The Best 48-inch Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2024

Shopping for a 48-inch counter-depth refrigerator can feel like a major undertaking.

Do you go with a side-by-side or a French door model?

Worried about the cost?

Don’t sweat it.

This article is here to help you sort through your options.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which 48-inch fridge is right for you, and we’ll even clue you in on a few things to consider before you make your purchase.

Let's get started.

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The Best 48-inch Counter-Depth Refrigerators for 2024

Sub-Zero CL4850UFDID/S/P

Sub-Zero Classic Series 28.9 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator

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Sub-Zero's 48-inch built-in refrigerators have gained popularity for their extensive selection of features and options in this size range.

Sub-Zero is the largest family-owned American appliance manufacturer, based in Madison, Wisconsin.

They were the first to introduce twin compressors, one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer, preventing the warmer, moist air of the refrigerator from cycling into the colder, drier freezer.

Sub-Zero has recently introduced a new French-door refrigerator with a completely revamped interior and a range of new features.

Advantages

Split Climate

One of the new additions is the "Split Climate" feature.

This ensures that air circulates in multiple directions, maintaining a consistent temperature within a one-degree range.

Better Lighting

This refrigerator features LED lighting at the top and a lighting system in the back, illuminating your food from every angle.

Flip-Up Dairy Compartment

A small but smart feature allows you to fit taller bottles on the bottom shelf.

Nanotechnology Shelving

This refrigerator's nanotechnology-coated shelves congeal spills, preventing sticky messes like grape juice from spreading.

Food Fresh for Longer

The refrigerator is designed to keep food fresher for longer with its tight vacuum seal.

The seal is strong enough to require extra effort when opening the door initially. The magnets on the crispers are also designed to keep air out.

Additionally, an air purifier "scrubs" ethylene gases off spoiling foods to reduce spoilage.

Ice Dispenser

It's available in stainless steel or with a custom cabinet panel on the front. Both styles are available with or without an ice dispenser.

Smart Functionality

All Sub-Zero refrigerators are Wi-Fi enabled. You can control the temperature from your phone and receive text alerts if the door is left open.

Warranty

Sub-Zero offers the best warranty in the industry, with a full five-year warranty and 12 years on the compressor.

Highlighted Features

• Twin Compressors: Although most built-in brands now offer twin compressors, Sub-Zero was the pioneer. With twin compressors, the environments in the refrigerator and freezer are kept separate, ensuring that frozen food tastes better and the freezer defrosts less.
• Vacuum Door Seal: The doors are vacuum-sealed to prevent outside air from entering. Try opening a Sub-Zero and then a competitive brand to feel the difference.
• Ethylene Air Scrubber: Spoiling foods release ethylene gas. Sub-Zero's NASA-patented air purifier scrubs these gases off, reducing cross-contamination.
• Magnetic Crispers: Their crispers close tightly with magnets.
• Pure Water: Sub-Zero has added a pure water filter and an internal water dispenser to improve water quality.
• Nanotechnology Shelving: Sub-Zero's shelves are coated with nanotechnology, which congeals rather than spreads spillage.

Read More: Are Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Money?

True TR-48SBS-SS-C

True's entry into the residential refrigeration market five years ago marked a significant development.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, True is the largest family-owned commercial refrigerator company in America.

Widely considered the best commercial product, True's appliances are a common sight in supermarkets.

If you've ever grabbed frozen food or a soda at Whole Foods or Wegmans, it was likely from a True refrigerator or freezer.

True appliances are incredibly robust, from the doors to the hinges, with almost every part manufactured in their own factory.

Not only are the components made in-house, but each refrigerator is also rigorously tested.

Advantages

One Million Pull Test

The unit undergoes rigorous testing, with hinges designed to withstand 1,000,000 pulls.

All Stainless

The refrigerator features a professional, all-stainless design that’s easy to clean and cools quickly.

Customization

Available in 12 finishes and six hinge accent colors, you can choose from options like green with polished brass or cobalt with gold accents.

Dual Compressor

Features a dual-compressor system.

LED Lighting

Includes ramp-up LED lighting and upfront electronic controls.

Refrigerator Drawers

Comes with all-steel crispers with soft-close hinges and door shelving, unlike their commercial units.

