Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 24, 2023
Need a space-saving fridge for a big family? A side-by-side refrigerator matches your request perfectly. We have reviewed 5 best side-by-side refrigerators to help you pick the suitable model. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Capacity
Drawers and Shelves
Dispenser
Temperature Controls
Extras
Design
Dimensions (inches)
Annual Energy Consumption
Warranty
 
PROS

The GeniusCool technology along with the SmartSense management will maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels so that everything inside the fridge stays fresh and crisp.

CONS

The ice dispenser push release is situated somewhat inconveniently.

OUR VERDICT

The Kenmore 51773 refrigerator is capacious, powerful, and very sleek-looking. With a generous 28 cu. ft. of interior capacity, it lets you stock up on groceries for a big family.

detailed parameters
Capacity

Total 27.7 cu. ft. 

Freezer 10.7 cu. ft. 

Refrigerator 17 cu. ft.

Drawers and Shelves

3 x Freezer Glass Shelves

3 x Refrigerator Glass Shelves

3 x Refrigerator Drawers

6 x Refrigerator Door Bins

3 x Freezer Door Bins

Dispenser

Ice and Water Dispenser, Water Filter, Ice Maker

Temperature Controls

Electromechanical controls with SmartSense temperature management

Extras

Genius Cool™, Door Alarm, Humidity-Controlled Crisper, Automatic Defrost, Interior Light, Adjustable Legs, Accela Ice feature, Favorite Fill and Measured Fill options

Design

Free-Standing, Stainless Steel color, Matching Handles, Hidden Hinges

Dimensions (inches)

35.5" x 68.88" x 35.13"

Annual Energy Consumption

739 kWh

Warranty

Limited 1-year warranty

PROS
Thanks to the built-in fridge evaporator, the dust doesn't settle on its surface. Consequently, the heat exchange is maintained well and the cooling is effective during the entire service life.
CONS
The dispenser is integrated with an ice maker, so you should choose between ice and water options.
OUR VERDICT

This black refrigerator looks very stylish. The hidden hinges add to the attractive smooth form that appeals to most customers. Excellent choice for office use.

detailed parameters
Capacity

Total: 25.4 cu. ft.

Freezer: 9.7 cu. ft.

Refrigerator: 15.7 cu. ft.

Drawers and Shelves

Fridge: 4 x Glass Shelves

2 x Multi-Level Drawers

1 x Snack Drawers

5 x Door Bins

Freezer: 4 x Door Bins

2 x Storage Baskets

3 x Cabinet Shelves

Dispenser
Ice and Water Dispenser, Water Filter, Ice Maker
Temperature Controls

Touch control

Refrigerator: 32 - 42°F

Freezer: -5 - 5°F

Extras

Door Alarm, Child Lock, Humidity-controlled Crisper Drawers, NeverClean Condenser

Design
Freestanding, Black Color, Matching Handles, Hidden Hinges
Dimensions (inches)
35.75" x 69.5" x 34.75"
Annual Energy Consumption
643 kWh
Warranty

Limited 1-year warranty on entire appliance

PROS

Adjustable shelves and door bins give you the opportunity to organize the interior space as you wish. Plus, the bright LEDs will simplify the search for necessary food items.

CONS

The temperature range is a little limited.

OUR VERDICT

The Kenmore 50043 is a reliable, low-priced fridge that definitely offers more than you’d expect. With 25 cu. ft. of interior space, it gives you tons of storage and organization options.

detailed parameters
Capacity

Total 25 cu. ft. 

Freezer 9.11 cu. ft. 

Refrigerator 15.89 cu. ft.

Drawers and Shelves

3 x Freezer Shelves, 

3 x Refrigerator Shelves

2 x Refrigerator Drawers

5 x Refrigerator Door Bins

3 x Freezer Door Bins

Dispenser

Ice and Water Dispenser, Water Filter, Ice Maker

Temperature Controls

Electromechanical controls with adjustable temperature settings

Extras

Door Alarm, Humidity-Controlled Crisper, Automatic Defrost, Interior Light, Adjustable Legs

Design

Free-Standing, Stainless Steel color, Matching Handles, Hidden Hinges

Dimensions (inches)

35" x 69.2" x 33.8"

Annual Energy Consumption

~ 700 kWh

Warranty

Limited 1-year warranty

PROS

This refrigerator has not one but two crisper drawers with independently adjustable humidity/temperature levels. Great for storing fruit and vegetables separately.

CONS

The installation process is a bit tricky.

OUR VERDICT

If you’re a fan of Samsung appliances, you should certainly take a closer look at this model. It’s an average side-by-side refrigerator that looks very modern and can hold quite a lot of stuff.

detailed parameters
Capacity

Total 24.52 cu. ft.

