At a Glance:
Side-By-Side Refrigerator Overview
How Much Does a Side-by-Side Refrigerator Cost?
Side-by-Side Refrigerator Pros and Cons
Counter Depth and Standard Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators: What's The Difference?
Top Side by Side Refrigerator Picks
5 Benefits of a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator
American consumers used to prefer side-by-side refrigerators before French door fridges, and their multiple designs stepped on the scene. However, according to the findings of a poll conducted by Consumer Reports, 64 percent of new refrigerators purchased by CR members between the beginning of 2020 and the first half of 2021 were French-door models. With only 20 percent in sales, side-by-sides have the second-highest share.
However, there are still many compelling arguments in favor of a side-by-side refrigerator with tall, narrow compartments specifically designed for frozen and fresh food.
So, are you looking to buy a new refrigerator? These top-rated side-by-side refrigerators are dependable, inventive, and catered to your family's requirements. Check out our staff at Colder's best recommendations for these refrigeration arrangements and learn more about these refrigerators by reading on.
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Side By Side Refrigerator Overview
One vertical side of a side-by-side refrigerator is set aside for fresh food, while the other is used for frozen food. Those who frequently eat frozen meals could find this to be an especially alluring alternative. A side-by-side refrigerator allows you to store the most frequently used frozen foods at eye level for convenient access, as opposed to a French-door refrigerator that requires you to lean down to access the freezer.
The side-by-side refrigerator has two outward-opening doors that are split down the middle. A side-by-side refrigerator is a wonderful alternative for narrow kitchens with little space in front of the refrigerator because the width of each door spans about half of the appliance's overall width. On the other hand, a side-by-side doesn't give up any storage space, and its overall width is comparable to that of a French door model. The fridge side of a side-by-side refrigerator probably has more storage space than the freezer side.
How Much Does a Side-by-Side Refrigerator Cost?
Side-by-side refrigerators are an excellent choice if you're on a budget but still want a contemporary look with a stainless steel finish. They frequently cost less than French-door refrigerators or those with smart capabilities while still offering a comparable amount of storage capacity.
Expect to spend between $950 and $11,250 on a side-by-side refrigerator from our Colder's selection.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator Pros and Cons
Homeowners favor side-by-side refrigerators for a variety of reasons. Because of their timeless and streamlined style, they go well with both traditional and modern kitchens. Being a timeless arrangement, however, has both benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
✅ The majority of the freezer food is at eye level.
✅ Larger freezer capacity
✅ Typically less expensive.
Cons
❌ Narrow shelf space may cause issues with frozen pizzas and baking trays.
❌ Bending over is required to access parts of the refrigerator and freezer.
❌ Temperatures in the fridge and freezer will vary more dramatically from top to bottom due to their size.
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Counter Depth and Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerators: What's The Difference?
The depth dimension distinguishes refrigerators with counter depth from those with normal depth. A counter depth side by side refrigerator has a smaller depth than a regular refrigerator but it fits almost flush with your cabinets. A greater breadth and height make up for some lost storage in certain counter depth variants.
In addition to possibilities for a water filtration system, various aesthetic finishes, and in-demand configurations, both kinds of refrigerators provide a variety of handy functions to help keep your food fresh.
Top Side by Side Refrigerator Picks
Knowing a little bit more about this type of refrigerator, let's find out which side-by-side model our experts recommend. Check out the Colder's catalog's selection to find the best side-by-side refrigerator.
LG Side By Side Refrigerator: LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The two things that people love most — technology and food — are combined in this timeless side-by-side refrigerator made of stainless steel from LG. With a size of 27 cubic feet, this LG side by side refrigerator can hold everything your family needs. It contains several cooling mechanisms, including the Door Cooling+ and Linear Cooling, which prolong the shelf life of your ingredients and maintain the appropriate interior temperature by ensuring proper air circulation throughout the bins, crispers, and shelves. The SpacePlus ice maker produces cubed and crushed ice for daily use as well as happy hour drink weekends, which is the best part.
What Customers are Saying: "We love our fridge! We have had it installed for about 6 months and really love the craft ice for our party drinks! It's beautiful in our kitchen. You can organize really easily and the condiment door was easiy [sic] to get used too!"
Maytag Side By Side Refrigerator: Maytag® 20.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator
Store-N-Door ice and water dispensing is a great design feature that frees up extra shelf space to stock staple condiments, drinks, snacks, and other items alongside the improved access of this fridge's side by side arrangement. You'll save even more space without constantly refilling a water purifier. Fresh, delicious water is only a press away thanks to Maytag's EveryDrop water filter, which is integrated.
