Top 5 48 Built In Refrigerators: Buyer's Guide

Imagine opening your kitchen to a refrigerator that blends perfectly with your cabinets, looking sleek and custom-made. Doesn’t that sound like a dream kitchen? Many homeowners want this seamless look, but finding the perfect 48-inch built-in refrigerator can feel like a huge puzzle. You see so many brands and features, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out which one fits your space and your needs best.

Choosing the wrong one means wasted money and a kitchen that doesn’t flow right. We understand the frustration of trying to balance style, space, and budget. That is exactly why we created this guide. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what features matter most, how to measure your space correctly, and which top models offer the best value.

Ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence? Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about mastering the art of the 48 built-in refrigerator.

Top 48 Built In Refrigerator Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Summit Appliance FFBF181ES2KIT48 48" Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Set; 23.4 cu.ft; Grill Included; Adjustable Glass Shelves; No-frost Operation; Child Lockation; Child Lock

This set includes Summit's European FFBF181ES2 and FFBF181ES2LHD bottom freezer refrigerators and a decorative top grill (GRILL48B) to fit common 84" H x 48" W spaces
Open door alarm
Just under 24" deep for an easy fit in smaller kitchens
High temperature alarm
LED visual alarms

SaleBestseller No. 2

ICECASA 48" W Commercial Refrigerator Reach-in 36 Cu.ft 2 Solid Door Stainless Steel Commercial Refrigerator Fan Cooling for Restuarant, Bar, Shop, etc

Full worry-free after-sales service: ICECASA's products have a service life of up to ten years, and we provide up to two years of free on-site maintenance service and six years of free compressor maintenance service. If you have any questions or suggestions about our products and services, please feel free to contact us and we will reply you within 12 hours (Warranty applies to both commercial and residential addresses including churches, schools, food trucks)
Intelligent temperature control: Commercial refrigerator temperature: 35℉~43℉, intelligent temperature control, can achieve the effect of rapid cooling, better maintain the flavor of ingredients and lock the nutrition. LCD digital temperature display allows you to monitor the temperature more convenient. Powerful Refrigeration: Our commercial Refrigerator comes with a high-performance compressor, significantly reducing energy costs. The fan cooling system reduces frost and ensures overall uniform cooling, which helps maintain the freshness of your food. Our electric defrost system ensures frost does not form in the refrigerator by defrosting automatically every 4 hours
ICECASA double-door refrigerator is an excellent choice for residential use. With a capacity of up to 36 cubic feet and a convenient side-by-side configuration, it can easily hold whole turkeys, large quantities of vegetable & meat ,large quantities of drinks, and bulk-purchased ingredients, making it ideal for infrequent shopping and bulk storage. It is well-suited for large-family living. The ICECASA refrigerator can be placed directly in the garage without any additional installation. Backed by ICECASA’s residential warranty and reliable quality, customers can purchase with confidence
Professional design: commercial refrigerator with safety lock. The opening angle is less than 90 degrees to close the door automatically, and more than 90 degrees to keep the door open designed for commercial occasions. And every time you open the door, the fan automatically stops the mechanism can prevent outside air from entering the refrigerator to reduce energy costs
Stainless steel exterior and interior: All stainless steel material. Exterior with special process does not leave fingerprints save cleaning time. With the assembly of heavy-duty wheels with brakes for easy movement. In addition the product comes with 6 shelves, each shelf load up to 90 Lbs, you can freely adjust the height and number of shelves

SaleBestseller No. 3

ICECASA 48" W Commercial Refrigerators and Freezer Combo Reach-in 36 Cu.ft 2 Solid Door Stainless Steel Refrigerators and Freezer Combo Fan Cooling for Restuarant, Bar, Shop, etc

