If you love to cook, entertain, or just need a fridge that can keep up with your busy household, a 48-inch refrigerator might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
These oversized, professional-style refrigerators don’t just offer extra space—they bring serious style, premium features, and the kind of performance that turns everyday kitchens into culinary hubs.
Taking your kitchen to the next level starts with the right appliance—like a 48-inch refrigerator that offers standout looks and enough space for everything.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different styles, must-have features, pros and cons, and the top 48-inch built-in refrigerator brands you can shop today at East Coast Appliance.
➜ Learn More: JennAir Refrigerators - What You Need to Know
Why Choose a 48-Inch Refrigerator?
Sleek, spacious, and built to impress—a 48-inch counter-depth refrigerator is more than a statement piece. It’s a smart upgrade for kitchens that do it all. Here’s why:
Big Families and Bigger Appetites
If your household feels like a revolving door of meals, snacks, and leftovers, you already know that standard fridges can’t keep up. A 48 inch refrigerator gives you well over 28 cubic feet of usable space—plenty of room for grocery hauls, party platters, and all the drinks.
Tailored for Luxury Kitchens
Most 48 cabinet depth refrigerators are built-in, meaning they sit flush with your cabinetry for that high-end, custom look. Some models are panel-ready, allowing you to match the front to your kitchen cabinets for seamless style.
Functional and Flexible
From counter depth built-in fridge options to stainless steel finishes and smart features, these fridges are designed for people who care about form and function.
48-Inch Refrigerator Styles to Match Your Kitchen
A 48-inch fridge isn’t one-size-fits-all—different layouts offer different benefits. From sleek French doors to fully customizable columns, each layout brings its own strengths depending on how you cook, shop, and organize. Here’s a quick look at the most popular styles—and who they’re best suited for.
Side-by-Side
This classic layout offers full-height refrigerator and freezer compartments side by side, making it easy to organize everything from frozen meals to fresh produce. Door bins and adjustable shelves maximize usable space.
Best for: Busy families, bulk shoppers, meal preppers
French Door
A 48-inch French door fridge delivers a clean, modern look with wide-opening doors for large trays and platters. The freezer drawer on the bottom keeps frozen foods easily accessible but out of the way.
Best for: Design-focused homeowners, frequent entertainers
Bottom Freezer or Column
Looking for flexibility? Column refrigerators let you go all-fridge, all-freezer, or mix and match. Ideal for custom kitchen layouts and serious culinary needs.
Best for: Custom kitchens, food enthusiasts, professional-level cooks
You can explore all these styles in the built-in refrigerator collection at East Coast Appliance—designed to fit your space and your lifestyle.
➜ Learn More: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Built-In Refrigerator?
Built-In vs. Freestanding: What’s the Difference?
Most 48 inch professional refrigerators are built-in, but a few freestanding models do exist. Here’s how they compare:
Feature
Built-In
Freestanding
Installation Sits flush with cabinets for a seamless, built-in appearance Slides into place without custom cabinetry; easy setup Design Custom look, often panel-ready to match kitchen cabinetry Visible sides, typically stainless steel or black finish Depth Cabinet-depth to align with counters and maintain a clean profile Deeper body that may extend past counters Price Higher due to premium materials and professional installation More budget-friendly and widely available Best For Luxury kitchens, custom remodels, or design-focused spaces Rentals, standard upgrades, or quick replacements
If you’re after that seamless, high-end look, a counter depth refrigerator 48 inches wide is likely the way to go.
Must-Have Features in a 48-Inch Refrigerator
When you're spending premium dollars, you expect premium features. The best 48 inch refrigerator features go way beyond just “cold storage.” Here’s what to look for:
- Dual compressors for independent fridge and freezer cooling
- Smart tech like Wi-Fi control, temperature alerts, and voice commands
- Flexible shelving with adjustable bins, slide-out trays, and dedicated drawers
- Panel-ready options to match cabinetry
- LED lighting and sleek digital displays
- Energy-efficient systems to keep utility bills down
These features help extend food life, reduce waste, and make your day-to-day use more seamless.
➜ Learn More: Top 7 Refrigerators with Internal Water Dispensers
Our Favorite 48-Inch Refrigerators Right Now
Looking for a refrigerator that checks every box? These 48-inch models combine high-end design, spacious interiors, and smart features that elevate any kitchen. Here are our top picks available now.
GE Profile 48 in. 28.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop GE Profile 48 in. Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The GE Profile 48" Side-by-Side is a smart pick for homeowners who want reliable performance with a modern edge.
This 48 inch refrigerator side-by-side layout offers a clean stainless steel look and built-in style that blends beautifully into any upscale kitchen. The counter-depth design ensures it won’t stick out past your cabinetry, and the adjustable glass shelves make organizing effortless.
It also features GE's SmartHQ technology, so you can control temps, receive maintenance alerts, and even check diagnostics right from your phone.
Top Features
- Smart diagnostics and control via the SmartHQ app
- Advanced water filtration system
- Door-mounted ice maker for quick, efficient access
Sub-Zero Classic Series 48 in. 29.1 Cu. Ft. Panel-Ready Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop Sub-Zero Classic Series 48 in. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This Sub-Zero Classic Series fridge is all about high-end customization and world-class cooling technology.
With a 48 cabinet depth refrigerator design and panel-ready doors, it practically disappears into your kitchen, creating a seamless look ideal for modern luxury homes.
Behind that subtle exterior you get 29.1 cu. ft. of serious cold storage backed by Sub-Zero's famous dual refrigeration system that keeps fridge and freezer air perfectly separate locking in moisture for produce and keeping odors out of your ice cream.
