Imagine this: you’re reaching for that carton of milk, but the door on the other side swings open, bumping your elbow. Or maybe you’re trying to cram in a tall bottle of juice, only to find it clashes with a towering stack of leftovers. Sound familiar? Choosing a refrigerator can feel like a puzzle, and when it comes to side-by-side models, the options can be overwhelming.
Many people find themselves stuck between wanting the convenience of separated compartments and worrying about whether the freezer section is big enough, or if the whole unit will even fit in their kitchen. It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of features, sizes, and energy ratings. But what if you could cut through the confusion and find the perfect side-by-side refrigerator that actually makes your life easier?
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a side-by-side refrigerator a great choice for many kitchens. We’ll explore the key things you need to consider, from how much space you really need for frozen treats to which features will save you time and money. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking a fridge that keeps your food fresh and your kitchen running smoothly. Let’s dive in and find your ideal cold storage companion!
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: 9.1/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and smart addition to any kitchen. Its sleek fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish looks great and resists smudges. This refrigerator is designed to save space while offering plenty of room for all your food.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design fits perfectly in your kitchen without sticking out, making your space feel bigger.
- It has a large 20 cu. ft. capacity, which is great for families or when you have guests over.
- The Accela Chill feature quickly cools down new groceries.
- The multi-flow air system makes sure your food stays fresh on every shelf.
- You get easy access to fresh, filtered water and ice from the dispenser.
- The adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves are spill-proof and easy to clean.
- Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it’s energy-efficient and saves you money on electricity bills.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish means less time spent wiping down the outside.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers ample space, some very large items might be a tight fit in the freezer section.
- The ice maker, while convenient, can sometimes be a bit noisy when filling.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great balance of style, convenience, and efficiency. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen.
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 compact and stylish refrigerator with a freezer, perfect for any small space. It offers a 5.5 cubic foot capacity and a convenient side-by-side design, making it ideal for dorm rooms, home offices, or even as an extra fridge in your bedroom or bar area.
What We Like:
- The 5.5 cu. ft. side-by-side design gives you both fridge and freezer space in one compact unit, perfect for offices, dorms, and small apartments.
- You get two shelves in the freezer section, which makes organizing frozen foods super easy.
- It has energy-efficient cooling with a partial automatic defrost and temperature control to keep your items perfectly cold.
- The sleek stainless-steel finish looks modern and fits well in any room.
- Dual doors provide easy access to both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 5.5 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger households or for stocking a lot of groceries.
- The “partial automatic defrost” means you might still need to do some manual defrosting periodically.
This Avanti mini fridge is a smart and practical choice for anyone needing extra cool storage. It combines good looks with useful features for everyday convenience.
3. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.5/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator is a great addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and side-by-side door design make it both stylish and functional. This fridge offers plenty of space for all your groceries, keeping them fresh and easy to find.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cu. ft. of space, it holds a lot for your whole family.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Easily see and grab your fresh and frozen foods.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Control temperature and settings easily with the inside digital panel.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Big bins hold gallons of drinks and other items.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights show you everything inside.
- COUNTER DEPTH: It fits neatly against your cabinets without sticking out too much.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Convenient delivery and setup services are available in some areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is mounted inside, which might be less convenient for quick adjustments for some users.
- While it offers a good capacity, it might not be enough for extremely large families or those who buy in bulk frequently.
This refrigerator offers a great blend of style, capacity, and smart features. Its counter-depth design ensures a modern, built-in look for your kitchen.
4. 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 is a stylish and functional addition to any modern kitchen, offering ample space and precise temperature control for all your food and beverage needs.
What We Like:
- It boasts a generous 15.6 cu. ft. of storage, perfect for families.
- The sleek Black Stainless Steel design with flat surfaces and easy handles fits beautifully into most kitchens.
- You get separate compartments for refrigeration (9.54 cu. ft.) and freezing (6.08 cu. ft.).
- Electronic temperature control lets you set the freezer from -10°F to 5°F and the fridge from 32°F to 42°F with 5 adjustable settings.
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and veggies fresh, and there’s a special spot for butter and spreads.
- It’s frost-free, meaning less work for you.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific dimensions (35.1″ W x 26.77″ D x 72.6″ H) might require careful measurement for some kitchen layouts.
- While it’s a beverage fridge, the primary focus seems to be on general refrigeration and freezing, so dedicated beverage shelving might be limited.
This Iceblue refrigerator combines a premium look with smart features to keep your food perfectly chilled and frozen. It’s a great choice for those seeking both style and practicality in their kitchen appliances.
