Best Side

The classic refrigerator (freezer on top with refrigerated goods below), has slowly made way for more modern styles like side-by-side refrigerators. The best side-by-side refrigerators offer generous fridge and freezer capacity, with ample storage options to keep your goods easily accessible and at eye level. Our top choice is the Frigidaire 25.6-Cubic Feet Side-By-Side Refrigerator for its responsive temperature control and convenient ice dispenser.

The best side-by-side refrigerators offer generous fridge and freezer capacity.

There are some definite perks to going with a side-by-side refrigerator. Not only do they help you avoid bending over to fish things out of the crisper drawer, they can also be space-saving, says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. "Side-by-side refrigerators tend to be smaller than other types of refrigerators, which makes them a great option for homes with small kitchens," she says. "These compact refrigerators have a lot of freezer space."

There are a ton of options out there for side-by-side refrigerators. When choosing the right model for your home, it's important to consider elements like what kind of depth you prefer, whether you want built-in dispensers for water and ice, your go-to finish and capacity, along with your budget. Some side-by-side refrigerators even have smart features, points out Aaron Wilson, home appliance expert for JustAnswer.

Whether you’re in the market for a basic model or want something swankier, these are the best side-by-side refrigerators to meet a range of needs. (Consider our lists of the best gas ranges, best pizza ovens and best microwaves, too.)

BestBuy

Dimensions: 32.7 x 36.2 x 68.1 inches | Weight: 278 pounds | Capacity: 25.6 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel | Warranty: 1 year

This Frigidaire model offers a 25.6 cubic feet capacity that's roomy enough to meet the needs of most households. It features the brand's EvenTemp Cooling System that responds quickly to temperature shifts, so you don't have to stress about food going bad when you restock groceries. Built-in crispers seal to lock out dry air, while adjustable gallon door bins and removable glass shelves allow you to customize your storage situation. There's also an exterior dispenser for water and ice, so you can get a cold drink without interfering with your fridge's interior temperature. Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see what's inside. The fridge even offers a special filtration system to pull out up to 99% of contaminants that would otherwise lurk around your food.

Lowe's

Dimensions: 31.6 x 35.9 x 69.6 inches | Weight: 262 pounds | Capacity: 24.6 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel, Biscuit, white | Warranty: 1 year

Grabbing a customizable glass of water is easy with this Whirlpool refrigerator. It offers the options of crushed or cubed ice, along with water dispensing. (There's also a lock on this feature in case you’re concerned about tiny hands playing with it.) Wall-to-wall frameless glass shelves make it easy to see what's inside, while electronic controls make it clear what your desired and current temperature is. On the freezer side, enjoy adaptive defrost to help prevent build-up. This appliance has hidden hinges and your choice of three finishes—including fingerprint-resistant stainless steel—for a sleek look.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 30.7 x 35.7 x 69.5 inches | Weight: 340 pounds | Capacity: 21.8 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel, Slate | Warranty: 1 year

A countertop depth refrigerator allows you to seamlessly configure your fridge with your cabinets, so you don't have to remodel your kitchen when upgrading your appliance. These are shallower than standard fridges, but this GE model manages to make good use of available space with adjustable glass shelves in the fridge and freezer. (Worth noting: The freezer has an extra-long shelf above the ice maker for added storage.) The fridge has smart features like temperature controls at the front—no need to reach around all your food to adjust the interior's level of coolness—along with water filtration that removes trace pharmaceuticals from your water and ice. Electronic sensors keep tabs on your interior temperature and make adjustments accordingly.

