Best side-by-side refrigerators 2024

Best side-by-side refrigerators: image shows side-by-side refrigerator
(Image credit: Getty)

Pick one of the best side-by-side refrigerators and your house can be filled with all the chilled food and drinks you need. With all the space that these units offer, this you could keep more sauces, fresh fruits and vegetables too. Add to that their sleek design, enhancing the look and feel of your kitchen, and you have yourself a top appliance.

One of the great features of these side-by-side refrigerators is that you get double doors, which means two lots of door storage for quick access to drinks, sauces and whatever else you need. Plus, there are usually a lot of shelves which allow you to organize your food neatly and accessible rapidly. That not only makes your life easier, but can even save you money by keeping the fridge doors closed for longer.

Many top-end models now come with extra features like WiFi and app connectivity, allowing you to control everything from wherever you are. Some also have a door-in-door feature which lets you access a small part of the unit without opening the whole door – an ideal way to get access to regular items without opening the whole fridge and wasting energy.

That said, below are the very best side-by-side refrigerators you can buy right now. There is something for most needs on our list, with more affordable options, larger picks and feature-rich models. But if none of that suits you, then perhaps you'll want to take a look at the best French door refrigerators and the best freezers where you might find something more suited to your needs.

Best side-by-side refrigerators

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We've rounded up the best side-by-side refrigerators that you can currently buy. While we endeavor to review every product that we highlight, some of the reviews for this guide are still in progress. However, any unreviewed products will sum up the key specs, features and user reviews to help you make the best decision for you and your household. 

The best side-by-side refrigerators

Samsung RS27T5561SR

(Image credit: Samsung)
The best side-by-side refrigerator overall

Specifications

Capacity: 26.7 cubic feet
Counter depth: No
Energy Star?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
FamilyHub has a vast array of apps to use within the refrigerator 
+
Energy Star certified  

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive  

The Samsung RS27T5561SR will be sure to become the favorite appliance of your whole family, with technology more befitting of a smartphone than a side-by-side refrigerator. With Samsung’s ‘Family Hub’ technology, you can download apps to do anything from streaming your favorite songs and TV shows to linking up to your smart doorbell and seeing who’s on the porch. And perhaps the most impressive feature that you can access from the 27.5 inch touchscreen is the built-in camera inside the fridge which can update your shopping list to tell you what you need to stock up on. 

Aside from all the snazziness, the Samsung RS27T5561SR is also an excellent choice due to its hefty capacity, excellent organization features, and Energy Star certification. It’s also got a five-year warranty to back it up. As you might have guessed, getting this refrigerator of the future doesn’t come cheap, however, but would make a solid investment given all of its tricks. 


Amana ASI2575GRS review

(Image credit: Home Depot)
The best value side-by-side refrigerator

Specifications

Capacity: 24.6
Counter depth?: No
Energy Star?: No

Reasons to buy

+
A range of finishes 
+
Affordable and good value 

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks in energy efficiency  

The Amana ASI2575GRS is a good choice if you need a side-by-side refrigerator with a sizable capacity, that’s also good value for money. It won’t break the bank to add this appliance in your home, and once it’s there, it should be easy to use and organize as you like. That’s thanks to the adjustable bin doors and shelves, so you can position the inside of your fridge to suit the groceries you buy. After all, there’s nothing more annoying than trying to jam that last object into your fridge.

There’s also a built-in ice and water dispenser for a family to make use of, with different types of ice available too. The downside to this model is that it’s not too energy-efficient, and as it isn’t smart-enabled, you can’t control it from your phone. If you can overlook these things, then the Amana ASI2575GRS is an excellent family-friendly choice. 


Maytag MSS25N4MKZ: Image shows front of refrigerator

(Image credit: Home Depot)
The best side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker

Specifications

Capacity: 25 cubic feet
Counter Depth?: No
Energy Star: No

Reasons to buy

+
10-year warranty on the compressor 
+
 Fingerprint-resistant coating 

Reasons to avoid

-
 No ice dispenser 
-
 Not Energy Star certified 

Offering great value for money, the Maytag MSS25N4MKZ is a solid choice for those that need plenty of storage space. It doesn’t have an ice dispenser but that actually means you’re gaining freezer capacity. A stylish finish is completed with a fingerprint-resistant coating and this long door handles - which can be removed if you need to squeeze it through a tight space to fit it. 