There's also a NASA-inspired air purification system that scrubs the air every 20 minutes. This is a luxury 48 inch refrigerator by Sub-Zero for serious home chefs or anyone designing a magazine-worthy kitchen.
Top Features
- Dual compressors for optimal temperature control
- NASA-grade air purification system
- Fully customizable panel-ready exterior
Café 48 in. 28.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Smart Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop 48 in. Smart Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Café 48" Side-by-Side is a bold mix of fashion and function. Built for the style-conscious homeowner who also values intuitive smart features, it delivers 28.6 cu. ft. of space with a fresh, modern aesthetic.
The customizable handles let you match it to your hardware finishes—brass, bronze, black, you name it. Inside, the layout is thoughtfully designed with LED lighting, spill-proof shelves, and temperature-controlled drawers.
Café also delivers with Wi-Fi connectivity that works with the SmartHQ app, giving you total control of settings, filter status, and even alerts when the door’s left open. This 48 inch fridge is a great choice for families who want a smart, elegant upgrade with functional flair.
Top Features
- Customizable hardware and premium styling
- Wi-Fi and app integration
- Built-in water and ice system inside the door
Sub-Zero Classic Series 48 in. 29.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop Sub-Zero 48 in. 29.1 Cu. Ft. Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This stainless steel 48” Sub-Zero fridge brings timeless professional appeal and ultra-premium performance.
A top-tier professional refrigerator, it’s engineered for durability and backed by one of the strongest reputations in refrigeration.
The full stainless steel exterior looks bold and clean, while the interior is all about precision: dual compressors, microprocessor-controlled temperatures, and humidity-controlled drawers that keep produce fresher longer.
The intuitive touch controls and soft-close doors give it a luxury finish you’ll appreciate daily.
Top Features
- Microprocessor-controlled cooling with pinpoint accuracy
- Advanced LED interior lighting
- Factory-certified installation and long-term reliability
Dacor 48 in. 27.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In French Door Refrigerator
Shop Dacor 48 in. 27.7 Cu. Ft. Built In French Door Refrigerator
Dacor brings modern luxury to the table with this fully integrated 48 inch French door refrigerator.
With nearly 28 cu. ft. of capacity, triple cooling zones, and advanced smart connectivity, this model is designed for the tech-forward kitchen. The stainless steel interior is as gorgeous as it is hygienic, and the hidden LED lighting gives it a high-end glow.
Dacor’s app integration lets you monitor and control the fridge from anywhere, while features like a fresh zone drawer and full-width freezer bin make food storage simple and flexible. This is an excellent fit for families who want full-size storage with future-proof features.
Top Features
- Triple cooling system for precise humidity and temperature control
- SmartThings app control and diagnostics
- Panel-ready for seamless installation
JennAir RISE 48 in. 29.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop JennAir 48 in. 29.4 Cu. Ft. Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The JennAir RISE series turns a 48 cabinet depth refrigerator into a work of art. It has 29.4 cu. ft. of capacity, an obsidian black interior, and smart connectivity through the JennAir app.
This model delivers top-tier aesthetics and convenience. Climate-controlled drawers and precision sensors maintain food freshness, while the integrated water dispenser and advanced air filtration system enhance everyday usability.
From the stainless steel exterior to the customizable storage options inside, this 48” JennAir fridge is for homeowners who want showpiece quality and dependable daily performance.
Top Features
- Obsidian black interior with dramatic lighting
- Wi-Fi enabled control via the JennAir app
- Multi-point temperature monitoring
Signature Kitchen Suite 48 in. 26.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop Signature Kitchen Suite 48 in. Built In French Door Refrigerator
This high-tech luxury 48 inch refrigerator from Signature Kitchen Suite is all about adaptive performance.
The French door configuration includes a convertible drawer that can switch from fridge to freezer mode based on your needs—perfect for entertaining or seasonal foods.
The InstaView feature lets you see inside without opening the door, while the Wi-Fi and voice control features bring next-gen smarts to your kitchen. At 26 cu. ft., it’s slightly smaller than some other models, but the flexible layout makes it feel bigger than it is. A smart pick for design-forward families and connected homes.
Top Features
- InstaView window and door-in-door design
- Convertible drawer with 5 temperature modes
- ENERGY STAR® certified efficiency
Is a 48-Inch Refrigerator the Right Fit for You?
Choosing the right refrigerator isn’t just about size—it’s about lifestyle. A 48 inch refrigerator gives you elite-level capacity, modern aesthetics, and the performance features serious cooks and hosts demand.
Before you buy, make sure to:
- Measure your available wall and cabinet space carefully.
- Choose between panel-ready or stainless steel finishes.
- Decide which layout (side-by-side, French door, columns) matches your habits.
Need more help? Head to your nearest East Coast Appliance showroom or browse online to compare models side-by-side and get expert recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most models are 83–84 inches tall and around 24–26 inches deep (not including handles). Always check specs—built-ins vary.
Not usually. You’ll need custom cabinetry or a remodel to accommodate a built-in model.
French doors offer wider shelf space, while side-by-sides give better organization for frozen items.
Not always. Efficiency depends on the model, features, and compressor system, but ENERGY STAR® options are available.
Top contenders include Sub-Zero, JennAir, GE Profile, Dacor, and Signature Kitchen Suite—all available at East Coast Appliance.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect, and you'll receive your price match.
Shop 48” Refrigerators at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop refrigerators online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the best 48” refrigeratos for your home, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!