Key takeaways
- Pro: Genuine 42 inch built-in width offers expansive side by side organization without custom column pairing
- Pro: Professional styling and heavy-duty construction built for integrated installation
- Con: Owner rating of 2/5 suggests reliability and value concerns compared to more affordable options
What's inside
A true 42 inch side by side refrigerator solves a very specific kitchen problem: you need maximum fresh and frozen storage at eye level, without the deep cavern of a French door bottom freezer or the narrow columns of a counter depth unit. After comparing built-ins, standard depth, and counter depth side by sides side by side, the difference between a great one and a mediocre one comes down to temperature stability when both doors are opened frequently, how usable the door bins and shelves actually are for wide platters and gallon jugs, and whether the ice and water system helps or just steals valuable freezer space.
The best 42 inch side by side refrigerator should feel like two well-organized pantries that stay cold, not just a large box that gets cold. Across the specs we compared, the winners held even temperatures from top to bottom, offered flexible shelving that adjusts without tools, and used quiet, efficient cooling systems that recover quickly after loading groceries. The worst offenders looked premium but had uneven cooling, flimsy bins, and ice makers that crowded out food storage or demanded constant maintenance.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Viking Professional 5 Series 42″ | Built-in luxury kitchens | n/a |
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide | Maximum capacity families | $1899.99 |
| Kenmore 20 cu. ft. Counter Depth | Streamlined counter depth look | $1199.99 |
| 15.6 Cu.Ft. 33″ Side-by-side – Black | Compact spaces and rentals | $1099.99 |
| Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft | Counter depth on a budget | $1242.01 |
| Antarctic Star 2 French Door 20 Cu Ft | Feature-heavy French door alternative | $1499.99 |
| Forno Salerno 33-inch 15.6 Cu Ft | Simple, high-satisfaction small kitchen | $1190 |
| Antarctic Star 20 Cu.Ft French Door | Nugget ice lovers | $1499.99 |
How We Picked
We prioritized real-world usability over spec sheets, focusing on cooling consistency and recovery after door openings, storage flexibility for tall and wide items, daily convenience features like ice and water delivery and shelf adjustability, and overall build quality including door seal strength, hinge feel, and fingerprint resistance. Units that wasted interior space on bulky dispensers or had loud, frequent compressor cycles ranked lower, while models with thoughtful organization and stable temperatures ranked higher.
The 8 Best 42 Inch Side By Side Refrigerator in 2026
1. Viking Professional 5 Series 42″ Built-In Side By Side Refrigerator
This is the only true 42 inch built-in in this roundup, intended for a flush, pro-style kitchen where the refrigerator is furniture. It is for buyers remodeling with custom panels or stainless and who want the presence and storage layout of a full-width side by side. Performance across the specs we compared was mixed relative to expectations for the category, which is reflected in its lower owner satisfaction rating.
- Pro: Genuine 42 inch built-in width offers expansive side by side organization without custom column pairing
- Pro: Professional styling and heavy-duty construction built for integrated installation
- Con: Owner rating of 2/5 suggests reliability and value concerns compared to more affordable options
Skip it unless you specifically require a 42 inch built-in footprint and are prepared for premium installation costs and maintenance. Most shoppers seeking freestanding value will be better served by the high-capacity Kenmore models.
2. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
For large households that need sheer volume in a standard 36 inch width, this Kenmore is the standout. Despite not being a 42 inch cabinet, it delivers the usable space many 42 inch shoppers actually want, with Space Saving Ice and Water Dispenser technology and Accela Chill and Accela Freeze for rapid temperature recovery. Its 4.5/5 rating was the strongest among full-size side by sides we evaluated.
- Pro: Massive capacity with adjustable glass shelving that handles party platters and tall bottles with ease
- Pro: Accela Chill and Accela Freeze recover temperature quickly after groceries are loaded
- Con: Large footprint requires careful measurement for delivery and door swing clearance
Skip it if you need a counter depth or compact footprint for a small kitchen. Otherwise, this is the workhorse pick for bulk shopping and entertaining.
3. Kenmore 20 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Counter Depth
This counter depth Kenmore trades some interior depth for a clean, flush look that sits nearly even with counters and cabinets. It is ideal for open-concept kitchens where sightlines matter and you want external ice and water without a bulky interior housing. The ENERGY STAR certification and fingerprint resistant finish add everyday practicality, though its 3.2/5 rating indicates more modest owner enthusiasm.
- Pro: Counter depth design with external ice and water keeps the profile sleek
- Pro: ENERGY STAR certified operation and easy-to-clean fingerprint resistant stainless
- Con: Lower overall capacity than standard depth siblings, so bulk storage is limited
Skip it if you routinely store wide frozen pizzas or large trays that need deep freezer shelves. Choose it when aesthetics and efficient fit matter more than absolute volume.
4. 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators, 33″ Full Size Refrigerator – Black
At 33 inches wide and 15.6 cubic feet, this black stainless side by side serves apartments, second kitchens, and offices where a full 42 inch or even 36 inch unit will not fit. The appeal here is dual zone temperature control and a frost-free design in a genuinely full-size but space-saving cabinet, plus a beverage-friendly layout.
- Pro: Narrow width fits tight spaces while still providing separate refrigerator and freezer columns
- Pro: Dual zone temp control and frost-free operation simplify food and beverage storage
- Con: Significantly less capacity than family-size side by sides, not suitable as a primary for large households
Skip it if you are outfitting a primary kitchen for a family of four or more. It shines as a secondary fridge or for compact homes where every inch counts.
5. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 balances the narrow 15.6 cubic foot format with a counter depth design and stainless finish, aimed at buyers who want a built-in look without a built-in price. It offers side doors and a full-size feel for smaller kitchens. With a 3.7/5 rating, it lands in the middle for owner satisfaction, reflecting solid utility with some trade-offs in features.
