Tired of your fridge’s ice maker always being broken or the crisper drawers not keeping your veggies fresh? Choosing a new refrigerator can feel like a big chore, especially when you’re looking at the popular side-by-side models. These fridges offer a neat way to store your food, with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other, but with so many brands and features, how do you know which one is the best fit for your kitchen and your budget?
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. They test refrigerators thoroughly, looking at everything from how well they cool and how much energy they use to how easy they are to use and how long they’re likely to last. We’ve gathered the key insights from their reports to help you cut through the confusion.
By reading on, you’ll learn which side-by-side refrigerators impressed Consumer Reports the most. We’ll highlight their strengths, potential weaknesses, and what makes them stand out. Get ready to discover a refrigerator that will keep your food perfectly chilled and make your kitchen life a little bit easier.
Our Top 5 Side-By-Side Refrigerator Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side-By-Side Refrigerator Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator, a sleek and spacious addition to any kitchen. With 22.2 cubic feet of room, it holds plenty of groceries for your family. The modern stainless steel finish looks great. You’ll love the bright LED lights inside that make finding food easy. Plus, it has a built-in air filter to keep things fresh and an ice maker for cold drinks anytime.
What We Like:
- Generous 22.2 cu. ft. capacity stores a lot of food.
- Bright LED interior lighting helps you see everything inside.
- The air filter keeps your food smelling fresh and clean.
- An automatic ice maker means you always have ice ready.
- The stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to wipe clean.
- Side-by-side doors offer easy access to both the fridge and freezer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 33-inch width might be a tight fit for some kitchen spaces.
- Specific features like adjustable shelves or smart technology are not mentioned.
- The noise level of the ice maker could be a consideration for some.
This Frigidaire refrigerator offers a good balance of space and useful features for keeping your food organized and fresh. It’s a solid choice for many households.
2. Avanti RMS551SS Mini Fridge Compact Side Refrigerator with Freezer for Home Office or Dorm
Rating: 8.6/10
The Avanti RMS551SS Mini Fridge is a smart and stylish solution for keeping your drinks and snacks perfectly chilled, and your frozen treats frosty. Its compact size makes it ideal for any room, from your dorm to your home office, and even your home bar. You get a refrigerator and a freezer all in one neat package.
What We Like:
- It has a generous 5.5 cubic feet of space, which is a good amount for a mini fridge.
- The side-by-side design separates the fridge and freezer, making it easy to find what you need.
- The freezer has two shelves, so you can organize your frozen items well.
- It helps save energy with its efficient cooling and temperature control.
- The stainless steel finish looks really modern and clean.
- You can adjust the temperature to keep your food just right.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a freezer, it’s a mini freezer, so don’t expect to store a whole Thanksgiving turkey.
- The “partial automatic defrost” means you might still need to do a little manual defrosting occasionally.
This Avanti mini fridge is a practical and good-looking addition to any small space. It offers good organization and keeps your food and drinks at the perfect temperature.
3. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator. This fridge offers a sleek stainless steel finish and a generous 20 cubic feet of space. It has a freezer on the left and a refrigerator on the right, with smart storage to fit all your groceries. Plus, it dispenses both nugget and cube ice, along with cold water, right from the door.
What We Like:
- Spacious Design: Plenty of room for all your food with a smart layout.
- Keeps Food Fresh: The multi-airflow system and door alarm help keep your food at the right temperature and prevent spoilage.
- Hassle-Free Maintenance: Automatic defrosting means you never have to chip away ice. The removable door seals make cleaning simple.
- Smart Temperature Control: Easy-to-use LED display lets you adjust the fridge and freezer temperatures separately.
- Convenient Ice & Water: Enjoy ice cube, crushed ice, and cold water whenever you need it, right from the dispenser.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: At almost 31 inches deep, it might be too large for some kitchens.
- Alarm Sensitivity: The door alarm might be triggered by quick glances if not closed properly.
This Antarctic Star refrigerator is a fantastic addition for families needing ample, fresh storage with convenient ice and water features. It combines modern style with practical functionality.
4. Gallery 25.6 Cu. Ft. 36″ Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator in Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.8/10
Introducing the Gallery 25.6 Cu. Ft. 36″ Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator in Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel! This refrigerator is designed to keep your food fresh and your kitchen looking great. Its large capacity means you can store plenty of groceries for your family. The smudge-proof stainless steel finish makes it easy to clean and it always looks shiny. Plus, it’s a standard depth, so it fits nicely into most kitchen spaces.
What We Like:
- Lots of space for food.
- Smudge-proof stainless steel looks clean.
- Side-by-side doors make it easy to grab what you need.
- It’s RV/Trailer compatible with a special bracket.
- You can have a cookout anywhere you travel!
What Could Be Improved:
- The RV/Trailer compatibility might be a bit tricky to set up the first time.
