Side-by-Side Style Refrigerator
Side-by-Side Refrigerators are probably the second most popular style of refrigerator behind the freezer on top model. This style has numerous advantages over the former popular leader, freezer on top model. The foremost advantage is the ability to put frequently used items at convenient eye level and less often used items in the less easy to reach shelves. This is true for both the refrigerator and freezer section.
Other advantages include the nearly ubiquitous availability of ice and water service through the door. While this is increasing available on other styles, in can still be a rarity. Because the freezer is structured with a series of shelves, like the refrigerator, it is easier to keep organized. Some models offer pull-out baskets also making freezer storage more convenient. The narrow doors can be an important consideration in kitchen with narrow spaces. The wide door of other refrigerators can block paths or even be too wide to open due to an island or other obstruction. Side-by-side models also tend to have larger total capacity, although similar sized models are available in all configurations.
A disadvantage of the side-by-side is that both the refrigerator and the freezer can be a bit narrow. This is only a problem if you need to store large items like a pizza box or large sheet cake.
The ratio of freezer to refrigerator space varies by manufacturer and even by model. When comparing appliances, be sure to compare the capacity of the freezer compartment and refrigerator compartment separately. Just because one appliance may have greater total capacity, doesn't mean you are getting more space where you need it. If you need more refrigerator space than freezer space, focus of comparing the refrigerator capacity and not total capacity. Also there is one curious note, for reasons unknown, no example of this appliance can be found with the freezer on the right; it is always on the left.
The manufacturer list below reflects those companies known to produce side-by-side style refrigerators at the time of writing or recent update.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator Buying Guides
| How To Choose a Refrigerator |  |
Design Considerations for a New Fridge |
| Refrigerators by Manufacturer | |
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Major Retailers |
List includes major manufacturers. List may change as manufacturers change their product line.
*All prices are MSRP **Price is estimated
