Is your refrigerator constantly playing hide-and-seek with your favorite snacks? Do you dream of a kitchen where everything has its perfect spot, easily reachable? Choosing a new side-by-side refrigerator feels like a big task. You see so many models with different features, and the price tags can make your head spin. It’s tough to know which one actually keeps food fresh the longest or doesn’t rack up a huge electric bill.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in handy. They test these machines rigorously so you don’t have to guess. This guide cuts through the confusing jargon and sales pitches. We dive deep into the latest Consumer Reports findings for side-by-side models. You will learn exactly which refrigerators ace temperature control, offer the best storage space, and prove most reliable year after year.
Keep reading to discover the top-rated side-by-side refrigerators for 2024. We break down the scores so you can confidently purchase a fridge that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Top Side-By-Side Refrigerator Consumer Reports Recommendations
- SPACIOUS 5.5 CU. FT. SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Perfect for offices, dorms, bedrooms, bars, and small spaces, offering both refrigerator and freezer sections for convenient storage.
- SPACIOUS 5.5 CU. FT. SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Perfect for offices, dorms, bedrooms, bars, and small spaces, offering both refrigerator and freezer sections for convenient storage.
- DUAL FREEZER SHELVES: The freezer section features two adjustable shelves, making it easy to store frozen foods and bulk items.
- ENERGY-EFFICIENT COOLING: Equipped with partial automatic defrost and full-range temperature control to keep your food and beverages fresh and cold.
- SLEEK STAINLESS-STEEL DESIGN: Compact yet stylish, with a dual-door setup and a modern black and stainless-steel finish that fits seamlessly into any space.
- Fingerprint Resistant Stainless
- LED Lighting
- External Dispenser
- TOTAL CAPACITY - The full capacity of our compact 2-door refrigerator and freezer is 5.5 Cu. Ft. the right side ( refrigerator) provides 3.3 Cu. Ft and the left side (freezer) provides 2.2 Cu. Ft.
- ADJUSTABLE - The refrigerator section has Two Removable and Adjustable Glass Shelves to help easily store foods, beverages, and other stuff.
- AMPLE AND EFFICIENT - Both the doors have bins for additional storage, and the refrigerator section has a vegetable crisper with a glass cover. Has enough room to store food and beverages when you're out of space.
- MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL - It contains a full range of temperature control to keep things how you want them to, whether it's ice-cold or room temperature.
- COMPACT SIZE - With its compact size, it can save space and be used in small kitchens, dining rooms, dormitories, and offices, but it can also help you freeze many things that you would normally not have space to do so.
- Stainless Steel, 2 Door Reach In Refrigerator, Lock fitted with door locks
- Digital controller, Capacity: 49 Cubic Feet.
- Pre installed castors make the unit easy to transport, while pre installed shelves enable you to easily organize the items you’re storing.
- With 3 adjustable shelves that can each hold up to 155 lbs, this commercial reach in refrigerator can store several hundred pounds of products and measures 51.7 x 31.7 x 81.3 inches.
- Environmentally friendly refrigeration system.Self contained,balanced refrigeration system for efficient operation even under the most extreme working conditions.Air cooled,maintaining product temperatures of 32℉-38℉
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Side-by-side refrigerators offer a great way to organize your food. They split the fridge and freezer down the middle. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen. We focus on what matters most.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. They make your fridge work better for you.
Capacity and Size
- Cubic Feet: Measure your space first. Then, look at the capacity in cubic feet. A family of four often needs 22 cubic feet or more.
- Door Alarm: This feature sounds a beep if you leave the door open. It saves energy.
Ice and Water Dispensers
- Through-the-Door Service: Most models have this. It gives you ice and water without opening the door.
- In-Door Ice Maker: Some high-end fridges move the ice maker inside the door shelf. This frees up valuable freezer space.
Temperature Control
- Dual Cooling Systems: The best fridges use separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer. This keeps food fresher longer.
- Adjustable Shelves: Look for shelves you can easily move or fold. This helps you fit tall items like pitchers.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Materials
- Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves are strong. Spills stay on the shelf, not on the floor of the fridge.
- Durable Bins: Check the plastic bins on the doors. They should feel thick and sturdy, not flimsy.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This looks modern and professional. However, many types show fingerprints easily.
- Fingerprint-Resistant Finishes: Many brands now offer special coatings. These resist smudges, making cleanup much simpler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all side-by-sides are built the same. Some things make a big difference in long-term quality.
Quality Boosters
- Energy Star Rating: Fridges with this rating use less electricity. Your power bill stays lower.
- Quiet Compressors: If your kitchen is near the living room, look for models known for running quietly.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Ice Maker Placement: If the ice maker takes up too much shelf space, it reduces usable storage.
- Cheap Plastic Components: If door hinges or shelf supports feel weak when you touch them, the quality might be low.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your family actually uses the refrigerator every day.
For Busy Families
Families need quick access to drinks and snacks. Look for deep door bins for milk gallons and easy-to-reach freezer drawers for quick frozen meals. Good lighting inside is also very helpful.
For Small Kitchens
If space is tight, measure the depth of the unit. Counter-depth models sit flush with your cabinets. They look sleeker but often hold slightly less food.
Smart Features
Some modern fridges connect to Wi-Fi. You can check the temperature from your phone. Some even let you see inside using internal cameras when you are at the grocery store.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Q: What is the standard width for a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Most standard side-by-side models are 33 to 36 inches wide. Always measure your doorway before you buy, just in case!
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators better than French door models?
A: It depends on your needs. Side-by-sides offer better freezer organization and a smaller swing arc for the doors. French door models offer wider fresh food shelves.
Q: How much energy do these refrigerators use?
A: Energy use varies greatly. Look for the yellow EnergyGuide label. A modern, efficient model usually uses between 500 and 700 kilowatt-hours per year.
Q: Why is the ice maker not making ice?
A: Often, the water line is turned off or frozen. Check the dispenser lock feature too; sometimes it gets accidentally turned on.
Q: What does “counter-depth” mean?
A: Counter-depth means the refrigerator doesn’t stick out past your kitchen counters. It creates a built-in look, but you sacrifice some storage space inside.
Q: How do I clean the smudge-proof stainless steel?
A: Use a soft cloth and a little bit of warm water or a cleaner made specifically for stainless steel. Wipe with the grain of the finish.
Q: Are side-by-sides louder than other styles?
A: Older models were often noisy. Newer models with better compressors run much quieter. Look for consumer reports that mention low decibel levels.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: With regular maintenance, a good quality side-by-side refrigerator should last between 10 and 15 years.
Q: Should I get an external water filter?
A: Yes, you should. External filters keep your drinking water and ice tasting clean. Remember to replace them every six months.
Q: What is the biggest drawback of the side-by-side design?
A: The biggest drawback is that the shelves are narrow. It can be hard to fit wide items like pizza boxes or extra-large serving platters.
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!