Imagine opening your refrigerator door and finding everything perfectly organized, from your morning milk to your evening snacks. But what if your current fridge just isn’t cutting it anymore? Maybe it’s too small, or the layout makes it hard to find what you need. Choosing a new refrigerator can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking at all the different types, like the popular side-by-side models. You want one that fits your kitchen, your budget, and your busy life, but all the features and sizes can make your head spin.
That’s where we come in. This guide is designed to take the stress out of finding the perfect side-by-side refrigerator. We’ll break down what makes these fridges so special and what you should look for before you buy. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your choice, knowing you’re picking a fridge that will make your kitchen life easier and more organized. Get ready to discover the best way to upgrade your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Side By Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.6/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer offers a sleek, modern look with its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and a generous 20 cu. ft. of storage. Its counter-depth design fits perfectly into your kitchen without sticking out too far. This fridge is designed to keep your food fresh and your drinks cool, with handy features for busy households.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design saves kitchen space.
- Accela Chill quickly cools new groceries.
- The multi-flow air system keeps food evenly cold.
- Get fresh, filtered water and ice from the dispenser.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you organize easily.
- ENERGY STAR certification means it saves energy.
- Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish stays looking good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity if they store a lot of frozen food.
- The ice maker can sometimes be a bit noisy when filling.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing efficient cooling and convenient features. It balances style and practicality for most kitchens.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of space for your groceries and a sleek, modern look. This fridge is designed to make your life easier.
What We Like:
- It has a HUGE 20.6 cu ft capacity, which is perfect for large families and stocking up on food.
- The side-by-side doors make it super easy to see and grab both your fresh and frozen items.
- You can easily change the temperature with the digital display, which is conveniently located inside the fridge door.
- The extra-large door bins can hold big drink containers, saving you shelf space.
- Bright LED lights inside light up everything, so you can find what you need quickly.
- Its counter-depth design means it sits flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look.
- Delivery and installation options are available to make setting it up a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger freezer section.
- The internal digital display, while convenient, could be more visible from outside.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers a smart blend of capacity, convenience, and style. It’s a great choice for families looking for an efficient and attractive kitchen upgrade.
3. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 9.3/10
The Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. It offers a spacious 20 cubic feet of storage, keeping your food fresh and frozen with its advanced cooling system and smart features. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern look, and the built-in ice maker adds convenience.
What We Like:
- Generous 20 cubic feet of total storage space.
- Multi-air flow cooling system keeps food at ideal temperatures.
- Frost-free design means no manual defrosting.
- Adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers offer flexible storage for fresh food.
- Two freezer drawers and side-door shelves provide organized freezer space.
- Soft alert sound reminds you if a door is left open.
- Fast freeze setting is great for quickly chilling new groceries.
- Built-in ice maker produces both solid and crushed ice.
- Digital touch controls and an Intelligence chip make operation easy.
- Includes child lock, vacation, and Sabbath modes for added safety and convenience.
- Interior LED lighting illuminates the fridge’s contents.
- Energy-star rated for efficiency.
- Sleek stainless steel door panel and dark grey side cabinet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white plastic air duct cover and white glass shelf trim might not match all kitchen decors.
- The product weighs 213 lbs, which might require assistance for moving.
This refrigerator offers a great balance of style and performance for modern kitchens.
4. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.3/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its generous 15.6 cubic feet of space easily holds enough food for the whole family. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great and the counter-depth design fits neatly into your kitchen space without sticking out too far.
What We Like:
- AMPLE STORAGE: The 15.6 cu ft capacity with side-by-side doors is great for families.
- GENEROUS DOOR BINS: Gallon-sized bins in the doors hold lots of drinks and condiments.
- USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLS: An easy-to-use digital display lets you adjust settings inside the fridge.
- ORGANIZED LAYOUT: The side-by-side design helps you find your fresh and frozen foods fast.
- CUSTOMIZABLE INTERIOR: You can easily change shelf heights and positions to fit your needs.
- BRIGHT INTERIOR LIGHT: A built-in lamp makes it simple to see everything inside.
- CONVENIENT DELIVERY: Options for room-of-choice delivery, unboxing, installation, and haul-away are available in some areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- CAPACITY MIGHT BE TIGHT FOR VERY LARGE FAMILIES: While 15.6 cu ft is large, extremely large households might need more.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY LOCATION: The display is inside, which means you have to open the door to make adjustments.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers a smart blend of ample storage and convenient features. It’s a solid choice for families looking for an organized and stylish way to keep their food fresh.
5. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.2/10
This 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel is a kitchen powerhouse. It offers a huge amount of space for all your groceries. The InstaView feature lets you see inside without opening the door, which saves energy. Plus, it makes cool round ice cubes called Craft Ice that are perfect for drinks. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints.