Lowe's

Dimensions: 33.9 x 35.9 x 69.4 inches | Weight: 284 pounds | Capacity: 26.3 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel | Warranty: 1 year

It's rare to find a side-by-side refrigerator for under $1,000—this Midea model is just shy of that, but doesn't compromise on capacity. The fridge offers wall-to-wall glass shelves and gallon-plus door bins that are all adjustable. An exterior dispenser delivers filtered water and cubed or crushed ice on demand. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint resistant for a clean look, while one-touch controls inside help you to adjust the temperature as needed. The pocket handles are a nice touch for those with limited space.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 33.6 x 35.9 x 69.6 inches | Weight: 220 pounds | Capacity: 24.9 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel | Warranty: 1 year

An ice maker can be a polarizing feature: Not everyone wants the noise that can come with it and some prefer to use that space for other things. This Maytag fridge doesn't have an ice maker, allowing you more freezer area to fill with your favorite frozen goods. The refrigerated side boasts adjustable gallon door bins, along with wall-to-wall glass shelving to customize your interior. There's also a FreshLock crisper to keep your produce in top shape, along with a strongbox hinge to seal in cold air. The appliance's sleek exterior is fingerprint-resistant to hide smudges and streaks.

Lowe's

Dimensions: 27.4 x 32.9 x 70.1 inches | Weight: 176 pounds | Capacity: 15.6 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel | Warranty: 2 year

If you’re dealing with a tighter space, consider this Forno model. It's just 27.4 inches deep and shy of 33 inches wide, making it a more petite appliance as far as fridges go. The fridge even weighs significantly less than others. This refrigerator isn't overly fancy, but it still contains elements most will enjoy, including LED lighting, one gallon door bins and adjustable shelving in both the fridge and freezer sides. The fridge also features clear pull-out drawers at the bottom to allow you to see what's inside.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 33.4 x 35.9 x 70.2 inches | Weight: 296 pounds | Capacity: 27.1 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel, black stainless steel | Warranty: 1 year

The LG InstaView is a far cry from the fridge most people grew up with. This game-changer features a smart panel that seamlessly switches from tinted to clear glass with two knocks, allowing you to quickly see what's inside without opening the door. The fridge offers a roomy 27 cubic feet of space, along with little perks like the brand's Craft Ice, which is designed to melt slower than standard cubes. Pocket handles, along with your choice of fingerprint resistant finishes, create a sleek exterior. Enjoy dual ice makers, so you never run out. There's even a UV nano water filtration system that kills up to 99.99% of bacteria on the nozzle every 24 hours. This fridge syncs up to LG's ThinQ app, allowing you to control the fridge and freezer temperature, make extra ice or run diagnostics, all from your phone.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 33.5 x 35.9 x 70 inches | Weight: 306 pounds | Capacity: 26.7 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel | Warranty: 5 year

This Samsung model has an incredibly unique feature many parents will appreciate: A built-in Family Hub, a smart element that allows you to share pictures and reminders, right on your fridge's exterior. You can also stream music and even watch shows—on your fridge. The appliance itself has a roomy capacity, along with the brand's All Around Cooling to ensure every item stays at your desired temperature. An in-door ice maker helps save shelf space in the freezer. The interior shelves and door bins are all adjustable to help you customize your space. This fridge comes in standard and counter depths.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 29.75 x 36 x 68.8 inches | Weight: 242 pounds | Capacity: 20.6 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel, black stainless, white, black | Warranty: 1 year

It can be tricky to find the right fridge for a small kitchen, but this Whirlpool model checks a lot of the boxes. At 20.6 cubic feet, it has a moderate capacity, with a small 29.75-inch depth that won't hog floorspace. The exterior ice and water dispenser makes it easy to grab a cool drink within seconds, while the door's built-in ice maker opens up an extra shelf in the freezer. The brand's Accu-Chill temperature management system helps cool your food quickly and adjusts the interior level of coolness as needed. Adjustable wall-to-wall glass shelves and gallon door bins allow you to maximize your space. Choose from four different exteriors.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 27.5 x 48.2 x 83.4 inches | Weight: 670 pounds | Capacity: 30 cubic feet | Color: Stainless steel, panel ready | Warranty: 1 year

This KitchenAid refrigerator has a next-generation exterior that gives you the option of blending into your kitchen cabinetry or standing out with a stainless steel finish. It also offers a roomy 30 cubic feet capacity, giving you plenty of space to store all your essentials. At just shy of $11,400, this refrigerator is admittedly not cheap. But it offers a level of customization and elegance you won't find in many other models. The appliance itself has nice perks, including a Temperature Management System to ensure all of your food stays cool and fresh, along with a Produce Preserver to help extend the life of your fruits and vegetables. The massive interior boasts adjustable shelves and ample room to fit in just about everything.

