1 stars versus Viking’s 2 reviews averaging 2 stars). And skip it if you want a DIY install — this unit requires professional delivery and setup.
4. SUMMIT FFRF36 Built-In Side-by-Side — Best Value Built-In Pick
36 in. 5.8 CU. FT. Built-in Side by Side Refrigerator with Freezer in Stainless Steel, COUN
36 inch built-in
5.8 cu ft
NSF certified
Compact
Pros
- Built-in or freestanding installation flexibility
- NSF certified for commercial-style applications
- Separate temperature display for each compartment
- Compact footprint fits ADUs and small kitchens
- Automatic defrost on both sides
- Lock on freezer compartment
Cons
- At least one verified owner reports the compressor is loud enough to be unusable in a living space
- Small 5.8 cu ft total capacity — not for primary household use
- Only 5 reviews — limited long-term reliability data
The SUMMIT FFRF36 is the smallest fridge on this list, and that is exactly the point. It is a 36-inch built-in or freestanding side-by-side with 5.8 cu ft of capacity, designed for accessory dwelling units, in-law suites, finished basements, or commercial break rooms — places where you do not need 20+ cu ft of storage but still want a built-in look with side-by-side doors.
What surprised me about the SUMMIT is the flexibility. You can install it as a built-in unit flush with cabinetry or leave it freestanding in a garage or basement. NSF certification means it meets commercial sanitation standards — useful if you are running a small business out of a home kitchen. Each compartment has its own temperature display, and automatic defrost runs on both the fridge and freezer sides. A lock on the freezer compartment is a nice touch if you have curious kids or share space with roommates.
At 164 pounds, it is much lighter than the other fridges on this list, which makes delivery and installation easier. Dimensions are 25.13 inches deep by 35.5 inches wide by 34.25 inches tall — note the under-counter height means it slides under most standard countertops, which the Viking and Samsung cannot do.
The honest caveat: one verified owner reported the compressor was loud enough that they had to remove the unit from their ADU entirely. Five reviews averaging 3.4 stars is a thin data set. The SUMMIT is the right call for a secondary space, an office kitchen, or a basement bar — not for a primary household fridge.
Who should buy the SUMMIT FFRF36
Anyone outfitting an ADU, in-law suite, garage conversion, or finished basement with a built-in fridge. It fits small office break rooms or commercial kitchens that need NSF certification. It is also the right call if you need an under-counter-height side-by-side, which the other five products on this list cannot deliver.
Who should skip the SUMMIT FFRF36
Skip this for primary household use — 5.8 cu ft is too small for a family. Skip it if you have any noise sensitivity (the loud compressor complaint is severe enough to matter). And skip it if you want a well-reviewed mainstream brand with deep support — Hamilton Beach and Samsung are safer picks.
5. Frigidaire Professional PRSC2222AF Counter Depth Side-by-Side — Best for Counter-Depth on a Budget
Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with CrispSeal Technology
36 inch counter-depth
22.3 cu ft
ENERGY STAR
EvenTemp cooling
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified and ADA compliant for accessibility
- Counter-depth 22.3 cu ft capacity at a competitive price
- External ice and water dispenser for filtered chilled water
- EvenTemp Cooling System holds consistent temperatures
- CrispSeal Plus crisper with sealed humidity control
- Deli drawer for cheese and lunch meat
Cons
- Reports of cosmetic damage on arrival (dents and holes)
- Only 3 reviews — quality control complaints from a verified buyer
- 36-inch width will not fit a true 42-inch cabinet opening
The Frigidaire Professional PRSC2222AF is a counter-depth side-by-side that aims for the same flush-mounted look as the Viking and Hamilton Beach at a much lower price. At 31 inches deep and 36.13 inches wide, it is technically deeper than true counter-depth but still shorter than a standard-depth unit like the Samsung, so it does protrude less past your countertops.
Capacity is the highlight. You get 22.3 cu ft total — 14.3 cu ft of fresh food and 8 cu ft of freezer — which puts it between the Hamilton Beach and Samsung in usable volume. The external ice and water dispenser pours filtered chilled water and cubes without opening the door, and the EvenTemp Cooling System is designed to hold temperatures steady through door openings. The CrispSeal Plus crisper has sealed humidity control for produce, and the dedicated deli drawer is something the Hamilton Beach and Iceblue lack.
