5 Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators (2023 Guide)

Side-by-side refrigerators differ from top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators in that the freezer is adjacent to the fridge and has its own pull-out door. This door design offers extra freezer storage while placing food items at eye level for easy access.

To help you find the best side-by-side refrigerator for your needs, our team researched the top models available. See our picks below. You can also find a great deal on an LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator over in our Cyber Monday Deals guide.

Top 5 Side-by-Side Refrigerators

After carefully researching the best refrigerators available, here are our top picks:

• Best Overall: Samsung RS27T5561SR Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Most Adjustable: Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ Side-by-Side Refrigerator 
• Best Counter-Depth: GE GZS22IYNFS Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Best Value: Frigidaire FRSS2623AS Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Best for Small Spaces: Forno Salerno ‎FFRBI1805 Refrigerator and Freezer

Compare Top Side-By-Side Refrigerators

Best Overall

Pros and Cons

✔ Allows you to monitor your front door with Ring or communicate with other rooms with Arlo
✔ Includes an in-door ice maker
✔ Has even air circulation that keeps all food items cool

✘ Has a high price point
✘ Does not come in multiple finishes

Good for: Customers who want a high-end side-by-side refrigerator with several smart features.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who leave positive reviews for this product like its extra-large storage space and adjustable shelves. Several customers are also impressed with its smart features. However, some reviewers feel this fridge’s ice maker is overly small, and others say the fridge’s temperature is sometimes difficult to control. 

Most Adjustable

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes an exterior ice-and-water dispenser
✔ Has a fingerprint-resistant finish
✔ Has a large capacity of nearly 25 cubic feet

✘ Is not certified by Energy Star
✘ Tends to run warm

Good for: Customers who want maximum control of their fridge’s compartments and temperature settings.

What Customers Are Saying

Best Buy customers who leave positive reviews for this product like its sleek design, wide capacity, and touch-screen control. However, some say the water-and-ice dispenser is not well-designed and is too short for tall glasses, while others say the door handles are uneven. 

Best Counter Depth

Pros and Cons

✔ Is available in multiple finishes
✔ Comes with adjustable doors
✔ Has an alarm that tells you when the door is ajar

✘ Has a smaller freezer than some models
✘ Has a shallower depth than some models

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers say this product has a sleek and modern design that fits well in their kitchens. Others praise this fridge’s ice-and-water dispenser and its fingerprint-resistant finish. However, some customers feel this fridge has a smaller-than-expected capacity, while others say it makes a lot of noise.

Best Value

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes a built-in ice-and-water dispenser
✔ Uses EvenTemp cooling to automatically adjust the temperature
✔ Includes removable glass shelves

✘ Has limited freezer capacity
✘ Is not Energy Star-certified

Good for: Customers who want a quality fridge with a large capacity while saving money by forgoing some extra features.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who leave positive reviews for this fridge are impressed with its temperature control, adjustable drawers, and ample capacity. However, customers who leave less positive reviews are disappointed with the amount of freezer space, while others have issues with the ice maker not working properly.

Best for Small Spaces

Pros and Cons

✔ Has an LED screen on the door that displays the current temperature
✔ Features a vacation mode that helps conserve energy while you’re away
✔ Includes two drawers in the freezer

✘ Has a relatively small capacity
✘ Does not have a built-in water dispenser

Good for: Homeowners with small kitchens who need to save space but want a side-by-side refrigerator model.

What Customers Are Saying

This product earns positive reviews on Amazon for its stylish finish, excellent cooling ability, and space-saving design. On the other hand, some customers feel this fridge’s capacity is too small, and others report that it arrives poorly packaged.

Buying Guide for Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Side-by-side refrigerators are popular for their stylish design, ample freezer space, and eye-level food storage. When shopping for a side-by-side refrigerator, some of the most important factors include the following:

• Brand
• Capacity
• Durability
• Energy efficiency 
• Features
• Price
• Storage options

Brand

It’s essential to find a well-trusted brand when you’re shopping for a new refrigerator. Here are some of the most trusted brands that sell side-by-side fridges:

• Avallon
• Bosch
• Café 
• Forno
• Frigidaire 
• GE
• KitchenAid
• L.G.
• Maytag
• Samsung
• Whirlpool

Capacity

One of the first things you should note when considering a side-by-side refrigerator is its capacity, which determines how much food it can store at once. Large-capacity fridges—or those with more than 21 cubic feet—are ideal for large families and those who store lots of food at a time. Smaller families, singles, and couples can opt for a fridge with a smaller capacity to save space and money.

Durability

A refrigerator’s durability is key, as you’ll want it to last for years to come. If properly maintained, side-by-side refrigerators should last for more than a decade. Look for models with sturdy construction and high-quality materials, such as stainless steel. Also, be aware of your fridge’s manufacturer’s warranty, as it can lead to better peace of mind should the appliance malfunction.