Full worry-free after-sales service: ICECASA's products have a service life of up to ten years, and we provide up to two years of free on-site maintenance service and six years of free compressor maintenance service. If you have any questions or suggestions about our products and services, please feel free to contact us and we will reply you within 12 hours (Warranty applies to both commercial and residential addresses including churches, schools, food trucks)
Intelligent temperature control: Temperature: commercial freezer: -8℉~0℉, commercial refrigerator: 33℉~40℉, intelligent temperature control achieves rapid cooling, better maintains ingredient flavor and locks in nutrition. LCD digital temperature display allows you to monitor the temperature more conveniently. Powerful Refrigeration: Our refrigerator and freezer combo comes with a high-performance double compressor, significantly reducing energy costs. The fan cooling system reduces frost and ensures uniform cooling, helping maintain food freshness. Our electric defrost system prevents frost by automatically defrosting every 4 hours
ICECASA double-door refrigerator and freezer combo is an excellent choice for residential use. With a capacity of up to 36 cubic feet and a convenient side-by-side configuration, it can easily hold whole turkeys, large quantities of vegetable & meat ,large quantities of drinks, and bulk-purchased ingredients, making it ideal for infrequent shopping and bulk storage. It is well-suited for large-family living. The ICECASA refrigerator can be placed directly in the garage without any additional installation. Backed by ICECASA’s residential warranty and reliable quality, customers can purchase with confidence
Professional design: commercial freezer with safety lock. The opening angle is less than 90 degrees to close the door automatically, and more than 90 degrees to keep the door open designed for commercial occasions. And every time you open the door, the fan automatically stops the mechanism can prevent outside air from entering the freezer to reduce energy costs.
Stainless steel exterior and interior: All stainless steel material. Exterior with special process does not leave fingerprints save cleaning time. With the assembly of heavy-duty wheels with brakes for easy movement. In addition the product comes with 6 shelves, each shelf load up to 90 Lbs, you can freely adjust the height and number of shelves

Bestseller No. 4

Coolski 48" W Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer Combo, 36 Cu.ft 2 Section Stainless Steel Solid Door Fan Cooling Upright Reach in Freezer for Restaurant Bar Shop Kitchen Garage School Church

Dual-Temp Reach In Refrigerator/Freezer: The commercial refrigerator compartment has a temperature range of 33-41°F, while the commercial freezer compartment can go as low as -8-0°F. The machine will constantly fluctuate up and down within an 8-degree range. Temperature can be easily monitored by digital temperature controller. Large capacity of 36 cubic feet, helps you organize your fresh meat, fruits, and veggies easily accessible manner. Customize your storage using the 6 adjustable shelves.
Efficient Air Cooling System: The Commercial refrigerator freezer combo utilizes energy efficiency R290 Hydrocarbon refrigerant, helping you save on electricity bills. Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator work together to ensure fast even cooling and optimal temperature levels throughout your reach-in commercial refrigerator, while the auto defrost design prevents frost or ice buildup. The innovative heating of the freezer door frame prevents water mist buildup.
Two Section Refrigerator for Restuarant: The 2 door commercial freezer equipped with two solid doors, provides excellent insulation to maintain consistent temperatures and preserve the freshness of your food items, if a door is left open under 90°, it will automatically close. However, if a door is left open over 90°, it will remain ajar. Door locks for protecting and limiting access to food and drinks as needed. Full-door recessed handles, is perfect for tight kitchens.
Convenient to Use: The LED lights up whenever you open the doors, allowing you to empty or stock up your refrigerator with ease. Magnetic door gaskets are supplied with the fridge to help maintain internal temperatures as well as keep dust and other debris out. The unit also comes with heavy-duty casters, making it easy to move and position in your kitchen. Door open alarm will mention to you the door is not closed properly.
Customer Service: Commercial refrigerator freezers are certified by ETL and DOE for restaurant open authorization, 6 years compressor warranty, 2 years parsts warranty on commercial freezer. Coolski provides a professional telephone customer service team. Our warehouses are located throughout the United States, CA, NJ, GA, TX. After placing an order, please send your mobile phone number to achieve fast transported by truck.

