If you are looking for a spacious, convenient, and stylish refrigerator, you might want to consider a side-by-side model. These refrigerators have two doors that open from the center, with the freezer on one side and the fridge on the other. This design allows you to access both compartments easily, without bending down or reaching up. It also gives you more flexibility in organizing your food items, as you can adjust the shelves and bins to suit your needs. But which brand refrigerator is best in side-by-side? Based on our research, we recommend GE as the best brand for side-by-side refrigerators, followed by LG and Whirlpool. These brands offer high-quality, reliable, and feature-rich models that will keep your food fresh and your kitchen stylish. In this article, we will explain why these brands stand out, and what factors you should consider when choosing a side-by-side refrigerator.
Why GE Is the Best Brand for Side-by-Side Refrigerators
GE is one of the most trusted and reputable appliance brands in the US, with a history of innovation and excellence that dates back to 1892. GE refrigerators are known for their durability, performance, and energy efficiency, as well as their sleek and modern designs. GE offers a wide range of side-by-side refrigerators, from standard-depth to counter-depth, from basic to smart, and from stainless steel to custom panels. No matter what your budget, space, or style preferences are, you can find a GE side-by-side refrigerator that suits you.
One of the best examples of GE’s side-by-side refrigerators is the GE GSE25G, which is our top pick for this category. This model has a generous capacity of 25.3 cubic feet, with an external ice and water dispenser, LED lighting, spill-proof glass shelves, and adjustable door bins. It also has a user-friendly freezer, with a slide-out basket, a pizza shelf, and a door alarm. The GE GSE25G is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it meets the strict standards for energy efficiency set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. It also has a fingerprint-resistant finish, which makes it easy to keep clean and shiny. The GE GSE25G is available in four colors: stainless steel, black, white, and slate. It has a price of $1,799.99, but you can often find it on sale for less.
Why LG and Whirlpool Are Also Great Brands for Side-by-Side Refrigerators
While GE is our top choice for side-by-side refrigerators, LG and Whirlpool are also great brands that deserve your attention. LG is a South Korean brand that has been making appliances since 1958. LG refrigerators are known for their smart features, innovative technology, and stylish design. LG offers a variety of side-by-side refrigerators, from standard-depth to counter-depth, from basic to smart, and from stainless steel to black stainless steel. LG refrigerators are also reliable and energy-efficient, with a 10-year warranty on the linear compressor, which is the heart of the refrigerator.
One of the best examples of LG’s side-by-side refrigerators is the LG LRSDS2706S, which is our runner-up pick for this category. This model has a spacious capacity of 27.6 cubic feet, with a door-in-door feature, which allows you to access frequently used items without opening the entire fridge. It also has a smart cooling system, which maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels, and a dual ice maker, which produces both regular and craft ice. The LG LRSDS2706S is Wi-Fi enabled, meaning you can control it with your voice or smartphone. It also has a fingerprint-resistant finish, which makes it easy to keep clean and shiny. The LG LRSDS2706S is available in stainless steel, and has a price of $1,799.99, but you can often find it on sale for less.
Whirlpool is another American brand that has been making appliances since 1911. Whirlpool refrigerators are known for their quality, reliability, and affordability, as well as their practical and functional design. Whirlpool offers a range of side-by-side refrigerators, from standard-depth to counter-depth, from basic to smart, and from stainless steel to black stainless steel. Whirlpool refrigerators are also durable and energy-efficient, with a 10-year warranty on the compressor, which is the heart of the refrigerator.
One of the best examples of Whirlpool’s side-by-side refrigerators is the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ, which is our budget pick for this category. This model has a decent capacity of 21.4 cubic feet, with an external ice and water dispenser, LED lighting, spill-proof glass shelves, and adjustable door bins. It also has a humidity-controlled crisper, which keeps your fruits and vegetables fresh, and an adaptive defrost system, which saves energy and reduces freezer burn. The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ is available in four colors: stainless steel, black, white, and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. It has a price of $1,529.99, but you can often find it on sale for less.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
While the brand is an important factor to consider when choosing a side-by-side refrigerator, it is not the only one. You should also take into account the following factors:
Size: The size of the refrigerator depends on the space available in your kitchen, as well as your storage needs. Side-by-side refrigerators typically range from 21 to 28 cubic feet in capacity, and from 30 to 36 inches in width. You should measure the height, width, and depth of the space where you plan to install the refrigerator, and leave some extra room for ventilation and door clearance. You should also consider the size of the doorways and hallways that the refrigerator will have to pass through during delivery and installation.
Depth: The depth of the refrigerator affects how much it protrudes from the counter and cabinets, and how much floor space it occupies. Side-by-side refrigerators come in two depth options: standard-depth and counter-depth. Standard-depth refrigerators are deeper than the counter, usually by 6 to 10 inches, and offer more storage space. Counter-depth refrigerators are flush with the counter, and create a seamless look in the kitchen. However, they have less storage space, and are usually more expensive than standard-depth models.
Features: The features of the refrigerator affect its convenience, functionality, and performance. Some of the common features of side-by-side refrigerators are:
Ice and water dispenser: This feature allows you to get chilled water and ice without opening the fridge. It can be located on the freezer door, or inside the fridge. Some models have a dual ice maker, which produces both regular and craft ice. However, this feature also takes up some storage space, and requires a water filter, which needs to be replaced periodically.
Door-in-door: This feature allows you to access frequently used items without opening the entire fridge. It consists of a smaller door within the main fridge door, which opens to reveal a compartment that can store drinks, snacks, condiments, and other items. This feature can save energy and prevent cold air loss, as well as provide more convenience and organization. However, this feature also reduces the storage space in the main fridge compartment, and adds to the cost of the refrigerator.
Smart technology: This feature allows you to connect the refrigerator to your Wi-Fi network, and control it with your voice or smartphone. You can adjust the temperature, monitor the status, receive alerts, order groceries, play music, and more. Some models have a touch-screen display, which can also serve as a digital bulletin board, a recipe book, a calendar, and a photo album. However, this feature also increases the complexity and price of the refrigerator, and may not be compatible with all devices and platforms.
Design: The design of the refrigerator affects its appearance, style, and durability. Some of the common design elements of side-by-side refrigerators are:
Color: The color of the refrigerator can match or contrast with the rest of your kitchen decor. The most popular colors are stainless steel, black, white, and black stainless steel. Stainless steel is sleek and modern, but prone to fingerprints and smudges. Black is elegant and sophisticated, but can make the kitchen look dark and small. White is bright and clean, but can show dirt and stains. Black stainless steel is trendy and chic, but can scratch and peel over time.
Finish: The finish of the refrigerator can enhance its look and feel, as well as its resistance to wear and tear. Some of the common finishes are glossy, matte, and fingerprint-resistant. Glossy finish is shiny and smooth, but can reflect light and glare. Matte finish is dull and textured, but can hide dirt and fingerprints. Fingerprint-resistant finish is coated with a special material that repels oil and grease, and makes it easy to wipe clean.
Handles: The handles of the refrigerator can affect its ergonomics and aesthetics. Some of the common handle styles are bar, pocket, and recessed. Bar handles are long and horizontal, and easy to grip and pull. Pocket handles are curved and indented, and create a streamlined look. Recessed handles are flush with the door, and save space and prevent accidents.
Side-by-side refrigerators are a great option for anyone who wants a spacious, convenient, and stylish refrigerator. However, not all side-by-side refrigerators are created equal. You should choose a refrigerator from a reputable brand that offers high-quality, reliable, and feature-rich models.