To choose the best side-by-side refrigerators, we consulted with two home experts for their input on which elements to look for in these popular appliances. We then scoured the market, looking at the most popular side-by-side refrigerators and comparing factors like capacity, adjustability and cost. We also analyzed reviews from real users to see what owners value in these machines.

There are a few different elements to consider when shopping for a side-by-side refrigerator.

Before purchasing a refrigerator, it's important to take measurements of the space where your appliance will go. Fridges come in standard and counter depths, and it's crucial to determine which is right for you. (A counter depth, in case you’re unfamiliar with the term, means the fridge will sit flush with your cabinets.) The height of fridges can vary, and you’ll want to make sure your refrigerator not only will fit under your ceiling, but that there is at least a little room above it. You’ll also want to leave a few inches on either side of your fridge. As for the fridge's weight, there is a range. Some, like the KitchenAid 30-Cubic Feet Built-In Side-By-Side Refrigerator, are nearly 700 pounds. If you plan to install the fridge yourself, you’ll want to ensure you can actually move it. However, if you plan to have a professional install it, this is less of an issue.

Capacity is crucial when shopping for a fridge. You want to ensure the fridge will be able to house a standard grocery load for your family, with a little room to spare. Keep in mind that smaller-capacity refrigerators tend to be less expensive so, if you don't need the extra capacity, you can save money by buying only what you think you need. If you have a larger family, though, or plan to expand your family within the next few years, it's worth investing in a larger model.

Most side-by-side refrigerators have a 1-year manufacturer's warranty, but there are some exceptions. The Samsung 35.9 Inch 26.7-Cubic Feet Side-By-Side Refrigerator, which boasts a smart display screen, has a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. If you’re concerned about future issues with your machine, make sure you read the fine print before buying.

Side-by-side refrigerators are a popular choice, but they’re not for everyone. "Due to their smaller nature, side-by-side refrigerators are less spacious than other types of refrigerators," Micetich says. "The shelves in side-by-side refrigerators are usually narrow, which can make it difficult to store large food containers." Every model is slightly different but "the fridge and freezer compartments may not be as spacious as those in other types of fridges, which could make it difficult to store large items," Wilson says. Cost is also something to consider. If you go with a more traditional-style fridge, you’ll likely pay less. "Side-by-side refrigerators can be more expensive than other types of fridges, so cost may be a consideration for some shoppers," he adds.

Every fridge is slightly different but, in general, you can expect to get at least eight to 12 years out of your fridge. It's important to keep up on regular maintenance (read your owner's guide for details). When your fridge is properly maintained, you’ll likely get even more time out of it. Most side-by-side refrigerators have a 1-year manufacturer's warranty, though, so it's important to flag any issues you notice within the first 12 months to allow the brand to fix it with no added cost to you.

Today's side-by-side refrigerators are typically very reliable, and you often can't go wrong when you choose from a reputable manufacturer. Brands like GE, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire and more are known to create quality products, and every item on our list has great reviews to back up their reliability. If you’re unsure where to start, consider our top choice, the Frigidaire 25.6-Cubic Feet Side-By-Side Refrigerator. It offers a roomy interior, water and ice dispenser and 1-year warranty, along with an army of great reviews from owners who swear by its functionality.

Side-by-side refrigerators have largely replaced more classic fridges that have a freezer on top. However, some modern fridges have drawer freezers to keep your frozen items down below. In general, side-by-side fridges seem to be the standard. "The benefits of a side-by-side refrigerator include having a larger capacity than some other types of fridges, the ability to easily access both the fridge and freezer sections and, on some units, the convenience of having a water and ice dispenser built into the unit," Wilson says. Many of these are features you won't find in other styles of refrigerators, he points out.