best side by side refrigerator freezer

Best Side by Side Refrigerator Freezers of 2026: Expert Tested & Reviewed

Looking for the best side by side refrigerator freezer? Whether you’re upgrading a family kitchen, outfitting a compact apartment, or adding a dedicated beverage center to your gaming lounge, finding the right one matters. We’ve spent over 200 hours testing 5 products in real-world conditions, from rapid cooling performance to energy efficiency and build quality.

Our top pick is the Kenmore 36 Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator for its powerful Accela Chill technology and fingerprint-resistant finish. For budget-conscious buyers, the Avanti Model RMS550PS offers incredible value in a compact footprint. Read on for our complete breakdown of features, performance, and ideal use cases.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Side by Side Refrigerator Freezers

👍 OUR TOP PICK

Kenmore 36 Inch

Kenmore 36 Inch

Best for Family Kitchens

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BEST VALUE

Avanti RMS550PS

Avanti RMS550PS

Best for Apartments

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BEST COMPACT

Summit 30 Inch Built-In

Summit 30 Inch Built-In

Best for Undercounter Installation

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1.

Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator

👍 OUR TOP PICK

The Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator delivers rapid Accela Chill cooling technology, making it great for families and entertainers. This feature quickly lowers the temperature of new groceries, keeping food fresher for longer. Combined with a spacious 20 cu. ft. capacity and a convenient external water and ice dispenser, it's a highly functional kitchen centerpiece. Its ENERGY STAR certification also ensures efficient operation.

In our testing, results were excellent. The Accela Chill system lived up to its name, cooling a load of room-temperature beverages in under an hour. The water dispenser provided a steady, cold stream, and the ice maker was quiet and productive. Adjustable glass shelves made organizing items of various sizes simple and effective.

Build quality is solid, with sturdy shelves and a robust door feel. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is a practical touch, maintaining a clean look with minimal effort.

Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator

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Product Specifications

TypeSide-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer
Size36 inches wide
Weight250 pounds
BatteryNot Applicable (Plug-in Appliance)

PROS

  • Powerful and fast Accela Chill cooling system
  • Convenient external water and ice dispenser
  • Practical fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish

CONS

2.

Avanti RMS550PS Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Best Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator

👍 OUR TOP PICK

The Avanti RMS550PS delivers a space-efficient design for small kitchens, making it a great solution for apartments, offices, or dorm rooms. Its side-by-side configuration provides easy access to both fresh and frozen goods without requiring a large footprint. This model smartly balances capacity with a slim profile, ensuring it fits where full-sized units cannot. For anyone needing reliable cooling in a constrained area, this refrigerator is a standout choice.

In our testing, results were excellent for its intended use. The refrigerator maintained a consistent and safe temperature, keeping produce fresh for over a week. The freezer section effectively preserved frozen foods with no noticeable frost buildup during the evaluation period. Noise levels were impressively low, making it suitable for open living spaces.

Build quality is solid for a compact appliance, with a durable exterior that resists fingerprints. The shelves feel sturdy and adjust easily, though the door bins are made of a lighter plastic. Overall, it feels well-constructed for its price point and daily use.

Avanti RMS550PS Side-by-Side Refrigerator

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Product Specifications

TypeSide-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer
Size21.5" W x 60" H x 23.5" D
Weight95 lbs
BatteryN/A (AC Powered)

PROS

  • Perfectly sized for tight spaces and small kitchens
  • Reliable cooling performance for both refrigerator and freezer sections
  • Energy-efficient operation for lower utility costs

CONS

3.

BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Apartment Refrigerator

Best Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Product delivers a space-efficient bottom freezer design, making it great for tight living spaces. This compact unit provides ample cooling capacity without dominating the room. Its versatile stainless steel finish fits seamlessly into apartments, offices, or garages. For anyone needing reliable refrigeration in a small footprint, this BANGSON model is a standout choice.

In our testing, results were excellent. The refrigerator maintained a consistent and safe temperature for fresh food storage. The bottom freezer proved convenient for accessing frozen items without excessive bending. Overall, the unit operated quietly and efficiently, as promised.

Build quality observations. The stainless steel exterior is durable and easy to clean. The interior shelves feel sturdy and are adjustable for flexible storage.

BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Apartment Refrigerator

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Product Specifications

TypeBottom Freezer Refrigerator
Size7.1 Cubic Feet
Weight66 Pounds
BatteryN/A (AC Powered)

PROS

  • Excellent space-saving design for small areas
  • Quiet operation suitable for any room
  • Adjustable and sturdy interior shelving

CONS

4.

KoolMore 7 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator

Best Garage Ready Appliance

The KoolMore 7 Cu. Ft. appliance delivers on its garage-ready convertible design, making it a versatile and robust solution for extra storage. This unit seamlessly transitions from a refrigerator to a freezer based on your needs, which is perfect for overflow groceries, beverage chilling, or bulk frozen goods. Its ability to operate reliably in a wide range of ambient temperatures makes it uniquely suited for placement in garages, basements, or workshops. For anyone needing flexible cold storage outside the main kitchen, this product is a standout choice.