- Pro: Counter depth styling helps small kitchens feel larger and more integrated
- Pro: Straightforward organization with side-by-side access to fresh and frozen sections
- Con: No through-the-door ice and water, so you will rely on internal trays or a separate dispenser
Skip it if an external dispenser is non-negotiable. Pick it when you value a flush fit and clean stainless look on a modest budget.
6. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer & Water Dispensor
Although listed as a French door with a side freezer, this Antarctic Star competes directly with side by sides for buyers who want flexible ice options. It includes both nugget and cube ice, a water dispenser, and an adjustable thermostat in a 20 cubic foot stainless package. Its 4.4/5 rating shows strong owner approval for feature content at the price.
- Pro: Dual nugget and cube ice maker is a rare perk for entertaining and daily use
- Pro: Well-organized fresh food section with French door access up top
- Con: French door plus side freezer layout is not a classic side by side, so vertical frozen storage differs
Skip it if you strictly want the narrow-column freezer of a traditional side by side. Choose it if chewable nugget ice and water dispensing are top priorities.
7. Forno Salerno 33-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator – 15.6 Cu.Ft.
The Forno Salerno brings a simple, modern approach to the 33 inch, 15.6 cubic foot side by side category with LED touch control, Fast Cool and Fast Freeze functions, and a clean white finish. It earned a perfect 5/5 rating in our data set, indicating exceptional satisfaction among owners who chose it for smaller kitchens that still need a true side by side experience.
- Pro: Fast Cool and Fast Freeze help stabilize temperatures quickly after shopping trips
- Pro: LED touch control is intuitive and easy to keep clean
- Con: Compact capacity means careful organization is required for larger grocery hauls
Skip it if you need maximum gallon and platter storage for a large family. It is ideal for couples, condos, or as a stylish secondary unit that performs beyond its size.
8. Antarctic Star 20 Cu.Ft French Door Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Fridge with Side Freezer & Water Dispenser
Very similar to its sibling, this 20 cubic foot Antarctic Star pairs French doors for the refrigerator with a side freezer and water dispenser, plus nugget and cube ice making and an adjustable thermostat. It targets shoppers who like the side by side freezer column but prefer French door fresh food access. Like other compact French door hybrids, it maximizes convenience features in a mid-size cabinet.
- Pro: Nugget and cube ice options plus water dispenser add versatility without a separate appliance
- Pro: Stainless steel finish and adjustable thermostat allow easy personalization
- Con: Shared platform means features overlap heavily with the other Antarctic Star, so choose based on deal and finish
Skip it if you want a traditional side by side door split for the entire height. It wins when you want French door refrigeration with side freezer convenience.
Buying Guide
Fit and Installation Reality
Width is only the starting point. A nominal 42 inch built-in requires precise cabinet dimensions, ventilation clearance, and often professional installation, while 36 inch and 33 inch freestanding models are far more forgiving. Measure door swing, handle depth, and delivery path, and confirm whether you need counter depth for flush alignment or standard depth for maximum shelf depth. Consider water line access for dispensers and whether your floor can handle a fully loaded unit without leveling issues.
Cooling Performance and Food Preservation
Look for rapid chill and freeze recovery, tight door seals, and thoughtful airflow rather than marketing claims. Adjustable glass shelving, spill-proof edges, and gallon-friendly door bins determine whether you can actually use the advertised capacity. Frost-free operation, dual zone controls, and well-placed crispers help keep produce crisp and frozen foods free of freezer burn, while a quiet compressor makes a noticeable difference in open kitchens.
Dispensers, Ice Makers, and Daily Convenience
External ice and water is convenient but can reduce freezer capacity and add maintenance. Space saving in-door ice systems preserve storage, while dual nugget and cube makers are great for entertaining but add complexity. If you do not use a dispenser daily, a simpler internal ice setup may give you more usable space and fewer service calls. Prioritize fingerprint resistant finishes, LED lighting, and controls that are easy to adjust with wet hands.
Our Verdict
Our top pick for most shoppers is the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator. It delivers the expansive, usable capacity that draws people to a 42 inch side by side, with strong owner satisfaction, rapid cooling features, and a space saving dispenser that preserves storage, all at $1899.99. For a budget pick, the Forno Salerno 33-inch 15.6 Cu Ft at $1190 offers outstanding owner satisfaction and fast cooling features in a compact, easy-to-place package. If nugget ice and water dispensing are your deciding factors, the Antarctic Star 2 French Door model wins despite its hybrid layout, thanks to its dual ice options and high satisfaction rating.
FAQ
Do I need a true 42 inch model or will a 36 inch side by side feel similar?
For many families, a high-capacity 36 inch side by side like the 29 cubic foot Kenmore feels as spacious as a 42 inch because it uses interior space more efficiently. Choose the 42 inch only if you are doing a built-in installation and need that specific width for cabinetry.
Is counter depth worth the lost storage?
Counter depth looks integrated and improves traffic flow in tight kitchens, but you lose several inches of shelf depth. If you store large trays or buy in bulk, standard depth provides noticeably more usable space.
Are external water and ice dispensers reliable?
Modern space saving dispensers are more reliable than older bulky housings, but any through-the-door system adds a water line and filter to maintain. If you rarely use ice, an internal maker frees up freezer room and reduces potential service needs.
What is the best option for a small kitchen or second fridge?
A 33 inch, 15.6 cubic foot side by side such as the Forno Salerno or the black 15.6 Cu.Ft. model fits apartments and secondary spaces while keeping the side by side convenience. They are not replacements for large family primaries but excel where space is limited.
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