This Maytag’s freezer has auto-defrost and the fridge compartment also has a crisper drawer for keeping your vegetables in the best condition possible. There are also wheels on the front of this refrigerator to make installation easier, and for added peace of mind, there’s an impressive 10-year warranty on the compressor. 

While it’s not Energy Star certified, this refrigerator works quietly and is also fitted with efficient LED light bulbs. 


Samsung RS27T5200SR

(Image credit: Samsung)
The best counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator

Specifications

Capacity : 27.4cu. ft.
Counter Depth?: Yes
Energy Star? : Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of storage at 27.4 cu.ft
+
Fingerprint resistant stainless steel
+
Auto ice dispenser

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

The Samsung RS27T5200SR somehow manages to remain counter depth in size yet offers a whopping 27.4 cubic feet of storage capacity. This is 10% bigger than the last model without changing the outer size. It also looks stunning, with that anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish and touch controls on the large space dispenser which offers chilled water, ice cubes or crushed ice at a touch.

Inside is an auto ice maker, lots of shelves, and large two-gallon capacity door bins, all lit with LED lighting. This is an expensive refrigerator but running costs are relatively low at $87 per year and the warranty is a year for labor and parts with up to 10 years for the compressor cover. All that means this comes with peace of mind as standard.


KitchenAid KRSF705HPS Review

(Image credit: KitchenAid)
The most reliable side-by-side refrigerator

Specifications

Capacity : 25cu. ft.
Counter Depth?: No
Energy Star Certified? : Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive ten year warranty
+
Energy Star certification

Reasons to avoid

-
An expensive model
-
Lacking in high-end extras

This is an expensive side-by-side refrigerator, but it's definitely a trustworthy investment which may save you in the long-term. The KitchenAid KRSF705HPS  doesn't come with the fancy extras we've seen in the some of LG's top-of-the-range models, but it's a reliable and well-made fridge for families who want a decent-sized fridge with a long warranty. 

The KitchenAid KRSF705HPS is one of the most expensive fridge-freezers we've seen. However, it comes with the high-quality and 25cu. ft. capacity you'd expect for this price. Thoughtfully designed with adjustable shelving and a wine rack placed out of kids' reach, this fridge prioritizes reliability and keeping your food fresh. Preserva dual temperature management, humidity-controlled drawers and FreshFlow air filter will keep your food and fridge fresh and minimize cleaning and spills. 

With Energy Star certification to keep energy costs low and a ten year warranty on the sealed system, the KitchenAid KRSF705HPS is a the side-by-side refrigerator for those looking to make an investment.


Frigidaire FRSS2323AB

(Image credit: Frigidaire)

6. Frigidaire FRSS2323AB

The best side-by-side refrigerator for fresh produce

Specifications

Capacity: 22.3 Cu. Ft.
Counter Depth: 33-inch
Energy Star: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
EvenTemp circulates cool air for consistency
+
In door controls
+
Water and ice

Reasons to avoid

-
Lots of space to ice maker
-
Pricey

The Frigidaire FRSS2323AB is a real all-rounder which manages to offer a decent storage capacity at 22.2 cubic feet while keeping the counter depth to 33-inches and wrapping it all up in an attractive finish with metallic stainless steel in black, white or silver.

This fridge-freezer offers a system called EvenTemp which circulates the cool air constantly and reacts to minor fluctuations which, ultimately, keeps temperature more consistent. All that should mean your fruit and veg stay fresher for longer. But there are also crisper sections which help to block out cooler air so you can get the longest life out of your fresh produce.

There is an Energy Star rating so you can rest easy knowing this will go easy on your energy bills. Although controls are in the freezer door, which looks nice with that minimal outside, but means you need to let out the cold everytime you want to make an adjustment. 

You have ice and water dispensing functions which does mean you lose some freezer space but this is generally the case with most models of this style. 