- While it has great features, the price might be a little high for some budgets.
This refrigerator offers a fantastic combination of style, capacity, and unexpected portability. It’s a smart addition for anyone who loves to entertain or travel.
5. Lucky Kitchen Supply 52″ Double 2 Door Side By Side Stainless Steel Reach in Commercial Refrigerator
Rating: 9.2/10
The Lucky Kitchen Supply 52″ Double Door Side-by-Side Stainless Steel Reach-In Refrigerator is a powerhouse for any busy restaurant. This 49 cubic foot unit offers ample space to keep all your ingredients perfectly chilled. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great and is built to last. You can trust this refrigerator to maintain consistent, cold temperatures, ensuring your food stays fresh and safe. It’s designed for efficiency and ease of use in a demanding commercial kitchen environment.
What We Like:
- Generous 49 cubic feet of storage space.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Door locks provide added security for your inventory.
- Digital controller makes temperature adjustments simple.
- Pre-installed castors allow for easy movement and cleaning.
- Three adjustable shelves, each supporting up to 155 lbs, offer flexible organization.
- The environmentally friendly refrigeration system is efficient.
- It maintains a cool temperature range of 32℉-38℉.
- The self-contained system works well even in hot kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 51.7 x 31.7 x 81.3 inch dimensions might be a tight fit for some smaller kitchens.
This refrigerator is a reliable workhorse that will meet the demands of most commercial kitchens. It offers great storage and consistent cooling for your restaurant’s needs.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Why Choose a Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
Side-by-side refrigerators are popular for a reason. They offer a convenient layout with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. This makes it easy to see and grab what you need. They often come with many cool features too.
Key Features to Look For
- Ice and Water Dispensers: Many models have these. Some are inside the door, and some are built into the door.
- Adjustable Shelving: You want shelves you can move. This lets you fit taller items like milk jugs or soda bottles.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Some have special controls for humidity.
- Door-in-Door Access: This is a small door within the main refrigerator door. It gives quick access to frequently used items like drinks.
- Smart Technology: Some refrigerators connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with an app on your phone.
Important Materials
What’s it Made Of?
The outside of refrigerators is usually made of stainless steel or a coated metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is strong. It can sometimes show fingerprints, though. Other models have a special coating to resist smudges.
Inside, you’ll find glass shelves. These are easy to clean. Plastic bins and drawers hold your food. Look for sturdy plastic that won’t crack easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Fridge Great (or Not So Great)?
- Build Quality: A well-built refrigerator feels solid. Doors should close smoothly. Shelves should slide in and out easily.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge uses less electricity. It saves you money on your power bill.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be loud. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
- Reliability: Consumer Reports often test how long appliances last. Choosing a reliable brand is important.
User Experience and Use Cases
Living with Your New Fridge
Side-by-side refrigerators are great for families. They offer lots of space for groceries. The layout makes it easy for everyone to find what they need. Kids can easily reach their snacks. Parents can quickly grab drinks from the door-in-door section.
If you like to keep your freezer organized, a side-by-side is a good choice. You can store frozen meals, ice cream, and more. The refrigerator side has plenty of room for fresh produce, dairy, and leftovers.
Consider your kitchen space. Side-by-side refrigerators can be a bit wider than other types. Make sure you measure your doorway and the space where the fridge will go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: The main Key Features to look for include ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelving, crisper drawers for produce, door-in-door access for quick grabs, and smart technology for app control.
Q: Is stainless steel the only material for the outside?
A: No, while stainless steel is common, refrigerators also come with special smudge-resistant coatings on metal exteriors.
Q: How do I know if a refrigerator is good quality?
A: Good quality is shown by solid build, smooth-closing doors, easy-sliding shelves, and energy efficiency, often indicated by the ENERGY STAR label.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators good for small kitchens?
A: They can be wider than other types, so it’s important to measure your kitchen space carefully before buying.
Q: What is the benefit of crisper drawers?
A: Crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for a longer time. Some have special humidity controls.
Q: Is it worth getting an ice and water dispenser?
A: Yes, an ice and water dispenser offers great convenience for chilled water and ice right from the door.
Q: How does smart technology help with a refrigerator?
A: Smart technology allows you to control your refrigerator using a smartphone app, which can be useful for adjusting temperatures or getting alerts.
Q: Do refrigerators with door-in-door access use more energy?
A: Generally, door-in-door access is designed to be energy efficient by reducing the amount of cold air that escapes when you open the main door.
Q: How noisy are side-by-side refrigerators?
A: Noise levels can vary by model. It’s a good idea to check reviews to find models known for being quiet.
Q: What does Consumer Reports test for when reviewing refrigerators?
A: Consumer Reports tests for factors like build quality, energy efficiency, noise level, and overall reliability to help consumers make informed choices.
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!