Energy Efficiency

Look for side-by-side refrigerators that are Energy Star-certified, as they are designed to be more energy-efficient and can help reduce your electricity bills. Energy Star estimates that certified kitchen appliances can save you as much as $260 over the lifetime of the unit. Side-by-side refrigerators with automatic defrost and adjustable temperature control can also help save energy.

Features

Side-by-side refrigerators have various features that help them stand out from other models. Some common side-by-side refrigerator features include the following:

• Automatic temperature control
• Crisper drawers with adjustable humidity 
• Ice and filtered water dispensers
• LED lighting
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Storage and Shelves

If you’re looking for creative food storage solutions, consider models with adjustable shelves that can be moved to accommodate larger items. Some models come with sliding or foldable shelves. Door shelves can also be useful for storing frequently used items such as condiments and drinks.

How To Determine if a Side-By-Side Refrigerator Is Right for You

With so many types of refrigerators available, it can be difficult to determine which design is best for your needs. Side-by-side refrigerators offer several benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. Here are some scenarios in which it makes sense to buy a side-by-side refrigerator.

You Have a Narrow Kitchen

Side-by-side refrigerators are great for saving space horizontally in your kitchen. They typically have a slim design that extends vertically with more shelves, allowing you to fit them into tight spaces.

You Want More Freezer Space

A major advantage to side-by-side refrigerators is that they typically offer more freezer space than top-freezer or French-door refrigerators. Since freezers in side-by-side models have their own full-sized doors, they are great for storing a large amount of meat, veggies, and other items.

You Have a Hard Time Reaching the Freezer

For people with a shorter stature or a physical disability, it can be challenging to reach the top of the freezer in a top-freezer refrigerator. Refrigerators with bottom freezers also present the issue of having to bend down to reach items. Side-by-side refrigerators keep food at eye level in both your fridge and freezer, allowing for easier access.

You Don’t Need Extra Capacity

While there are large-capacity side-by-side refrigerators available, they are not typically known for having more space than other models. Typically, a top-freezer or bottom-freezer model will have more cubic feet than a side-by-side model.

You’re Not on a Budget

While budget options are available for side-by-side refrigerators, they typically cost more than similar top-freezer fridges. On average, high-quality models cost around $1,500–$1,700, with large-capacity models costing more. Lower-end models cost around $800–$1,200.

You Don’t Need To Store Large Items

Because of their narrow design, side-by-side refrigerators are not ideal for storing large items. However, this can be worked around in models with adjustable shelves that you can move or remove to create more vertical space.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators FAQ

How do you organize a side-by-side refrigerator?

When organizing a side-by-side refrigerator, keep items such as deli meats and dairy at the bottom of the fridge where the temperature will be the lowest. Use the crisper drawers for items that need a high-humidity or low-humidity environment, such as fruits and veggies. The doors are great places for quick-access items such as condiments, drinks, and pre-wrapped snack foods. If you use an item frequently, keep it on the middle shelf toward the front so you can easily access it.

What’s the difference between a side-by-side refrigerator and a French-door and top-freezer refrigerator?

Like side-by-side refrigerators, French-door refrigerators have two doors that open outward, but instead of one side being the fridge and the other the freezer, both doors open to the refrigerator. The freezer is kept underneath in a slide-out drawer. Top-freezer models have two doors—one for the fridge and one for the freezer—and the freezer sits above the refrigerator. The freezer has less space than the fridge in top-freezer and French-door models, whereas side-by-side refrigerators have a bit more freezer space.

How do you clean a side-by-side refrigerator?

When cleaning any type of fridge, it’s best to first remove all items so you can wipe down each shelf and compartment. Use warm, soapy water to clean the inside of your fridge when performing routine cleanups. If you need to scrub down difficult stains, use a multi-purpose cleaner or a household solution, such as white vinegar and baking soda.

What are counter-depth refrigerators?

Counter-depth refrigerators, such as the GE Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator, range from 25 to 30 inches deep. This means they sit at or around the same height as your kitchen counter, creating a more seamless feel in your kitchen. However, counter-depth models have a smaller capacity than other side-by-side models because they can’t extend as far out.

Who This Side-by-Side Refrigerator Guide Is For

A side-by-side refrigerator is a great option for anyone, whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a veteran renovator, or somewhere in between. Our small team carefully considered various side-by-side models, including one with smart refrigerator features, several high-capacity models, and models designed for small kitchens.

Our Rating Methodology 

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about our review process and the factors we consider.

We rated the refrigerators we reviewed on a 100-point system across seven key factors:

• Features (up to 35 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after refrigerator features, such as automatic temperature control, built-in water-and-ice dispensers, Energy Star certification, and more.
• Finishes (up to 1 point): We rated side-by-side refrigerators with more than one finish higher than products with only one option.
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15 depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
• Capacity (up to 10 points): Refrigerators with a capacity of 21 cubic feet or more were scored higher than their smaller counterparts.
• Smart technology (up to 5 points): Products with app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility received five points.
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded it 20 points if it came with a warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their items. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

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