At a Glance:
Pros & Cons of Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Why Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Ever strolled through an appliance store, wondering which fridge fits your kitchen best? One popular choice is the side-by-side refrigerator, recognized by its two tall doors standing next to each other—one for the fridge and the other for the freezer. But is this model the right pick for you? Every appliance has its advantages and downsides, and the side-by-side fridge is no different. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of refrigerators on the market, the pros and cons of side-by-side refrigerators, and the best side-by-side refrigerators for your home.
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Shop Side-by-Side RefrigeratorsTypes of Refrigerators
There are so many styles of refrigerators to choose from, and deciding which can be best for you can be a challenge. In order to help you navigate the world of refrigeration and help pick the best choice for your home, here are some types of refrigerators you can buy for your home:
➤ Side-by-Side Refrigerators: The side-by-side refrigerator models are quite literally split down the middle. With a vertical division, one side acts as the refrigerator while the other serves as the freezer. The design provides easy access to both compartments, making organization and item retrieval a breeze. They're a favorite choice for families and individuals who desire quick access to both frozen and fresh foods without needing to bend down.
➤ French Door Refrigerators: Merging elegance with functionality, the French door refrigerator combines a bottom freezer and double doors for the refrigeration compartment. The expansive storage, adjustable shelves, and easy-to-reach door storage make this design popular. It's particularly loved by households that prioritize refrigerator space, placing frequently used items at eye level.
➤ Top Freezer Refrigerator: The top freezer refrigerator design is one of the most traditional. With its freezer compartment on top and the refrigerator below, it's straightforward and often more budget friendly compared to other models. This style is often more suitable for those with limited space or smaller families.
➤ Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: These designs feature a freezer at the base, often in a pull-out drawer format. The bottom freezer refrigerator compartment occupies the top section, emphasizing ease of access for fresh foods. They're the go-to for those who prefer easy access to refrigerated items and require ample freezer space.
➤ Built-In Refrigerator: For those pursuing a sleek, modern kitchen, built-in refrigerators are a perfect fit. These models integrate seamlessly with kitchen cabinets, providing a streamlined look. They blend effortlessly into the kitchen design, making them a hit among those with spacious kitchens.
➤ Counter Depth Refrigerator: Prioritizing aesthetics, counter depth refrigerators are shallower, aligning neatly with kitchen counters. They might offer less in terms of depth, but their streamlined appearance is appealing, especially in kitchens with limited space.
➤ Freezerless Refrigerator: Tailored for those who have separate standalone freezers, freezerless refrigerators are all about maximizing fresh food storage. Without a freezer section, they offer expanded refrigeration space, suitable for those with specific freezing arrangements.
➤ Column Refrigerator: Column refrigerators come as separate units — one for refrigeration and the other for freezing. This separation provides maximum flexibility in kitchen layout and design, catering to those with unique space needs. Though very similar to freezerless models, what makes these appliances unique is their ability to be built into the cabinetry or walls of the kitchen.
➤ Compact Refrigerator: Also known as mini fridges, these portable, compact refrigerators are versatile. Often found in dorm rooms, offices, or as additional storage for beverages, they are an economical and space-conscious choice.
➤ Under-the-Counter Refrigerator: Designed to tuck neatly beneath countertops, these under-the-counter refrigerator models are ideal for bars or entertainment zones. They offer easy access to drinks and snacks, making them a popular choice for specific areas within homes.
➤ Refrigerator Drawers: Compact and efficient, refrigerator drawers can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen islands or counters. They're perfect for segregating items like drinks, fruits, or snacks at different temperatures. They’re especially popular for those who want easy access to snacks or beverages without compromising the space in their fridge.
→ Learn more: 3 Stylish Counter Depth Refrigerators
Pros & Cons of Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators are one of the most popular models on the market and one of our favorites! However, they may not be right for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of side-by-side refrigerators:
Pros
Here are some pros to owning a side-by-side refrigerator:
✓ Easy Access: Both the refrigerator and freezer compartments are at eye level, making it convenient to view and access items without bending or stooping.
✓ Space Efficiency: Their vertical design typically requires less door swing space, making them ideal for kitchens with limited space or where multiple people may be accessing the fridge at once.