What We Like:
- It has a really big capacity, so you can store lots of food.
- The InstaView door is super handy and helps keep your food cold.
- Craft Ice is a fun and fancy way to serve drinks.
- The PrintProof stainless steel means less time wiping off smudges.
- It’s a smart refrigerator, so you can connect it to your phone.
- The price is really good for all the features it has.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sometimes the smart features can be a little tricky to set up.
- The Craft Ice maker can be a bit slow when you need a lot of ice quickly.
- The side-by-side design means the freezer shelves can be a little narrow.
Overall, this refrigerator brings together cool technology and practical features at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen that needs more space and smart convenience.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Shopping for a new refrigerator can feel like a big task. You want one that fits your kitchen, keeps your food fresh, and makes life easier. A side-by-side refrigerator is a popular choice for many homes. This guide will help you understand what to look for, so you can make the best decision.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Size and Capacity
Measure your kitchen space carefully. You don’t want a fridge that’s too big or too small. Side-by-side models usually have a good amount of space, but check the cubic feet to see how much food it can hold. Think about how many people are in your household and how often you shop.
2. Ice and Water Dispenser
Many side-by-side refrigerators have a dispenser on the door. This is super handy for getting ice and cold water without opening the fridge. Some dispensers can make different kinds of ice, like crushed or cubed. Check if the dispenser has a filter that you can easily change.
3. Adjustable Shelving and Door Bins
You’ll want shelves that you can move around. This lets you fit taller items, like milk jugs or soda bottles. Door bins are also important for storing condiments and drinks. Look for shelves that are strong and easy to clean.
4. Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient refrigerator saves you money on your electricity bill. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge meets strict energy-saving standards. It’s good for your wallet and the planet.
5. Smart Features
Some newer fridges have “smart” features. These can include things like built-in screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even cameras inside to see what you have. While these are cool, think about if you really need them. They can add to the cost.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect how long it lasts and how it looks. Most refrigerators are made of stainless steel or a similar metal. Stainless steel is popular because it looks nice and is easy to wipe clean. Some models have a fingerprint-resistant finish, which is a big plus.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Makes a Fridge Better?
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable appliances.
- Build Quality: Feel the doors and drawers. They should open and close smoothly.
- Temperature Control: Good fridges keep food at the right temperature to prevent spoilage.
- Noise Level: Some fridges are quieter than others.
What Can Reduce Quality?
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic parts can break easily.
- Poor Sealing: If the doors don’t seal well, cold air escapes, and the fridge works harder.
- Complex Electronics: Too many complicated electronic parts can sometimes lead to more problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
A side-by-side refrigerator is great for people who like to keep their food organized. The vertical split means you have a fridge on one side and a freezer on the other. This makes it easy to see everything at a glance.
- Families: Plenty of space for groceries for everyone.
- Entertainers: Easy access to drinks and snacks for guests.
- Organizers: The clear separation of fridge and freezer helps keep things tidy.
The dispenser is a big plus for busy households. It saves time and keeps the main fridge door from being opened too often. Think about how you use your kitchen and what features will make your daily life smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions about Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: You should look for the right size and capacity for your needs, a convenient ice and water dispenser, adjustable shelving and door bins for easy organization, and good energy efficiency (like ENERGY STAR certified).
Q: What materials are commonly used in side-by-side refrigerators?
A: Most side-by-side refrigerators are made from stainless steel or similar metal finishes. Some have fingerprint-resistant coatings.
Q: How can I tell if a refrigerator is good quality?
A: Look for reputable brands, sturdy construction (doors and drawers feel solid), and good temperature control. The fridge should also operate relatively quietly.
Q: What factors can make a side-by-side refrigerator’s quality worse?
A: Using cheap materials, doors that don’t seal properly, and overly complicated electronic systems can sometimes reduce a refrigerator’s quality over time.
Q: Who is a side-by-side refrigerator best suited for?
A: They are great for families who need a lot of storage, people who like to entertain and need easy access to drinks, and anyone who values good organization in their kitchen.
Q: Is the ice and water dispenser a reliable feature?
A: For most well-made refrigerators, the ice and water dispenser is a reliable and convenient feature. Just be sure to change the water filter regularly.
Q: How much space does a typical side-by-side refrigerator take up?
A: They are usually taller and narrower than other fridge styles. It’s important to measure your kitchen opening precisely before buying.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many modern side-by-side refrigerators are very energy efficient, especially those with the ENERGY STAR label. Older models might use more electricity.
Q: Can I adjust the shelves in a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Yes, most side-by-side refrigerators have adjustable shelves, allowing you to customize the interior space for different-sized items.
Q: What are “smart features” on a refrigerator?
A: Smart features can include Wi-Fi connectivity, touch screens, internal cameras, and the ability to control settings from your phone. These are advanced features that add convenience but also cost.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.