Monica Hewitt is an accomplished chef with an extensive background in setting up kitchens around the world. From selecting kitchenware and kitchen utensils to menu planning, Monica has been responsible for establishing complete restaurants from the ground up. As the Kitchen and Cooking Expert at Homesthetics, Monica is in charge of reviewing and curating all cooking and kitchen-related content on the platform. In her free time, Monica is a good sport, enjoying critiquing our homemade meals around the clock and telling us what could have been improved in sandwiches.
If you're looking for the best side-by-side refrigerators, the GE GSS25GSHSS is the best one to get. It maximizes storage space while ticking all the right boxes.
Each side-by-side refrigerators has different strengths when you compare them to each other, and they come in at various price points.
In this full guide, I'll explain the pros, cons, and features of the 8 top freezer refrigerators that come in a side-by-side layout.
The Top 8 Side-By-Side Refrigerators on the Market Today
Here are the top 8 side-by-side refrigerators that you can buy. I've ranked each depending on their best features compared to the others, so you can see which is a better fit for you.
GE's side-by-side refrigerator is one you'll want to keep in your kitchen. It comes in an on-trend slate, high-gloss black/white, and stainless steel finish.
This side-by-side refrigerator measures 25.3 cubic feet, with 16.07 cubic feet designated to refrigerate fresh food and 9.25 cubic feet for frozen foods.
It has adjustable shelving that utilizes the entire depth and width to maximize the fridge space. You can even adjust the fridge to store wine.
The freezer space has enough room to fit your frozen food comfortably and even comes with a built-in ice maker. This allows you to get ice in ice cubes or crushed ice form.
However, this side-by-side refrigerator, courtesy of GE, isn't meant to be used in a garage, and it doesn't have any innovative features that can really wow users.
Total Capacity: 25.3 cubic feet | Dimension: 69.5 x 35.75 x 35.25 inches | Finishes Available: Black, stainless steel, slate, white | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
Filters out ethylene gas from the fresh food storage
What I don't like
Warm recommended settings
No smart features
This side-by-side stainless steel fridge from Frigidaire gives you all the basics you need from a side-by-side refrigerator at a great value price.
It comes in black stainless steel and stainless steel finish options, and the material they use is fingerprint-resistant stainless steel to reduce smudging.
First, it has a system that keeps temperatures consistent in both the fridge and freezer compartments.
The best parts of this side-by-side fridge are the crisper drawers. They keep fresh food from rotting with technology that filters out ethylene gas from the crisper drawers.
It also has a through-the-door ice and water dispenser that can output both cubed and crushed ice. This feature is becoming a staple on any side-by-side fridge.
One downside of this side-by-side model is that it runs a bit warmer when set to the default factory settings. However, you can fix this with a quick calibration.
Total Capacity: 22.3 cubic feet | Dimension: 69.9 x 36.1 x 28.5 inches | Finishes Available: Black and standard stainless steel | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
This Frigidaire side-by-side fridge comes in similar finish options as the last fridge model. It comes in a black, white, stainless steel, and black stainless steel finish.
Another similarity this side-by-side refrigerator has to the other model is the inclusion of through-the-door water and ice dispensers.
It has a ton of storage space, having an advertised capacity of 25.6 cubic feet. Whatever you store inside, you can be sure the air inside is kept at consistent temperatures.
While these side-by-side fridges don't have all the smart features or high-end features that other side-by-side refrigerators have, it nails all the basics really well.
It also doesn't draw too much power from the wall, making it a great pick for a budget side-by-side refrigerator. At the price of $1,199 at Best Buy, it's a steal.
Total Capacity: 25.6 cubic feet | Dimension: 69.88 x 36.13 x 35 inches | Finishes Available: Black and standard stainless steel, white, black | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
Getting counter-depth side-by-side fridges can be an essential factor in your purchase decision if you want a fridge that doesn't stick out beyond counter depth.
This counter-depth refrigerator is a great option because it maximizes the refrigerator compartment space while remaining compact.
