At a Glance:
What Is A Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
The Benefits Of A Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Side-By-Side Refrigerators Vs. French Door Refrigerators
The Best Side-By-Side Refrigerators
FAQ About Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Getting a new refrigerator is exciting, but choosing a new refrigerator can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of different types of refrigerators that you can choose from and every type has pros and cons that have to be considered. And, because a new refrigerator is a big purchase, a lot of homeowners feel pressured to make the best possible decision.
We’re here to help. This guide to side-by-side refrigerators should help you decide if a side-by-side refrigerator is right for you and help you choose the best side-by-side refrigerator.
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Side-by-Side RefrigeratorsWhat Is A Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
A side-by-side refrigerator is a popular type of refrigerator where the freezer compartment and fresh food compartment are positioned next to each other, vertically. The refrigerator is split approximately down the middle, with one side for refrigeration and the other for freezing.
Because the sides have approximately the same available volume there is more room for frozen items than there is in a traditional refrigerator where the freezer section is on the top or bottom of the refrigerator.
This design also allows for easy access to both the fridge and freezer sections for almost all family members. Side-by-side refrigerators come with a wide range of available options like ice makers, smart technology, adjustable interior shelving, ice dispensers, adjustable temperature controls, and many others.
The Benefits Of A Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Side-by-side refrigerators are very popular with homeowners because they make it easy to access both frozen and refrigerated items. The sleek design of side-by-refrigerators also add a touch of modern style to the kitchen, which is perfect for homeowners that are upgrading their appliances to give their dated kitchen a facelift. Some of the biggest benefits of choosing a side-by-side refrigerator are:
Convenient Access
- The vertical positioning of a side-by-side refrigerator makes it easy to access either side of the refrigerator without having to reach or stoop. That might not sound like a big benefit, but think about how often during the day you go into the refrigerator or freezer or get something. Over time, that is a lot of stooping and bending and reaching that can cause pain and physical problems.
Narrower Door Swing
- From a practical standpoint, the narrow door swing of the side-by-side refrigerator makes it a perfect choice for small kitchens. It’s also a better option for homeowners that have a defined space where the refrigerator must go. Many homes have a slot built in for the fridge and the cabinetry and countertops are built around that. The narrow door swing of the side-by-side fridge means you can fit a more modern functional refrigerator into your existing refrigerator spot easily.
Flexible Storage
- Adjustable shelves and door bins allow for customizable storage configurations, accommodating items of various shapes and sizes. You can organize your side-by-side refrigerator in a way that makes sense for your family using a customized layout.
Organized Visibility
- The side-by-side design makes it easy to see and access items in both the fridge and freezer sections at eye level. If you have ever gotten frustrated digging through bags in the freezer trying to find one specific item you will appreciate the easy visibility that a side-by-side refrigerator gives you.
Temperature Control
- Many side-by-side models offer independent temperature controls for the fridge and freezer compartments, so you can customize the temperatures for both refrigerated and frozen items.
Built-in Features
- Side-by-side refrigerators come with a huge range of options so you can choose the best options for your family. Ice makers, water dispensers, smart technology, and other built-in features allow you to choose a refrigerator that will make life easier for everyone in the household.
Energy Efficiency
- Modern side-by-side refrigerators are very energy efficient so you won’t get stuck with a big electric bill. Some side-by-side models are designed with energy-saving features such as LED lighting and advanced cooling systems which keeps energy use and energy costs low.
Stylish Design
- Side-by-side refrigerators come in a variety of sleek designs and finishes, adding a modern aesthetic to the kitchen. Stainless steel side-by-side refrigerators are in high demand, but classic white refrigerators never go out of style. If you want your kitchen to feel more cutting edge look at some of the matte stainless-steel refrigerators for a sleek modern feel.
Large Capacity
- You can customize the size of the interior compartments, but the overall storage capacity of a side-by-side refrigerator is impressive. These refrigerators are made for modern families who need the space for meal prepping, storing healthy snacks, and organizing food so that nothing goes to waste.
Family-Friendly
- The layout and accessibility of a side-by-side refrigerator make it ideal for families. Your kids can easily grab their own lunches and snacks and reach both refrigerated and frozen items even if they are still very small.
Side-By-Side Refrigerators Vs. French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators are also a popular choice. A French door refrigerator has a double-door design for the fresh food compartment, with a freezer drawer usually located underneath. The doors open out from the center, like French doors that are used in architecture.
The freezer compartment typically consists of a pull-out drawer or two, located at the bottom of the unit. French door refrigerators are popular for their modern design and convenient storage, but they lack the freezer space and easy access that side-by-side refrigerators have.
Some of the things that you should consider when choosing whether a side-by-side refrigerator or a French door refrigerator is right for your lifestyle are:
Ease Of Access
- Because French door refrigerators have the freezer on the bottom of the unit accessing anything in the freezer means bending down to get what you need. If you cook a lot of frozen foods or rely on frozen meals that can mean a lot of unnecessary bending and stooping.
There’s also a greater risk that one of your kids could leave the freezer drawer open slightly, causing the food inside to thaw and causing the refrigerator to use more energy. With a side-by-side refrigerator, you will see instantly if the door is ajar.
Space In The Kitchen
- French door refrigerators require more open space for the doors to open because of the way they swing and the big arc they need. If you have a small or narrow kitchen, like a galley kitchen, you may not have room for a French door refrigerator.
- There’s nothing more annoying than having to constantly two-step around the kitchen when you’re cooking something and someone is trying to open the refrigerator and you have to move so the doors can swing open easily.
