refrigerator freezer side by side By Side Freezers Fridge
Side-by-side refrigerators offer ample space to store food items. Some such as our top pick from Forno also come with counter-depth dimensions that sit directly against the cabinet to create a sleek, integrated look.
Some models offer freezer storage at different heights. This is useful for families with children or for anyone who has difficulty reaching the top shelves.
Size
As the name implies, side-byside refrigerators include a freezer on one side and a refrigerator on the other. They have a greater capacity than models with a top-freezer and bottom freezer. They are also slimmer and don't block your way like single-door fridges, which is helpful in kitchens with small spaces.
Because they're taller than other refrigerator styles Side-by-sides offer more storage space in the freezer, too. They have many shelves and compartments that allow for easy organization. You can store often used food items at eye level in the refrigerator, and store longer-term food on shelves that are higher, and harder to reach inside the freezer. They may also include an ice maker and a water dispenser that lets you quickly access beverages without having to open the door to the freezer.
These refrigerators come with separate cooling systems for freezers to ensure that food stays fresher longer. They also have features that stop food spoilage and loss like an hydration system and air filters to reduce smells, and crisper drawers which absorb ethylene gas in order to stop the overripening process.
This type of refrigerator has one drawback, which is that it isn't the same energy efficient as top freezers or bottom-freezer units. This is due to the fact that they have a huge vertical space to cool, which can increase your utility bill. Furthermore, they're less effective in storing large items than other models and could not be suitable for people who suffer from mobility issues that make bending difficult.
Convenience
The slim doors of side-by-side refrigerators require less space to open than other refrigerator types and make this model a top choice for narrow kitchens. Side-by side fridges are also larger than French door refrigerators. They typically have 13 to 15 cubic foot for fresh food, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer.
They are also an ideal choice for smaller homes and condominiums where a bigger refrigerator could make counter space. The main drawback of these refrigerators is that they may not be large enough for certain families' storage requirements. Larger holiday dinners or other large containers might not be able to fit and even everyday kitchen utensils may not find their way in. It is possible to arrange shelves, but this can be a lengthy process and can reduce refrigerator efficiency.
Another drawback of side-by-side freezers is that they allocate an equal amount of space to the freezer than refrigerators which could be a concern if you intend to use frequently a deep freezer. There are ways to overcome this potential disadvantage. Many models come with an ice maker separately that allows you to have chilled drinks without using the cooling system in your refrigerator.
You can choose a model with independently regulated refrigerator and freezer compartments 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 in the crisper drawers to absorb ethylene gas, which can delay the over-ripening of food items. It's an investment, but it will save you money by keeping your food in better shape for longer.
Energy Efficiency
As a whole, side by side refrigerators use less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also cost less than French door refrigerators, and they can be less trouble to maintain because their doors open half as wide. However, you'll need make sure your kitchen can accommodate an ice and water dispenser, which will require an electrical connection, which is often more difficult to install in smaller kitchens. Furthermore, the larger apertures of a side-byside fridge could make it more difficult to store larger items.
Many manufacturers provide energy-saving features in their side by side refrigerators. They have adjustable shelves and LED lighting to keep food visible, even in the darkest corner 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 popular items easy to find and reduce the amount of frozen foods that you're not able to discard because you forgot about them or they've become spoiled.
You can also buy a refrigerator with extras like doors-in-door access for snacks or drinks, which is not just time-saving but also helps reduce energy consumption by limiting the cold air that escapes the fridge. You can also find a reliable side-by-side refrigerator without accessories for kitchens and budgets who prefer keeping things simple. Quincy Bulin, a Lowe's product specialist and writer, covers everything from appliances for home improvement to most recent appliances. She's always ready to assist you in finding the best products for your home, just ask!
Stores
Many side-byside fridges have ice and water dispensers built into the freezer. This is a great feature to ensure you have easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It also makes it easy to wash dishes and clean glasses. This will reduce the freezer capacity. Make sure that your refrigerator is large enough for your needs.
Contrary to bottom freezer refrigerators side-by-side refrigerators have a greater storage capacity on the freezer side due to their vertical layout. This allows you to store items that you use frequently on the higher shelves, while storing frozen goods that will last longer on the lower shelves. The freezer comes with a variety of shelves, so you can arrange it to meet your needs.
Modern side-byside refrigerators have sleek, modern design which enhances the appearance of your kitchen. They also feature two doors, which result in a minimal footprint and less clutter than other refrigerator configurations. A lot of models come with crisper drawers, as well as humidity controls in addition to other features specific to each model.
Some side-by-side refrigerators are Energy Star certified, meaning they'll cost you less per day. This makes them a good choice if you're concerned about the cost of energy. The stringent requirements for obtaining this certification can increase the cost of a refrigerator that has this certification. It might not be a problem for some buyers but it is something to consider before making a purchase.