Side By Side Freezers Fridge
Side-by-side fridges have plenty of space to store food items. Some such as our top pick from Forno also come with counter-depth dimensions that sit directly against the cabinet to give a sleek, built-in appearance.
Other models also have freezer storage at varying heights which is beneficial for families with kids or for anyone who is struggling to reach shelves that are high.
Size
As their name suggests, side-by-side refrigerators have a freezer and a refrigerator on each side. They tend to have more capacity overall than bottom-freezer or top-freezer models. They are also slimmer and don't block your way like fridges with a single door, which is helpful in kitchens with small spaces.

Because they're taller than other refrigerator styles Side-by-sides offer more storage space in the freezer, too. They usually have shelves and compartments that make organization simple, allowing you to keep frequently used items at eye level in the refrigerator section and long-term foods on shelves that are higher and more difficult to reach in the freezer. They may also include an ice maker and a water dispenser that allows you to easily access drinks without having to open the freezer door.
The freezers in these refrigerators have separate cooling systems to ensure the coldest, most even temps, so food stays fresh longer. They also come with features that stop the loss of food and spoilage such as an hydration system as well as air filters to eliminate odors, or crisper drawers which absorb ethylene gas in order to delay overripening.
This kind of refrigerator has an issue in that it is not as energy-efficient as top-freezer or bottom-freezer units. They have a greater vertical space that has to be chilled, which can increase the cost of your energy. In addition, they're less effective than other models for storing large items and may not be suitable for people who have mobility issues and have difficulty bending.
Convenience
Side-by-side refrigerators have slimmer doors that require less space to open than other refrigerators. This is why they are a great option for kitchens with limited space. Side-by-side fridges typically offer a greater capacity than French door refrigerators, as well generally 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer.
These refrigerators are also an excellent option for smaller homes or condominiums, where a larger refrigerator would take up counter space. They aren't big enough to meet the storage needs of some families. larger holiday meals or bulky containers may not fit, and even everyday utensils may not be able to fit into the refrigerator. It is possible to rearrange shelves, but this can take a long time and decrease the efficiency of the refrigerator.
Another limitation of side-by-side freezers is that they give significantly more space to the freezer than refrigerators and that could be a concern if you are planning to frequently use deep freezers. The good thing is that a lot of models have a separate freezer that has an ice machine to offer the convenience of chilled beverages with no need for the cooling system of the refrigerator There are ways around this potential drawback.
Choose a model that has separate refrigerator and freezer sections. For instance the Preserve Food System by KitchenAid has an air filter to keep odors in check and a mechanism for absorbing the ethylene to prevent it from overripening. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in better shape for longer.
Energy Efficiency
Overall, side-by-side refrigerators consume less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also cost less than French door refrigerators, and they can be easier to maintain since doors are to a smaller width. You'll need to ensure that your kitchen can accommodate a water and ice dispenser. This will require a plumbing connector, which is difficult to install in smaller kitchens. In addition, the bigger openings of a side-by-side refrigerator can make it difficult to store taller items.
Many manufacturers offer energy-saving features in their refrigerators that are side-by-side, with adjustable shelves and LED lighting that keeps food visible even in the darkest corners of the freezer. Some have separate cooling systems that monitor temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer sections and can help reduce food waste by making the most popular items easily accessible and reducing the amount frozen food items you discard because you forgot about them or they've become spoiled.
You can also purchase a refrigerator with extras like doors-in-door access for snacks or drinks, which not only saves time but helps to reduce energy use by limiting the amount of cold air that escapes from the fridge. You can also choose a side-by-side refrigerator without extras if you are on a tight budget or if your kitchen is basic. Quincy Bulin, a Lowe's product specialist and writer writes about everything from appliances for home improvement to most modern appliances. She's always ready to help you find the right products for your home. Contact her!
Storage
A lot of side-by-side refrigerators have water and ice dispensers that are integrated into the freezer. This is a great option to have easy access to cold drinks and snacks, as well as an easy way to wash dishes or clean your glasses. This reduces the freezer capacity. Make sure that you select a fridge that's large enough to meet your needs.
In contrast to refrigerators with bottom freezers, side-by-side refrigerators provide more capacity of storage on the freezer side, due to their vertical design. frydge lets you store items you use often on the higher shelves while freezing food items that will last longer in the lower shelves. The freezer also has multiple shelves options, meaning you can arrange it to meet your specific requirements.
Most modern side-by-side refrigerators have sleek, modern design that amplifies the look of your kitchen. They also feature two doors, which result in smaller footprints and less clutter than other configurations of refrigerators. A lot of models come with crisper drawers, as well as humidity controls in addition to other features specific to each model.
Some refrigerators that are side-byside are Energy Star certified, meaning they will cost you less per day. If you're concerned about your energy bills, this makes them an excellent choice. The strict requirements required to obtain this certification increase the price of a refrigerator with this label. This might not be an issue for some buyers, but it's worth thinking about when purchasing.