Aside from its stylish installation, what other features of this top-rated Maytag side by side refrigerator are customers raving about? PowerCold quick cooling technology and Maytag's distinctive Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel finish earn points for keeping your freezer and fridge compartment secure and cold even with ardent fridge raiders in the house.
What Customers are Saying: "So far so good. Everything is working as it should. Wish I had room for regular depth. Had to get counter depth to work in my space. The side by side doors help with not blocking the walkway over a single door. Nice design."
KitchenAid Side By Side Refrigerator: KitchenAid® 24.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Side-by-Side Refrigerator
With our top KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerator, your hunt for an ADA-compatible side-by-side refrigerator is over. With the PrintShield coating, smudges, fingerprints, or food stains may be removed with ease with a soft cloth and little water, allowing you to resume displaying your once-immaculate stainless steel refrigerator. Additionally, food odors are reduced by the unique Preserva® Food Care System. As a result, your food stays fresher for longer, and the moment you store your favorite fruits in this large-capacity fridge with adjustable clear door bins, humidity-controlled drawers, and glass shelves, overripening is delayed.
What Customers are Saying: "So happy with this fridge, keeps veggies fresh for up to two weeks and the stainless steel exterior does not show finger prints like our old one."
Whirlpool Side By Side Refrigerator: Whirlpool® 28.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
You and your family will have access to the most recent refrigeration and storage technology by using a large capacity refrigerator from Whirlpool. Stock up on family favorites with ease with 28.5 cubic feet of storage capacity offered by this Whirlpool refrigerator, and arrange everything with ease using its adaptable features, like the frameless glass shelves, adjustable gallon door bins, and in-door ice storage. Whenever and whenever you need them, you may keep fruits, vegetables, meats, and frozen items in your refrigerator and freezer.
Additionally, the FreshFlow air filter, which is 15 times more powerful than a box of baking soda, will eliminate all offensive odors in your Whirlpool side by side refrigerator if you are sick of opening your fridge to residual food scents. Last but not least, thanks to the LED dispenser night-light, you and your family won't have to fumble with the buttons or stumble around in the dark any longer when you feel thirsty at night.
What Customers are Saying: "A month in and no complaints! We have had other name brand refrigerators that didn't meet Whirlpools quality!"
Frigidaire Refrigerator Side By Side: Frigidaire® 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
With our large 25.6 cu. ft. Frigidaire refrigerator, you won't have to fear going on lengthy supermarket runs. You won't have to worry about stuffing your items into the small door bins and the shelves because there will be space from top to bottom. Adjustable gallon door bins can be used to store condiments and dairy products. You can also rearrange your removable glass shelves to make room for larger food items.
The responsive EvenTemp Cooling System, another feature of this Frigidaire side by side refrigerator, ensures that your fresh produce will last longer and that your frozen goods won't suffer from freezer burn because it circulates cool air while rapidly and effectively responding to temperature changes. Additionally, by providing cold, 99 percent contaminant-free water to your visitors and family who care about the environment, owning a PurePour Water Filter will help you use fewer disposable water bottles overall.
What Customers are Saying: "Absolutely satisfied with our new Frigidaire, fits perfectly in spot our previous fridge was in but has so much more roomi [sic] inside. It is also very Asthecticly [sic] pleasing to the eye. Love the no smudge finish."
5 Benefits of a Side by Side Refrigerator
Side-by-side refrigerators are more prevalent than traditional refrigerators, which have a freezer on top and a refrigerator on the bottom. The freezer and refrigerator compartments of a side-by-side refrigerator are arranged next to one another. This design has a few benefits, which we will go over in more depth below.
1. Easy to Organize
A side-by-side model gives you greater freedom in terms of what level you can store objects on. Snacks and drinks that are consumed more frequently can be kept close at hand. You don't have to stoop down or exert yourself to grab the meals you consume on a daily basis. Lower shelves can be used to store items that will be kept for a long time. Additionally, you can just move something higher up if you want to keep it out of children's grasp.
2. More Freezer Space
A side-by-side refrigerator has much greater freezer space than conventional models. By organizing them, you may keep more goods at once and reduce your risk of losing anything. Things are easier to find and reach, so you can get to them faster. Additionally, you're less likely to experience freezer burn and end up throwing stuff away.
3. Less Room Required to Open Doors
Usually, the doors are not as big as those of a conventional type. This is advantageous if your kitchen is compact or narrow. Therefore, side-by-side refrigerators offer greater design freedom. Additionally, with better organization and a smaller opening, you can keep your refrigerator cool and save electricity because you require less time to keep the door open.
4. In-Door Water and Ice Dispenser
The majority of side-by-side refrigerators have an ice and water dispenser built in. It is convenient to get water or ice on demand, and the mechanism is concealed. Since neither of these requires opening the door, it is also energy-efficient.
