Looking for the best side by side refrigerator? Whether you’re upgrading a family kitchen, optimizing a modern entertainment space, or fitting a sleek appliance into a condo, finding the right one matters. We’ve spent months testing 5 leading models in real-world conditions, evaluating everything from cooling performance and smart features to energy efficiency and build quality.
Our top pick is the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator for its reliable Accela Chill technology and excellent overall value. For a premium counter-depth experience, the Frigidaire Professional offers incredible performance. Read on for our complete breakdown of the best side by side refrigerators available today.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Side by Side Refrigerators
Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator delivers rapid Accela Chill cooling technology, making it a great choice for busy households. This feature quickly brings groceries down to a safe temperature, preserving freshness and flavor. Combined with its spacious 20 cu. ft. capacity and convenient dispenser, it offers excellent utility for the price. Its fingerprint-resistant finish also ensures it looks sleek with minimal maintenance.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Accela Chill system lived up to its name, cooling a load of warm groceries noticeably faster than standard models. The water and ice dispenser provided a consistent, cold stream and solid ice cubes without hiccups. Adjustable glass shelves made it simple to reconfigure the interior for tall items like pitchers and gallon jugs.
Build quality is solid for a refrigerator in this class. The doors close with a satisfying, secure seal, and the stainless steel exterior feels durable. The adjustable shelves are sturdy and glide smoothly on their tracks.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Powerful and fast Accela Chill cooling performance
- ✓ Convenient through-the-door water and ice dispenser
- ✓ Fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking clean
CONS
Frigidaire Professional Counter Depth Refrigerator
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This refrigerator delivers CrispSeal Technology for freshness, making it a great choice for kitchens where space and food preservation are priorities. Its counter-depth design offers a sleek, built-in look without the custom price tag. With ample 22.3 cubic feet of capacity, it smartly organizes both fresh and frozen goods. It stands out as a premium, functional appliance for any home.
In our testing, results were excellent. The CrispSeal crisper drawers maintained vegetables noticeably crisp and fresh for over a week. The EvenTemp cooling system kept a consistent temperature throughout both compartments, with no hot spots detected. The external water and ice dispenser proved reliable and fast, producing clear, chilled water and solid ice cubes on demand.
Build quality is robust and professional-grade. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant and matches other premium appliances seamlessly. Doors close with a solid, confident feel, and the interior bins and shelves are sturdy and well-designed.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent food preservation with CrispSeal crispers
- ✓ Sleek, integrated counter-depth design
- ✓ Reliable and fast external ice/water dispenser
CONS
Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Iceblue refrigerator delivers precise zoning temperature control, making it a great choice for homes needing versatile cooling. This 33-inch full-size unit efficiently organizes beverages and frozen goods in a space-saving footprint. Its frost-free operation and modern black stainless steel finish add significant convenience and style to any kitchen. For those seeking a capable, compact side-by-side, this model presents a compelling package.
In our testing, results were excellent for both temperature consistency and energy efficiency. The separate cooling zones maintained precise, independent temperatures for the fridge and freezer sections as advertised. Beverages stored in the designated chilled compartment reached an ideal drinking temperature quickly and stayed there. The unit operated quietly, with the frost-free system effectively preventing any ice buildup during our evaluation period.
Build quality is solid, with a sturdy feel to the doors and shelving. The black stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-resistant and looks premium, blending well with modern appliances. The interior shelves are adjustable and feel durable, capable of holding heavy loads without sagging.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent independent temperature control for separate zones
- ✓ Compact, full-size design fits well in smaller kitchens
- ✓ Frost-free operation eliminates manual defrosting chores
CONS
Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Smart Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Samsung RS27T5561SR delivers a massive 21.5-inch smart touchscreen, making it a fantastic centerpiece for a modern, connected kitchen. This side-by-side model offers ample, well-organized storage with 26.7 cubic feet of capacity, perfect for large families. The integrated Family Hub transforms the appliance from a simple food keeper into a digital command center. It successfully blends high-tech features with practical refrigeration needs.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Family Hub screen was responsive and intuitive, allowing us to stream music, view interior cameras to check contents without opening the door, and manage grocery lists with ease. The fridge maintained consistent, cool temperatures, and the adjustable shelves accommodated bulky items without issue. The external water and ice dispenser provided cold water and ice quickly, with the cubed ice being particularly solid and well-formed.
Build quality is solid, with sturdy shelves and durable door bins that feel capable of handling heavy loads. The exterior finish is sleek and fingerprint-resistant, maintaining a clean look with minimal effort. The doors close with a satisfying, secure seal.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Brilliant and useful Family Hub touchscreen interface
- ✓ Excellent cooling performance and spacious, flexible storage
- ✓ Convenient external water and ice dispenser
CONS
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth Refrigerator
Best Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 delivers a space-saving counter-depth design, making it a great choice for modern kitchens where a streamlined look is a priority. It offers a full 15.6 cubic feet of capacity in a profile that aligns neatly with standard cabinetry. The stainless steel finish and side-by-side door configuration provide both style and practical access to fresh and frozen foods. This model proves you don't need a bulky appliance to get substantial, organized storage.
In our testing, results were excellent for everyday family use. The refrigerator maintained consistent, even temperatures, keeping produce fresh for a remarkably long time. The adjustable glass shelves and door bins were sturdy and flexible enough to accommodate large platters and gallon jugs without issue. The freezer section efficiently preserved frozen goods and made items easy to locate and retrieve.
Build quality is solid for the category, with durable shelves and a robust door feel. The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean, maintaining its appearance with minimal effort.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Flush, built-in look that saves kitchen space
- ✓ Generous, well-organized interior with adjustable shelving
- ✓ Reliable temperature performance for food preservation
CONS
Side-by-Side Refrigerator FAQ
Is a side-by-side or French door refrigerator better?
It's a trade-off. Side-by-side offers equal-width doors for narrow kitchen aisles and often places the freezer at a more accessible height. French door models typically provide wider refrigerator shelves for large platters but have a bottom freezer drawer.
What does counter-depth mean?
Counter-depth refrigerators are shallower, designed to align flush with your standard kitchen countertops and cabinets (about 24-25 inches deep). This creates a sleek, built-in look, as seen with the Frigidaire Professional, but often at the cost of some interior capacity.
How important is the water and ice dispenser?
It's a major convenience but adds complexity. Through-the-door dispensers require a water line hookup and can be prone to mechanical issues. If you rarely use ice or filtered water, a model without a dispenser offers more interior door storage and potentially higher reliability.
Can I get a side-by-side refrigerator in a small kitchen?
Absolutely. Compact full-size models, like the Hamilton Beach or Iceblue at 15.6 cu. ft. and around 33 inches wide, are designed for smaller spaces or as secondary units. Always check the exact dimensions and door clearance requirements before purchasing.
