Side By Side Freezers Fridge
Side-by-side refrigerators provide plenty of storage for your family's food. Some such as our top pick from Forno, also have counter-depth dimensions that sit directly against the cabinet to give a sleek, built-in appearance.
Other models also have freezer storage that is adjustable in height that can be useful for families with children or anyone who may struggle to reach shelves high up.
Size
As their name suggests, side-by-side refrigerators feature a freezer and a refrigerator on each side. They typically have more capacity overall than the bottom or top freezer models. They also have a smaller size and don't interfere with your walk like single-door refrigerators. This can be helpful for cramped kitchens.
Because they're larger than other refrigerator styles, side-by-sides can offer more storage space in the freezer, too. They usually have shelves and compartments to make organizing simple, which allows you to keep often used items at eye-level in the refrigerator section and long-term foods on higher shelves, which are harder to reach in the freezer. They may also contain ice and water dispensers that let you quickly access beverages without opening the door to the freezer.
The freezers of these refrigerators utilize separate cooling systems to guarantee the coldest, most consistent temperatures, ensuring that food stays fresher longer. They also come with features to avoid loss and spoilage, like an hydration station as well as air filters that help control smells, as well as crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas to slow the over-ripening process of vegetables and fruits.
A drawback with this type of refrigerator is that it's not as efficient as bottom or top-freezer models. This is because they have a huge vertical area to cool, which could increase your power bill. They are also less efficient than other models at storing large items. They may not be suitable for people with mobility issues who struggle to bend.
Convenience
Side-by-side refrigerators have slimmer doors that require less space to open than other refrigerators. This is why they are a great option for kitchens with limited space. Side-by side fridges are also larger than French door refrigerators, which typically 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for freezers.
They can also be ideal for small homes and condominiums where a larger refrigerator might lose counter space. They aren't big enough to accommodate the storage needs of some families. Larger holiday meals or bulky containers may not fit and even everyday items may not be able to get into. It is possible to rearrange shelves, but this can be time-consuming and reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator.
Another drawback of side by side freezers is that it allocates an equal amount of space to the freezer than refrigerators which could be a concern if you are planning to frequently use a deep freezer. There are small side by side fridge freezer to overcome this potential drawback. Many models include an ice maker separate from the refrigerator that allows you to serve chilled drinks without the need for the cooling system of your refrigerator.
You can pick a model with independently regulated refrigerator and freezer sections, with features like the Preserve Food System from KitchenAid for instance. It includes an air filter that helps keep odors under control and a mechanism in the drawers for crispers to absorb ethylene gas, which can delay over-ripening of produce. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by maintaining your food in better shape for longer.
Energy Efficiency
As a whole, side by side refrigerators use less energy than bottom freezer models. They also cost less than French-door refrigerators and can be less troublesome to maintain since their doors open only 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. The larger openings of a side by side fridge can make it more difficult to store taller items.
Many manufacturers offer energy-saving features in their side-by-side refrigerators which include adjustable shelving and LED lighting to make food visible even in darkest corners of the freezer. And some have separate cooling systems that monitor temperatures in the freezer and refrigerator sections that can reduce food waste by keeping popular items easy to find and reducing the amount of frozen foods you accidentally throw away because you didn't think about them, or because they've been spoiled.
You can also get an appliance that comes with additional features such as door-in-door access to snacks and drinks. This will not only help you save time but also reduces energy consumption since cold air is prevented from escaping the fridge. You can also get an open-sided fridge with no extras if you are in a pinch or your kitchen is simple. Quincy Bulin, a Lowe's writer and product expert covering everything from appliances for home improvement to latest appliances. She is always happy to assist you in finding the perfect products for your home. Contact her!
Stores
A lot of side-by-side refrigerators have water and ice dispensers integrated into the freezer. This is a great feature when you want easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It is also convenient to wash dishes or clean glasses. However, this can also decrease capacity for freezers. Choose a refrigerator sufficient for your needs.
Due to their vertical design, side-by-side fridges have a greater storage capacity in the freezer than bottom freezer refrigerators. That means you can store items you use frequently on higher shelves, and you can store longer-term frozen goods lower down. The freezer also has multiple shelving options, so you can organize it to fit your specific requirements.
Modern side-by-side refrigerators are sleek and stylish in design, which enhances the appearance of kitchens. They also come with two doors that create the smallest footprint and create less clutter than other refrigerator configurations. Many models include crisper drawers and humidity controls, as well as other model-specific features.
Some refrigerators that are side-byside are Energy Star certified, meaning they'll cost you less per day. This makes them a good choice if you're concerned about your energy bills. However, the high standards required to earn this certification will add to the cost of purchasing fridges with this certification. It might not be a problem for some consumers, but it's worth considering before making a purchase.