Imagine this: You open your refrigerator, ready for a refreshing drink, only to find your favorite juice bottle is crammed behind a towering stack of leftovers. Or perhaps you’re trying to grab a quick snack, but the freezer door is so full, it barely budges. Sound familiar? Many of us have faced these kitchen frustrations, and that’s where the humble Side By Side refrigerator often comes to the rescue.
Choosing a new refrigerator isn’t always easy. There are so many styles and features to consider! The side-by-side model, with its vertical split between fridge and freezer, offers a unique way to organize your food. But with so many brands, sizes, and extra bells and whistles out there, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for *your* kitchen and *your* family? It can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’re making the best choice.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a side-by-side refrigerator a great option and help you navigate the choices. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to look for, understand the benefits, and feel confident in finding a refrigerator that makes your kitchen life a whole lot easier. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect side-by-side for you!
Our Top 5 Side By Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a smart choice for any kitchen. It offers plenty of space and cool features to keep your food fresh and your drinks cold. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great and resists fingerprints, making it easy to keep clean.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: This 36-inch counter-depth fridge fits nicely in your kitchen. It gives you 20 cubic feet of room, which is a lot for fresh and frozen foods. It’s great for families and when you have guests over.
- Quick Cooling: The Accela Chill feature cools your new groceries fast. The multi-flow air system makes sure the temperature is the same everywhere inside. This keeps all your food fresh.
- Convenient Dispenser: Get filtered water, cubed, or crushed ice right from the door. The built-in ice maker makes sure you always have ice. Every drink will taste pure and refreshing.
- Flexible Storage: The adjustable glass shelves are strong and easy to clean. They go from edge to edge, giving you a modern look. You can move them around to fit big platters or tall bottles.
- Energy Efficient: It’s ENERGY STAR certified, which means it saves energy. The bright LED lights help you see everything inside, so no food gets lost. The quiet inverter compressor runs efficiently.
- Easy to Clean: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish means you won’t have to wipe off smudges all the time. It keeps your fridge looking stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families or those who buy groceries in bulk.
- While the counter-depth design is great for saving space, it can sometimes mean less internal storage compared to standard-depth models.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid addition to your kitchen. It combines style, convenience, and energy efficiency to make your life easier.
2. Avanti RMS551SS Mini Fridge Compact Side Refrigerator with Freezer for Home Office or Dorm
Rating: 9.3/10
The Avanti RMS551SS Mini Fridge is a super useful appliance. It’s perfect for small spots like your office, dorm room, or even a home bar. This fridge gives you both a refrigerator and a freezer, so you can keep all your favorite snacks and drinks perfectly chilled. Its cool stainless steel look makes it fit right in anywhere.
What We Like:
- The 5.5 cu. ft. side-by-side design is really smart. It gives you space for both fresh food and frozen treats.
- You get two shelves in the freezer. This makes organizing your frozen pizzas and ice cream a breeze.
- It keeps your food nice and cold thanks to its energy-efficient cooling and adjustable temperature.
- The dual doors and sleek stainless steel finish look very modern and stylish.
- It’s compact but still offers a good amount of storage space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a freezer, it’s a mini freezer. Don’t expect to store a whole Thanksgiving turkey in there.
- The defrost feature is partial automatic. You might still need to do a little manual defrosting now and then.
This Avanti mini fridge is a fantastic option for anyone needing extra cool storage in a small space. It’s a practical and good-looking addition to any room.
3. Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators
Rating: 9.2/10
The Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerator in Black Stainless Steel offers a sleek look and ample space for all your chilling needs. This beverage fridge with a built-in freezer features smart temperature controls to keep everything perfectly fresh, from frozen treats to your favorite drinks.
What We Like:
- It has a large 15.6 cubic feet of storage, which is great for families.
- The black stainless steel design looks modern and fits well in most kitchens.
- You can store refrigerated and frozen items separately, with 9.54 cu.ft for the fridge and 6.08 cu.ft for the freezer.
- The electronic temperature control lets you set the freezer between -10°F and 5°F, and the fridge between 32°F and 42°F.
- It includes special crisper drawers to keep fruits and veggies fresh, plus a compartment for butter and spreads.
- The frost-free feature means you won’t have to deal with ice buildup.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (35.1″ W x 26.77″ D x 72.6″ H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While the temperature settings are variable, some users might prefer pre-set options for different food types.
This refrigerator is a solid choice for those needing both fridge and freezer space with a stylish finish. Its flexible temperature zones and convenient storage options make it a practical addition to any home.
4. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.2/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator offers a stylish stainless steel finish and practical features for busy households. Its side-by-side design and ample storage make it a great addition to any kitchen, keeping your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It has a large 20.6 cu ft capacity, which is great for big families.
- The side-by-side doors help you easily find your food.
- You can control the temperature with a simple digital display.
- The door bins are big enough to hold gallons of drinks.
- Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside.
- The counter-depth design keeps it from sticking out too far from your cabinets.
- Delivery and installation services are available to make setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside, which might require opening the door to adjust settings.
- While it offers a good amount of space, some larger families might need even more room.
This refrigerator is a smart choice for those who want a good-looking appliance with plenty of useful features. It balances style and function to meet your cooling needs.
5. Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side by Side Refrigerators
Rating: 9.4/10
The Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. This frost-free beverage fridge with a freezer offers a generous 15.6 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for families. Its sleek black stainless steel design complements modern appliances, and its thoughtful layout ensures you can keep both your fresh foods and frozen items perfectly organized and accessible.
What We Like:
- Spacious 15.6 cubic feet capacity is great for families.
- Elegant black stainless steel finish looks very modern.
- Separate compartments for refrigeration (9.54 cu.ft.) and freezing (6.08 cu.ft.) provide organized storage.
- Precise electronic temperature control keeps food at the best temperature, from -10°F to 5°F for the freezer and 32°F to 42°F for the fridge.
- Five variable temperature settings let you customize cooling.
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh.
- A special dairy compartment keeps butter and spreads at the right temperature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exact dimensions (35.1″ W x 26.77″ D x 72.6″ H) might require careful measurement for some kitchen spaces.
This Iceblue refrigerator offers a great balance of style and practicality. It’s a solid choice for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen looking great.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Side-by-Side Refrigerator
A side-by-side refrigerator is a popular choice for many kitchens. It has two full-height doors, with the freezer compartment on one side and the refrigerator compartment on the other. This design makes it easy to see and reach both your frozen and fresh foods.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a side-by-side fridge, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: Think about how much food your family eats. A bigger fridge is better for larger families or those who like to entertain.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These fridges use less electricity, which saves you money on your power bill.
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Many side-by-side fridges have this handy feature. It provides filtered water and ice right from the door.
- Adjustable Shelving: This lets you move shelves around to fit taller items like milk jugs or large platters.
- Door Alarm: This alarm will beep if you accidentally leave the door open, helping to keep your food cold.
- Smart Features: Some newer models connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control settings from your phone or get alerts if there’s a problem.
Important Materials
The materials used in your refrigerator affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very common and durable material. It looks sleek and is resistant to rust. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a great bonus!
- Plastic: The inside of the fridge often uses strong plastic for shelves and drawers. Look for BPA-free plastic for safety.
- Glass: Shelves are often made of tempered glass, which is strong and easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a refrigerator better or not as good.
Improving Quality:
- Good Insulation: This helps keep the cold air inside, so your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Even Cooling: The fridge should have systems that spread cool air evenly to all parts. This keeps food fresh longer.
- Quiet Operation: A good fridge won’t make a lot of noise.
- Durable Components: Parts like hinges and drawers should feel sturdy and well-made.
Reducing Quality:
- Poor Sealing: If the door seals aren’t tight, cold air escapes, and the fridge uses more energy.
- Noisy Compressor: A loud or constantly running compressor can be annoying and might mean the fridge is working too hard.
- Cheaply Made Parts: Flimsy shelves or drawers that are hard to open can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
A side-by-side refrigerator is great for many people and situations.
- Families: The layout makes it easy for everyone to grab snacks or drinks without rummaging.
- Small Kitchens: The tall, narrow design can fit well in kitchens where space is limited.
- Those Who Like Organization: The separate compartments help keep your fridge and freezer tidy.
- People Who Drink a Lot of Water: The in-door dispenser is a big plus.
When using your side-by-side, remember to leave some space around the back and sides for air to circulate. This helps it run efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: The main benefit is easy access to both the refrigerator and freezer sections. You can see everything at a glance.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators good for energy saving?
A: Yes, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified model. They are designed to be quite efficient.
Q: How much space do I need around a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Most manufacturers recommend at least an inch of space on the sides and a few inches at the back for proper ventilation.
Q: What does “door alarm” mean on a refrigerator?
A: It’s a safety feature that beeps if a door is left open for too long. This prevents food from spoiling.
Q: Is stainless steel hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints, but many newer models have fingerprint-resistant coatings that make cleaning easier.
Q: Can I adjust the shelves in a side-by-side fridge?
<li>A: Yes, most models have adjustable shelves, which is very helpful for storing different-sized items.</li>
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators noisy?
A: Modern side-by-side refrigerators are designed to be quiet. If yours is very noisy, it might need to be checked.
Q: What is the typical capacity of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Capacities vary, but they generally range from 20 to 30 cubic feet.
Q: How long do side-by-side refrigerators usually last?
A: With good care, a side-by-side refrigerator can last between 10 to 20 years.
Q: Should I buy a model with an ice maker and water dispenser?
A: This is a personal choice. If you use a lot of ice and filtered water, it’s a very convenient feature.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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!