Imagine opening your refrigerator and freezer doors to find everything neatly organized and easy to reach. Does your current setup make that a daily reality, or is it a constant game of hide-and-seek with your groceries? Choosing a new refrigerator, especially a side-by-side model, can feel overwhelming. You want a fridge that fits your kitchen, your family’s needs, and your budget, but all those features and brands can make your head spin.
We get it. Finding the perfect side-by-side refrigerator freezer is a big decision. You want something that keeps your food fresh, looks good, and makes your life easier. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is the best fit for *you*? This post is here to help clear the confusion and make your shopping experience much smoother.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for in a side-by-side refrigerator freezer. We’ll break down the key features, explain what they mean, and help you weigh the pros and cons. Get ready to discover how to find a refrigerator that will make your kitchen work for you, not against you.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Freezer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Freezer Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 is a 36-inch counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator and freezer. It boasts a sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish that looks great in any kitchen. This fridge is designed to keep your food perfectly chilled and your drinks refreshingly cold. It also has a convenient ice and water dispenser, so you can get ice and water with just a touch.
What We Like:
- It has a stylish, modern look with a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
- The Accela Chill feature cools your food down quickly.
- You get filtered ice and water right from the door.
- The factory-installed ice maker makes up to 3 pounds of ice daily.
- The Multi Flow air system makes sure everything stays evenly cold on every shelf.
- The deep gallon-sized door bin holds a lot of items.
- Clear crisper drawers help keep your fruits and veggies fresh.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you organize your space easily, even for taller items.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified and very energy efficient.
- The inverter compressor runs quietly and keeps temperatures steady.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good capacity at 20 cu. ft., some larger families might need more space.
- The counter-depth design, while stylish, means slightly less interior storage than a standard-depth model.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great combination of style, convenience, and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen and keeping your food fresh.
2. Avanti RMS551SS Mini Fridge Compact Side Refrigerator with Freezer for Home Office or Dorm
Rating: 9.1/10
The Avanti RMS551SS Mini Fridge is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a compact and stylish cooling solution. Its 5.5 cubic feet of space is divided into separate refrigerator and freezer sections, making it super handy for keeping drinks cold and snacks frozen. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any room, whether it’s your dorm, office, or even a home bar.
What We Like:
- It has a great side-by-side design, which is perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms or offices.
- The freezer section has two shelves, making it easy to organize your frozen treats.
- It uses energy-efficient cooling to keep your food fresh and cold.
- The stainless steel look is modern and attractive.
- The full-range temperature control lets you set the perfect coldness.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5.5 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for families or larger households.
- While it has a freezer, it might not be ideal for long-term bulk storage of frozen goods.
This Avanti mini fridge offers a smart blend of style and function. It’s a practical appliance that makes keeping your favorite items cool and accessible a breeze.
3. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.1/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish complements modern decor. This refrigerator offers ample storage for families and makes organizing groceries simple. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen space, providing a clean, built-in look.
What We Like:
- It has a large 20.6 cu ft capacity, which is great for families.
- The side-by-side door design makes it easy to find your food.
- You can easily change the settings with the digital display.
- The extra-large door bins hold gallon-sized items, like milk jugs.
- Bright LED lights inside help you see everything clearly.
- Its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out too far from your cabinets.
- Convenient delivery and haul-away options are available in some areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which might be less convenient for quick adjustments compared to an exterior display.
- While it offers delivery and haul-away, these services are only available in select locations, limiting accessibility for some customers.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking a balance of style, capacity, and smart design. It’s built to make your kitchen life easier and more organized.
4. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity
Rating: 8.8/10
This Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 22.2 cubic feet of space, meaning you can store a lot of food and drinks. The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to keep clean. Plus, it comes with helpful features like an air filter to keep your food fresh and bright LED interior lighting so you can easily see everything inside.
What We Like:
- Lots of storage space (22.2 cu. ft.) for groceries.
- Keeps food fresher with its built-in air filter.
- Bright LED lights make it easy to find what you need.
- The side-by-side design offers convenient access to both the fridge and freezer.
- The stainless steel look adds a stylish touch to your kitchen.
- An ice maker is included, so you always have ice ready.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific dimensions might need checking for smaller kitchens.
- While the air filter is good, replacement filters will be an ongoing cost.
This Frigidaire refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing ample storage and convenient features. It brings both style and functionality to your kitchen.
5. frigidaireusa PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo & Trim FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF TRMKTEZ2LV79
Rating: 8.7/10
The Frigidaire Professional Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo with Trim is a serious upgrade for any kitchen. This combo gives you a huge amount of space with separate refrigerator and freezer columns. It looks super sleek with its stainless steel finish and special trim kit. You can store a lot of food and drinks, keeping everything perfectly chilled or frozen. It even has an ice maker and a water dispenser, which is super convenient.
What We Like:
- Massive 18.6 cu. ft. capacity in both the refrigerator and freezer columns means you can store tons of groceries.