Bestseller No. 5

WESTLAKE Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer Combo 48"W 2 door 2 Section Stainless Steel Reach in Solid door Fan Cooling 36 Cu.ft Refrigerator and Freezer Combo for Restuarant, Bar, Shop, etc

Fully guaranteed maintenance service: Stainless Steel interior and exterior, exterior stainless steel designed with anti-fingerprint function, 6-year warranty on compressor, 2-year warranty on all parts, and labor and manual door-to-door service. We have professional customer service personnel and engineers to answer your questions online. Welcome to contact us by phone or email（Warranty service applies both in commercial address and residential address ）
Comprehensive accreditation: ETL certified, meeting ETL SAFETY, ETL SANITATION. This ensures compliance with strict industry standards for safety, sanitation, and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for restaurants ,instituions and organizations .100% copper evaporator with 401W(m.k) thermal conductivity features high heat transfer efficency so that WESTALKE freezer can provide fast cooling and quick -freezing speed as well rapid temperature recovery after door opening .Copper evaporator is strong resistance to moisture ,acid and alkali erosion , no prone to leakage ,cracking or rusting so that WESTLAKE freezer can last for more than 10 years using in commercial scenarios
WESTLAKE double door freezer is also in good use for residence . With a capacity up to 36 cubic feet and a configuration of side-by side , residential customers can easily accommodate whole turkeys ,large quantities of frozen foods,and bulk-purchased ingredients ,catering to the American habit of buying in bulk and shopping less frequently . It meets the needs of big-family living .WESTLAKE freezer& refrigerator combo can be put in the garage ,no needing any extra installation. With WESTLAKE residential-covered warranty service as well as its solid qualtiy , customers have no worries to purchase from us
Powerful compressor: commercial refrigerator and freezer combo with double high-performance compressor, smart digital controller, Fan cooling system, automatically defrost, need no extra tube for condensing water. Efficient refrigeration: Temperature: Refrigerator: 33℉~40℉(0.5℃~4.5℃), Freezer: -8℉~0℉(-17.7℃~-22.5℃), digital temperature control is convenient for you to set the temperature easily. Commercial grade components (e.g,heavy duty hinges,stainless steel constructure) features low failures rates ,making them ideal for high-frequency,long-term use scenarios
Professional design: Made of stainless steel inside and outside, durable and durable. The surface is specially treated without fingerprints, saving cleaning time and increasing work efficiency. Reach in 2 solid door designs, The opening angle is less than 90 degrees to close the door automatically, and more than 90 degrees to keep the door open designed. 90 lbs loading capacity per shelf, 36 cubic feet storage room. The unit comes with 4" casters, It's convenient for you to move it when you need it. *Since the products are transported by truck, the carrier provides curbside handover only.

Bestseller No. 6

ICECASA 48" W Commercial Refrigerator Worktop Undercounter Refrigerator 2 Door Stainless Steel Counter Fan Cooling Refrigerator 13 Cu.ft for Restaurant, Bar, Shop, etc

Full worry-free after-sales service: ICECASA's products have a service life of up to ten years, and we provide up to two years of free on-site maintenance service and six years of free compressor maintenance service. If you have any questions or suggestions about our products and services, please feel free to contact us and we will reply you within 12 hours (Warranty applies to both commercial and residential addresses including churches, schools, food trucks)
Powerful Refrigeration: Our commercial worktop undercounter refrigerator comes with a high-performance compressor, significantly reducing energy costs. The fan cooling system reduces frost and ensures overall uniform cooling, which helps maintain the freshness of your food. Our electric defrost system ensures frost does not form in the refrigerator by defrosting automatically every 4 hours
Intelligent temperature control: Commercial worktop undercounter refrigerator temperature: 33℉~41℉, intelligent temperature control, can achieve the effect of rapid cooling, better maintain the flavor of ingredients and lock the nutrition. LCD digital temperature display allows you to monitor the temperature more convenient
Professional design: The opening angle is less than 90 degrees to close the door automatically, and more than 90 degrees to keep the door open designed for commercial occasions. Equipped with a 10 square foot cutting board, and the 2.1-inch thick countertop provides up to 440 pounds of weight capacity to meet your use in restaurant, kitchens
Stainless steel exterior and interior: All stainless steel material. Exterior with special process does not leave fingerprints save cleaning time. With the assembly of heavy-duty wheels with brakes for easy movement. In addition the product comes with 2 shelves, each shelf load up to 90 Lbs, you can freely adjust the height and number of shelves

Bestseller No. 7

Antarctic Star Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator 24 Inch Wide,Stainless Steel Double Drawer Mini Fridge 145 Cans for Undercounter Built-in or Freestanding,Wine Cooler for Home & Patio,32-50°F,Silver

