What makes side-by-side doors different from traditional top-freezer and French-door fridges comes down to a few things—features, price, and style. While French-door fridges look beautiful, they are also pricey, so side-by-side fridges are a happy medium. They have technological capabilities that make you feel satisfied with your choice, but they also don’t break the bank. As such, when you’re looking for a side-by-side fridge, make sure you consider features like LED lighting, icemakers, water dispensers, and airflow technology. Our top choice, the Samsung Family Hub Smart Refrigerator, goes beyond the rest technology-wise with built-in cameras linked to an app that let you see what’s inside your fridge. There’s also capacity and your kitchen cutout to consider. Lastly, think about design as color and finish matter since you’ll want it to fit your kitchen’s aesthetic. You’ll find that many side-by-side fridges come in stainless steel and black stainless steel. To help narrow down your choices, here are the best side-by-side refrigerators. The basic features of this fridge include its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and black stainless steel finishes that look like soft matte colors, LED lighting throughout the fridge, and full temperature control to ensure all items remain cool. The design allows for recessed handles for a flat front, an adjustable top shelf in the fridge, and an in-door ice maker to create more freezer space. What makes this fridge so different from the others are the features that take it over the top for convenience. At 26.7 cubic feet, this high-end fridge is Bixby compatible through its Family Hub, so there’s built-in technology that will keep track of your routines, tasks, and even meals. Then there’s the ability to play music from Spotify and even a feature that tells you when you should eat certain foods before it spoils. You can also look inside your fridge while at the store. All in all, this fridge packs a lot in its sleek design. Price at time of Publish: $2332 Dimensions (DxWxH): 33.5 x 35.8 x 70 inches | Refrigerator Capacity: 17.2 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 9.5 cubic feet What you might assume is that the budget fridge is lacking, but it’s not. It comes with a dual pad external ice and water dispenser that provides fresh filtered water and the option for crushed or cubed ice. The three adjustable gallon door bins fit any big food items like milk and soda and there is a built-in freshness control to keep produce in its best condition. The fridge finishes come in white, black, and stainless steel, and it does have a 1-year limited warranty. Price at time of Publish: $1500 Dimensions (DxWxH): 34.6 x 35.8 x 69.6 inches | Refrigerator Capacity: 15.4 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 9.1 cubic feet This Whirlpool fridge is counter depth, so it’s nearly flush with countertops in a standard kitchen, has LED lighting, and the in-door ice maker is built to allow for easy scooping. Other incredible features include the FreshFlow air filter that’s more effective than baking soda is in reducing food odors, the adjustable gallon door bids that allow for flexibility in the door bids, and the frameless glass shelves that offer more storage flexibility. Price at time of Publish: $2100 Dimensions (DxWxH): 29.75 x 36 x 68.8 inches | Refrigerator Capacity: 13.6 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 6.9 cubic feet With a capacity of 22.6 cubic feet, features include the Preserva Food Care System with its two independent cooling systems to improve food preservation along with an air filter and a produce preserver. With three drawers plus a small wine rack in the fridge, and two fully enclosed drawers in the freezer, this is a fridge that has enough room for groceries. It does include other standard features like LED lights and a water filtration system, but there is also a measured water fill display that automatically dispenses water in ounces, cups, or liters. The in-door ice system allows for more freezer space and easier retrieval of ice. Price at time of Publish: $3500 Dimensions (DxWxH): 29.5 x 35.75 x 71.4 inches | Refrigerator Capacity: 13.6 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 9 cubic feet The fridge’s 5 door bins are all adjustable, while on both sides, the shelves can be placed in multiple positions. The ice machine is located in the door to give you that extra bit of freezer space, and, if your little ones will be in need of a late-night glass of water, the dispenser comes with a nice night light. The dispenser even allows you to choose the exact amount of water you want, in ounces, cups, or liters. All in all, this Whirlpool is everything you need in a big fridge without completely going over your budget. Price at time of Publish: $2100 Dimensions (DxWxH): 34.9 x 36 x 68.9 inches | Refrigerator Capacity: 17.6 cubic feet | Freezer Capacity: 10.9 cubic feet
What to Look for When Buying a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Exterior Size
Pay close attention to the size of your potential fridge since it needs to literally fit in your kitchen. Consider the width, length, and depth of every fridge, and consider having a professional measure your kitchen’s fridge cutout. Take into account the swing of the doors when fully open, and if you want the fridge to be flush with your counters.
Capacity
The interior size of your refrigerator matters. A fridge that’s too small will be difficult to use and something too big means additional monthly costs on your electricity bill. While many on our list have amount the same amount of total room, the differences between the separate compartments is a large range. Find out the amount of room you have now and consider whether you want a bigger fridge or a bigger freezer.
Features
Think about everything you want in your next fridge because a lot of side-by-side fridges have great features. Many already have water-and-ice dispensers with water filtration and good interior temperature control. These are basic features; think about the features that would also make your life easier like smart displays, adjustable shelves, door-in-door compartments, and storage drawers.
Do side-by-side fridges have less room?
This answer may surprise you: no! “Side-by-sides actually offer more interior space than other designs!" says Katy Gespass, a refrigeration specialist and appliance buyer for P.C. Richard & Son. “You’ll find this extra space in the freezer compartment, where you have more vertical shelves for easier organization.”
How should you organize the freezer in a side-by-side refrigerator?
Gespass advises keeping “short-term, everyday groceries on the top shelves and long-term frozen items on the bottom shelves.” Additionally, remember that the door is the warmest part of any fridge or freezer, and therefore may be prone to freezer burn. This makes these compartments better for items you plan on using soon. For general usability, it’s best to store similar items together, use containers, and label them clearly. Don’t forget to note dates, and keep longer haul ingredients or dishes toward the back wall to protect them from temperature changes.
Why Trust Simply Recipes?
As a professional trained in research and amateur baker, Robin Mosley understands the importance of choosing the right kitchen appliances. She is always researching and testing the latest kitchen appliances, utensils, products as a food writer and recommending them to interested food aficionados. Read Next: The Best Mandolines
