Side By Side Freezers Fridge
Side-by-side refrigerators provide plenty of storage for your family's food. Some, like our top option from Forno have counter-depth sizes that sit flush against the cabinetry for sleek, built-in style.
Some models allow freezer storage with different heights. This can be useful for families with children or for anyone who has difficulty reaching high shelves.
Size
As the name suggests, side-by-side refrigerators feature a freezer and a refrigerator on each side. They tend to have a larger overall capacity than top-freezer or bottom-freezer models. They also have a smaller length and don't typically interfere with your walkway as single-door refrigerators, which are useful for kitchens with limited space.
Side-by-side refrigerators are higher than other types of refrigerators, which means they give more space to the freezer. They typically have multiple shelves and compartments to make organization easy, letting you keep the most frequently used items on your shelves in the refrigerator section and longer-term food items on higher, harder-to-reach shelves in the freezer. They may also include ice and a water dispenser that lets you easily access beverages without having to open the freezer door.
These refrigerators have separate cooling systems for freezers to ensure that food remains fresher for longer. Additionally, they have features to prevent loss and spoilage, such as the hydration station, air filters to control the smell, and crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas to slow the over-ripening process of vegetables and fruits.
The downside to this kind of refrigerator is that it's not as energy efficient as bottom or top-freezer models. They're larger in vertical volume that needs to be chilled, which could drive up your utility bill. Plus, they are less effective than other models for storing large items and may not be suitable for people who have mobility issues and have difficulty bending.
Convenience
Side-by-side refrigerators have slimmer doors that require less space to open than other refrigerators. This makes them an ideal choice in kitchens with limited space. Side-by-side refrigerators are larger than French door refrigerators - typically 13 to 15 cubic foot for fresh food items, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for freezers.
They can also be a great choice for small homes and condominiums in which a larger fridge could reduce counter space. These refrigerators aren't large enough to meet the storage needs of some families. Even everyday utensils as well as larger Thanksgiving meals might not fit. It is possible to arrange shelves however, it can take a while and may affect refrigerator efficiency.
Another limitation of side by side freezers is that they allocate proportionally more space to the freezer than refrigerators which could be a problem if you are planning to use frequently a deep freezer. The good thing is that a lot of models have a separate freezer that has an ice machine to offer the convenience of chilled drinks without using the refrigerator's cooling system and there are solutions around this potential drawback.
You can pick one that has independently controlled refrigerator and freezer sections, with features like the Preserve Food System from KitchenAid for instance, which includes an air filter which helps to keep odors at bay and a mechanism that is built into the drawers that are used to absorb ethylene gas to delay the over-ripening process of produce. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in better shape for longer.
Energy Efficiency
Overall, side-byside refrigerators consume less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also cost less than French door refrigerators, and they may be less difficult to maintain as their doors open to a smaller width. You'll need to ensure that your kitchen can accommodate a water-and-ice dispenser. This will require a plumbing connector which is difficult to install in smaller kitchens. Plus, the wider apertures of a side-by-side refrigerator can make it difficult to store taller items.
Many manufacturers offer energy saving features in their side by side refrigerators . They have adjustable shelves and LED lights that keep food items visible, even in the darkest corners of the freezer. Some models also have separate cooling systems that monitor temperatures in the freezer and refrigerator sections which can reduce food waste by keeping common items readily available and reducing the amount frozen foods that you're not able to discard because you forgot about them or they've spoiled.
You can also buy refrigerators that have extra features, such as doors-in-door access for snacks or drinks. This is not just time-saving but also helps to reduce energy use by limiting the cold air that escapes from the refrigerator. You can also buy a side-by-side fridge without any additional features if you are on a tight budget or your kitchen is basic. Quincy Bulin is a writer and product specialist at Lowe's which covers everything from the most modern appliances to new home improvement products and trends. She's always willing to assist you in finding the perfect products for your house. Just ask!
Stores
A lot of side-by-side refrigerators have water and ice dispensers that are incorporated into the freezer. This is an excellent option for those who want easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It can also be convenient to wash dishes or to clean glasses. But, it also reduces the capacity of your freezer. Make sure you choose an appliance that is large enough to meet your requirements.
Unlike bottom freezer refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators provide more storage capacity on the freezer side, thanks to their vertical design. That means you can store items you frequently use on higher shelves while the longer-term frozen items can be stored lower down. The freezer has multiple shelves to choose from, allowing you to arrange it to meet your requirements.
Modern side-by-side refrigerators feature sleek, modern design that enhances the appearance of your kitchen. The two doors create smaller footprints and less clutter compared to other configurations for refrigerators. Many models have crisper drawers, as well as humidity controls, as well as other features specific to each model.
Some side-byside refrigerators have an Energy Star certification, which means they'll cost you less on the daily basis. This makes them a good option if you're concerned about your energy bills. However, the stringent requirements that are needed to get this certification can increase the upfront price of refrigerators that have this label. It may not be an issue for some buyers but it is worth considering before making a purchase.