Freezer 8.8 cu. ft.

Refrigerator 15.72 cu. ft.

Drawers and Shelves

4 x Freezer Shelves

4 x Refrigerator Shelves

2 x Refrigerator Drawers

1 x Freezer Drawer

4 x Refrigerator Door Bins

3 x Freezer Door Bins

Dispenser

Ice and Water Dispenser, Water Filter, Ice Maker

Temperature Controls

Touch-control buttons with Bar-type LED display

Extras

Door Alarm, Humidity-Controlled Crisper, Interior Light, Front Adjustable Height

Design

Free-Standing, Stainless Steel color, Matching Handles, Hidden Hinges

Dimensions (inches)

70" x 35.75" x 36"

Annual Energy Consumption

695 kWh

Warranty

1-year warranty on parts and labor (refrigerator), 5-year warranty on parts and labor (sealed system), 10-year warranty on parts and 5-year warranty on labor on (digital inverter compressor)

PROS

The Accu-Chill™ temperature management system keeps the optimal climate in the fridge compartments and turns the compressor on when required only.

CONS
The operation of an ice dispenser may seem rather noisy.
OUR VERDICT
Whirlpool efficient ventilation system will ensure clean air and correct temperature circulation in the interior of this refrigerator, so as to keep the freshness of the food longer.
detailed parameters
Capacity

Total: 25.59 cu ft

Freezer: 8.93 cu ft

Refrigerator: 16.66 cu ft

Drawers and Shelves

Fridge: 4 x Shelves

3 x Drawers

2 x Adjustable Full-Width Bins

2 x Adjustable Full-Width Gallon Bins

Freezer: 4 x Shelves

2 x Drawers

3 x Fixed Full-Width Door Bins

Dispenser
Ice and Water Dispenser, Water Filter, Ice Maker
Temperature Controls

Touch control

Refrigerator: 33 - 45°F

Freezer: -5 - 5°F

Extras
Door Ajar Alarm, Dispenser Lock, Humidity-Controlled Drawers, Air filter, Accu-Chill™
Design
Freestanding, Matching Handles, Stainless Steel, Hidden Hinges
Dimensions (inches)
36" x 69" x 34.875"
Annual Energy Consumption
709 kWh
Warranty
1 year limited warranty
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Kenmore Elite 51773 28 cu. ft.

Stock Up on Freshness

The Kenmore 51773 refrigerator is one of the most capacious side-by-side models out there. With a generous 28 cu. ft. interior capacity, it lets you stock up on groceries for a very large family. And you won’t need to worry about the food going bad thanks to the super combo of the GeniusCool technology and CleanFlow Air Filtration. But first things first, let’s overview the interior storage design before going deeper into the tech specs.

Once you open the doors, you’ll notice multiple adjustable door storage trays, a dairy shelf, and a rack dedicated for bottles of wine, jugs of juice, or gallons of milk. There’s also a built-in ice maker and dispenser on the right side. It sits entirely in the door and sports a slim design, so it frees up a whole shelf’s worth of space in the freezer allowing you to stash more frozen veggies or pizzas. The SpaceSaver Ice System actually saves up to 30% more space in a freezer compartment, but the tradeoff is that you will get a little less ice out of it. However, that seems like a fair deal to someone who wants to save some space and rarely needs more ice than a few glasses' worth.

As for the main chamber, here you’ll also find a hanging bottle storage as well as numerous spill-proof glass shelves and transparent food drawers for groceries, lunches, and leftovers.

Review of Kenmore Elite 51773 28 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Accela Ice Technology

Always Fresh

The Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator offers very steady, accurate temperatures in both the freezer and the fridge. The GeniusCool technology along with the SmartSense management will maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels so that everything stays fresh and crisp. And the CleanFlow air filtration system will keep the fridge smelling nice and clean.

The in-door ice maker also features a decent filtration system. The NSF-certified water filter removes up to 99.9% of contaminants from water, ensuring “healthy” ice for your parties or picnics that tastes just as fresh as it sounds.

All in all, if you need a high-quality fridge allowing you to stock up on fresh groceries, beverages, sweet treats and snacks for a crowd, the Kenmore 51773 refrigerator is a good pick. It’s capacious, powerful, and very sleek-looking. It’s available in Stainless Steel, Black, and White designs, so you can choose the perfect one that will blend beautifully into your kitchen interior.

