The Best Side by Side Refrigerator That Your Kitchen Needs

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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In plain terms, side by side refrigerators are separated into two parts, with the refrigeration unit on one half and the freezer on the other. Experiment

Compared to the French door models, the side by side refrigerator stretches down to the floor, allowing you to place commonly used items like groceries at eye level.

They tend to be much easier to organize and are also much cheaper than French models.

Side by side refrigerators also come with extra features such as smart displays and water and ice dispensers.

We outlined what you should consider when looking for a side by side refrigerator and also listed five of the best side by side refrigerators.

1. THFRIONE Side by Side Refrigerator

Sale
THFRIONE 18.1 Cu. Ft 36" Inch W. Refrigerator with Ice...
  • ✅???? Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: Discover the perfect...
  • ✅????Smart Modes for Every Occasion Take control of your...
  • ✅????Convenient Features Elevate your kitchen aesthetics with...
  • ✅????Optimized Storage Organize your groceries just the way you...
  • ✅????Efficiency Meets Convenience Experience the perfect blend...

Some of the specific features that makes the THFRIONE side by side refrigerator stand out are the following: With an ice maker and water dispenser, it provides an adequate supply of cold beverages, as well as ice for your meals. This could make an effective addition to your kitchen especially if you like cold drinks.

One of the benefits is flexibility, with smart modes being tailored for a specific situation. This refrigerator offers solutions when it comes to energy conservation or simply when you want to make sure your food will not go bad when you are away during vacation.

Pros:

  • Built-in ice maker and water dispenser enhance convenience.
  • Smart modes cater to various needs, including energy-saving options.
  • Modern design with adjustable shelves promotes organization.

Cons:

  • Some users report operational noise issues.
  • Support for troubleshooting may be limited, causing potential concerns.

2. SAMSUNG 21.5 Cu Ft Side By Side Counter Depth Smart Refrigerator

SAMSUNG 21.5 Cu Ft Side By Side Counter Depth Smart...
  • BUILT IN LOOK W/ COUNTER DEPTH: Smooth and streamlined exterior...
  • FAMILY HUB: Connect to your family and home, whenever and...
  • FINGERPRINT RESISTANT FINISH: A finish that withstands everyday...
  • ALL-AROUND COOLING & IN DOOR ICE MAKER: Multi-vent technology...
  • MINIMAL DISPLAY DISPENSER: Integrated dispenser with touch...

The Samsung 22 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side by Side Family Hub™ refrigerator attracts the customers because of its stylish appearance. Flat doors and lack of protruding display create a nice look; it blends well with your cabinetry. This refrigerator comes with added functionality for its sleek design, and this is the in-door ice maker, which frees up storage space for frozen items.

The Family Hub feature takes your kitchen experience to the next level by enabling you to connect family’s calendars, play a tune and check out what is inside your fridge without physically visiting it. Simple things like receiving notifications for laundry or a visitor at the front door, give extra functionalities to everyday tasks. Furthermore, smart features like the Bixby assistant make it simple for you to work different activities in the kitchen.

Pros:

  • Elegant design with a seamless built-in look.
  • Family Hub features enhance connectivity and convenience.
  • Fingerprint-resistant surface for easy maintenance.

Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to basic models.
  • Limited freezer capacity relative to overall size.

3. Avanti FFS157L3S FFS157 cu. ft Side Apartment Size Refrigerator

Sale
Avanti FFS157L3S FFS157 cu. ft Side Apartment Size...
  • 9.5 cu. ft.capacity
  • 6.1 cu ft freezer capacity, manual defrost
  • Side by side design
  • Electronic temperature controls & display on the front
  • 3 adjustable/removable glass shelves in the refrigerator with 2...

The Avanti FFS157L3S refrigerator is perfect for people who live in studio apartments or small houses. The overall capacity of this model is 15.6 cubic feet and it is impressive how it is so spacious while its design is relatively slim. Its black color and doors made of stainless steel help it fit any space and interior.

One feature worth mentioning about this model is the fact that the glass shelves in it are not fixed and can be easily removed. Such features enable the possibilities of customization to portray the different items hence makes grocery organization easier. An important feature of the electronic temperature controls is that it can be operated from a front panel, thus it is convenient to use.

However, one disadvantage of this refrigerator is that because it is small it may not be able to suit the needs of large families.

Pros:

  • Compact design ideal for apartments and smaller areas
  • Adjustable shelves enhance storage flexibility
  • Electronic temperature control for precise settings

Cons:

  • Limited overall capacity may not suit larger families
  • Some reports of shipping issues can be a concern

4. Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth Refrigerator

Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 Full Size Counter Depth...
  • Large capacity - French doors 17.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity, perfect for...
  • Freezer compartment - keeps your food well frozen at all time in...
  • Thermostat - control your food temperature to keep it fresh...
  • Adjustable - Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or...
  • Built-in lamp - find your food quicker with the interior light

The Hamilton Beach HBFR1504 is optimized to cater for the current trends and requirements of the kitchen. It has the French door style that allows easy access to the fridge compartment and has a very big freezer that contains two drawers on the lower part. Another feature is an adjustable thermostat that helps to regulate the inside temperature effectively to keep the food items fresh for longer duration.

Conspicuous features of this unit include simplicity. The slide-out shelves are convenient to use for the organization as it enables you store items of all sizes with relative ease. Moreover, there is a light built in, making it easier to find an object without searching for it the whole night.

Pros:

  • Ample storage capacity with 17.9 cu ft for your food needs.
  • Convenient freezer drawers for organized freezing.
  • Adjustable features enhance personalized usability.

Cons:

  • The setup might require careful measurements to ensure proper fit.
  • Some users have reported issues with missing components upon delivery.

5. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator

Sale
Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full...
  • LARGE CAPACITY: Side by Side 20.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity, perfect for...
  • SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your...
  • DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer...
  • OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store...
  • INTERIOR LIGHTING: LED lighting throughout the refrigerator for...

This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers the convenience of both fresh and frozen food storage in a compact design. The adjustable thermostat ensures your items are kept at the ideal temperature, while the LED lighting provides better visibility of your contents.

With slide-out shelves and oversized door bins, you can maximize the storage space and keep larger items easily accessible. The counter-depth design is user-friendly and avoids extending too far beyond your kitchen countertops, making it a great addition to galley-style kitchens.

While many find it to be a quiet and efficient appliance, be aware there may be occasional delivery challenges. Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is crafted for ease of use and organizational efficiency, making it a reliable option for most households.

Pros:

  • Ideal for small spaces and smaller living.

Cons:

  • No smart features.

What To Look For In The Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator

a) Capacity

The capacity of a refrigerator is measured in cubic feet. The average side by side refrigerator tends to have about 25 cubic feet of space.

This is a higher average than that of a French door or narrow refrigerator.

There are side by side refrigerators with as little as 21 cubic feet and other models having as much as 28 cubic feet of space.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you need a spacious interior model, you should expect its build to be wider and taller than others.

b) Refrigerator Doors Design

While shopping for side by side refrigerator, you’ll have to consider what door design suits your lifestyle and budget.

Some side refrigerators come with water dispensers which is convenient if you enjoy entertaining, preparing drinks, or working out.

The downside with this design is that the required ice maker takes up space in your freezer.

Other side by side refrigerators come equipped with smart screens or door-in-door design, which allows you to grab a snack without opening the entire fridge.

These refrigerators tend to cost more to operate and to purchase.

c) Organization Options

Organization is key when it comes to a refrigerator. You want to be able to store all your groceries, meat and drinks.

When it comes to a side by side refrigerator, you should be on the lookout for adjustable shelves, door bins, baskets, a deli drawer, and a butter keeper.

Now, not all these features are guaranteed. However, if you want to make the most of your fridge’s interior, you’ll want to ensure that the layout fits your current and future needs.

Your side by side refrigerator should typically have four shelves in both the fridge and freezer portions, one or two produce crispers, and a gallon of door storage.

d) Temperature and Humidity Levels

The best side by side refrigerators feature adjustable temperature and humidity levels.

These help to control energy consumption whilst keeping the food fresh.

While shopping, ensure to check the temperature data on the fridge freezers, as this is key in ensuring your food remains fresh.

Side by side refrigerators don’t normally have the same number of drawer storage as other types of refrigerators.

Hence, humidity control is extremely key. It's important to ensure that the side by side model you select allows you to adjust the humidity based on what you are storing in the drawer.

For example, there are certain fruits such as bananas that require a lot of humidity while they are still ripening.

e) Water and Ice Dispenser

Having a water and ice dispenser can be super convenient, especially on hot and humid days or when you’re entertaining.

Instead of struggling with an ice cube tray, all you need to is place your glass under the dispenser.

The dispensers help conserve energy as the fridge doesn’t need to be opened.

Water dispensers are great, especially since they tend to come with a water filter; hence, you get clean drinking water.

People only need to place their glasses where the dispensers are to get their ice or water.

f) Energy Efficiency

Having an energy-efficient refrigerator is not only good for the environment, but it also saves you money in terms of running costs.

Side by side refrigerators tend to be less efficient than top or bottom-freezer refrigerators.

However, they still do offer precise temperature controls that allow you to regulate your refrigerator’s energy consumption.

g) Smart Features

Smart display technology is more than just displays.

Some of the screens offer smart features such as being synced to smartphones hence allowing for ease of access from anywhere.

These displays can show the refrigerator contents and display reminders for food expiration dates or even update a shopping list for an item if it’s running low.

Depending on the side by side model, how advanced it is, and if connected to WiFi, the smart display can tell you if other appliances such as the washer and dryer have finished running.

You can also play music and video apps and entertain yourself while cooking, washing dishes, or eating.

h) Refrigerator Cutout

When replacing a fridge with a specific cutout ( usually surrounded by countertops and/or cabinetry), ensure to measure your cutout carefully.

The last thing you want is to buy your side by side fridge and return it because it doesn’t fit in your cutout.

Measure the height, width, and depth of the cutout multiple times, and to be sure, leave at least one to two inches between the top of the fridge and above the fridge cabinetry.

Also, leave a couple of inches between the back of the fridge and the wall. These extra inches behind the refrigerator will be helpful for the fridge’s air circulation.

When looking at your cutout's depth, ensure to account for the depths of the fridge’s doors.

If the distance your fridge sticks out from your cabinetry is not as wide as the thickness of the fridge’s doors, you might not be able to open the doors all the way.

i) Counter Depth vs. Non-Counter Depth

Counter-depth refers to the depth of your fridge and specifically how much it sticks out past your cabinetry.

The standard depth for a regular non-counter depth fridge is about 30 inches. If cabinets surround your fridge, it should ideally stick out anywhere from four to six inches.

However, if you have space restrictions or stylistic preference, the best refrigerators to look into would be counter-depth fridges.

Counter-depth fridges don’t have a standard depth measurement; however, they can be as much as six inches shallower than their non-counter depth counterparts.

The downside is that with these models, you lose interior storage space.

When considering a counter-depth side by side refrigerator, ensure that your fridge's width is actually wide enough to support the full opening of the doors.

When refrigerators have a shallower depth, there’s an increased likelihood that the back fridge door might hit the cabinetry before it can fully open.

Something else to consider is that a counter-depth fridge might cost more than a non-counter depth model.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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