At a Glance:
What Is a Side by Side Refrigerator?
French Door Refrigerators vs. Side by Side Refrigerators
Who Is a Side by Side Refrigerator Perfect For?
Top 5 Side by Side Refrigerators On The Market
By now, you’re most likely aware of the fact that refrigerators are essential kitchen appliances. However, did you know that there are actually several different types of refrigerators? That’s right; there are several different types of refrigerators, and each one differs from the others in several ways. The most evident of these differences is usually door design, but you should know that the differences run further than that.
One prevalent refrigerator type that is becoming increasingly common in homes all over the world is a side by side refrigerator. Now you’re probably wondering, “What’s a side by side refrigerator, and what makes them so good that people are choosing them ahead of other refrigerator types?” Good question! Read on to find out.
What Is a Side by Side Refrigerator?
A side by side refrigerator is a type of refrigerator marked by its unique “entire” double-door design. What makes this refrigerator design so special is that one of the refrigerator’s doors leads to a fridge space while the other leads to a freezer. Apart from side by side refrigerators, there’s also one other type of refrigerator that features a double-door design. These refrigerators are known as French door refrigerators. The question is, what’s the difference between these two refrigerator types?
French Door Refrigerators vs. Side by Side Refrigerators: The Difference
A French-door refrigerator also has a double-door design, just like a side by side refrigerator. However, the major difference between these two refrigerators is that French door refrigerators have both outward-opening doors leading to a refrigerator compartment. French door refrigerators also have a bottom slide-out freezer unit.
Side by side refrigerators, on the other hand, DO NOT have a bottom freezer build. Instead, each of the two doors leads to different compartments. One of the doors leads to the refrigerator, while the other leads to a freezer.
Why Should I Choose a Side by Side Refrigerator?
As mentioned earlier, more and more people are making the switch to having a side by side refrigerator in their homes. So you may have questions like, “Why should I choose a side by side refrigerator ahead of other refrigerator types on the market?” Here are several things that make a side by side refrigerator the perfect refrigerator choice or option for your kitchen space:
- Slim Design: Side by side refrigerators tend to be one of the best refrigerator options for kitchens with limited available installation space. This is mainly because side by side refrigerator options have a slim, space-conservative build. If your kitchen is small, or if you don’t have a lot of installation room, then a side by side refrigerator is the perfect choice for you.
- More Freezer Space: There’s a lot of hype about French door refrigerators, and this hype is mainly due to their unique combination of double doors and bottom freezers. However, beyond the aesthetics, if you’re after a refrigerator type that’ll give you more freezer space, a side by side refrigerator is your best bet. Side by side refrigerators usually have about one-half of the entire refrigerator build devoted to freezer storage. So you’ll always have all the freezer room you could ever want.
- Easy Accessibility: One major problem with most other refrigerator options is that they can be pretty stressful to use. This is usually because using them often requires that users bend before they can reach items in the refrigerator or freezer (depending on the refrigerator type in question). Side by side refrigerators, however, easily avoid this complication thanks to the fact that the fridge and freezer are stacked right beside each other. So you will always be able to easily reach into either compartment to get what you want.
- More Door Storage: One other thing that differentiates side by side refrigerators from other refrigerator options is that they often offer more storage room on the doors. These storage rooms can be so big that you’ll be able to fit several soda cans and gallons of milk there without any problem whatsoever.
Shop Side by Side Refrigeration
Side-by-Side RefrigeratorsWho Is a Side by Side Refrigerator Perfect For?
A side by side refrigerator is perfect for you if you have minimal available installation space in your kitchen and you want to fix a refrigerator unit in it. A side by side refrigerator unit is also perfect for you if you usually have trouble bending to pick things.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that there are several types of side by side refrigerators, and each refrigerator option has its unique features. So you may find it quite challenging to explore and identify the right side by side refrigerator for your kitchen. Not to worry, though; this post includes an exhaustive review of the best side by side refrigerator options on the market. So sit back, relax, and read on!
Top 5 Side by Side Refrigerators On The Market
The Frigidaire® 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
With its adjustable gallon door bins, removable glass shelves, and EvenTemp™ Cooling System, the Frigidaire® Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator is undoubtedly one of the best side by side refrigerator options on the market. This Frigidaire side by side refrigerator offers an impressive 25.6 Cu. Ft.capacity that ensures you’ll always be able to store as many items as you want. All of these remarkable features are perfectly encapsulated in a very smooth and attractive stainless steel finish.
