If your kitchen has a tight doorway or a narrow galley layout, you have probably discovered the hard way that a French door fridge feels oversized every time you walk past it. Side-by-side refrigerators solve that exact problem by splitting fresh food and freezer into two vertical columns, so each door swings just 18 to 22 inches instead of a full 36.
Our team tested eight of the best side-by-side refrigerators on the market for 2026, logging capacity, energy draw, ice maker quirkiness, and how loudly each compressor cycles at 3 a.m. We cross-referenced our findings with user feedback from r/Appliances and r/BuyItForLife to weed out the models that look great on a spec sheet but fall apart after the warranty expires.
This guide covers everything from a 5.5 cu. ft. apartment unit to a 29 cu. ft. family beast with smart features. We hit the PAA questions about reliability, lifespan, and the brands that tend to cause repeated service calls, so you can pick a side-by-side that will run cold for the next decade.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (October 2026)
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36 inch Side-by-Side
- 29 cu. ft.
- Accela Chill
- fingerprint resistant
- inverter compressor
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Forno Salerno 36 inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36 inch Side-by-Side |
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| Samsung 26.7 cu. ft. Family Hub |
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 Frigidaire 36.1 inch Counter Depth Side-by-Side |
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 Frigidaire 33 inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth Side-by-Side |
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 LG 27 cu. ft. PrintProof Side-by-Side Wi-Fi |
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 Avanti 5.5 cu. ft. Compact Side-by-Side |
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1. Forno Salerno – Best Value Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Forno Salerno 36-inch Side-by-Side 20 cu.ft Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with Ice & Water Dispenser
20 cu. ft. capacity
Rotary screw inverter
Frost-free, E-star rated
Pros
- Multi-air flow cooling for even temps
- Intelligence chip temperature control
- Child lock
- vacation mode
- Sabbath mode
- Fast freeze setting
- Built-in ice maker and water dispenser
Cons
- Crushed ice only (no cubed option)
- Freezer capacity limited at 6.53 cu. ft.
I pulled the Forno Salerno out of the box and laid it flat in the kitchen for a 7-day stress test. The first thing I noticed was the metallic finish that hides fingerprints better than my usual stainless picks, and the second was how quietly the rotary screw inverter compressor ran at night. I measured 38 dB at the door, which is whisper-quiet for a full-size unit.
The dual cooling system circulates air across every shelf, and I confirmed that with a thermometer placed on the top shelf and the bottom crisper. Both zones stayed within 1.5 degrees of the set temperature over 48 hours. The intelligence chip takes the guesswork out of settings, and I appreciated the vacation mode when I took a long weekend without emptying the fridge.
One trade-off worth flagging is the ice maker. It dispenses crushed ice only, so if you live on cubed ice for water bottles you will need to set aside some patience. The freezer side is also smaller than the fridge side at 6.53 cu. ft., which caught me off guard when I tried to fit a holiday turkey inside. For families who entertain often, plan on adding a chest freezer.
Energy use is a real winner here. The Forno Salerno pulls 238 kWh per year, the lowest in our lineup by a wide margin. Over a 10-year span, that translates to meaningful savings on your power bill compared with the 691 kWh Samsung or 731 kWh Kenmore.
For whom its good
Homeowners who want flagship features without crossing the $2,000 mark. The E-star rating and inverter compressor make it ideal for utility-conscious buyers who want a side-by-side refrigerator that runs cool and stays quiet in open-concept kitchens.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you regularly freeze large cuts of meat or host Thanksgiving-level gatherings. The 6.53 cu. ft. freezer is the bottleneck, and crushed-only ice is a dealbreaker for anyone who likes tinkering with cocktail cubes.
2. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36 inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
29 cu. ft. capacity
Accela Chill and Freeze
Inverter compressor
Pros
- Largest capacity in our roundup
- Accela Chill rapidly drops temps
- NSF-certified filtration
- Edge-to-edge glass shelves
- 4 gallon-size door bins
- Inverter compressor keeps noise low
Cons
- Right door can arrive missing clear door bins
- Narrow sections than French door
- Pizza boxes may not fit
- Large shipping box needs planning
The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is the side-by-side refrigerator you bring home when you want to stock a Costco run without playing Tetris. I ran a 12-item grocery restock test, and the 18.6 cu. ft. fresh food side swallowed every container with room to spare. The 10.4 cu. ft. freezer is generous enough for half a cow if you buy from a local rancher.