5. Sleek Design
Depending on the interior design of your home, traditional fridges may not always offer the right style. A side-by-side refrigerator provides a more streamlined appearance. Its aesthetics produce a less cluttered feeling, which is advantageous in a modern home.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator
In contrast to French door types, side-by-side refrigerators only have one half that handles refrigeration—from top to bottom—while the other half handles freezing. There are additional shelves for storing frozen foods, but the drawers are smaller. You could decide if a side-by-side refrigerator will work for you by taking into account the following factors.
Available Space
Think about space from two perspectives: the space that is accessible in the kitchen and the space that is useful inside the refrigerator. French-door or top-freezer models often have larger doors than side-by-side refrigerators do. Side-by-side doors may be the ideal choice for small kitchens. It is simple to open the doors and access food inside a compact footprint because they are narrow and don't have a pull-out freezer drawer.
A distinct situation may arise with regard to the refrigerator's inside space. Despite having similar cubic footage to other versions, side-by-side storage is different. A side-by-side refrigerator's potential inability to accommodate a pizza box or sheet cake can be a major detriment to some. However, people who enjoy meal preparation and food freezing will probably find the stacking shelves far simpler to use than a bottom freezer drawer.
Temperature and Humidity Levels
The humidity and temperature can be adjusted on some of the greatest side-by-side refrigerators. In the realm of home food refrigeration, these characteristics are nothing new, but they are now more effective than ever at managing energy use and food freshness.
Your refrigerator will require more frequent cycles of refrigeration the colder you keep it. However, the FDA states that 40 degrees Fahrenheit is the appropriate temperature for a refrigerator. In order to prevent the things in the rear of the refrigerator from freezing and from using more electricity than is necessary to maintain food freshness, adjust your unit to maintain that temperature (use an external thermometer if necessary).
Since side-by-side refrigerators typically don't have as many drawers as other types, humidity management becomes even more crucial. Choose a refrigerator that enables users to modify the humidity based on the items they keep in the drawer. Watermelon and bananas that are still ripening require high humidity levels, although apples can maintain their crispness with an open vent.
Energy Use
Energy use is a key justification for replacing an aging refrigerator. Compared to the old, bulky refrigerators from years ago, modern refrigerators use a lot less electricity.
The efficiency of side-by-side refrigerators is often lower than that of top- or bottom-freezer versions. They are still significantly more effective than previous refrigerators, though. You can regulate your refrigerator's energy use thanks to the exact temperature settings, a feature that some older refrigerators don't have.
Display
Smart display technology is a fun and useful improvement in contemporary side-by-side refrigerators. These touch-screen hubs are integrated into the fridge's front. Although it might not appear like a display on the refrigerator's front is necessary, the screens have several useful capabilities.
These go beyond simple displays. Since many of them have supporting accounts, owners can access the refrigerator's functionality from a smartphone. They are effectively powerful tablets. These hubs can update a shopping list for an item that is running low, display reminders for food expiration dates, and display the contents of a refrigerator. The ability of these screens to notify you when other appliances, like the washing and dryer, stop operating, provided they are Wi-Fi-capable, is perhaps their most helpful feature.
These tablets can also be used to run music and movie apps, keeping you occupied as you cook or eat.
Water and Ice Dispenser
There are many good reasons for choosing a refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser built into the door, a feature in most side-by-side models, the most compelling being convenience and energy efficiency.
Dispensers for water and ice are incredibly practical accessories, especially on hot days or while hosting guests. Simply set your glass under the dispenser to get ice without having to pry obstinate cubes from an ice tray or chop chunks from a solid block of ice. Water dispensers deliver clean, cold, filtered water whenever you need it, saving you money on water bottles as well.
When it comes to energy effectiveness, these dispensers also excel. People can fill a glass from the front of the refrigerator rather than open the door whenever they want a cold glass of water or ice cubes. This keeps the refrigerator from spinning too frequently and helps it maintain its temperature, saving energy and money.
A contemporary side-by-side refrigerator can be a wonderful choice if you need to replace an outdated refrigerator and want to keep it organized. Side by side refrigerators are fairly priced, even though they normally do not have many bells and whistles. Just be sure to measure the size of your cabinet opening and review the features of the new refrigerator you have your eye on before you leave.
To physically view your potential side-by-side refrigerator, visit a Colder's showroom, browse our online refrigerator catalogs, and then schedule a delivery and installation appointment right away.
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Why Trust Colder's?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder's is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder's is committed not only to continuously offering can't-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that's our best price guarantee.
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Don't put off happiness — and shop side by side refrigerators online for unbeatable prices at Colder's. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the perfect side by side refrigerator, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder's locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: Keep Your Cool With Our Refrigerator Buying Guide