Side by Side Refrigerators

Side-by-side refrigerators are a popular choice for homeowners who want convenient access to both fresh and frozen foods. With a vertical split design that places the refrigerator and freezer compartments side by side, these refrigerators offer a balanced storage solution and are ideal for narrow kitchens or households that need easy access to frozen items. This guide will walk you through the key features, installation options, and considerations when shopping for a side-by-side refrigerator.

1. What Are Side-by-Side Refrigerators?

Side-by-side refrigerators feature two vertical doors that split the refrigerator and freezer compartments, offering equally accessible storage for fresh and frozen foods. The slim design of the doors makes them ideal for kitchens with limited space for door swings, and their balanced layout allows for more organized food storage.

Key Characteristics:

• • Two Vertical Compartments: The refrigerator is on the right, and the freezer is on the left, providing easy access to both sections.
  • Slim Doors: Narrower doors that don’t require as much space to open, making side-by-side refrigerators perfect for smaller kitchens or kitchens with tight spaces.
  • Equal Access: This design provides convenient access to both fresh and frozen items, making it easier to store and retrieve frozen goods.

2. Installation Types

a. Freestanding Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• • • • • Freestanding models are the most common and are designed to be installed anywhere in the kitchen without being built into cabinetry. These models are easy to move and install, making them a great choice for most households.

b. Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• • • • • Built-in models are designed to be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry for a seamless, high-end look. These units are often panel-ready, allowing you to customize the exterior to match your cabinets.

c. Counter-Depth vs. Standard Depth

• • • • • Counter-Depth: These models are designed to align with your kitchen counters, providing a streamlined look while sacrificing a small amount of internal storage. Counter-depth models are typically 24-30 inches deep.
        • Standard Depth: These refrigerators extend beyond the countertops, providing more interior space. They generally range between 30-36 inches deep, offering more capacity than counter-depth models.

3. Sizes and Capacity

Side-by-side refrigerators come in a variety of sizes to suit different kitchen layouts and storage needs:

• • Width: Typically ranges from 33 to 36 inches wide.
  • Height: Most models are between 68 to 72 inches tall.
  • Depth: Available in both standard and counter-depth options.
  • Capacity: Generally, it ranges between 20 to 29 cubic feet, with the refrigerator typically taking up around 13 to 18 cubic feet and the freezer around 7 to 11 cubic feet.

Capacity for Different Households

• • Small Households (1-2 people): 20-22 cubic feet.
  • Medium Households (3-4 people): 22-25 cubic feet.
  • Large Households (5+ people): 25+ cubic feet.

4. Features and Storage Flexibility

a. Adjustable Shelves

• • • • • Customizable Shelving: Side-by-side refrigerators feature adjustable shelves in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments, allowing you to rearrange the storage space to fit your needs.
        • Spill-Proof Glass Shelves: Many models come with glass shelves that are easy to clean and designed to contain spills.

b. Door Storage

• • • • • Gallon-Sized Door Bins: Extra-large door bins are perfect for storing large bottles like milk or juice, freeing up shelf space for other items.
        • Deli Drawers: Some models offer temperature-controlled deli drawers for keeping meats, cheeses, and other perishables fresh at an ideal temperature.
        • Freezer Shelves and Bins: The freezer section often includes multiple shelves and pull-out bins, making it easier to organize frozen food.

c. Humidity-Controlled Crispers

• • • • • Crisper Drawers: Located in the refrigerator compartment, these drawers are designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh by maintaining the right humidity level.

5. Ice and Water Dispensers

a. External Water/Ice Dispensers

• • • • • Convenient Access: Most side-by-side refrigerators come with an external ice and water dispenser on the freezer door, allowing you to access filtered water and ice without opening the refrigerator or freezer.
        • Dual Ice Makers: Some models come with dual ice makers, producing ice in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments for added convenience.

b. Internal Water Dispenser

• • • • • For a more streamlined look, some side-by-side refrigerators feature an internal water dispenser that provides filtered water from inside the refrigerator, keeping the exterior sleek and uncluttered.

6. Smart Features

a. Wi-Fi Connectivity

• • • • • Many side-by-side refrigerators come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the refrigerator’s performance, control the temperature, and even check the contents of the fridge remotely via smartphone apps.

b. Internal Cameras

• • • • • Internal cameras allow you to see what’s inside the fridge without opening the doors, making it easier to manage your grocery list and reduce food waste.

c. Voice Assistant Integration

• • • • • Some high-end models integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control refrigerator functions with voice commands.

7. Energy Efficiency

a. ENERGY STAR® Certification

• • • • • Look for side-by-side refrigerators that are ENERGY STAR® certified, as these models meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. These refrigerators consume less energy, saving you money on your electricity bills and reducing your environmental impact.

b. LED Lighting

• • • • • LED lighting is standard in most side-by-side refrigerators, providing bright, even illumination throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments while using less energy than traditional bulbs.

8. Noise Levels

Side-by-side refrigerators with quieter compressors and advanced insulation can reduce noise levels, making them ideal for open-concept homes or kitchens near living areas. Noise-sensitive buyers should look for models with quieter operation.

9. Shabbos Compliance

Many side-by-side refrigerators offer Sabbath Mode for households that observe the Sabbath. This mode disables certain functions, such as lights and door alarms, to comply with religious guidelines.

10. Pros and Cons of Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Pros:

• • • • Equal access to both fridge and freezer: The vertical split design makes it easy to reach frozen and fresh items.
      • Slim doors: Ideal for kitchens with limited space, as the doors are narrower than French door or top-freezer models.
      • Abundant freezer space: Provides more freezer space than other refrigerator types, making it ideal for those who frequently use frozen goods.
      • External ice and water dispensers: Convenient access to ice and water without opening the fridge.

Cons:

• • • • Limited width for large items: The narrow compartments make it harder to store wide or bulky items like large platters or pizzas.
      • More freezer storage but fewer fridge shelves: Some users find that the fridge side has fewer shelves, which can make it harder to organize larger items.
      • Energy consumption: Side-by-side refrigerators may consume more energy due to external ice and water dispensers.

11. Popular Brands for Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• • LG: Known for innovative features like door-in-door access and smart connectivity.
  • Samsung: Offers models with Family Hub touchscreens, allowing you to manage groceries, stream media, and more.
  • Whirlpool: Provides reliable and energy-efficient models with practical storage options.
  • GE Appliances: Trusted for quality and durability, offering a wide range of sizes and features, including customizable storage and advanced cooling technology.

Conclusion

Side-by-side refrigerators are a fantastic option for families or individuals who value convenience, freezer space, and a slim door design. With options for smart technology, energy efficiency, and advanced storage features, side-by-side refrigerators can fit seamlessly into any kitchen layout while providing easy access to both fresh and frozen food. Whether you’re looking for a counter-depth model for a sleek look or need a freestanding unit with extra storage space, side-by-side refrigerators offer flexibility and functionality to meet your needs.

Explore Homery.com for a wide selection of side-by-side refrigerators from top brands like LG, Viking, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire. Visit our showroom or browse online to find the perfect model for your kitchen!