Kenmore Elite 51773 28 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Accela Ice Technology in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B074D2PHVB

 

GE 25.4 Cu.Ft. Side-By-Side Fridge, Black

Shelves and Drawers

The refrigerator compartment of GE side-by-side refrigerator allows for storing diverse food items thanks to 4 tempered glass shelves, 3 of which can be adjusted in a wide range. The humidity level in the middle and bottom drawers can be adjusted, so the crispness of your food is guaranteed, and the 2 drawers will let you stock multiple snacks. The refrigerator door features a dairy compartment and 4 shelves, including 3 adjustable. The freezer features 2 slide-out storage baskets, 3 shelves, and an ice maker. Lastly, the freezer door is equipped with 4 shelves, 2 of which are adjustable for convenience of use.

Review of GE 25.4 Cu.Ft. Side-By-Side Fridge, Black

Control

The freezer door includes a touch panel with LED lighting located above the dispenser. The digital display shows the current and preset temperature in both compartments. By default, the temperature is set to 37°F in a refrigerator compartment, and to 0°F in a freezer. You can easily increase or reduce the temperature in each compartment by 5 degrees. Moreover, the controls let you set the dispenser to get water, crushed ice or cubed ice. After all, you can also switch the lighting off and lock the panel.

GE 25.4 Cu.Ft. Side-By-Side Fridge, Black in the use

Extras

Due to the built-in water filter, the GE GSE25HGHBB Side-By-Side Refrigerator uses only clean water for making ice and water dispensing. No need to buy any extra filters, the manufacturer has thought through all details carefully. The light indicator on the front panel will inform you when it’s time to replace your filter so there’s no risk you’re going to keep on using a non-effective one. Just like most other fridges in our review, the GE GSE25HGHBB Side-By-Side Refrigerator guards closing the doors. If you happen to leave the door open, the fridge will alert you with a beep to return and shut it tight. The cooling capabilities of the fridge are also great thanks to the ClimateKeeper2™ system with two evaporators. The cold is distributed throughout all compartments evenly and your food is stored just fine.

Detailed review of GE 25.4 Cu.Ft. Side-By-Side Fridge, Black

Appearance

The smooth shape and black color of this side-by-side refrigerator makes it more outstanding above the other models. Convenient handles are easy for grip and comfortable to open with one hand. This refrigerator is quite compact, so it will be a good fit for most kitchens. The width of this refrigerator is 35.75", the height is 69.5", and the depth is 34.75". If the total size of the fridge seems rather big to get through your door, remove the doors and this way, reduce the depth up to 28.5".
GE 25.4 Cu.Ft. Side-By-Side Fridge, Black application
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00RDGNJT8

VIDEO
Great Product! GE Side by Side Refrigerator Review Model # GSS25GSH 25.4 CF

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

Nice size for the price and the ice maker is very large which is a plus for our family.

Storage

Also there are more options for adjusting the heights of the shelves over some models. The bins on the doors are large and hold a lot items.

Features

Love the lighting. The digital temp display is a great feature.

Capacity

There is so much room in the fridge side and I especially luv being able to put the gallon size milk and juice on the door.

Power

I got the energy efficient appliance I needed
 

Kenmore 50043 25 cu. ft.

Cheap and Capacious

If you’re a kind of a penny pincher looking for a relatively large side-by-side fridge that won’t cost you an arm and leg, you’ve just found it. The Kenmore 50043 is a good refrigerator that offers plenty of room for plenty of groceries. It has a smartly-organized interior with flexible storage options for fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, meal-time staples, pre-made dishes, snacks, leftovers, and beverages.

With 25 cu. ft. of interior capacity, this side-by-side fridge will work like magic for medium-sized families. Almost all the shelves are adjustable, allowing you to stock the fridge in any way you like it. The shelves are made of strong glass and are very easy to clean. The humidity-controlled crisper bins are also manufactured from transparent glass. This makes grabbing the needed items quick and easy. Plus, the body of this fridge is lit up by bright LEDs for extra convenience. Hence, you won’t need to dig through the fridge, looking for the leftover pie or pizza.

Review of Kenmore 50043 25 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Water and Ice Dispenser

Ice and Water at Your Fingertips

The doors of the fridge can also boast a smart organization…from both inside and outside! Inside, you’ll find many gallon-sized door bins, a special shelf for dairy products, and more. All the shelves are placed strategically, allowing you to easily accommodate tall items like champagne bottles, wide juice jugs, milk packs, and similar stuff. And thanks to a thought-out design of in-door shelves, you can quickly grab that bottle and go.

On the outside, you’ll find an in-door Dual Pad ice/water dispenser that can put fresh water and ice directly into your glass with no button fumbling. You simply need to push the ice pad to get some ice (cubed or crushed) and then slide your cup and press the water pad. And owing to the clear, built-in window, you can always check the ice level.

