At a Glance:
Best Overall Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Value Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Splurge Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Large Capacity Side-by-Side Refrigerator
When it comes to appliances, there are a lot of factors to consider when making your purchase. One of the most important is size, and no kitchen appliance is bigger than a refrigerator. Size aside, it's also important to understand the type of refrigerator layout that works best in your kitchen. Side-by-side refrigerators offer an excellent compromise between capacity and price. Not only do they have more space than many other refrigerator options, but they also tend to be less expensive, making them one of the more popular options for buyers.
In terms of features, side-by-side refrigerators are typically equipped with an ice maker and water dispenser. These come in handy if you entertain often or have a large family.
As for style, side-by-side refrigerators come in a variety of colors and finishes. The most popular options are stainless steel and white, but you can also find them in black, slate, and even red. No matter what your kitchen's style, there's a side-by-side fridge that will match it.
What to Look for in a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
When you are looking for a side-by-side refrigerator, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Consider Your Budget
Side by side refrigerators can range in price from a $1200 affordable option to an $18,000 luxury pick. It is important to consider your budget when making your decision. You don't want to overspend on a fridge that you won't use all the features of. However, you also don't want to skimp on quality and end up with a fridge that doesn't last.
Choose the Right Size
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a side-by-side refrigerator is the size. You need to make sure that the fridge will fit comfortably in your kitchen. You also need to consider how much food you will be storing in it. If you have a large family, you will need a bigger fridge.
- A 30 inch side by side refrigerator will have the narrowest doors, making it a good pick for smaller kitchens.
- A 33 inch side by side refrigerator is a great way to add up to a couple of cubic feet of capacity with just three inches of tradeoff. If you don't have a refrigerator cutout large enough for a 36-inch model, this is the size we recommend.
- A 36 inch side by side refrigerator provides the most capacity before having to venture into the built-in refrigerator category. We love this size because it beautifully displays fresh and frozen food in a layout that isn't cramped.
- A 42 inch side by side refrigerator is ideal for luxury kitchens and full-size households that need a lot of storage. If you're concerned about an appliance becoming a sore thumb in the kitchen, explore panel ready side by side refrigerators that blend into their surroundings.
Consider the Features
When you are choosing a side-by-side refrigerator, you need to think about the features that are important to you. Some people need an ice maker, while others do not. You also need to decide if you want a stainless steel or black finish.
Configuration and Organization Options
One thing you'll want to be mindful of when shopping is making sure the door design is to your liking. You will want to verify that the shelving and organization options will match your needs. The compartments on side-by-side refrigerators are typically much wider than those on other types of refrigerators, which makes it easy to store large items or to organize your food into categories.
Shop Side-by-Side Refrigerators
At Texas Appliance, we carry only the best side-by-side refrigerators. Shop online or visit one of our 4 locations to find the perfect side-by-side refrigerator for your home.
Side-by-Side RefrigeratorsOur Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator Recommendations
Here are five of our favorite side-by-side refrigerator recommendations.
Best Overall: KitchenAid® 19.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This KitchenAid Side by Side Refrigerator
Get the high-end look of built-in refrigerators with this KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerator. This counter-depth design gives your kitchen a sleek, modern look while still providing plenty of space for all your food storage needs. The Preserva® Food Care System features two independent cooling systems to help keep food fresh, while the FreshFlow™ Air Filter minimizes odors and the Produce Preserver delays over-ripening. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and smudges with the PrintShield™ Finish, making it easy to keep your refrigerator looking its best.
Features:
- Preserva® Food Care System
- Measured Water Fill
- Sabbath Mode (Star-K Certified)
Featured KitchenAid KRSC700HPS review:"We originally bought the size larger of this same model, but some of the LED lights weren't working right after delivery so we got this one as a replacement. After having another brand French door refrigerator that quit working after only 4 years I am hopeful this one is better quality and will last longer. The finish is nice and counter depth is perfect in our small kitchen. We have had excellent history with our other Kitchen Aid appliances."
Best Value: LG 27.2 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This LG Side by Side Refrigerator
For a reasonable price, this LG side-by-side refrigerator comes loaded with incredible features. This side-by-side refrigerator with ice maker is designed to satisfy both your organized side and your stylish side, with plenty of room to store all your food and beverages while still looking great in your kitchen. The spacious 27 cu. ft. interior provides ample room to stock up on everything you need, while the innovative slim in-door design frees up freezer shelf space so you can use every inch for storage. The Door Cooling+ feature ensures that door contents stay cool with blasts of cold air, and the Linear Cooling™ system keeps temperatures precise and consistent, so your food stays fresher for longer.
Features:
- Smooth Touch Ice Dispenser
- Sleek, flat-panel design with pocket handles
- Door Cooling+
Featured LG LRSXS2706S review:"As part of a new kitchen remodel, I bought an LG range and microwave oven based a lot on Consumer Reports recommendations. I got this refrigerator for the same reason and it had not disappointed! The design, inside and out, makes it very functional and attractive!"
