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Side-by-side refrigerators differ from top-freezers 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 fresh food items at eye level for easy access. Side-by-side models make it easy to organize your food and provide extra door storage for beverages.
Like most refrigerator types, the price of side-by-side refrigerators depends on the make and model, as well as factors such as the capacity and amount of bonus features. You can typically expect to spend somewhere between $1,000 to $1,500 on a smaller model, while high-end models with over 25 cubic feet of capacity may go for $1,500 to $2,500 or more.
To help you find the best side-by-side refrigerator for your needs, our team researched the top side-by-side refrigerators available. Overall, our top choice is the Samsung RS27T5561SR Side-by-Side Refrigerator, which features nearly 27 cubic feet of capacity and a plethora of smart features that help it stand out from other models. Read more of our top side-by-side refrigerator picks in our buying guide below. You can also check our picks for the overall best refrigerator and best French Door refrigerator.
Top 6 Side-by-Side Refrigerators
After carefully researching the best refrigerators available, here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: Samsung RS27T5561SR Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- Best Four-Panel: LG LRSWS2806S Side-By-Side Refrigerator
- Best Ice Maker: LG LRSOS2706S Side-By-Side InstaView® 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
Compare Top Side-By-Side Refrigerators
| Product | Capacity | Width | Height | Depth | Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung RS27T5561SR Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 26.7 cubic feet | 35.9 inches | 70.1 inches | 33.5 inches | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| LG LRSWS2806S Side-By-Side Refrigerator | 28 cubic feet | 37.6 inches | 74.6 inches | 34.9 inches | Stainless steel |
| LG LRSOS2706S Side-By-Side InstaView® Refrigerator | 27 cubic feet | 37.6 inches | 74.6 inches | 34.9 inches | Printproof stainless steel, Black stainless steel |
| Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 24.6 cubic feet | 35.5 inches | 69.6 inches | 33.6 inches | Black, black stainless steel, stainless steel, white |
| GE GZS22IYNFS Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 21.8 cubic feet | 35.8 inches | 69.5 inches | 36 inches | Stainless steel, slate |
| Frigidaire FRSS2623AS Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 25.6 cubic feet | 36.1 inches | 69.9 inches | 33.5 inches | Black, black stainless steel, stainless steel, white |
| Product | Capacity | Width | Height | Depth | Finishes |
Best Overall
Samsung RS27T5561SR Refrigerator
- $1,699
- $2,357
- 28% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers who want a high-end side-by-side refrigerator with several smart features.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung RS27T5561SR Refrigerator?
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.
“This is not your everyday fridge. Yes, it freezes, it cools, it has lots of fantastic storage space. But it has so much more! Samsung, you have outdone yourself on this one! It has almost been 2 weeks since the fridge was installed, and I am in love! The technology included in the fridge will wow you! It is like a tablet capable of feeding and entertaining you! Perfect shelving on the inside, sleek, dark look on the inside and technology at your fingertips! Preloaded with many much-needed apps. A must-have in the kitchen! I enjoy walking into the kitchen just to admire this fridge. It was very helpful with finding recipes, adding things I need to buy from the grocery store and telling me a few fun facts for the day. I can see the weather without even touching the screen. That is just the outside features that have me excited! The inside is just as fantastic. All-over cooling is a plus. Everywhere in the fridge, the food/drinks are at the perfect temperature. Deep shelves for all sorts of foods. A lot of condiment door space as well. This fridge does not disappoint. No one can keep their hands off of it in our home!” — MisMayer via Samsung
“I love the tablet and the inside camera feature. However, the ice maker is too slow and too small to keep up with our family of three. I wish it was better. I have to keep extra ice on hand because we often run out. Also, I have the inside frig turned up to 39, and I keep losing vegetables due to them being frozen. I would not buy it again.” — Taz1665 via Samsung
Best Four-Panel
LG LRSWS2806S Side-By-Side Refrigerator
- $1,554
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers who value flexibility and like to keep their fridge well-organized.
What Are People Saying About the LG LRSWS2806S Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
Our research showed that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it had a large capacity and featured lots of organizational options. Others appreciated that it had a quiet operation and a sleek design. However, some customers had issues with the water dispenser not working properly, and others found this model’s lack of handles difficult to use.
“We were looking for a reliable, large capacity, side-by-side, without a front ice dispenser. This model has everything we wanted. The ice maker makes plenty of ice. The workmanship of the doors, lighting, and shelving were high points. It is very quiet and the filter is easy to change” —Phillip via LG
“I am not in love with this. I thought I could get used to the recessed handles, but it makes it very difficult to open the door with multiple items in your hands/arms. The crisper drawers open from the bottom so to open the lower drawer you have to squat down all the way to the floor. These two issues are enough to make me return this refrigerator for a more classic model with handles and easy open drawers.” —Vacuumdad via Best Buy
Best Ice Maker
LG LRSOS2706S Side-By-Side InstaView® Refrigerator
- $2,221
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners who value a high-quality ice maker and the latest in high-end smart features.
What Are People Saying About the LG LRSOS2706S Side-By-Side InstaView Refrigerator?