ENERGY STAR and ADA compliance mean this fridge is accessible for wheelchair users and energy-efficient at 615 kWh per year. That annual energy number is higher than the Hamilton Beach (378 kWh), which is worth factoring in if you are replacing an old fridge and want to save on utilities.
The honest concern is quality control. Three reviews averaging 2.4 stars is not a confident data set, and the one verified buyer who rated it 1 star reported cosmetic damage on arrival — a real risk on a counter-depth unit that needs careful delivery. If you order this fridge, inspect it carefully before signing for delivery and have the driver wait while you check the doors and seals.
Who should buy the Frigidaire Professional PRSC2222AF
Anyone who wants a counter-depth side-by-side with an external ice and water dispenser and does not want to pay Samsung prices. It fits kitchens where you need more than 20 cu ft but less than 25, with the deli drawer being a real plus for households that buy block cheese and cold cuts regularly.
Who should skip the Frigidaire Professional PRSC2222AF
Skip this if you cannot inspect the unit on delivery — the quality control complaints about cosmetic damage are real. Skip it if you want smart features (this is a basic fridge with no Wi-Fi). And skip it if your cabinet opening is 42 inches — this is a 36-inch unit that solves the flush-mount look, not the actual width problem.
6. Iceblue LS-207BSSD Black Stainless Side-by-Side — Budget Pick for Secondary Spaces
20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators, 36″ Full Size Refrigerator – Black
20.7 cu ft
Black stainless
No water line
Dual-zone temp
Pros
- No water line required — install anywhere with a standard 115V outlet
- Black stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers with dairy compartment
- Dual-zone temperature control for fridge and freezer compartments
- Reversible door orientation for flexible installation
- Toughened glass shelves throughout
Cons
- One reviewer noted the fridge cavity feels narrower than expected for 20.7 cu ft
- Only 2 reviews — limited reliability data
- Black stainless finish shows fingerprints more than white or slate
The Iceblue LS-207BSSD is the most affordable true side-by-side on this list, and its standout feature is that it does not require a water line. That makes it the right pick for a garage, basement, office, or rental property where running a water line to the back of the fridge would be a hassle or impossible. You just plug it into a standard 115V outlet and it works.
Capacity is 20.7 cu ft — 13.25 cu ft fresh and 7.42 cu ft freezer. That is on par with the Hamilton Beach, which costs noticeably more. The dual-zone temperature control lets you set the freezer from -10 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and the fridge from 32 to 42 degrees with five manual settings. Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep produce fresh, and a dairy compartment is built in for butter and cream cheese.
Reversible door orientation is a small touch that matters for tight kitchens — you can flip which side the freezer opens on based on your layout. The toughened glass shelves feel more premium than wire racks and handle spills without rusting. Black stainless steel finish looks sharp in modern kitchens and resists smudges better than standard stainless.
Two verified reviewers gave the Iceblue 5 stars, which is a strong signal but a thin data set. One owner noted the interior cavity feels a bit narrower than expected for a 20.7 cu ft unit — a common complaint on budget counter-depth fridges. If you need a no-frills side-by-side for a secondary space and do not want to plumb a water line, this is the right pick. If you need a primary kitchen fridge with a deep support network, the Hamilton Beach is safer.
Who should buy the Iceblue LS-207BSSD
Anyone outfitting a garage, basement, office break room, or rental property with a no-plumbing-required side-by-side. It fits buyers on a tight budget who still want 20+ cu ft of organized storage. It is also a smart choice if you need reversible doors for a tight kitchen layout.
Who should skip the Iceblue LS-207BSSD
Skip this if you need a primary household fridge from a brand with a deep service network — Iceblue is a smaller brand with limited support. Skip it if you want a built-in look (this is a standard-depth unit that will protrude past your countertops). And skip it if a true 42-inch cabinet opening is what you actually have.
What to Consider When Buying a 42-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator?
The 42-inch side-by-side category is unusual enough that the buying decisions are different from a standard 36-inch fridge. Here is what actually matters when you are shopping in 2026.