✓ Organizational Features: Many models come with adjustable shelves, door bins, and multiple drawers, allowing for efficient storage and organization of food items.
✓ Water & Ice Dispensers: Many side-by-side refrigerators feature external water and ice dispensers, providing convenient access without opening the doors.
Cons
Here are some cons to owning a side-by-side refrigerator:
✗ Narrow Shelves: Due to the split design, shelves can be narrower than those in other refrigerator types, potentially making it harder to store wider items like pizza boxes or large platters.
✗ Freezer Space: The freezer side might offer less vertical storage space compared to bottom freezer models, potentially posing challenges for storing larger frozen items.
✗ Energy Consumption: They can sometimes use more energy than some other models because of the larger freezer area and external dispensing features.
✗ Price: Side-by-side models, especially those with advanced features, can be more expensive than traditional top freezer designs.
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Here are some of the best side-by-side refrigerators currently on the market:
Samsung 27.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Samsung Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This Samsung side-by-side refrigerator comes with a number of features to improve the efficiency of your kitchen. That includes a large, 27.4 internal capacity, an in-door ice maker, and an adjustable top shelf, so you can fit taller items and create more storage space for your food.
Next to that, thanks to its stainless steel finish, this refrigerator is a breeze to keep clean. Its fingerprint resistant, and its exterior also helps to reduce smudges, helping you keep your kitchen looking orderly.
Here’s what one of the wonderful reviewers said about this fridge, “Love how easy it is to clean. Every piece comes out so easily. Water and ice are a great feature, always refreshing Very happy with quality of this fridge. Great features!”
Whirlpool 24.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator was built with optimization in mind. Inside the fridge, it has features like the can caddy and adjustable gallon door bins, which you can adjust to increase the flexibility of your food storage. It also houses a deli drawer and LED interior lighting, so you can see inside the fridge more clearly.
On the outside, not only does the fridge have a stainless steel finish for easy clean, it also has a water and ice dispenser. The dispenser uses fresh, filtered water, so you can quench your thirst with ease of mind.
This fridge has thousands of amazing reviews. One buyer says, “I purchased my Whirlpool refrigerator in July & so far I am very happy with it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that is looking to buy a refrigerator.”
Frigidaire Gallery 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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This Frigidaire Gallery side-by-side refrigerator comes jam packed with features to improve your kitchen space. That includes things you might find in similar models, like LED interior lighting and a deli drawer, but it also includes others as well, like the SpaceWise Organization System, which includes three removeable glass shelves and a slim design ice maker.
It also includes a PureAir Ultra Air Filter, which performs better than baking soda and captures undesirable smells inside your refrigerator. It also has a PurePour water filter for the external water dispenser that removes 99% of contaminants, so you don’t have to worry about what’s in your water ever again.
Of the great reviews, one user says, “Sleek design! Superior lighting and built in freshness filter. More than adequate ice maker makes ice quickly. Room enough for all your leftovers.”
GE 33 in. 23.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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This 33 inch GE side-by-side refrigerator is perfect for those who are looking for a sleek, quality appliance for their kitchen. That’s because this stainless steel fridge has a nice design that can accommodate almost any kitchen aesthetic.
And though it only has 23 cubic feet of interior space, that doesn’t mean your food will feel crammed, especially thanks to its edge-to-edge shelves and adjustable door shelves. This fridge also comes with additional features, like the exterior electronic display, which lets you set the temperature more easily, and the easy access icemaker, which automatically creates cubed or crushed ice for whatever you need.
Here’s what one of the wonderful reviewers had to say about this refrigerator, “At first, I wasn't sure what fridge to get because the market is overwhelmingly large. Not only is GE a reputable company, but there was an ease of mind picking out a GE because I've never had any issues. The fridge is new, just enough features.”
KitchenAid 19.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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If you’re someone with a smaller living space, this KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerator might be the perfect choice for you. That’s because with its 19.9 cubic feet of space, you have an optimized food storage appliance that doesn’t take up a lot of room.
It also comes with expert refrigeration features like its two independent cooling systems, which help keep your food fresh, and the FreshFlow Air filter which minimizes odors inside. To help even more with space-saving, this fridge also has a counter-depth design, which allows it to fit nearly flush with surrounding cabinetry to give it a built-in look.
