Side By Side Freezers Fridge Side-by side fridges provide ample space for food storage. Some, such as our top choice from Forno have counter-depth measurements that are flush with the cabinetry to give a sleek, built-in appearance. Other models have freezer storage with different heights which is beneficial for families with kids or anyone who has difficulty to reach the shelves on high shelves. Size Like their name implies, side-by side refrigerators have two refrigerators and freezers on each side. They are larger than models with a top-freezer and bottom freezer. They also have a smaller size and don't interfere with your walkway as single-door refrigerators. This can be helpful for cramped kitchens. Because they're larger than other refrigerator styles, side-by-sides can offer more storage space in the freezer, too. They come with many shelves and compartments that help you organize your home. You can keep frequently used foods at eye level in the refrigerator, and store longer-term food on shelves that are higher, and harder to reach within the freezer. They may also include ice and a water dispenser that lets you easily access beverages without having to open the freezer door. The freezers in these refrigerators have separate cooling systems to ensure the coldest, most consistent temperatures, which means food stays fresher for longer. They also have features to prevent food loss and spoilage such as an system for hydration and air filters to reduce smells, and crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas in order to stop the overripening process. A downside to this type of refrigerator is that it's not as efficient as top- or bottom-freezer models. They have a greater vertical space that has to be chilled, which could increase your energy bill. Plus, they are less efficient than other models at storing large objects 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 a great choice for kitchens that have limited space. Side-by-side fridges typically offer a higher capacity than French door refrigerators, as well generally 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food, and 8 to 9 for the freezer. These refrigerators are also a great option for smaller homes or condominiums, where a larger fridge would occupy counter space. The biggest drawback with these refrigerators is that they might not be adequate for certain families' storage needs. Larger holiday meals or large containers might not be able to fit and even everyday items may not fit in. Moving shelves around is a possibility however, it can be time-consuming and may reduce the efficiency of the refrigerator. A side-by-side freezer's other limitation is that it allocates proportionally more room to the freezer than the refrigerator. This is a concern if you make use of a deep freeze often. There are solutions to overcome this potential disadvantage. Many models come with a separate ice maker that lets you enjoy chilled drinks, without relying on your refrigerator's cooling system. You can select one with independently controlled refrigerator and freezer compartments with features like the Preserve Food System from KitchenAid for instance, which includes an air filter that helps keep odors under control and a mechanism that is built into the drawers for crispers 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 use less energy than bottom-freezer models. They also tend to cost less than French door refrigerators, and can be less difficult to maintain as their doors open to a smaller width. It is important 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. The wide openings of a side by side fridge can make it harder to store taller items. Many manufacturers offer energy saving features in their side-by-side refrigerator s. These include adjustable shelving and LED lights that ensure food items are visible, even in the darkest corners of the freezer. Some models have separate cooling systems for the freezer and fridge sections. This can help to reduce food waste because it helps you find products that are popular and less likely that you'll discard them accidentally if you forget about them or they have spoiled. You can also purchase an appliance that comes with additional features such as door-in-door access to snacks and drinks. This will not only help you save time but also decreases energy consumption since cold air is confined from escape from the refrigerator. But you can also get a reliable side-by-side fridge without extras for budgets and kitchens that like to keep things simple. Quincy Bulin is a writer and product expert at Lowe's, where she covers everything from the most modern appliances to the latest trends in home improvement products and trends. She's always ready to help you find the right products for your house. Ask her! Stores A lot of side-by-side refrigerators have water and ice dispensers that are built into the freezer. This is a great feature when you want easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It is also convenient to wash dishes or to clean glasses. This decreases the freezer's capacity. Make sure that you select the fridge that's big enough to meet your requirements. Due to their vertical design, side-by-side refrigerators have a larger storage capacity in the freezer than refrigerators that are bottom freezer. This lets you keep items you frequently use on the upper shelves, while storing frozen items that last longer on the lower shelves. The freezer has a variety of shelves, so you can arrange it according to your requirements. Modern side-byside refrigerators have an elegant, premium design that amplifies the look of your kitchen. They also have two doors, which create smaller footprints and less clutter than other configurations of refrigerators. Some models have crisper drawers, as well as humidity controls and other features that are specific to the model. Some side-by-side fridges come with an Energy Star certification, which means they'll cost less on the daily basis. If you're worried about your energy bills, this makes them an ideal option. The strict requirements to get this certification raise the cost of a refrigerator with this certification. It might not be a problem for all buyers, but it is something to consider before making a purchase.
side-by-side refrigerator