The GE counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator comes in 21.8 cubic feet of space, with 14.23 cubic feet for the fridge door side and 7.56 cubic feet for the freezer door side.
The fridge area on this counter depth has gallon door bins, a deli drawer, and two produce drawers. The freezer capacity is a bit limited, but it has two bins that can store whole chickens.
The ice and water dispenser is well blended into the fridge doors and provides cubed and crushed ice along with filtered water. It also blended in well with the rest of the fridge.
The control panel also sits on the dispenser, where you can control the temperature. Finally, it has hidden hinges to complete the seamless look that fits your kitchen well.
Note
If you want both a shallow and slimmer fridge, try checking out the best narrow fridges.
Total Capacity: 21.8 cubic feet | Dimension: 70.125 x 35.75 x 30.75 inches | Finishes Available: Black, slate, white, stainless steel | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
This side-by-side refrigerator from Whirlpool is large enough for your family's needs, with 28.4 cubic feet of storage capacity. This is one of the most enormous side-by-side fridges I've seen.
The fridge compartment has 17.56 cubic feet and a large freezer capacity of 10.93 cubic feet. Frameless glass shelves help maximize space, although adjusting them is a bit limited.
It also has adjustable door bins that have a gallon-sized jug capacity, with the ice maker helping to save space by being integrated directly into the freezer door.
The through-the-door ice and water dispenser works well. While the ice maker itself is a bit noisy, the water dispenser has measured fill, so you don't worry about overfilling.
The Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator also has an air filter system to keep all your fruits and vegetables fresh for as long as possible.
Finally, it will definitely look good in your kitchen, with various finish options to choose from. They include fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, black stainless steel, white, and black.
Total Capacity: 28.4 cubic feet | Dimension: 68.875 x 36 x 34.875 inches | Finishes Available: Black and standard stainless steel, white, black | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
This Kitchenaid side-by-side refrigerator is definitely pricey, but if you're looking for a fridge that will last you years, it will be more than worth it.
The main features of this fridge are the ten-year-long warranty, large 25 cubic feet capacity, dual temperature management, humidity-controlled drawers, and the Freshflow air filter.
This fridge is also Energy Star certified, which means that your electricity bill won't be hit too hard. This is because it doesn't let cold air escape as much as other fridges.
It doesn't have some of the smart features that other side-by-side refrigerators might have, but the reliability, ample space, and energy savings make up for it.
This all combines to make this fridge an excellent long-term option. At around $2800, it's definitely an investment.
Total Capacity: 25 cubic feet | Dimension: 69 x 35.5 x 34.75 inches | Finishes Available: Stainless steel | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
This door-in-door refrigerator from LG has a headlining feature that helps keep cold air inside, which helps save on your electricity bill.
Instead of opening the whole fridge door, this door-in-door feature allows the user to open a smaller one that lets less cool air out of the fridge compared to opening the entire door.
However, you can still open the full door to access larger items that you might want to get inside. This makes it save energy while being more convenient.
Even with the energy-saving focus, it has strong LED lighting versus the competition, which can help you see the food in the fridge and freezer better.
It also has a dual ice maker and water dispenser integrated into the left door for convenient use. However, ice production is a bit lacking, which is one downside.
While it is a bit pricey at $1799, you're paying for the extra feature, which could save you money and increase overall convenience.
Total Capacity: 26.1 cubic feet | Dimension: 70.25 x 35.875 x 36.312 inches | Finishes Available: Black and standard stainless steel | Smart: No | Dispenser: Ice and Water
A smart fridge has a lot of benefits, especially if you've already integrated many of your other appliances into a smart home setup.
This LG side-by-side refrigerator can connect to the LG ThinQ app or an intelligent home assistant so that you can control the temperature straight from your smartphone.
You can also use an intelligent home assistant like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to make adjustments using voice commands, which is definitely convenient.
You can use LG's InstaView feature, which is an illuminated glass window where you can easily see the contents of your fridge without opening it.