This refrigerator has tons of great reviews. One says, “We purchased about a month ago. It had the exact measurements needed and it fit perfectly. It's very quiet. I like the wide door storage.”
Samsung 28.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Samsung Side-by-Side Refrigerator
With its sleek exterior design, this Samsung side-by-side refrigerator is perfect for those who want a more elegant and refined look in their kitchen. But it also comes with expert features to add even more luxury to your space.
That includes a completely redesigned interior that fits 10% more groceries than other models. It also includes an in-door ice maker, which has a detachable bucket to save shelf space for your frozen foods. Lastly, it comes with multi-vent technology to provide an even cool for items on every shelf of the appliance.
This refrigerator by Samsung has wonderful reviews. One says, “After several weeks of use, I am glad that I have this refrigerator. It is a quiet refrigerator with a large capacity.”
Amana 24.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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This 26 inch Amana side-by-side refrigerator makes food storage simple thanks to its features, like the electronic temperature controls, the gallon door storage bins, and the temp assure freshness controls, which help fruits and vegetables stay at their ideal temperatures.
Next to that, it also comes with other jampacked features like its dual pad external ice and water dispenser, its dispenser control lockout, which prevents unintended use, and its interior lighting, which helps you easily see the food in your fridge.
This refrigerator has great reviews. One person said, “I bought this about two months ago. The room in the fridge is perfect. I am able to store everything I need to without worry about height or depth. The freezer has shelves that hold all I need it to hold without crowding. Love the icemaker. Works a treat and the filtered water is wonderful and cold.”
GE Profile 28.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this GE Profile Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This GE Profile side-by-side refrigerator comes with luxury features that you don’t often find in other fridges. That includes climate controlled drawers, which allow you to change their temperature to accommodate different foods, as well as the built in WIFI connectivity, which allows you to monitor your fridges performance from your smartphone.
The fridge also includes other features, like the adjustable spillproof glass shelves, full-extension freezer baskets, and a built-in ice maker. Whatever you need, this fridge is sure to provide.
Here’s what one of the wonderful reviewers had to say about this refrigerator, “We really like the size of the refrigerator. Being countertop depth is so nice. Really increases the flow of the kitchen. It also helps with the ability to see everything in the back.”
Why Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Selecting the right fridge can make your kitchen life easier. A side-by-side refrigerator offers convenience, along with easy access to both frozen and fresh foods without needing to bend over. With its spacious shelves, you can organize and spot your items quickly. Plus, its sleek design can upgrade the look of your kitchen.
Worried about the cost? Here's good news: John's Appliance & Bedding has fantastic deals. By shopping with us, not only do you get a great appliance, but you also enjoy savings. Make the smart choice for your kitchen; choose a side-by-side refrigerator from John's Appliance & Bedding and let our experts help you pick out the right one for your home.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a side-by-side refrigerator?
Side-by-side refrigerators offer easy access to both the fridge and freezer sections. They often come with ice and water dispensers in the door. Their vertical design maximizes storage, making organization simpler and retrieval of items quicker. They're also visually appealing, adding a modern touch to kitchens.
Do side-by-side refrigerators use more energy than top-freezer models?
Many modern side-by-side fridges are energy efficient. It’s helpful to check the Energy Star rating of your fridge when purchasing to ensure it meets your energy needs.
How much space do I need for a side-by-side refrigerator in my kitchen?
Side-by-side refrigerators typically require more width but less depth compared to other styles. Ensure you have at least 2-3 inches of space on each side and at the top for proper ventilation. It’s also helpful to measure the intended spot in your kitchen and compare it to the fridge's dimensions before purchasing.
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Thanks to John and his team, John’s Appliance & Bedding has been able to provide our customers with the best appliances, mattresses, and cabinet solutions in South Florida. We view our customers as an extension of our family and seek to provide the best service and expertise that we always have.
Shop Side-By-Side Refrigerators at John’s Appliance & Bedding
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we provide high-quality, name-brand products for the best possible price. Shop Side-By-Side Refrigerators online or visit one of our four South Florida showrooms and experience world-class customer service. Our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find a Side-By-Side Refrigerator for your home — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: When it Comes to Refrigerators, Compressors Matter!