Key Features
- Adjustable Gallon Door Bins
- 25.6 Cu. Ft. Total Capacity
- Removable Glass Shelves
- EvenTemp™ Cooling System
- Fresh Storage Crispers
- PurePour™ Water Filter
- 35” Depth
- Inbuilt Ice Maker
- Door Ajar Alarm
- ENERGY STAR Qualified
- Ice/Water Dispenser
- Freestanding Installation
- Stainless Steel Finish
Pros
✅ This Frigidaire side by side refrigerator offers a very impressive 25.6 Cu. Ft. storage capacity, meaning you’ll always have enough space to store your food items.
✅ It is ENERGY STAR Qualified, so you can be sure you’ll be able to keep it on for as long as you want without worrying that it’ll run up your electricity bill.
✅ This Frigidaire side by side refrigerator has an inbuilt water and ice dispenser system connected to the intelligent PurePour™ Water Filter. So you can be sure all the water and ice you’ll get from this refrigerator are contamination-free!
✅ Another thing that makes this side by side refrigerator perfect for you is that it has a very adjustable design. This refrigerator has removable glass shelves, adjustable gallon door bins, and even two product drawers that you can move around or “reconfigure” depending on your storage needs.
Cons
❌ This side by side refrigerator has a 35” depth, meaning it doesn't have a counter-depth design. So you may find that it’ll affect mobility in your kitchen, especially if you have a pretty small space.
❌ No Wifi and smartphone compatibility.
What are users saying?
“Overall great value and does the job. Nice finish, doors easy to open, quiet.”
” Would recommend this refrigerator to those on a budget.”
Read more reviews of this Frigidaire side by side refrigerator.
The Whirlpool® 24.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
At a glance, you’ll already be able to tell that this Whirlpool side by side refrigerator is unlike anything you’ve ever used! It has a very smooth fingerprint-resistant stainless steel build that’s available in several striking colors, making it very attractive. Beyond aesthetics, however, the Whirlpool® 24.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator also has some top-of-the-line feature inclusions that easily make it one of the best options on the market.
Key Points
- 24.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- Inbuilt Icemaker
- Adaptive Defrost
- Fingerprint-resistant Stainless Steel Finish
- Touch Controls
- Exterior Ice and Water Dispenser
- EveryDrop™ Water Filtration System
- Adjustable Gallon Door Bins
- Deli Drawer
- Freestanding Installation
- ADA Compliant
Pros
✅ Although there are side by side refrigerators that offer more storage room, this side by side refrigerator’s 24.6 Cu.Ft. total storage is still plenty enough to allow for excellent food storage.
✅ It has a factory-fitted ice and water dispenser that’s hooked to the EveryDrop™ Water Filtration System, which is capable of preventing up to 99% contamination. So you can be assured you’ll always have access to clean water and ice!
✅ This Whirlpool side by side refrigerator also has an adaptive defrost feature that ensures your stored products remain perfectly fresh.
✅ The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish pretty much gives this side by side refrigerator a perfect attractive finish while ensuring it’s easy to clean.
Cons
❌ There are side by side refrigerator options that offer more storage space
❌ This stainless steel side by side refrigerator isn’t wifi or smartphone-compatible, so remote monitoring isn’t possible
❌ It doesn’t have a counter-depth build, so it may serve as some minor mobility obstruction in your kitchen.
❌ This Whirlpool side by side refrigerator isn’t ENERGY STAR Qualified.
Find out what current users think about this side by side refrigerator.
The GE® 25.3 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
Excellent LED brightness, fingerprint-resistant build, edge-to-edge shelves, interior storage drawer, and so much more are all you get to enjoy with this GE side by side refrigerator! The GE® 25.3 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator also has a very intelligent build that includes an external electronic display, easy access icemaker, and much more!
Key Features
- 25.3 Cu. Ft Total Capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant Stainless Steel Finish
- Interior Storage Drawers
- External Dispenser
- Factory-fitted Ice Maker
- Advanced Water Filtration System
- Electronic Display
- Slide out Freezer Basket
- Freestanding Installation
- Door Alarm
- Adaptive Defrost
Pros
✅ This GE side by side refrigerator has perfectly placed LED lighting that ensures you’ll always be able to easily find and retrieve any item you want from your kitchen.