LG LRSOS2706D

(Image credit: LG)

7. LG LRSOS2706D

The best side-by-side refrigerator for easy access

Specifications

Capacity: 27 Cu. Ft.
Counter Depth: 33.5-inch
Energy Star: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
InstaView window
+
Dual Ice Maker with Craft Ice
+
Cool Guard interior

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

The LG LRSOS2706D offers an InstaView window, as LG calls it, which allows for a quick glance view into the fridge itself but blacks out when not in use. This allows you to check to see if what you're looking for, or want to add to the shopping list, is there without you having to spend money on opening the door and loosing cool air. That said, this also has a Door Cool airdrop to keep the heat out when the door is opened. So while this is expensive up-front it is energy efficient and could save you money longer term.

That said, this is a 27 cubic feet fridge freezer so that is a lot of air to keep cool. It also offers special ice in the form of a dual ice maker with craft ice meaning different shape options. Everything is finished in an attractive dark stainless steel which is resistant to fingerprint marks, and the door handles are pocket designed for a sleek finish, enhancing the kitchen this unit lives in. Other features include quiet running, a Sabbath Mode, WiFi and app support, a child lock, touch control ice dispenser and ceiling LED lighting. 

Buying advice for the best side-by-side refrigerators

One of the most important considerations when buying a side-by-side refrigerator is size. How much storage capacity do you need and, also importantly, how do you need that spaced out? Some units are larger than others, while still not taking up much more counter depth, for example. But then there are others with more door bin space, which may serve you better than an extra shelf. So think about how to like to access your fridge and how you will lay everything out, before you buy.

Do you need extras? Is WiFi and an app something you're going to use or would that extra cost be better spent on a model that looks more impressive in your kitchen?

Warranty is also worth looking at since this can denote the quality of the build. A long warranty not only means you have peace of mind that you're covered if something should go wrong, but also is a stamp of build quality from the manufacturer where they're confident it shouldn't go wrong in that time.

Price is another big factor. While there is up front cost to consider, keep in mind runnings costs too. Go larger and it may cost you more. Go for a model with a door-in-door to save on energy, or a better Energy Star rating, and you may pay more up front but make savings over the time you have it in your home.

Best side-by-side refrigerators FAQs

Why trust us?

Since we started reviewing side-by-side refrigerators in 2011, we have done a lot of research to find the best units available. We know that buying a fridge is one of the most important purchases you can make, so we've poured hours into research to give you informed advice. We evaluated refrigerators with a variety of features, capacities and price points to make sure those with a variety of needs and budgets will find out reviews useful. We conducted extensive online research, comparing product pages and looking for specific standout features in different models.

More expensive models often have some extra features, like door-in-door access that lets you quickly access snacks and save energy by limiting the amount of cold air that escapes. Smart features, which allow you do things like check the temperature from your smartphone, are also understandably more common on those more expensive models. Whilst this technology is nifty, it's not needed to get a great side-by-side refrigerator - especially if you're on a budget or have specific measurement and capacity needs. We also reviewed some more no-frills side-by-side fridge freezers for people who'd rather spend their money on reliable and carefully crafted models without fancy extras.

How long should a refrigerator last?

We asked experts this question, namely Vaughn Johnson, brand manager for Maytag, and Elise Barsch, social media manager and copywriter for iFixit. Johnson didn’t give a specific number of years, but said the expected life of a refrigerator will depend on usage, environmental conditions and other factors. Johnson suggested people should always check and follow your appliance and product use and care instructions.

Barsch cited Wirecutter and other sources in estimating that refrigerators should generally last 10 to 15 years. “Research done in Europe suggests that refrigerator lifespan has decreased over the past couple decades  – down from an average lifespan of 20 years in 2000,” Barsch said. She said that while refrigerators don’t last as long as they used to, they are more energy efficient. “Fortunately, legislators in Europe are working to make sure refrigerators are not only more energy efficient while in use, but also more repairable over the course of their entire lifespan,” Barsch added.

How much do side-by-side refrigerators cost?

