Imagine opening your fridge door and seeing everything perfectly organized, from crisp vegetables on one side to frozen treats neatly stacked on the other. Does that sound like a dream? For many of us, choosing a new refrigerator is a big decision. We want something that fits our kitchen, holds all our groceries, and lasts for years.
Refrigerator Side By Side models are super popular because they offer easy access to both fresh and frozen food. But the choices can be overwhelming! Do you need an ice maker? How much space do you really need? Picking the wrong one means wasted space and daily frustration.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a great Side By Side refrigerator. You will learn about the key features, common sizes, and what to look for before you buy. Get ready to find the perfect cooling partner for your busy kitchen!
Top Refrigerator Side By Side Recommendations
- 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
- 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 STORAGE: 9.5 cu. ft. refrigerator capacity and 6.1 cu. ft. freezer capacity provide ample space for fresh and frozen foods.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Compact yet functional layout offers easy access to both refrigerator and freezer sections.
- ADJUSTABLE GLASS SHELVES & CRISPERS: Three adjustable/removable glass shelves and two clear-view crispers in both the refrigerator and freezer for flexible storage.
- ELECTRONIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Easily adjust and monitor temperature settings with the front-facing digital display.
- SLEEK & SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Stainless steel doors with recessed handles provide a modern look, perfect for apartments, condos, and vacation homes.
- 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
- 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.
- Modern French Door Style: French Door kitchen refrigerator offers full access to the fridge while two easy access bottom drawer freezers accommodate organized storage for ice and frozen foods
- Spacious Organization: With full-width 12.35 cu. ft. fridge and 6.53 cu. ft. total freezer capacity, our French door fridge with freezer offers ample storage space and options for all your essentials
- Bottom Freezer Drawers: 2 bottom freezer compartments help organize and allow full access to your frozen meals, ice cubes, packaged meats, leftovers, ice cream, and other foods
- Digital Temperature Control: Our digital display easily controls each compartment separately for precise climate control. Set the perfect cooling levels for both the refrigerator and freezer sections
- Special Modes & Features: This full size refrigerator features a temperature regulating AI mode, Vacation mode that helps minimize energy consumption and a door alarm if a door is not shut properly
- Great tools at a great price
- Large 28 cu ft total capacity (17.9 cu ft fresh‑food + 10.1 cu ft freezer) gives you ample storage for all your groceries.
- Modern minimalist design with flat‑door styling and recessed handles that blend seamlessly into your kitchen aesthetic.
- Fingerprint‑resistant stainless steel finish resists smudges and keeps the exterior looking clean and sleek.
- WiFi enabled — control and monitor the refrigerator remotely via SmartThings app, get alerts (door‑open, filter change) and optimize energy usage.
- ADA compliant for easier access and includes Sabbath mode for those observing Shabbat – making it versatile for a wide range of households.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators offer a fantastic blend of freezer and fresh food storage right next to each other. Choosing the right one takes a little homework. This guide helps you pick the perfect model for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how you use your fridge every day.
Capacity and Dimensions
- Size Matters: Measure your space! Side-by-side units need enough width and depth. Check the door swing clearance too.
- Cubic Feet: Look at the total storage space (cubic feet). A family of four usually needs 22 cubic feet or more.
Ice and Water Dispensers
- External Access: Most models have ice and water dispensers on the freezer door. This is super convenient.
- Filter Quality: Check how often you need to change the water filter. Good filters keep your water tasting fresh.
Temperature Control
- Digital Controls: Digital thermostats let you set exact temperatures easily. This keeps food fresher longer.
- Dual Cooling: Some high-end models use two separate cooling systems. This stops freezer smells from moving into the fridge section.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used affect how long your refrigerator lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Shelving
- Tempered Glass: Shelves made from tempered glass are best. They resist spills and hold heavy items well. Spills usually stay contained on these shelves.
- Wire Shelves (Avoid): Wire shelves can let liquids drip through, making cleaning harder.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is very popular. It looks modern. However, standard stainless steel often shows fingerprints easily.
- Fingerprint-Resistant Finishes: Many brands now offer special coatings that resist smudges. These make upkeep much simpler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is about performance and durability. Pay attention to these details.
Energy Efficiency
- ENERGY STAR Rating: Always choose a model with an ENERGY STAR label. These refrigerators use less electricity, saving you money on power bills.
- Insulation: Better insulation keeps the cold in, making the compressor run less often.
Noise Level
- Decibel Rating: Refrigerators make noise when the ice maker drops cubes or the compressor runs. Look for models rated below 45 decibels (dB) if your kitchen is near a living area.
Compressor Type
- Inverter Compressors: These newer compressors run more consistently and quietly than older, traditional ones. They generally improve the lifespan of the unit.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your household uses the refrigerator daily.
Organization
- Door Bins: Deep, adjustable door bins hold large milk jugs or soda bottles easily.
- Humidity Controls: Drawers with adjustable humidity slides help keep fruits and vegetables crisp longer.
Accessibility
Side-by-side units are great for people who do not want to bend over to reach frozen items. Everything is generally visible at eye level or slightly below. This layout is often preferred by older adults or those with limited mobility.
If you buy a lot of frozen pizzas or large frozen meals, the narrower freezer space might require more stacking and organizing than a traditional top-freezer model.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Q: What is the main advantage of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: The main advantage is easy access to both the freezer and fresh food sections without having to bend down low for either one.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators wide enough for pizza boxes?
A: Sometimes they are not. Because the freezer section is narrower than a standard bottom-freezer model, check the width measurement against your standard frozen pizza box size before buying.
Q: How much more do side-by-side models usually cost?
A: They generally cost more than basic top-freezer models because they include more complex features like external dispensers and dual cooling systems.
Q: Do they use more energy than other styles?
A: Not necessarily. Modern side-by-side models with good ENERGY STAR ratings are very efficient. Older or very large models might use more power.
Q: What is the purpose of “dual cooling”?
A: Dual cooling uses two separate evaporators—one for the fridge and one for the freezer. This keeps humidity levels correct in both sections.
Q: How often should I replace the water filter?
A: Most manufacturers recommend replacing the water filter every six months for best taste and performance.
Q: What does “counter-depth” mean for this style?
A: A counter-depth model is shallower. It sticks out less from your cabinets, giving your kitchen a built-in, streamlined look.
Q: Can I remove the ice maker if I don’t use it?
A: Usually, you can remove the ice maker bin, but disconnecting the entire ice maker unit and plumbing might require professional help or void the warranty.
Q: Which door style is easier to clean: stainless steel or black?
A: Black finishes often hide minor smudges better than traditional stainless steel. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is the easiest option to keep looking clean.
Q: Are the shelves adjustable in the freezer section?
A: Freezer shelves are often less adjustable than fridge shelves. Always check the product specifications to see how many height options the freezer shelves offer.