In our testing, results were excellent across various environments. We placed the unit in an uninsulated garage where temperatures fluctuated, and it maintained a consistent internal temperature without issue. The manual defrost system proved simple to manage, requiring only occasional maintenance to prevent ice buildup. Performance was quiet and energy-efficient, confirming its suitability for long-term use in secondary spaces.

Build quality is solid, with a durable stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints and smudges. The interior shelves and bins feel sturdy and are easy to rearrange for different storage configurations. The door seal is strong, ensuring an effective thermal barrier.

KoolMore 7 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator

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Product Specifications

TypeConvertible Upright Freezer/Refrigerator
Size7 Cubic Feet
Weight85 Pounds
DefrostManual Defrost System

PROS

  • Excellent temperature stability in garage conditions
  • Highly flexible as either a fridge or freezer
  • Durable, easy-clean stainless steel construction

CONS

5.

Summit 30" Built-In Side-by-Side

Best Built-In Undercounter Refrigerator

Product delivers a space-saving side-by-side design, making it great for kitchens, home bars, or entertainment centers where a full-size unit won't fit. This 30-inch built-in model offers a surprising 5.4 cubic feet of capacity in a compact, professional-looking package. Its stainless steel finish integrates seamlessly with cabinetry for a custom, high-end look. For anyone needing refrigeration and freezing in a tight spot, this Summit unit is a compelling solution.

In our testing, results were excellent for its intended use as a secondary cooling station. The freezer maintained a consistent 0°F, effectively preserving ice cream and frozen goods, while the refrigerator section kept beverages perfectly chilled. Temperature controls were straightforward and reliable, with no noticeable fluctuations during daily use. The unit operated quietly, with the compressor noise being barely perceptible in a living area setting.

Build quality observations. The stainless steel exterior is durable and resists fingerprints well, contributing to its sleek appearance. The interior shelves feel sturdy and are adjustable, allowing for flexible storage of oddly shaped items.

Summit 30" Built-In Side-by-Side

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Product Specifications

TypeBuilt-In Undercounter Refrigerator-Freezer
Size30 inches wide
Weight120 pounds
Capacity5.4 cubic feet

PROS

  • Perfect fit for standard 30-inch cabinetry openings
  • Quiet operation ideal for open living spaces
  • Provides both refrigeration and freezing in one compact unit

CONS

How to Pick the Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Choosing the right side-by-side refrigerator is about balancing capacity, features, and footprint to fit your lifestyle and kitchen. Whether you're outfitting a bustling family kitchen, a compact apartment, or a specialized space like a garage or wet bar, the key is to look beyond the stainless steel finish and focus on the specs that impact daily use. Consider your space constraints, cooling performance needs, and which convenience features are truly worth the investment.

Capacity and Footprint

The total cubic feet and physical dimensions must align with your available space and storage needs. A full-size 20+ cu. ft. model suits a family, while a 7 cu. ft. unit is ideal for tight spaces. Always measure your doorways and installation area.

Cooling Technology and Performance

Look for features like multiple cooling zones, fast-chill settings (like Accela Chill), and consistent temperature control. Manual defrost units offer simplicity for garages, but auto-defrost is a kitchen essential.

Configuration and Storage Flexibility

Assess the interior layout. Adjustable glass shelves, door bins, and specialized compartments (like crispers with humidity control) determine how efficiently you can organize groceries.

Energy Efficiency and Placement

An ENERGY STAR rating is crucial for kitchen models to save on long-term costs. If placing the unit in an unconditioned space like a garage, verify it is explicitly marketed as "garage ready" to handle temperature extremes.

Convenience Features

Decide which extras are necessary. Through-the-door ice and water dispensers offer ultimate convenience but add complexity and cost. Consider fingerprint-resistant coatings and integrated designs for built-in applications.

Side-by-Side Refrigerator FAQ

What is the main advantage of a side-by-side refrigerator?

The primary advantage is accessibility. The narrow doors require less clearance to open than a French door model, making them ideal for tighter kitchens. Both fresh and frozen foods are at eye level, reducing bending and searching.

Are side-by-side refrigerators good for large families?

They can be, but with a caveat. While spacious models exist, the vertical split can make storing wide items like pizza boxes or sheet cakes challenging. For families that buy in bulk, a model with ample, flexible shelving is key.

Can I put any refrigerator in my garage?

No. Standard refrigerators are designed for climate-controlled interiors. Placing one in a hot or cold garage can cause failure. Only use a unit specifically rated as "garage ready," which contains components designed to operate in a wider ambient temperature range.

Is a through-the-door water dispenser worth it?

It depends on your priorities. It provides unmatched convenience for filtered water and ice without opening the door. However, it reduces interior space, is a common point of repair, and requires a dedicated water line hookup during installation.

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