Counter-depth vs built-in vs freestanding at 42 inches
This is the single biggest decision you will make. Counter-depth fridges are 24 to 25 inches deep at the cabinet (closer to 28 to 31 inches with doors and handles), so they sit nearly flush with your countertop edge for a built-in look without the cost. Built-in fridges are designed to slide into a cabinet cavity with finished sides and a flush front — the Viking on this list is the only true built-in among the six, with Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Monogram being dealer-only alternatives. Freestanding units like the Samsung and Iceblue are standard-depth (33+ inches) and will protrude past your countertops by 4 to 6 inches.
Counter-depth units typically give up 5 to 8 cu ft versus a freestanding unit of the same width — a real trade-off if you cook in batches or entertain large crowds. If your kitchen is already a galley layout with a 24 to 25 inch cabinet depth, counter-depth is the obvious pick. If you have a true 42-inch cabinet opening from an older built-in, you need a built-in unit, which means Viking or a dealer-only brand.
Capacity and dimensions at 42 inch width
A 42-inch side-by-side typically delivers 21 to 26 cu ft of total capacity — the Viking sits at 23.9 cu ft, which is right in the middle of that range. For comparison, the Samsung at 36 inches wide delivers 26.7 cu ft, and the Hamilton Beach at 36 inches delivers 20.6 cu ft. The width matters less for capacity than the depth and height do.
Measure your space carefully before buying. A 42-inch cabinet opening needs a fridge with a width under 42 inches including any door clearance. The Viking at exactly 42 inches wide drops in cleanly with no room to spare — leave at least half an inch on each side for ventilation. The 36-inch counter-depth units need at least 36.5 inches of width plus door swing clearance, which can add another 12 to 18 inches when the doors are open. For more on sizing side-by-sides, see our guide to the best cu ft side by side refrigerators.
Ice and water dispenser options
Side-by-side fridges split ice and water into three main configurations: through-the-door external dispensers (Frigidaire), internal water dispensers with the ice maker inside the freezer (Samsung, Hamilton Beach), and no dispenser at all (Iceblue). External dispensers are the most convenient but use more energy because the door seals are less tight, and through-the-door ice makers are notorious for breaking within 5 to 7 years per multiple forum reports on side-by-side ice makers.
Internal dispensers save energy and last longer because the door seals stay tight, but you have to open the fridge to fill a glass. No dispenser at all is the most reliable option and gives you a smooth, clean front — best for a built-in look. If you entertain often and want quick ice access, external is fine. If you want long-term reliability, internal or no dispenser is the safer call.
Smart features at 42 inch size
Smart features on a 42-inch fridge are limited because the niche is dominated by professional built-in brands that prioritize flush mounting over app connectivity. The Samsung RS27T5561SR on this list is the only real smart option — Family Hub touchscreen, Alexa built-in, SmartThings app control. The Viking and SUMMIT are not smart fridges. The Frigidaire, Hamilton Beach, and Iceblue have basic electronic controls but no Wi-Fi.
For shoppers who want smart features at the 36-inch counter-depth size instead of the true 42-inch size, see our broader guide to the best side by side refrigerators for full smart-fridge coverage. The honest answer is that if a 42-inch smart fridge is a hard requirement, your options outside the Samsung are limited to dealer-only brands.
Energy efficiency at 42 inches
Energy use on a 42-inch side-by-side ranges from about 378 kWh per year (Hamilton Beach) to 691 kWh per year (Samsung). The difference matters: at average US electricity rates, the Hamilton Beach costs roughly $50 less per year to run than the Samsung. Over a 15-year lifespan, that adds up to real money.
Look for ENERGY STAR certification, which all six units on this list carry. If you are replacing a fridge built before 2001, expect your energy bill to drop noticeably — pre-2001 fridges use 1,000+ kWh per year versus 400 to 700 for modern units. The Hamilton Beach, Iceblue, and SUMMIT are the most efficient on this list.
Installation, cabinet fit, and ventilation
A 42-inch built-in fridge is not a weekend project. You will need professional delivery — these units weigh 200 to 350 pounds and will not fit through a standard 32-inch doorway without removing the doors. Cabinet fit needs at least a quarter inch of clearance on each side for ventilation, and the back needs 1 to 2 inches of airflow space. If your kitchen has a water line for an ice maker, confirm the fridge’s water inlet is on the correct side before ordering.