Dual-Zone Drawer Design: Antarctic Star 24-inch Beverage Refrigerator features a double-drawer, allowing you to put more drinks and efficiently organize your drinks in the drawer beverage refrigerator
Large Capacity for Under-counter: With dimensions of 22.52”W * 23.43”D * 33.66”H, this Under Counter Drawer Refrigerator offers a large storage capacity of 4.9 cubic feet, accommodating up to 150 standard 12 oz cans. It surpasses traditional side-by-side refrigerators, which would save more space for your kitchen
Precise Temperature & Quiet Cooling: Antarctic Star Drawer Fridge is equipped with a powerful cooling system that maintains a temperature range from 32°F to 50°F. The air cooling maintains a suitable cooling environment for your drink as well as makes a low noise for your home
Comfortable Use: Thoughtful drawer design, shorten the distance between you and your favorite beverages by simply pulling out the drawer. The intuitive LED display panel provides real-time temperature information ensuring your beverages are always stored at the perfect temperature
Smooth Slide Rails: Each drawer of our beverage fridge is equipped with high-quality slide rails, allowing smooth and effortless access to your favorite drinks.

Bestseller No. 8

WESTLAKE 48" W Commercial Refrigerator 2 door 2 Section Stainless Steel Reach in Solid door Upright Fan Cooling 36 Cu.ft Cooler for Restuarant, Bar, Shop, etc

Fully guaranteed maintenance service: Stainless Steel interior and exterior, exterior stainless steel designed with anti-fingerprint function, 6-year warranty on compressor, 2-year warranty on all parts, and labor and manual door-to-door service. We have professional customer service personnel and engineers to answer your questions online. Welcome to contact us by phone or email（Warranty service applies both in commercial address and residential address ）
Comprehensive accreditation: ETL certified, meeting ETL SAFETY, ETL SANITATION. This ensures compliance with strict industry standards for safety, sanitation, and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for restaurants ,instituions and organizations .100% copper evaporator with 401W(m.k) thermal conductivity features high heat transfer efficency so that WESTALKE freezer can provide fast cooling and quick -freezing speed as well rapid temperature recovery after door opening .Copper evaporator is strong resistance to moisture ,acid and alkali erosion , no prone to leakage ,cracking or rusting so that WESTLAKE freezer can last for more than 10 years using in commercial scenarios
Good for the residential use: WESTLAKE double door refrigerator is also in good use for residence. With a capacity up to 36 cubic feet and a configuaration of side-by side, residential customers can easily accommodate big amounts of vegetable & meat ,large quantities of drinks, and bulk-purchased ingredients, catering to the American habit of buying in bulk and shopping less frequently .It meets the needs of big-family living . WESTLAKE refrigerator can be put in the garage, no needing any extra installation. With WESTLAKE residential-covered warranty service as well as its solid qualtiy, customers have no worries to purchase from us
Powerful compressor: Commercial refrigerator with high-performance compressor, smart digital controller, Fan cooling system, automatically defrost, need no extra tube for condensing water. Efficient refrigeration: Cooler Temperature: 33℉~40℉(0.5℃~4.5℃), digital temperature control is convenient for you to set the temperature easily. The temperature can be monitored in real-time through the LCD display
Professional design: Made of stainless steel inside and outside, durable and durable. The surface is specially treated without fingerprints, saving cleaning time and increasing work efficiency. Reach in 2 solid door designs, The opening angle is less than 90 degrees to close the door automatically, and more than 90 degrees to keep the door open designed. 90 lbs loading capacity per shelf, 36 cubic feet storage room. The unit comes with 4" casters, It's convenient for you to move it when you need it.*Since the products are transported by truck, the carrier provides curbside handover only.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your ’48 Built-In Refrigerator

Choosing a built-in refrigerator that fits your kitchen’s style and your family’s needs is a big decision. These refrigerators look sleek because they sit flush with your cabinets. We’ve put together this guide to help you pick the best one, especially if you are looking at models inspired by the classic 1948 style.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop, focus on what the fridge can actually do for you. Good features make life easier.