This really depends on your budget, the size of your family and how much electricity costs matter to you. The best side-by-side refrigerators will cost you anything between $1000 and $2500. However, it's hard to get a good side-by-side for less than $1000. 

Energy Star certified refrigerators will, on average, cost less to run on an annual basis. However, the engineering and strict specifications required to gain this certification means you will often paying significantly more for a refrigerator with this rating. 

We took into account estimated annual electricity use and energy costs in our reviews so you can weigh up your options. After all, paying $1000 more for an Energy Star certified refrigerator if it only saves you $10 annually might not make sense for you. The environmentally-conscious will want to consider that, regardless of expense, these models are better for the environment by not wasting electricity needlessly. After all, refrigerators are typically switched on all year round.

What is the best size for a side-by-side refrigerator?

This really depends what your needs are. Side-by-side refrigerators typically come between 20 and 28 cubic feet (cu. ft.) in capacity. You'll roughly be able to fit one bag of groceries per cubic foot (depending on how skilled you are at fridge tetris), which sounds like a lot, but can really add up when you consider frozen goods and essentials which you keep stocked up on year-round. 

The best side-by-side refrigerators for big families will be around 25+ cu. ft. in capacity, with models around the 25cu. ft. mark comfortably fitting food for a family of four. The best side-by-side fridges for single people or couples will be smaller, with a capacity of between 20 and 25cu. ft. giving plenty of space for smaller shops and less fresh produce.

Consider the shelving in your fridge of choice when thinking about refrigerator size. Adjustable shelving will enable a greater capacity and create more room for bigger items, whereas even larger fridges may not have the best space-saving designs to make the most of your fridge capacity.

What features can I get in a side-by-side refrigerator?

Not so long ago, it was rare to find side-by-side refrigerators with thru-the-door ice and water refrigerators. But nowadays, these features seem to come as standard, even in more affordable models. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a fridge without them. All the refrigerators we reviewed had this ice and water dispensing function, but if that isn't essential to you we suggest getting a compact ice-maker to make the most of your freezer space. 

Adjustable shelving is increasingly common in side-by-side refrigerators; these allow you to cater your fridge to your specific groceries, and fit in bulky items that might be otherwise awkward to slot in. LED lighting is another standard feature of side-by-side refrigerators, and is essential for allowing you to see into all the corners of your appliance, as well as reducing the energy used. This type of lighting can also cut down on heat produced within the bulk of the refrigerator itself. 

Modern developments have seen the rise of in-door, food showcase, and InstaView functions, which allows you to see and access a subsection of your appliance without losing heat from the main refrigerator itself. There are other smart touches on the market, including some Wi-Fi enabled models you can control from your phone and some even allow you to stream your favorite TV shows and music!

What is a counter-depth refrigerator? 

Counter-depth refrigerators are between 25 and 30 inches in depth, meaning they sit at the same depth as your kitchen counters for a sleek and built-in feel. However, this shallower depth inevitably compromises on fridge space, so if you're looking for a large capacity you might need to pick substance over style. The best side-by-side counter-depth refrigerators will come in at about 22cu.ft, whereas larger standard-depth models will go up to around 28cu. ft., but will stick out from the counter. 

(Image credit: LG)

Door-in-door refrigerators minimize energy-loss by letting out less cold from your refrigerator each time you want to access your fresh-food staples. These smaller, easy-access fridge compartments let you store essentials like milk and butter in a separate compartment, which means less rummaging each time you want to find a commonly-used item and less temperature fluctuation to your regular refrigerator compartment, where you can store larger or less-used items such as meat and vegetables.

Newest developments in side-by-side fridges introduce the 'InstaView' panel to these door-in-door compartments, meaning you can simply knock on the fridge door to see the contents of your door-in-door illuminated. No need to open your refrigerator to see how much milk is left, which means yet more energy-saving solutions for the tech-savvy and environmentally-conscious.

Sophie Bird

Sophie is Home Editor at Top Ten Reviews. Starting off her career in print journalism, Sophie then moved to digital and now specializes in lifestyle, home interiors and social media. While she has scooped awards for her journalism, Sophie likes to whip up a storm in the kitchen when she's not writing.

With contributions from