To wrap things up, we can admit that this is obviously not the most stoutly-built fridge on the market, but it definitely offers more than you’d expect from a side-by-side refrigerator that costs less than $1000. For the price, you just can’t beat it.

Kenmore 50043 25 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Water and Ice Dispenser in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $1,178.62
Stock In stock
ASIN B076P7L97D

 

Samsung RS25J500DSR 24.52 cu. ft.

Mid-range Fridge from the World Leader

If you’re a huge fan of Samsung appliances, you should certainly take a closer look at this freestanding side-by-side refrigerator. Made in a stainless steel design, the fridge looks very nice and modern. It’s an average side-by-side refrigerator with 24.5 cu. ft. of storage space (15.7 cu. ft. of refrigerator space and 8.8 cu. ft of freezer space) to hold enough food for an average family.

The body of the fridge has four shelves - some of them can be adjusted in height to accommodate taller items, and some can slide out so that you could easily reach items in the back. That’s a quite rare yet handy feature found in side-by-side refrigerators. There are also four bins in the inner part of the door, and some of these bins are tall enough to accommodate gallon-size containers. On the top, you’ll find a small closed compartment to keep dairy products away from pungent foods.

As for the freezer section, it features four main shelves and three door bins. Like the fridge part, it has a drawer under the shelves. Speaking about extra frills, the exterior freezer door has an ice and water dispenser paired with the control panel.

Review of Samsung RS25J500DSR 24.52 cu. ft. Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator

All for Your Convenience

The aforementioned control panel allows you to choose both “quick cool” and “quick freeze” options to quickly chill foods you’ve just loaded in order to preserve as many nutrients as possible. The unit will quickly drop the internal temperatures and then gradually return to the set temperature. The controls also include a child lock for the water/ice dispenser and a door alarm that will flash if one of the doors has been left open.

The last but not the least thing to mention about this Samsung fridge is its energy efficiency level. The fridge is Energy Star compliant, meaning it's at least 9% more energy efficient compared to standard models. Hence, it can help you save some money on electricity bills in the long run. Additionally, it has less impact on the environment. Being Energy Star compliant, this refrigerator cares about both your money and your health. It will keep your groceries and frozen products as fresh as possible.

Samsung RS25J500DSR 24.52 cu. ft. Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $3,999.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00VVH5PRE

 

Whirlpool 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator

Shelves and Drawers

The capacity of this side-by-side refrigerator is 25.59" that is more than enough to organize fresh or frozen food. The In-Door-Ice Plus system increases the usable capacity of the freezer by 30%; the ice maker and removable ice bin are located in the freezer door. This feature allows for arrangement of 4 full-width shelves, 1 full-width drawer, and the slide-out basket in the freezer. Moreover, the freezer features 3 adjustable full-width shelves, so you can arrange them in a way to keep and store frozen food appropriately. The refrigerator compartment incorporates 2 adjustable full-width bins for fresh fruit and vegetables. The humidity level can be adjusted in both bins, hence, the herbs and greens remain crisp for a long time. The sliding-bulk storage basket and 4 shelves are located over the bins, and 3 shelves can be removed or rearranged. The door features 3 shelves for 1-gallon bottles, 2 shelves for 2-liter bottles, and 1 shelf for dairy products. All door shelves can be removed and swapped, except for the top one.

Review of Whirlpool 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator Energy Star

Control

The management of the refrigerator functions is executed via a control panel. This panel allows you to adjust the temperature from 33°F to 45°F in refrigerator, and from -5°F to 5°F in the freezer. Moreover, you can choose the desired form of ice, activate, deactivate or set the backlight to automatic. Additionally, the control panel and ice and water dispenser can be locked to prevent accidental pressing the buttons. Lastly, you can choose the Fast Ice feature that drops the freezer temperature to increase ice production.

Whirlpool 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator Energy Star in the use

Extras

Whirlpool WRS576FIDM comes with the PUR® Water and Ice Filtration System and FreshFlow™ Air Filter. The first filters the water for an ice maker and dispenser, while the latter prevents a penetration of dust and eliminates unpleasant odors. Both filters feature status indicators that signal when it's time to replace cartridges. The Accu-Chill™ Temperature Management System measures the internal temperature using the sensors and activates the cooling only when necessary. The automatic adaptive defrost function saves energy and ensures prolonged food preservation by reducing formation of ice crystals on your frozen food. The adaptive defrost monitors performance of the compressor and activates defrosting only in proper cases, reducing energy consumption and consequently your money.