Best Splurge: GE Profile™ 21.9 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Shop This GE Profile Side by Side Refrigerator
The GE Profile side-by-side refrigerator is a stunning refrigerator equipped with essential features. This stainless-steel side-by-side refrigerator fits nearly flush with cabinets and counters, giving your kitchen a built-in look. This fridge is easy to keep clean with a fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish that resists smudges and smears. Plus, the advanced filtration system reduces trace pharmaceuticals from your water and ice. You'll also appreciate the adjustable-humidity drawers, which help keep your produce fresh, and the quick ice setting, which produces filtered ice up to 50% faster than normal settings.
Features:
- Electronic Display
- Quick Ice setting
- Turbo Cool setting
Best Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator: GE® 21.8 Cu. Ft. Slate Counter Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Shop This GE Side by Side Refrigerator
Looking for a brand-new fridge that has all the modern bells and whistles? Check out this GE side-by-side refrigerator! This top of the line product features glass freezer shelves to securely store a variety of different items, including a sweet-spot shelf located above the ice bins - the coldest spot in the freezer. In addition, there are adjustable Clear Look door bins which offer ideal space for large containers in the door, freeing up valuable shelf space. As if all that wasn't enough, this refrigerator also comes with an automatic ice maker and crushed ice dispenser.
Features:
- Showcase LED lighting
- Glass freezer shelves
- Advanced water filtration uses XWF replacement filter
Featured GE GZS22IMNES review:"After having to downsize our fridge to get it in the door, we have loved our new fridge. The counter depth makes it so much more spacious in our tiny kitchen and there's still room for everything."
Best Large Capacity Side by Side Refrigerator: Whirlpool® 28.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator
The Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator is perfect for large families or anyone who loves to entertain. This roomy fridge has plenty of space for all your food, drinks, and snacks, with purposeful storage spaces that make it easy to keep everything organized. The In-Door-Ice® storage system gives you an extra full shelf in the freezer, while the exterior ice and water dispenser with EveryDrop™ filtration provides quick and convenient access to filtered water. Plus, the Accu-Chill™ temperature management system ensures that your food stays fresh and delicious, with quick cooling that keeps everything at its ideal temperature.
Features:
- Frameless Glass Shelves
- Adaptive Defrost
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers
Featured Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ review:"Love the fact I can open freezer door and don't have to bend over pulling out stupid drawer and rummage through to find my frozen food ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️"
Pros & Cons of Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators are a happy medium. They have technological capabilities that make you feel satisfied with your choice, but they also don’t come with the high price tag of French-door fridges. Another pro to side-by-side refrigerators is that they tend to be wider than French-door fridges, so you have more space to store food.
While side-by-side refrigerators have a lot of great features, there are also some drawbacks. One downside is that because they are wider, they can be difficult to fit into smaller kitchens. Another con is that the freezer and fridge compartments are usually the same size, so if you have a lot of frozen food, it can be difficult to store it all.
Overall, side-by-side refrigerators are a great choice for those who want the features of a French-door fridge without the high price tag. They are also a good option for those who need more storage space than what a traditional top-freezer fridge offers.
FAQs
How wide is a side by side refrigerator?
Side by side refrigerators range in widths between 30" and 42". Keep in mind, side by side fridges are narrow, so while you'll save clearance with a narrower model, organizing is trickier, especially for boxy items like pizza boxes.
What is the best side by side refrigerator?
The best side by side refrigerator depends on your household needs and budget. Buyers who want a reliable brand at an affordable price are recommended to shop Whirlpool and GE. If features matter, LG is a great brand to explore. For high-end side by side refrigerators, brands such as Cafe, Monogram, JennAir, and KitchenAid are top names with reliable refrigerators.
Are French door refrigerators bigger than side by side refrigerators?
Both side by side and French door fridges come in models measuring between 30" and 36". However, the pantry-style layout of a French door fridge provides more access than the narrow doors of a side by side refrigerator.
Are side by side refrigerators good?
If freezer organization and a smaller door clearance are important factors in your kitchen, the side by side fridge layout is an ideal choice.
Are side by side refrigerators more efficient?
Due to the location of the compressor in relation to the freezer, side by side refrigerators require more work, making them less efficient than other fridge designs.
Why Trust Texas Appliance?
With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders' needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built–in and free–standing appliances in the state of Texas.
We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers' expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity and appreciation. The difference between a "Good" company and a "Great" company lies in its' employees' determination.
Shop Side by Side Refrigerators at Texas Appliance
Texas Appliance, a reputable local retailer of major appliances with origins dating back to the 1950s, caters to the needs of both homeowners and home builders. We are able to provide a wide range of appliances to satisfy your needs thanks to our 4 locations. Texas Appliance boasts one of the state's largest displays of built-in and free-standing appliances, featuring more than 40 major high-quality brands.
Side-by-side refrigerators are one of the most popular refrigerator styles on the market. They have many features that appeal to consumers, such as ample space and easy organization. At Texas Appliance, we carry a wide selection of side-by-side refrigerators from top brands like Samsung and LG. Whether you’re looking for a side-by-side fridge with an ice maker or one that’s stainless steel, we have options to suit your needs.
Learn More: 5 Best French Door Refrigerators
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