Side Panels

True is the only manufacturer that offers side panels for a freestanding look.

Highlighted Features

• Two Compressors & Two Evaporators
• Customization: Customize with ten base colors and six trims for the hinges.
• LCD Controls: The True 42 control clinal delivers professional performance.
• Ramp-Up Lighting: Highlights the beautiful, all-stainless-steel interior.
• Door Bins: Three adjustable, removable stainless steel door bins.
• Glass Shelving: Stainless steel-trimmed, adjustable, and removable glass shelves.
• Drawers: Feature soft-close glides and are made of stainless steel.
• Freezer Baskets: Include three polished stainless-steel wire baskets.
• Door Hinges: Solid stainless steel, designed to stay open at 120° and pass extreme testing with a silent, soft close.
• Stainless Interior: Absorbs cold better and offers the highest hygiene.

Disadvantages

• No Panel-Ready Options: True refrigerators cannot be purchased panel-ready.
• No Wi-Fi or Smart Home Connectivity: These units lack smart functionality.

If you want to learn more about True, listen to their CEO from our series, Behind the Brand.

Thermador Pro T48BT120NS

Thermador Pro T48BT120NS is the first integrated refrigerator on this list, meaning it seamlessly blends with cabinetry.

Unlike models from SubZero, True, and Monogram, its door and handle do not protrude.

However, it offers slightly less cubic footage—26.8 versus 29.1 for the SubZero—so you do lose some space.

It's an aesthetically pleasing appliance, but there are potential issues to consider. But, let's look at its features first.

Highlighted Features

• Stainless Steel Interior: Stainless steel is the most hygienic surface, with its solid construction preventing the proliferation of germs unlike other materials.
• Ethylene Filter: This filters gases from spoiling food, keeping items fresher longer and preventing cross-contamination.
• Twin Compressors/Evaporators: While now standard in premium refrigerators, it's worth noting that the separation of the refrigerator's warmer, moist air from the freezer's colder, dry air minimizes defrosting. This also prevents odor transfer between compartments, ensuring that your food, especially in the freezer, maintains its taste.
• ThermaFlex Convertible Refrigerator Freezer: The top drawer on the right can switch between 0 to 37 degrees, offering flexibility to use it as either a refrigerator or freezer.
• Thermador Pro Ice Drawer: Easily accessible by pulling out the drawer, offering two types of ice—thicker "Diamond Ice," ideal for cocktails and fine liquors, and regular ice for other beverages.
• Interior Water Dispenser: Convenient access to cold, filtered water from the left-hand side in all models.
• LCD Controls: Features an LCD screen that enhances the presentation by displaying all settings.
• HomeConnect Wi-Fi: Adjust temperatures and check filter status via the HomeConnect app, which also allows control of other functions and sends alerts if the door is left open.
• Four Cameras: Check the refrigerator's contents while shopping to avoid buying duplicate items.
• Crisper Bins: Solid construction and an inch deeper than those in similar SKS models.
• 39 dB Quiet Operation: Operates quietly at 39 dB, surpassing the standard quietness level of 44 dB.

Disadvantages

• Height and Compressor Location: With the compressor positioned below, the unit's total height reaches 79.5 inches, which may be inconveniently high for some users.
• Limited Shelving: The shelving options are restricted due to a protruding bulge in the middle.
• Complex Installation: Installation is notably difficult, requiring trained professionals approximately 8 hours to install.

Read More: Should You Buy a Thermador Pro Refrigerator?

Monogram ZISS480DNSS

Monogram is the most budget-friendly option on this list, priced at $13,100 with up to $4,500 in rebates available.

Advantages

Dispenser

I thought I would start here because the other brands don't have one except for Sub-Zero.

The well-designed stainless steel dispenser can accommodate various types of glassware, including pitchers.

Air Tower

Monogram's 48-inch refrigerator has a unique temperature management system.

Instead of a top-down approach, they utilize an air tower encompassing each shelf, ensuring consistent cooling throughout the unit.

Climate Drawer

This system extends to their climate-controlled drawer, allowing you to quickly thaw meats or chill beverages with a button.

SmartHQ

Monogram's SmartHQ app provides an excellent Wi-Fi experience, making it the best in the industry for connectivity and smart features.