Built-in units like the Viking and SUMMIT also need a dedicated 120V outlet on a separate circuit — sharing a circuit with a dishwasher or microwave can trip breakers when the compressor cycles. For shoppers fitting out a 42-inch opening in an existing kitchen, professional measurement is worth the $100 to $200 charge before you order. If you are picking a side-by-side for a busy family kitchen where downtime is not an option, see our guide to side by side refrigerators for busy homes.
Reliability and warranty at 42 inches
Built-in and counter-depth fridges have a reputation for expensive compressor repairs once the warranty expires — forum reports on Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Viking units put compressor replacement at $1,000 to $2,000 out of warranty. Counter-depth Samsung and LG units are cheaper to repair but have more frequent ice maker and display board issues according to multiple Reddit threads.
Warranty length varies significantly. Samsung offers 10 years parts on the digital inverter compressor — the longest on this list. Hamilton Beach offers 1 year parts and labor. Viking’s warranty goes through their pro-grade service network, which is good but only as reliable as your local authorized technician. If long-term reliability is your priority, look at the warranty terms carefully and consider an extended warranty on a built-in unit.
Counter-depth look without the 42-inch cabinet
For shoppers who want the flush, built-in look but do not have a true 42-inch cabinet opening, the Hamilton Beach, Frigidaire, and Iceblue are all reasonable counter-depth options at 36 inches wide. None of them solves the actual 42-inch width problem, but they solve the “flush-mounted appearance” problem at a fraction of the cost. If your kitchen has a 42-inch opening from an older built-in unit, only the Viking on this list drops in cleanly — otherwise, plan on cabinet modification.
For shoppers who want a side-by-side without an ice or water dispenser at all, see our guide to side by side refrigerators without water dispensers for no-plumbing options like the Iceblue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 42 inch side by side refrigerators counter depth?
Most 42-inch side-by-side refrigerators are counter-depth or fully built-in units, which is why this width exists as a niche. The cabinet depth on a counter-depth model runs 24 to 25 inches, so the fridge sits nearly flush with your countertops. Built-in 42-inch models like the Viking Professional slide into a cabinet cavity for a fully flush front. Standard-depth side-by-sides are 33 to 36 inches wide, not 42.
What is the best 42 inch side by side refrigerator?
The Viking Professional 5 Series is the only true 42-inch side-by-side currently available on Amazon, making it the best option for shoppers with a real 42-inch cabinet opening. For everyone else who wants the counter-depth look without the pro-grade price, the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is our top recommendation at 36 inches wide with a flush 27.79-inch depth and 4.1 stars across 36 reviews.
How wide is a standard side by side refrigerator?
A standard side-by-side refrigerator runs 33 to 36 inches wide. The 36-inch width is the most common because it matches a standard cabinet opening. 42-inch side-by-side units are a specialty category typically found in counter-depth or fully built-in configurations, often used to replace older built-in fridges from Sub-Zero, Thermador, or Viking.
How much does a 42 inch refrigerator cost?
42-inch side-by-side refrigerators span a wide price range depending on configuration. Counter-depth 36-inch alternatives run in the low four-figure range, while the Viking Professional 5 Series 42-inch built-in sits in the pro-grade tier. Dealer-only brands like Sub-Zero and Thermador for true 42-inch built-ins can climb significantly higher with custom panel options.
What brand of refrigerator lasts the longest?
Built-in brands like Sub-Zero and Thermador are widely reported to last 15 to 20 years, but compressor repairs can run $1,000 to $2,000 once the warranty expires. Among the brands in this guide, Samsung offers a 10-year parts warranty on the digital inverter compressor — the longest on this list. For mainstream counter-depth reliability, Samsung and LG have improved significantly over the past five years.
Final Verdict
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is our pick for the best 42 inch side by side refrigerator in 2026 for most shoppers. It has the strongest combination of rating and review count on this list — 4.1 stars across 36 reviews — and it solves the actual flush-mount problem that drives most 42-inch searches without the pro-grade price tag of a true built-in.
If you have a real 42-inch cabinet opening from an older built-in unit, the Viking Professional 5 Series is the only Amazon-stock option that drops in cleanly, though you should weigh the reliability concerns against the pro-grade build. If you want smart features and the largest capacity, the Samsung Family Hub is the premium pick. For secondary spaces, ADUs, and tight budgets, the SUMMIT and Iceblue round out a complete buying guide for 2026.