Detailed review of Whirlpool 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator Energy Star

Appearance

The front of this side-by-side refrigerator is made of the matted stainless steel resistant to contamination and fingerprints. Both handles are painted to match the color of the body, and their shape and location allow you to open the doors conveniently. To install the refrigerator properly, you will need the free space of 36" wide, 69" high and 51.125"deep, considering the opened doors. Still, you can demount the doors to carry the refrigerator into your kitchen; the depth will be 29.625" if you do so.
Whirlpool 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator Energy Star application
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00KJ0VL18

What customers say about this product

Storage

Has a large water and ice cube housing, for large glasses or containers.

Features

Large back lit control info above the Water/Ice dispenser , dipaying temp of both compartments and reminders for changing the water filter, has a a children Lock , and door open light.

Size & Weight

Was only delivered yesterday, have not been able to use all the features yet, but I love the look and the features I have figured out so far.

Power

I am so happy with this product. Works great and Energy certified.

Capacity

This is the most organized refrigerator I have ever had. Room for groceries and storage of frozen food items is unbelievable.
 

What Is a Side-By-Side Refrigerator?

Side-by-side refrigerator is a two-section fridge with an upright freezer placed next to the fridge section. This arrangement of sections is recognized pretty convenient since the food is kept at the same level in both compartments. The design of side-by-side fridges benefits most big families who need to keep plenty of food but don’t have a lot of space in the kitchen. The way the doors are opened allows consumers to save some efficient space. That’s another reason why side-by-side fridges are so popular among consumers worldwide. Besides, they look really nice and can decorate any kitchen easily.

If you need a device for a long-term food storage, we've comprehensively reviewed upright freezers that would help you freeze a large amount of foodstuff.

What Features to Compare

Shelves and Drawers

You should know shelving and capacity of the chosen refrigerator to use free space effectively. Plenty of shelves and drawers will help you store your food in the fridge effectively. The possibility to substitute, remove or adjust shelves allows you to put various items like bottles and jugs. The door shelves let you conveniently position food stuff that you most frequently need and have them within easy reach. The wide door shelves allow for convenient storage of gallon bottles of juice or milk. The drawers for fruit and vegetables with humidity adjustment let you choose the optimal climate for various types of food. Big, capacious fridges should be considered by big families. Contrarily, if you don't usually keep a lot of food at home, it is more expedient to choose a refrigerator with a smaller capacity.

Control

The way you’re going to set and adjust a temperature in the fridge is also important. Most modern refrigerators allow temperature adjustment in each compartment, so you can pre-set different temperatures for fridge and freezer and be confident that your food is stored properly. There are also refrigerators with additional control features for your ultimate comfort, so, make sure to consider whether these functions work out for you. A Child Lock is going to be a helpful feature for a family with kids who love changing settings and trying everything new. With a Child Lock on, you wouldn’t worry about water spillage on a floor or wrong temperature settings. Consider side-by-side refrigerators with water dispensers and ice makers. There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than to have a glass of iced cold water with a couple of ice cubes in! Check also whether the fridge has got a filter indicator so that you can replace a cartridge in the filter on time.

Additional Functions

Additional functions and extras will be an advantage. For example, you can get a fridge with self-closing doors that will tightly seal even if you leave the door open. Another zest to inform a consumer of an open door is an audible alarm, so you can choose either. Some fridges have got air filters that effectively remove unpleasant food smells as well as clean the air from dust. The temperature sensors provide proper temperature distribution in all compartments and this way considerably prolong the shelf life of your food.

Design

Side-by-side refrigerators usually have an elegant design and small width. Yet, before you have your fridge shipped home, make sure that you’ve got enough space for it. Look for apartment-size fridges if your kitchen is rather small.

Take into account that the door opening is quite wide in side-by-side models, thus, your chosen fridge’s dimensions are important too. Check the space that you need with a fridge wide open and only then, go for one. Otherwise, you may get it wrong and find no place for it afterward. The capacity of the fridge is also quite important, especially for those families who love to cook and usually store plenty of food at home.

Sources:

1. How to Choose Your Refrigerator, wikiHow.

2. Amy Roberts Shop Smart: Pick the Best Fridge for You, GoodHousekeeping. June 3, 2014.

3. Refrigerator Buying Guide, Lowe's.

4. Refrigerator Buying Guide, BestBuy.

5. Rebekah Zaveloff Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator, Houzz. October 29, 2012.

6. Refrigerator Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. March 2016.

7. Matthew Steen Fridge Buying Guide, choice. March 17, 2014.

8. Douglas Trattner Refrigerator Buying Guide, HGTV.

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