Highlighted Features

• Advanced temperature management system with multi-shelf air tower: Provides even distribution of air throughout the refrigerator.
• Climate-control drawer: Allows you to express-chill beverages, express-thaw meats, and select specific temperatures for perishable foods.
• Wi-Fi Connect: Enjoy the convenience and freedom of wirelessly controlling functions from your smartphone.
• LED lighting: Light columns in the freezer and fresh food compartments extend the full length of the interior, and LED lighting located inside the vegetable and climate-control drawers illuminates contents without compromising space.
• True stainless dispenser: Designed to accommodate glassware of all sizes, from pitchers to tumblers.
• GE water filter: It has been moved from the fresh food compartment to the overhead cabinet, where it is discreetly out of sight.
• Deli drawer on full-extension slides: Keeps meats, cheeses, and other everyday foods within easy reach.
• Sealed vegetable drawer: Helps preserve the freshness of foods.

Disadvantages

• Monogram lacks the air purification system or nanotechnology found in Sub-Zero refrigerators.
• In addition, it doesn't have the solid stainless steel interior or customization options found in True refrigerators.

Read More: Sub-Zero vs. Monogram Refrigerators

SKS SKSFD4826P

SKS is the premium line of LG.

SKS marketed the first 48-inch French-door refrigerator. It's similar to the Thermador Pro with the French door and four doors underneath.

Advantages

Linear Compressor

The SKS 48-inch refrigerator has an inverter compressor.

It's worth mentioning that LG's linear compressors were involved in a class-action lawsuit in 2019.

However, they have improved the original design. In SKS, they added a second inverter, so this refrigerator has two compressors and evaporators.

Quiet

Fewer working parts mean fewer problems, making SKS the quietest refrigerator on the market at 39 dB (decibels), tied with Thermador.

Integrated Design

SKS is integrated, meaning it is seamless to the cabinet like Thermador. I will describe this more later in the article.

However, SKS is less deep, and so is its cubic footage, which is 26 cu. ft. compared to 28.9 cu. ft. for the Sub-Zero.

Temperature Control

Like the Monogram, SKS has four sensors and strategically placed vents throughout the body for optimal cooling performance.

Convertible Drawer

The bottom left drawer is convertible for a freezer or refrigerator with five settings from 41 degrees to –7. So you always have flexibility.

Thermador ranges from 0 to 37 degrees.

Metal Back

While it's not entirely made of metal like True refrigerators, it does have a metal backing, which allows it to better absorb cold temperatures.

Ice Makers

This refrigerator has regular ice, Craft Ice, and larger, round spheres. Craft Ice is slower to dissolve and ideal for scotch and other cocktails.

Highlighted Features

• Dual ice maker with Ice
• Convertible drawer
• Precise preservation
• LED Lighting
• Signature Fit™ integrated design

Disadvantages

• You have fewer cubic feet.
• The top of the refrigerator is better than Thermador's, but it's still at six foot three.
• Like Thermador, the installation is tough even with qualified installers.

Viking VCSB5483

Viking redesigned their refrigerator with their ProChill temperature management system and DC Overdrive compressor.

Advantages

Electronic Temperature Display

Like the others, they have an electronic temperature display in the front.

Plasmacluster Technology

They even have Sharp's Plasmacluster technology. This air purifier removes bacteria from your refrigerator and keeps it fresh.

LED Lighting and Custom Colors

Viking's refrigerator has LED lighting, 17 custom colors, and soft-close crispers, which seal air from the rest of the refrigerator.

Integrated Columns

They have also introduced integrated columns in their seven-series models.

However, one of the problems with a Viking refrigerator is its single compressor, compared to two compressors in the others.

In a refrigerator this big, two compressors may be better.

Having two compressors also eliminates taste and odor transfer to the freezer. Colder air will not enter the warmer refrigerator, and warmer air will not travel to the freezer.

Viking also needs to work on its reliability, especially for refrigerators. Make sure your dealer is also responsible for service.

To be transparent, we do not sell or service Viking products.

Still, it's a significant improvement for Viking. Kudos. Like the others on this list, Viking is an American-made company, so it deserves your consideration.