Our team found that several reviewers who left positive feedback for this refrigerator liked that it featured easy organization and a high capacity. Others were impressed with the high-end ice maker and quiet operation. On the other hand, this fridge received some mixed reviews regarding the doors not properly sealing and the lack of adjustable shelves.
“I have been having this for a year now and it still looks amazing. I love how deep the shelves are. I can put a large aluminum pan into the refrigerator. I love the craft Ice, it gives guests the feeling of high class drinking. Also, the vegetable trays are really deep and contain a lot of food. It was my main reason for buying it because I am vegan. And lastly the glamorous front tap door is a great upgrade to my kitchen. The refrigerator is great — the best I have owned. Food stays at a great temperature effortlessly.” —LGThinQuety via LG
“…This product has some design flaws. For example, the second shelf on the interior of the door is either molded in correctly or the two support arms are too small. If you close the door with any little force the shelf goes flying along with everything else in it. It eventually starts to crack and then it breaks. I haven’t even owned this thing for 90 days and the shelf needs to be replaced. The other thing is the craft ice maker sounds like a gun going off when it dispenses the ice balls in the tray. Looks nice on the outside but cheap inside.” —SImonsays71 via LG
Most Adjustable
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ Refrigerator
- $1,619.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers who want maximum control of their fridge’s compartments and temperature settings.
What Are People Saying About the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ Refrigerator?
Best Buy customers left 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.
“I absolutely love this refrigerator! It has so much space on both sides, and I love the storage bins on each door. Keeps everything organized. The ice and water dispenser works great!” — Deborah via Best Buy
“It has been a year since I purchased this item. Generally, I love it because it enhances the general look of my not-so-modern kitchen. My one concern would be the ice-maker/water amenities. I am not sure if it’s a people problem or a product problem. The water element light is on right now, even though we just installed a new water purifier. The ice tray stopped working recently. I have put in an order for service for that. The bottom doesn’t look like it’s well put together, but I do not put a lot of focus on that. I really like this refrigerator, just wanted to mention some of my concerns.” — Great via Best Buy
Best Counter Depth
GE GZS22IYNFS Counter-Depth Refrigerator
- $1,889.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the GE GZS22IYNFS Counter-Depth Refrigerator?
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.
“Quiet, reliable, and unobtrusive. We are happy with our new refrigerator and with the adjustability of the shelves to accommodate items of different sizes. The water and ice dispensers are simple to operate and the ample interior lighting is a plus. We are very happy with our new fridge!” — Cynthia via Best Buy
“The ice maker and water dispenser have been great. My wife loves the finger-resistant surface. The interior lighting is also good. The only negative thing is the noise. Some reviews mention a little noise but most don’t. I believe your happiness with the noise level depends on the noise level of your previous model. The Samsung RSG257 model we had previously didn’t make any noticeable noise when the compressor was running. I assumed any new refrigerator at this price point would also be quiet; however, the compressor and fan noise of this GE model is above my noise tolerance threshold. The frig sets in the cabinet for a built-in look which should lower the noise but it doesn’t. I’m going to try to noise insulate the cabinets behind the frig, hoping it reduces the noise level. Maybe GE can help me figure out what else to do. I wish manufacturers were required to publish the noise levels of their appliances.” — JimSr via Best Buy
Best Value
Frigidaire FRSS2623AS Refrigerator
- $1,349.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers who want a quality fridge with a large capacity while saving money by forgoing some extra features.
What Are People Saying About the Frigidaire FRSS2623AS Refrigerator?
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.
“We needed a new fridge as our last one broke. This is amazing for the price. It is more spacious, the drawers slide in and out very smoothly and the water feature works great. Also, the hidden dials for adjusting the temperature and the alerts for the filter and water filter will come in handy as well. It was also easy to install. Overall we are very happy.” — Markymarc77 via Best Buy
“Got the fridge because it was similar to our last one. I like the color. The first issue is that there is no deli drawer. I did not notice this when I ordered online. The biggest issue is that the ice maker only makes enough ice for about one big cup. It then will not produce anymore ice until I fill up a cup. Then it makes more. This is the oddest thing. It never goes above what is in the image. There has to be some sensor somewhere that is telling it not to produce more because if I get ice, it will then dispense more to this line. We fill up water bottles in the more for all four of my family members for work and school. There is typically only enough ice for 1 1/2 of the bottles.” — ShannonB via Best Buy
What To Know Before Buying a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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, there are several important factors to take into consideration before deciding on what product is best for your home, including:
- Brand
- Capacity
- Durability
- Energy efficiency
- Features
- Price
- Storage options
What Is a Good Brand for a Side-by-Side Refrigerator?
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
- LG
- Maytag
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
How Much Capacity Do You Need in a Fridge?
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.
How Long Should a Side-by-Side Fridge Last?
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.
How Do You Select an Energy Efficient Appliance?
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.
What Are Some Features in Side-by-Side Refrigerators?
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
- Specialized ice makers
- Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features
What Storage and Shelving Options Are Available?
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 other physical limitations, 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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