- With a side-by-side refrigerator, you won’t have to constantly move around the kitchen to allow others to get into the refrigerator while you’re cooking. Side-by-side refrigerators fit easily into most standard built-in refrigerator stalls.
Storage Capability
- The small pull-out drawer freezer on a French door refrigerator isn’t a good fit for a large family. If your household is just one or two people then a small freezer probably isn’t a big deal. However, if you have kids or you have people over often the extra freezer space you get in a side-by-side refrigerator is essential.
If you’re storing pre-cooked meals, burgers and hot dogs for family gatherings, and other items in large quantities means that you need the large freezer that a side-by-side refrigerator has.
The Best Side-By-Side Refrigerators
If you have decided that a side-by-side refrigerator is right for you these are the models preferred by most homeowners. With a range of prices and features, there is sure to be a fridge in this bunch that is perfect for your budget and lifestyle:
GE® 25.1 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Model #: GSS25IYNFS
GE Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
If you have a large family and you need a refrigerator that will deliver great function with style this GE refrigerator is a great choice. Reviewers say that the customizable storage makes it easy to create a fridge that has the storage a busy family needs.
Features include:
- Glass freezer shelves
- Adjustable Clear Look door bins
- Lots of customizable storage
- Top rated by buyers with more than 25,000 reviews and an average rating for 4 out of 5 stars.
Whirlpool® 33 in. 21.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: WRS321SDHZ
Whirlpool Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
This Whirlpool refrigerator is a great choice for people who like to prep their meals or who eat a lot of fresh foods. The thoughtfully designed storage makes it easy to find room to store meal prep containers. And the fresh storage bins for fruits and vegetables give easy access to fresh produce for meals and snacks.
Features include:
- Intentionally designed storage
- In-door can caddy
- Frameless glass shelves
- Water and ice dispensers
Maytag® 24.9 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: MSS25N4MKZ
Maytag Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
If your biggest need in a refrigerator is space this Maytag has the space you need. With an extra large freezer and bonus storage throughout you can fit a huge amount of items in this refrigerator without restricting access. The clean design, LED lighting, and fingerprint resistant coating make it a fantastic choice for families.
Features include:
- Large capacity
- Extra freezer space
- Modern clean design
- Fingerprint resistant
- LED lighting
- 10 year compressor warranty
KitchenAid® 22.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: KRSC703HPS
KitchenAid Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator
This counter-depth Kitchen Aid is the ideal choice if your kitchen design has a counter-depth slot for the refrigerator. It also has the modern technology that you need to keep a wide variety of foods at ideal temperatures.
Features include:
- Specialty Preserva Food Care System with two independent cooling systems
- FreshFlow air filter
- Produce Preserver
- Counter-depth design
- PrintShield fingerprint resistance
Samsung 27.3 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: RS28A5F61SG
Samsung Black Side by Side Refrigerator
If you love smart technology this Samsung refrigerator should be your first choice for a new refrigerator. It’s got a sleek design with the Samsung Family Hub built in. You can access the Hub from your phone or tablet to see what’s in the fridge, check your calendar, leave messages for family, and more.
Features include:
- Smart technology with Samsung Family Hub to let you see into the fridge from anywhere and manage family calendars, connect to home security, and more.
- Sleek modern design
LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: LRSDS2706S
LG Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
If you have kids that are in and out of the fridge all day and you want to keep your kitchen looking clean and modern this LG has a fantastic fingerprint-proof coating that repels fingerprints and scuffs. The flat panel design gives is a very high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Features include:
- Timeless stainless steel look
- Flat panel design
- Designed for optimal organization
- Perfect for meal preppers
Sub-Zero® Classic Series 29.1 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: CL4850S/O
Sub Zero Panel Ready Side by Side Refrigerator
If you love classic style and want reliability you can count on this Sub-Zero refrigerator is a timeless choice that will look great in any kitchen.
Features include:
- Custom panel and handles sold separately
- Sub-Zero high-end finish and quality
- Sophisticated design for the most beautiful kitchens
- ClearSight technology
Café™ 25.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Model #: CSB42WP2NS1
Café Built In Side by Side Refrigerator
If you want a refrigerator that looks good and be will reliable without too much flash this refrigerator is a great option. With extra large door bins for great storage capacity and a timeless elegant style it will fit into any kitchen style and deliver the kind of consistent function you and your family can depend on.
Features include:
- Spill proof shelves
- Large door bins
- LED lighting
FAQ About Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Some of the most common questions that buyers have about side-by-side refrigerators are:
Why do people buy side-by-side refrigerators?
Side-by-side refrigerators are energy efficient, offer great storage space, and fit nicely into any size kitchen.
Are side-by-side refrigerators better than French door refrigerators?
That depends on the size of your kitchen, the size of your family, and your lifestyle. Many homeowners with families choose side-by-side refrigerators.
Are side-by-side refrigerators popular?
Side-by-side refrigerators are the most popular type of refrigerator that people choose when they are buying a new refrigerator.
Do side-by-side refrigerators have enough space for large items?
Side-by-side refrigerators have a lot of storage space, especially freezer storage space, compared to other refrigerators.
Are side-by-side refrigerators energy efficient?
Energy efficiency varies depending on the specific model and features, but many modern side-by-side refrigerators are designed to be energy efficient. Look for models with Energy Star certification for better efficiency.
Do side-by-side refrigerators require special installation?
Typically, no. Most standard size side-by-side refrigerator are easy to install. Models that have extra features like water and ice dispensers may require a more in-depth installation process.
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Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you're remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
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Shop Side by Side Refrigerators at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop side-by-side refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you the perfect side-by-side refrigerator — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.