Side By Side Freezers american Style fridge freezer side by side

Side-by-side refrigerators provide plenty of storage for your family's food. Some such as our top pick by Forno are also counter-depth sizes that sit in a flush with the cabinet for a sleek built-in look.

Other models offer freezer storage in different heights, which can be helpful for families with kids or anyone who struggles to reach the shelves on high shelves.

Size

As their name implies, smallest side by side refrigerator-by-side refrigerators have freezers on one side and a refrigerator on the other. They usually have more capacity overall than bottom-freezer or top-freezer models. They are also smaller and don't block your path like fridges with single doors which is a benefit in kitchens with small spaces.

Side-byside refrigerators are taller than other refrigerators, which means they give more space to the freezer. They typically have multiple shelves and compartments to make organizing simple, which allows you to keep the most frequently used items on your shelves in the refrigerator section, and longer-term food items on shelves that are higher and more difficult to reach in the freezer. They may also have ice and water dispensers that let you easily access drinks without opening the freezer door.

They have separate cooling systems for the freezers to ensure that food is fresher for longer. They also come with features to prevent food spoilage and loss like a hydration system as well as air filters to eliminate smells, or crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas to stop the overripening process.

A drawback with this type of refrigerator is that it's not as energy efficient as bottom or top-freezer models. This is due to the fact that they have a large vertical volume to cool, which can result in a higher utility bill. They are also less effective than other models in storing large items and may not be suitable for people who have mobility issues and struggle to bend.

Convenience

The slim doors on side-by side refrigerators require less space to open than other types of refrigerators which makes this type of refrigerator the best choice for narrow kitchens. Side-by-side refrigerators are larger than French door refrigerators, which typically 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food items, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer.

They are also an excellent choice for small homes and condominiums where a larger refrigerator might make counter space. The primary drawback to these refrigerators is that they might not be big enough to meet some families' storage needs. Larger meals for the holidays or other large containers might not be able to fit and even everyday items may not get into. It is possible to move shelves, but this could take a long time and decrease the efficiency of your refrigerator.

Another limitation of side by side freezers is that it allocates significantly more space to the freezer than refrigerators this could be a concern if are planning to use frequently a deep freezer. The good news is that many models come with an Ice machine that can provide the convenience of chilled drinks without the cooling system of the refrigerator and there are solutions to avoid this possible drawback.

Pick a model that comes with separate refrigerator and freezer sections. For instance, the Preserve Food System by KitchenAid includes an air filter to keep odors under control and a mechanism to absorb the ethylene in order to stop it from the ripening process. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in good shape for longer.

Energy Efficiency

In general, side-by-side refrigerators consume less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also cost less than French door refrigerators and can be less trouble to maintain because their doors are only just half as wide. It is important to ensure that your kitchen is able to accommodate a water and ice dispenser. This will require a plumbing connector which can be difficult to install in smaller kitchens. Additionally, the larger openings of a fridge that is side-by-side can make it difficult to store taller items.

Many manufacturers provide energy-saving features in their side by side refrigerators. They have adjustable shelves and LED lighting to ensure food items are visible, even in the darkest corners of the freezer. Some have separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer sections. This can help to reduce food waste because it helps you find popular items and less likely to discard them accidentally if you forget about them or if they have lost their freshness.

You can also buy a refrigerator with extras like door-in-door access to snacks and drinks, which will not only help you save time, but also helps to reduce energy use by limiting the amount of cold air that escapes from the fridge. However, you can also purchase a reliable side-by-side refrigerator without additional features for kitchens with budgets or who prefer keeping things simple. Quincy Bulin, a Lowe's writer and product expert, covers everything from home improvement products to the latest appliances. She's always ready to assist you in finding the ideal products for your house. Ask her!

Storage

Many side-byside fridges have water and ice dispensers built into the freezer. This is a great feature if you want to have easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It also makes it easy to wash dishes or clean glasses. This will reduce the freezer capacity. Make sure you choose the fridge that's big enough to meet your needs.

In contrast to refrigerators with bottom freezers, side-by-side refrigerators have a greater storage capacity on the freezer side, thanks to their vertical design. This means you can store things you frequently use on higher shelves while keeping longer-term frozen items lower down. The freezer comes with a variety of shelving options so you can arrange it to meet your requirements.

The majority of modern side-by-side refrigerators have an elegant, premium design that improves the look of your kitchen. The two doors create a smaller footprint and less clutter when compared to other models of refrigerators. Many models also include crisper drawers, humidity control and other features based on the model.

Some fridges with side-by-side doors are Energy Star certified, meaning they will cost you less per day. This makes them a great choice if you're concerned with your energy costs. The strict requirements to earn this certification can increase the cost of a refrigerator that has this certification. It might not be an issue for some buyers, but it is something to consider before purchasing a fridge.