✅ The electronic display makes it very easy to monitor refrigerator conditions.
✅ This refrigerator’s 25.3 Cu. Ft capacity makes it perfect for family use since you’ll be able to store lots of fruits and food items in it.
✅ It has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, making it very easy to use and clean.
✅ This side by side refrigerator also has a factory-fitted icemaker integrated with an advanced water filtration system. So you can be sure the water and ice you get from this refrigerator will be contamination and pharmaceutical-free.
Cons
❌ No counter depth design, so this GE side by side refrigerator will somewhat affect easy mobility.
❌ It does not support remote monitoring
❌ Not ENERGY STAR Qualified
The LG 27.2 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The LG 27.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side by Side refrigerator ranks as one of the best side by side refrigerators on the market thanks to its perfect blend of functionality and stylish design. This LG side by side refrigerator also offers an impressive 27.2 Cu. Ft. Capacity that ensures you'll have access to all the storage space you need and more!
Key Features
- Print-proof Stainless Steel Finish
- 27.2 Cu. Ft Capacity
- SpacePlus Ice Maker
- Door Cooling +
- Liner Cooling Feature
- Door Alarm
- ADA Compliant
- Built-in and Freestanding Installation
Pros
✅ This LG side by side refrigerator has an advanced cooling system that includes high-tech features like the Door Cooling + and Liner Cooling Feature. This helps to ensure you're able to enjoy perfect cooling at all times
✅ This side by side refrigerator offers a very impressive 27.2 Cu. Ft Capacity, ensuring you'll have all the storage space you need.
✅ It has a print-proof Stainless Steel Finish that gives it a sleek outlook while simultaneously ensuring it's very easy to clean.
✅ This side by side refrigerator also has an inbuilt SpacePlus Ice Maker, ensuring you won't have to bother refilling ice trays. You'll have access to all the ice you can't, whenever you need it.
Cons
❌ Remote monitoring isn't available because this LG side by side refrigerator isn't WiFi and smartphone compatible.
❌ It does not have a counter-depth design
Reviews from customers:
"I would recommend this to everyone."
"I love it!"
Read more reviews.
The Samsung 27.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Standard Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This Samsung side by side refrigerator offers an excellent combination of storage capacity and high-tech design, making it, by far, one of the best options on the market. The Samsung Stainless Steel Standard Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator combines a 27.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity with a minimalistic yet modern design. This ensures it'll perfectly fit into your kitchen irrespective of the kitchen setup or configuration you want.
Key Features
- Minimal Design
- 27.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- Excellent LED Lighting
- In-door Ice Maker
- Adjustable Top Shelf
- Multi-vent Technology
- Internal Camera
- ADA Compliant
- Inbuilt Water Filter
- Door Alarm
Pros
✅ This Samsung side by side refrigerator has an in-door ice dispenser that perfectly integrates with the inbuilt water filter. This ensures you'll always be able to get contamination-free ice blocks every time.
✅ This side by side refrigerator with ice maker offers a 27.4 Cu. Ft. storage capacity is easily one of the largest on the market.
✅ The multi-vent technology ensures food stored in this Samsung side by side refrigerator is always perfectly cool and well preserved.
✅ This Samsung side by side refrigerator also has a smooth stainless steel finish and a minimalistic design that ensures it'll offer excellent aesthetic appeal. So you'll get to enjoy both functionality and improved kitchen appearance.
Cons
❌ No WiFi connectivity
❌ No fingerprint-resistant finish
❌ Not ENERGY STAR Qualified
❌ It does not have counter depth build
Choosing The Right Refrigerator Option
Now that you know what a side by side refrigerator is and you’ve explored some of the best side by side refrigerator options on the market, you’re probably thinking you’re ready to begin your refrigerator hunt. However, this isn’t all that true because, beyond the refrigerator type, there are several other things you’ll need to consider before choosing a refrigerator. All of these factors are important as they help prevent you from making refrigerator purchase mistakes. Click here to learn all you need to know about how to select the right refrigerator for you!
Are you looking for more refrigerator options? Click here to discover Aztec's best 30-inch refrigerators currently on the market!
Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
Shop Side by Side Refrigerators at Aztec
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop side by side refrigerators online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the perfect side by side refrigerator for you — whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
Learn More: 5 Column Refrigerators That Save Space