- An internal ice maker keeps you supplied with ice, perfect for drinks.
- The internal water dispenser offers chilled water without needing to open the door.
- The SpaceWise organization system helps you keep everything tidy and easy to find.
- The stylish stainless steel finish and the included louvered trim kit give your kitchen a professional, built-in look.
- The Twins Pairing Kit makes installation a breeze for a side-by-side setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a large appliance, so make sure you have enough space in your kitchen.
- The price point might be higher than other refrigerator options.
- The trim kit is essential for the full aesthetic and needs to be purchased with the units.
This Frigidaire Professional combo offers impressive storage and sleek style for a high-end kitchen experience. It’s a fantastic choice for families who need serious cold storage and want a premium look.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Side-By-Side Refrigerator Freezer
Side-by-side refrigerators are a popular choice for many kitchens. 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 both your frozen goods and fresh groceries. Let’s dive into what makes a great side-by-side fridge.
Key Features to Look For
Storage and Capacity
Think about how much food you usually store. Do you buy in bulk? Side-by-side fridges come in different sizes. Look at the total cubic feet of storage. A larger family might need a fridge with 25 cubic feet or more. Smaller households might be fine with 22 cubic feet.
Shelving and Drawers
Adjustable shelves are a big plus. They let you change the space to fit taller items like milk jugs or large platters. Crisper drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Some fridges have special drawers for deli meats or drinks.
Ice and Water Dispenser
Many side-by-side models have an ice and water dispenser on the freezer door. This is super convenient. Some dispensers offer crushed ice, cubed ice, and filtered water. Make sure the dispenser is easy to use and clean.
Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge uses less electricity. It’s good for your wallet and the environment.
Smart Features
Some modern fridges have smart technology. You can connect them to your Wi-Fi. This lets you control the temperature from your phone or get alerts if the door is left open. Some even have screens for notes or recipes.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very common and durable finish. It resists rust and looks sleek. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a great choice to keep your fridge looking clean.
- Plastic: The inside of the fridge, like shelves and drawers, is usually made of strong plastic. High-quality plastic is less likely to crack or break.
- Glass: Shelves are often made of tempered glass. This type of glass is strong and won’t shatter easily if something heavy is placed on it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Fridge Better?
- Build Quality: Sturdy doors that close smoothly are a good sign. Well-made shelves and drawers that slide easily also show good quality.
- Cooling System: A good fridge maintains a consistent temperature. This keeps food fresh and prevents spoilage. Dual cooling systems, which have separate fans for the fridge and freezer, are excellent.
- Noise Level: Some fridges can be noisy. Look for models that are known for being quiet.
What Can Lower Quality?
- Cheap Components: If the shelves feel flimsy or the doors sag, it might mean lower quality parts were used.
- Poor Temperature Control: If the fridge struggles to keep a steady temperature, your food won’t stay as fresh.
- Frequent Repairs: Some brands are known for needing more repairs than others. Reading reviews can help you avoid these.
User Experience and Use Cases
Side-by-side fridges are great for people who like to organize their food. You can easily see your frozen vegetables on one side and your milk and eggs on the other.
Who is it good for?
- Families: The layout makes it easy for everyone to find what they need.
- People who entertain: The dispenser is handy for drinks and ice.
- Those who like organization: The vertical split helps keep your fridge and freezer items separate and tidy.
When using your side-by-side fridge, make sure not to overpack the vents. This lets the cold air circulate properly. Keep the coils clean at the back of the fridge for better efficiency. Enjoy your new, convenient appliance!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: The main advantage is the convenient layout. You have easy access to both the freezer and refrigerator compartments at eye level.
Q: How much space do I need for a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: You need to measure the height, width, and depth of the space where the fridge will go. Also, make sure to leave enough space around the fridge for the doors to open fully and for ventilation.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many modern side-by-side refrigerators are energy efficient, especially those with an ENERGY STAR rating. It’s always good to check the EnergyGuide label.
Q: How do I clean the ice and water dispenser?
A: Most dispensers have removable parts that can be washed with mild soap and water. Check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: What does “fingerprint-resistant stainless steel” mean?
A: This special finish helps reduce the appearance of fingerprints and smudges, making it easier to keep your fridge looking clean.
Q: How often should I replace the water filter?
A: Water filters typically need to be replaced every six months, but this can vary depending on the model and water usage. Your fridge might have an indicator light to remind you.
Q: Can I adjust the shelves in a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Yes, most side-by-side refrigerators have adjustable shelves. This allows you to customize the interior space to fit different-sized items.
Q: What is the difference between a side-by-side and a French door refrigerator?
A: A side-by-side has the freezer on one vertical side and the refrigerator on the other. A French door refrigerator has two refrigerator doors on top and a freezer drawer below.
Q: How do I ensure my side-by-side refrigerator is cooling properly?
A: Make sure the temperature settings are correct and that the vents inside the fridge are not blocked by food. Also, ensure the coils at the back are clean.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a side-by-side refrigerator can last between 10 to 20 years.
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!