If you want to make a drink with an ice sphere instead of traditional cubes, this fridge has a craft ice dispenser that can do just that. However, you're limited to 3 spheres per day.
Total Capacity: 27.1 cubic feet | Dimension: 70.25 x 35.88 x 33.44 inches | Finishes Available: Black and standard stainless steel | Smart: Yes, pairable with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa | Dispenser: Craft Ice, Regular Ice, and Water
Side-by-side refrigerators are fridges with one side each for fresh and frozen food. For those who need to access frozen food often, this is a convenient option.
It has two outward-opening doors that you can open either one at a time or at the same time. This means you won't waste cool air if you only need to open the freezer.
The half-and-half out swinging doors that side-by-side refrigerators have also mean that they don't need much clearance to open fully. This means they're suitable for compact kitchens.
It does all of this without sacrificing any cubic feet of space inside.
Differences between a Side-by-Side Refrigerator and other Refrigerators?
There are a few differences between side-by-side refrigerators compared to other refrigerators. Here are the most notable differences.
Freezer Drawer Location
A French door refrigerator will have you bending down to reach the freezer space, while a top freezer refrigerator will have you reaching up top.
Side-by-side refrigerators are much more convenient because everything will be at eye or chest level. This can also be a great feature for those with back pain who can't bend much.
Opening Mechanism
Since side-by-side refrigerators have two out-swinging doors, you can open either the freezer or the fridge side without wasting the cool air in the opposite compartment.
It also means that you need less space in front to fully open the doors of the fridge.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
There are a few factors you should consider and think about before buying any side-by-side refrigerator. I've listed the most important ones below.
Refrigerator Type
Before you pick up a side-by-side refrigerator, you should first consider whether it's the best option for you compared to other types of refrigerators.
French door fridges are a popular option now, which have the freezer compartment separate at the bottom. They also have two out-swinging doors similar to side-by-side models.
If you want to have more fridge storage space, French door models might be for you. However, they do sacrifice freezer capacity and convenience to access.
Top freezer fridges are another option that is more budget-friendly but also sacrifices freezer capacity, aren't as modern looking, and are not as convenient.
Consider
Whichever type of fridge you choose should be based on your budget and needs, so do a little more research to check what the best refrigerators are for each type.
Exterior Color and Design
Another thing to consider is what color and design you want in your fridge. Some models only offer one finish, while others have a wide variety.
Ideally, you'd want one that matches your kitchen's color and finish perfectly, but that's sometimes hard to tell when images on a screen aren't accurate to real life.
You can also try using complementary colors that aren't precisely the same shade but work well when placed next to each other.
This part is the one most suited to each person's preferences.
Features
With technology getting more integrated into our lives every day, many new features get included in newer side-by-side refrigerators.
Some smart fridges can connect to an app, where controlling the temperature, choosing your snack, or seeing what you're low on could be viewable on your phone.
Others have features like humidity control and air filters that make your fruits and vegetables stay fresh for longer.
Pick a fridge that best fits the features you know that you and your family will use. It's no use buying a fridge full of features that you won't really make use of.
Door Design
There are four main door designs: ice and water dispenser, windowed, door-in-door, and standard.
Standard is just a plain surface. The next most common type is a door with a combo ice and water dispenser. It makes it convenient to get ice and water without opening the fridge.
Windowed designs are standard on smart LG fridges that allow you to see the inside contents without you having to open them.
Finally, door-in-door designs allow you to open smaller door-in-door compartments built into the door so that you don't have to open the whole door. This helps save electricity.
Storage Space and Capacity
Another consideration you should make is how much space you'll need. This is usually indicated on the product page or box in cubic feet (cu. ft.)
For example, get a counter-depth fridge if you need a smaller fridge that can easily fit in your kitchen and won't jut out. They usually come between 20 cu. ft. and 22 cu. ft.
Meanwhile, the largest fridges are nearly 30 cubic feet in capacity. These are more for larger families that need to store more in their fridges.