Storage Capacity and Layout

Cubic Feet: Think about how much food you buy. A family of four usually needs 18 to 25 cubic feet.
Adjustable Shelving: You must move shelves around easily. This lets you fit tall bottles or large platters.
Drawer Quality: Crisper drawers should seal tightly to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

Temperature Control

Precise Thermostats: Look for digital controls. These keep the temperature steady, which is better for food safety.
Dual Cooling Systems: Some high-end models cool the fridge and freezer separately. This stops freezer smells from getting into your milk.

Design Details (The ’48 Vibe)

Handle Style: Authentic 1948 styles often feature chunky, chrome, or retro-shaped handles. Make sure these match your existing kitchen hardware.
Color Options: While classic white or black is common, many retro-inspired models come in bright colors like turquoise or cherry red.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used inside and outside affect how long your fridge lasts and how easy it is to clean.

Exterior Construction

The outer shell is usually made of heavy-gauge steel. This steel needs a good paint finish or enamel coating. A high-quality finish resists chipping and rust. Since this is a built-in unit, the side panels that touch your cabinets should be well-insulated metal.

Interior Components

Liner: Look for durable plastic liners inside. These should be smooth and stain-resistant.
Shelving: Tempered glass shelves are the best. They hold heavy items without bending, and spills stay contained on the shelf surface. Wire shelves are less common in modern built-ins and harder to clean.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance over many years.

Factors That Boost Quality

Compressor Type: Inverter compressors run more smoothly and use less energy. They are quieter, too.
Door Sealing: Doors must close with a satisfying “thud” and seal perfectly. Poor seals waste energy and spoil food.

Factors That Lower Quality

Cheap plastic hinges on the doors often break over time. Also, avoid models with very thin metal shells. These flex easily when you push on them, which signals lower overall build quality. If the interior lighting is weak or flickers, that is another sign of lower-grade electrical components.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you live determines which fridge works best for you.

Daily Use

Since this is a built-in model, measuring the depth is critical. It must sit perfectly flush with your cabinets for that clean look. Test the doors—do they open wide enough to pull out the crisper drawers all the way? If the doors hit a nearby wall or island when opening, the design might not suit your kitchen layout.

Noise Level

Built-in fridges are often placed in open-concept living spaces. Check reviews for noise ratings. A quiet operation is essential if your kitchen flows right into your living room.

Maintenance

Consider how easy it is to clean the coils (usually located underneath). If accessing the coils requires removing the kickplate (the bottom grille), that’s a good sign. If the coils are hard to reach, dust builds up, and the fridge works harder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ’48 Built-In Refrigerators

Q: How deep are typical 1948-style built-in refrigerators?

A: Most built-in units are counter-depth, meaning they are about 24 inches deep, matching standard kitchen cabinets. Always measure your space before buying!

Q: Are these retro fridges energy efficient?

A: Newer models built with retro styling usually meet modern energy standards. Look for the Energy Star rating to ensure lower electricity bills.

Q: Can I customize the exterior paneling?

A: Yes! Many high-end built-in models allow you to attach custom cabinet panels to completely hide the refrigerator, making it blend seamlessly.

Q: How much more do built-in models cost than standard refrigerators?

A: Built-in refrigerators generally cost significantly more. You pay extra for the specialized ventilation and the precise fit required for flush installation.

Q: What happens if the seal breaks on an older model?

A: A broken seal lets cold air out. You should replace the gasket (the rubber seal) immediately. Many manufacturers sell replacement seals specific to their models.

Q: Do these refrigerators have internal water dispensers?

A: Some do, but many classic or retro-styled built-ins skip the internal dispenser to keep the interior clean and true to the original design. Check the specs carefully.

Q: What is the lifespan of a quality built-in unit?

A: A well-maintained, high-quality built-in refrigerator should last between 15 and 20 years.

Q: Are replacement parts hard to find for vintage-style fridges?

A: If you buy a brand-new model from a major appliance maker, parts are usually available for at least 10 years. If you buy an actual antique, parts can be difficult and expensive to source.

Q: Should I hire a professional installer for a built-in fridge?

A: Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended. They ensure the unit is level, properly ventilated, and sealed correctly against the surrounding cabinetry.

Q: What temperature should my refrigerator be set to?

A: The ideal refrigerator temperature setting is 37°F (3°C). The freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C).

Larry Fish

Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!