Does your kitchen feel like a maze when you reach for frozen veggies or fresh milk? Many people face this challenge. Choosing the perfect Refrigerator Side By Side can feel overwhelming. You want enough space, the right features, and a design that fits your kitchen. It’s easy to get lost in all the technical terms and brand names.
A bad refrigerator choice means wasted food or constant frustration. You need a reliable appliance that keeps everything organized and fresh. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in a Side By Side model.
By the end of this post, you will know the best features, sizes, and tips for buying your ideal Side By Side refrigerator. Ready to find the perfect fit for your family’s needs? Let’s dive into the world of modern refrigeration and discover the best options available today.
Top Refrigerator Side By Side Recommendations
- 27.4 Cu.Ft.
- Modern Design
- All-Around Cooling
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by side doors 15.6 CuFt Capacity, perfect for all the family members
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- _Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or interchange your shelves for a personalized experience
- Spacious Fresh Food Storage - 9.54 cu. ft. fresh food capacity with 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 crisper drawers, 2 door basket bins, and 1 gallon door bin, providing flexible organization for produce, beverages, and everyday essentials.
- Large Freezer Capacity - 6.08 cu. ft. freezer section includes 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 drawers, and 3 door bins, ensuring easy access and organized storage for frozen foods.
- Advanced Cooling Functions - Equipped with Fast Freeze & Fast Cool modes for rapid temperature recovery, plus a multi-airflow cooling system that maintains consistent frost-free performance.
- Durable & User-Friendly Design - Features spill-proof shelves for effortless cleanup, LED touch controls for precise settings, bright LED interior lighting, and Sabbath Mode for added convenience.
- Stylish & Fingerprint Resistant - The stainless steel finish with a counter-depth design creates a seamless built-in look while resisting smudges, keeping your refrigerator sleek and modern.
- Counter Depth, Large Capacity: This 36-inch, counter-depth refrigerator offers 20 cu. ft. of space-saving storage, maximizing your kitchen’s footprint while providing ample room for fresh and frozen foods - perfect for families and entertaining
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Water & Ice Dispenser with Water Filter: Enjoy fresh, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice instantly with a factory-installed ice maker and dispenser. Every drink tastes pure—perfect for any kitchen
- Adjustable, Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Sleek, spill-proof glass shelving stretches from edge to edge for a modern finish and flexible storage. Easily customize your refrigerator interior to fit platters, jugs
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Bright LED lighting illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
- Spacious Yet Compact: This 30-inch, black refrigerator offers 18.1 cu. ft. of standard-depth storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries without crowding your garage or smaller kitchens
- Adjustable Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Edge-to-edge tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall, wide or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 4 clear refrigerator door bins and 1 gallon-sized door bin holds gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers & Inverter Compressor: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. The inverter compressor quietly and efficiently maintains a consistent temperature to keep food fresh
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities
- Full Size Capacity Refrigerator: This 33-inch, white refrigerator offers 20.5 cu. ft. of total storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries
- Adjustable Full-Width Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 3 clear refrigerator door bins hold gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers and Dairy Drawer: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. A covered dairy compartment keeps butter and spreads at the perfect temp
- ENERGY STAR Certified with Optional Icemaker: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities. Optional icemaker adds convenience with up to 3 lbs. of ice per day
- RV/TRAILER COMPATIBLE: This BBQ and Grill station comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome, RV, or trailer so you can have a cookout wherever you are
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Side-by-side refrigerators are popular choices for many kitchens. They offer a unique layout where the freezer runs down one side and the refrigerator runs down the other. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features make a big difference in how you use your fridge.
Capacity and Dimensions
- **Size Matters:** Measure your space first! Make sure the fridge fits where you plan to put it. Also, check that the doors can open fully.
- **Internal Space:** Side-by-sides usually offer about 20 to 28 cubic feet of space. Think about how much food your family buys each week.
Cooling Technology
- **Dual Evaporators:** Some high-end models use two separate cooling systems. This keeps the freezer colder and the fridge moister. This is a big plus for keeping food fresh longer.
- **Frost-Free:** Almost all modern side-by-sides are frost-free. This means you rarely, if ever, have to manually defrost the freezer.
Convenience Features
- **Ice and Water Dispensers:** These are very common. Check if the dispenser offers cubed ice, crushed ice, and filtered water.
- **Adjustable Shelving:** Look for shelves you can easily move up or down. This helps you fit tall bottles or large containers.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Exterior Finish
Most refrigerators today use stainless steel. Stainless steel looks modern and is very durable. However, fingerprints show easily. Many brands now offer “fingerprint-resistant” stainless steel coatings. Plastic exteriors are cheaper but might scratch more easily.
Interior Construction
Look inside. Shelves should be made of strong, tempered glass. These shelves hold spills well and clean up easily. Plastic bins inside should feel sturdy, not thin or flimsy. High-quality materials mean fewer broken parts later.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality involves more than just looks. It relates to how well the machine runs.
Noise Level
A good refrigerator should run quietly. Listen to the model in the store if you can. Compressor noise can be annoying, especially in open-plan living areas. Read reviews about how loud the ice maker is, too.
Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR rating. A highly efficient model saves you money on your electric bill over the years. Better insulation means the motor works less often, which improves the overall quality and lifespan of the unit.
Brand Reputation
Research the brand’s reputation for reliability. Some brands offer longer warranties on major parts like the compressor. A strong warranty shows the manufacturer believes in their product’s quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you live dictates which fridge works best for you.
The Vertical Divide
Side-by-side models are great if you use frozen food often. You see all your frozen items at a glance. However, the narrow shelves can make storing wide items, like pizza boxes or large platters, difficult.
Accessibility
These refrigerators are excellent for people who have trouble bending over. Since the fridge and freezer sections are stacked vertically, most items are at eye level or waist level. This improves the daily user experience significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators more expensive than top-freezer models?
A: Yes, generally they are. They have more complex features, like through-the-door ice and water dispensers, which raises the price.
Q: Which side is usually the refrigerator in a side-by-side unit?
A: The refrigerator section is almost always on the right side, and the freezer section is on the left. This follows standard design practices.
Q: How do I deal with narrow shelves in the refrigerator section?
A: Use clear, stackable storage bins. These containers help group smaller items together, maximizing the limited width of the shelves.
Q: Is the ice maker taking up too much freezer space?
A: Yes, the ice maker is often the biggest space-waster in the freezer. If you need maximum freezer capacity, look for models where the ice maker is built into the door liner instead of the main shelf area.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a good side-by-side refrigerator?
A: With good maintenance, a quality side-by-side refrigerator should last between 12 and 17 years.
Q: Do side-by-side models use more energy?
A: Not necessarily. Newer models with good ENERGY STAR ratings are very efficient. Older models used more energy, but technology has improved a lot.
Q: What should I do if the water dispenser is slow?
A: The water filter likely needs replacing. Change the filter according to the manufacturer’s schedule, usually every six months, to keep the water flow strong.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators better for small kitchens?
A: They are good if you have limited width but deep space. However, their doors swing out wide. French door models sometimes offer better access in very tight spaces.
Q: What does “counter-depth” mean for these fridges?
A: Counter-depth models are shallower. They stick out less past your kitchen counters, giving your kitchen a more built-in, seamless look.
Q: How hard is it to install an external water line for the ice maker?
A: It requires access to a cold water line behind or near the fridge. If you are not experienced with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional for this setup.
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!