Also, consider what you'll be putting into the fridge. Some sizes can't fit frozen pizza boxes because their dimensions won't allow it, even if the cubic foot measurements are correct.
Size and Kitchen Footprint
What use is a huge fridge if you can't fit it inside your kitchen? Getting one that's the right size is just as important as getting one with the correct capacity.
The previously mentioned counter depth fridge is perfect if you have limited floor space between your fridge and, for example, an opposing countertop table.
Ideally, you should be looking for side-by-side refrigerators that have the highest cubic foot-to-size ratio.
For example, if you're getting a counter-depth fridge, get one that goes all the way up to 21 cu. ft. or 22 cu. ft. Getting one that's smaller won't maximize the space.
Cost
Probably the most important consideration to make is when it comes to the price you're paying. You don't have to get the highest-end fridge if your budget is limited.
There are many great value and budget options that do the basic fridge functions well. Some even have features that more expensive models don't have!
Try to get a model that maximizes the features and performance for the lowest price. Better yet, get ones that are on sale for the best value.
You can expect to pay between $1,100 for more budget models to upwards of $2,700 for the more premium models.
Organization Options
The best organization options on side-by-side refrigerators are those that are edge-to-edge and adjustable. This maximizes the cubic foot space inside the fridge.
Take note of what you'll need to put in the fridge, too. If you regularly bring home large items like a frozen whole chicken, get one with larger bins that can store them.
Adjustable organization options are the best because you can adjust them based on what groceries you buy. For example, You might need more cubic foot space for milk.
On many of my recommended fridges, you can easily remove some of the glass separators higher to accommodate a tall milk carton.
Ice Maker and Dispenser
Having a dual ice maker and water dispenser is a great convenience feature to have on any side-by-side refrigerator.
Instead of having to open the fridge and get water or ice from inside the refrigerator or freezer, you can just get it directly from a dispenser located on the outside of the freezer side.
Some models even have ice dispensers that can make ice spheres that will melt slower. This is very convenient, especially for making iced coffee and alcoholic drinks.
If you prefer a cleaner look, there are also fridge options that don't have ice makers. The choice is yours!
Side By Side Refrigerators FAQs
Now that you know more about the best side-by-side fridges, you might still have questions related to how they work. I’ve answered the most commonly asked questions below.
Is a Side-by-Side Refrigerator better than French Door Refrigerators?
Both types of fridges have their pros and cons. The main consideration you should make is if you don’t want to bend down a lot to get to the freezer.
If you have regular back pain and can’t bend down a lot, then I’d get the side-by-side refrigerator, as it keeps the freezer at eye or chest level.
French door refrigerators have more space for the refrigerator compartment but have less freezer capacity. Side-by-side fridges are more balanced between the two.
What Features Can I Get With my Side-by-Side Refrigerators?
There are many features you can get with side-by-side fridges – ranging from smart ones to temperature and air-filter-focused ones.
The main features I recommend that you should look for are dual ice maker and water dispensers, easy temperature control, and excellent energy efficiency.
Are Side-by-Side Refrigerators Out of Style?
While french door fridges have increased in popularity, there are still ways to make side-by-side fridges look modern and sleek.
Get fridges in a black stainless steel finish, slate finish, or standard stainless steel finish to keep them looking fresh and stylish.
My Top Picks
Here are my three top picks for the best side-by-side refrigerators you can buy.
This Frigidaire model is the best budget option, being only $1,199 at Best Buy. It has a capacity of 25.6 cubic feet, through-the-door ice, and water dispenser, and is energy efficient.
This makes it a great budget option that will save you money in both the short and the long term.
The GE 25.3 cubic foot side-by-side fridge is the best overall because it ticks all the boxes for basic features and maximizes space with adjustable shelves.
Conclusion
Getting a side-by-side refrigerator is something you should do a bit of research on before choosing to buy.
Whichever one you pick, you should choose one based on your needs. Get the fridge that you know you'll appreciate and use the features it comes with.