5. frigidaireusa PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo & Trim FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF TRMKTEZ2LV79
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Professional Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo. This sleek unit combines a spacious refrigerator and a powerful freezer, giving you plenty of room for all your food. Its professional look and smart features make it a great addition to any modern home.
What We Like:
- Huge storage space: The refrigerator and freezer columns each offer 18.6 cubic feet of room. That’s a lot of space for groceries!
- Convenient features: Enjoy chilled water from the internal dispenser and ice from the internal ice maker.
- Stylish design: The stainless steel finish looks great. The louvered trim kit adds a touch of elegance.
- Flexible installation: The twins pairing kit lets you install them side-by-side for a custom look.
- Smart organization: The SpaceWise system helps you organize your food efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires pairing kit: You need the specific twins pairing kit for side-by-side installation, which is an extra purchase.
- Size: These are large units, so make sure you have enough space in your kitchen.
This Frigidaire Professional combo offers a fantastic combination of style and function. It’s a smart choice for families who need lots of fresh and frozen storage.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Choosing the right side-by-side refrigerator can make a big difference in your kitchen. These fridges offer a unique layout with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. This guide helps you find the perfect one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Size and Capacity
Measure your kitchen space carefully. Side-by-side refrigerators come in different widths and heights. Think about how much food you usually store. A larger family might need a bigger capacity.
2. Ice and Water Dispenser
Many models have an ice and water dispenser on the freezer door. This is super convenient. Some have filtered water, which tastes better. Others offer crushed or cubed ice.
3. Smart Features
Some refrigerators have smart technology. You can control them with your phone. Some can even tell you when the filter needs changing or alert you if the door is left open.
4. Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity. It saves you money on your power bill and is good for the environment.
5. Shelving and Drawer Options
Adjustable shelves let you fit taller items. Crisper drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Deli drawers are great for meats and cheeses.
Materials That Matter
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. It is also durable and resists rust. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a bonus!
2. Other Finishes
Some refrigerators come in black, white, or other colors. These can match your kitchen decor. Consider how easy they are to clean.
3. Interior Materials
The inside of the refrigerator should be easy to wipe clean. Glass shelves are common and sturdy. Plastic bins should be strong and not easily breakable.
What Makes a Refrigerator Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Temperature Control: The fridge and freezer should keep food at the right temperature. This keeps food fresh longer.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy refrigerator can be annoying. Look for models that are known to be quiet.
- Durability: Well-made refrigerators last a long time. Check reviews for comments on how long the appliance has lasted.
- Even Cooling: Food should be cooled evenly throughout the fridge. No one wants a warm spot in their refrigerator!
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Frequent Repairs: If a refrigerator breaks down often, it’s not a good buy.
- Poor Build Quality: Doors that don’t close properly or flimsy shelves can be frustrating.
- Loud Noises: Unexpected bangs or whirring sounds can be a sign of a problem.
User Experience and Use Cases
Side-by-side refrigerators are great for families. The layout makes it easy to find both frozen and fresh foods. Kids can reach their snacks in the refrigerator section. Parents can easily grab frozen meals from the freezer.
These fridges are also good for people who like to organize. The vertical split helps keep different types of food separate. You can dedicate one side to drinks and the other to produce, for example.
If you entertain often, the ice and water dispenser is a lifesaver. You always have cold drinks ready. The large capacity also means you can store more food for parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: You should look for good size and capacity, an ice and water dispenser, smart features if you like them, energy efficiency, and smart shelving and drawer options.
Q: Are stainless steel refrigerators difficult to clean?
A: Many stainless steel refrigerators now have fingerprint-resistant finishes, making them easier to clean and keep looking nice.
Q: How do I know if a refrigerator has good temperature control?
A: Read reviews from other customers. They often mention if the refrigerator keeps food consistently cold.
Q: Is a side-by-side refrigerator good for small kitchens?
A: Side-by-side refrigerators can be a bit wider than other types. Measure your space carefully to make sure it fits.
Q: What does ENERGY STAR mean?
A: ENERGY STAR means the appliance uses less energy. This saves you money on electricity bills and helps the environment.
Q: How much food can a side-by-side refrigerator hold?
A: The capacity varies by model. You can find them in different sizes to hold more or less food, depending on your needs.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators noisy?
A: Some models are quieter than others. Checking customer reviews can help you find a quiet refrigerator.
Q: What are crisper drawers for?
A: Crisper drawers are designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh by controlling humidity.
Q: Can I adjust the shelves in a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Yes, many side-by-side refrigerators have adjustable shelves. This lets you customize the space to fit your groceries.
Q: How long do side-by-side refrigerators usually last?
A: With good care, a well-made side-by-side refrigerator can last 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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!