Highlighted Features

• LED Lighting
• Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifier
• Metal Door Bins
• Robust Dura Hinge
• Adjustable HumidityZone Drawer

French Door vs. Side-by-Side Refrigerators

I haven't had to include this section until this year.

French doors have larger refrigerators and more lateral storage, while side-by-side refrigerators have more freezer space and more organized storage from top to bottom.

Common 48-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator Problems

Many people are focused on brands and features as they should be. There are other factors of concern. Some are big problems. Let's take a look.

Delivery

You would think delivery is simple and a similar experience at every store. Delivering a 600–800-pound refrigerator on new soft floors requires significant professional expertise.

Check reviews of any appliance and delivery companies before you buy any appliance.

Pro Tip: Make sure at least three people are involved in delivering any oversized refrigerator or freezer.

Installation

Installation is critical for a refrigerator this large. You must ensure the compressor is fastened to the wall because all the weight is on the top. The refrigerator could tip if it is not installed properly.

Check the electrical and water specifications if you're replacing your old 48-inch refrigerator.

They differ between brands.

Installing professional refrigerators from SKS and Thermador requires extreme patience. Even if you know what you're doing, it takes eight hours.

Service

I mention this in every post: we have three stores and handled over 37,000 service calls last year in the Boston area alone.

Contrary to what stores might tell you, service is a significant issue.

When it comes to refrigerators, you need a specialized technician.

Read More: 3 Reasons to Never Buy a Counter-Depth Refrigerator

Professional vs. Customized Integrated Refrigerators

There are two ways to buy a 48-inch refrigerator. The first is buying a one-unit professional refrigerator like the SKS or Thermador refrigerators we featured above. 

The second is to buy two integrated refrigerators. You can customize and buy one set at 30 and 18 inches or two 24-inch units to make a total of 48 inches wide.

If you are a lefty, you can place the refrigerator on the left or split the refrigeration. You can have the refrigerator in the kitchen and the freezer in the pantry.

• Professional Refrigerator: A professional refrigerator has commercial styling with the compressor on the top.
• Integrated Refrigerator: An integrated refrigerator is 25 inches deep for a seamless installation. It will look indistinguishable from the cabinet with custom panels. You can install an integrated refrigerator without custom panels in stainless steel.

In my opinion, a professional refrigerator looks better in stainless, while an integrated looks better hidden behind panels.

The width will be the same, but you will have 10% more cubic footage with the pro-style due to the added depth.

An integrated 48-inch fridge can also be achieved by combining 30-inch and 18-inch or two 24-inch columns, as we mentioned earlier.

Best Integrated Column Refrigeration

Below are a few of our best options for the best integrated refrigerators with a 30-inch refrigerator and an 18-inch freezer. They are all similar in layout compared to buying one 48-inch unit.

Thermador T30IR905SP and T18ID905LP

Thermador has updated its Freedom refrigerator. Again. Now Thermador is all stainless on the inside. Thermador's stainless interior is easier to clean and has a colder surface.

Thermador has elegant, easy-to-use TFT controls. You can scroll through many options, so you don't need an instruction guide.

They have the option of customizable bins for the door. You can store produce or medicines for quick access right on the door.

The door pulls or pushes depending on how you set it. Pushing is a good option because you can open the door easily with your hands full.

Wi-Fi is convenient, not necessary, allowing you to remotely change the temperature. The texts will alert you when the door is left open or when you need to change the filter.

Sub-Zero IC18FI-LH and IC-30R-RH

Sub-Zero has a ton of refrigerator options.

Sub-Zero's column refrigeration has the same features as their PRO units with an air scrubber, nanotechnology shelving, and a vacuum seal gasket.

Their new integrated refrigerators will also have stainless steel on the inside.

Read More: Is a Sub-Zero Refrigerator Worth the Money?

Which 48-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator Should You Buy?

It depends.

For a 48-inch professional refrigerator, your choice depends on features and style.

For features that keep food fresh and are reliable, Sub-Zero is the most popular option, with True being an excellent option.

However, a Monogram is a good, less expensive option.

If you place panels on your refrigerator, you should consider integrated units. The seamless look is striking.

You can now buy that option in an SKS or Thermador or split them into smaller columns.

FAQs

Additional Resources

Download the Yale Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips for regular, pro, and integrated counter-depth refrigerators. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.

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