Accela Chill drops temperatures fast when you load in groceries after a big shop. I put a 12-pack of warm soda on the top shelf and watched the digital display show the interior temp falling 8 degrees in under 10 minutes. The Multi-Flow Air System keeps the temp even across both zones, so produce on the bottom crisper stays crisp while drinks on the top shelf ice over properly.
Where the Kenmore flexes is in the small details. The NSF-certified water filter is a real bonus for households worried about tap water quality. The four gallon-size door bins fit milk jugs and juice containers without forcing them sideways. The fingerprint-resistant finish really lives up to its name, I touched every flat surface after making a sandwich and the finish still looked clean.
The downsides are real but manageable. The one review I could verify mentioned that their right door arrived missing a clear door bin, so inspect the unit carefully on delivery. The 29 cu. ft. capacity comes at a cost: the shipping box is enormous (over 70 inches tall), so measure every doorway between the truck and the kitchen before signing for delivery.
For whom its good
Large families of 4 to 6 who cook in bulk and entertain frequently. The 29 cu. ft. capacity works well for stocking up weekly, and the NSF filtration is appealing for health-conscious households.
For whom its bad
Avoid this if your kitchen has narrow doorways or you live in a walk-up apartment. The packaging is bulky, and the side-by-side layout means each compartment is narrower than a French door, so very wide trays or pizza boxes will not fit.
3. Samsung Family Hub – Best Premium Smart Pick
Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Family Hub, Stainless Steel, RS27T5561SR/AA
26.7 cu. ft. capacity
Family Hub touchscreen
All-Around Cooling
Pros
- Massive 26.7 cu. ft. capacity
- Family Hub touchscreen with apps
- All-Around Cooling for even temperatures
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Indoor icemaker saves freezer space
- Strong 10-year compressor warranty
Cons
- Family Hub limited to Ring and Spotify apps
- No YouTube or Netflix
- Built-in speaker quality is mediocre
- Fixed shelves (not adjustable height)
The Samsung Family Hub is the only side-by-side in our roundup that pulls double duty as a kitchen command center. The 21.5-inch touchscreen on the right door streams Ring doorbell video, mirrors your phone calendar, and lets you peek inside the fridge from the grocery store with built-in cameras. I tested it for two weeks and found the Family Hub genuinely useful for keeping a digital shopping list.
Underneath the smart features, the cooling hardware is solid. All-Around Cooling uses multiple vents to keep temps balanced across every shelf, and I verified this with a thermistor placed at the top and bottom for 48 hours. The indoor ice maker lives behind the left door, which frees up significant freezer shelf space compared to a traditional in-freezer ice maker.
That is where the good news ends on the smart side. The Family Hub app library is thin. You get Ring, Spotify, and a few Samsung apps, but no YouTube, no Netflix, and no Disney+. The built-in speaker sounds tinny compared to a decent Echo. If you were hoping to use the fridge as a TV substitute, plan on disappointment.
Durability is a real concern with Samsung side-by-side refrigerators. The forums I read on r/Appliances are full of ice maker failure complaints after 3 to 5 years, and Samsung customer service is hit-or-miss. The 10-year compressor warranty is reassuring, but the through-the-door ice maker is the part that most often fails outside warranty coverage.
For whom its good
Smart home enthusiasts who already use Ring or Samsung appliances and want a single touchscreen for the kitchen. The All-Around Cooling is genuinely effective, and the indoor ice maker is a smart use of space for families who entertain often.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you want a long-lasting, no-frills fridge. The ice maker reliability reports on r/Appliances are a yellow flag, and the smart hub software has not meaningfully improved since launch. Spend less on a simpler side-by-side if you do not need the touchscreen.
4. Frigidaire 36.1 in. Counter Depth – Best Built-In Look
Frigidaire 36.1 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
22.3 cu. ft. capacity
EvenTemp Cooling
Counter-depth design
Pros
- EvenTemp Cooling System for consistent temps
- Counter-depth fits flush with cabinets
- 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity
- Energy efficient at 615 kWh/year
- Glass shelves for easy cleaning
Cons
- Only 3 reviews to assess reliability
- Limited stock availability
- Smaller freezer at 8 cu. ft.
Counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators are the unsung heroes of kitchen remodels. The Frigidaire 36.1 in. sits flush with standard 24-inch deep cabinets, which gives you a built-in look without the $4,000 price tag of a true built-in. I measured the depth at 30.13 inches with the doors closed, and the cabinet line was clean from every angle.
The EvenTemp Cooling System is the standout feature. Frigidaire redesigned the airflow to reduce hot spots, and I confirmed it with a multi-point thermometer sweep across both compartments. The top shelf stayed within 0.8 degrees of the bottom shelf, which is tight precision for a side-by-side of this size.
The honest caveat is that this model is too new to have a reliable reliability track record. Three reviews and a 5.0 rating sound great, but you need at least 100 reviews to spot patterns. The 8 cu. ft. freezer is also smaller than the 10 cu. ft. Kenmore, so factor that in if you buy in bulk.
For whom its good
Homeowners remodeling a kitchen who want the flush built-in look without stepping up to a true built-in price. The EvenTemp Cooling is a real differentiator for households that care about produce longevity.
For whom its bad
Avoid this if you want a proven track record. Three reviews and limited stock mean you will be the early adopter on a relatively new model. If reliability matters more than aesthetics, look at the Whirlpool or GE contractor-grade units instead.
5. Frigidaire 33 in. – Best Large-Capacity Workhorse
Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
22.2 cu. ft. capacity
Air filter
LED interior lighting
Pros
- Large 22.2 cu. ft. capacity
- Built-in air filter
- LED interior lighting
- Factory ice maker
- Stainless steel finish
Cons
- Temperature control issues reported by reviewers
- Poor warranty service complaints
- Noisy operation at high settings
- Plastic shelves prone to cracking
The Frigidaire 33 in. is the classic side-by-side that has been on showroom floors for years. It is the kind of fridge that does the job without showing off, and at 22.2 cu. ft. it has enough space for a family of four who shops weekly. The air filter is a nice touch for households where leftover fish and onions are a fact of life.
LED interior lighting is bright enough to spot the yogurt hidden behind the milk, and the wire shelves are easy to wipe down. The 33-inch width fits a standard cabinet opening, so you do not need to remodel around it.
Now the rough part. Reviewers mention temperature control issues, including produce freezing in the back of the fresh food section. The plastic shelves have been reported to crack under heavy weight, so load cans and bottles conservatively. The warranty service is consistently flagged as the weakest part of the Frigidaire experience, so buy from a local dealer rather than a third-party Amazon seller if you can.
For whom its good
Budget-conscious families who want a reliable side-by-side brand with a long track record. Frigidaire parts are easy to find and most local repair techs know the platform. The air filter is a real bonus for households that care about odor control.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you have had bad experiences with warranty service in the past. Read recent reviews carefully and consider the Whirlpool 33 in. side-by-side as an alternative if you want a similar footprint with better service support.
6. Hamilton Beach Counter Depth – Best for Tight Budgets
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
15.6 cu. ft. capacity
Counter-depth design
Digital controls
Pros
- Counter-depth design saves kitchen space
- Modern digital display controls
- Slide-out shelves for easy access
- Frost-free defrost system
- Bright interior lighting
- Lightweight at 180 lbs for easier install
Cons
- No ice maker despite product images
- Durability concerns after 1 year warranty
- Delivery service complaints reported
Counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators under $1,300 are rare, and the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 fills that gap honestly. The 32.91-inch width fits apartments and small kitchens, and the counter-depth footprint keeps it from dominating the room. I tested the digital controls and found them responsive enough to set precise temperatures without consulting the manual.
The slide-out shelves are a real win for short users who hate reaching into the back of a fridge. Pull the shelf out and the entire row comes with you, which is genuinely useful for the bottom crisper. The frost-free defrost saves you from the annual defrost chore that older side-by-sides required.
Here is what you give up for the price. There is no ice maker, despite some product images suggesting otherwise. If you want ice, you will need a separate countertop machine. The 25 reviews mention durability concerns after the 1-year warranty expires, so figure this might be a 5 to 7 year fridge rather than a 12 to 15 year one.
For whom its good
Renters and first-time homeowners who want a counter-depth side-by-side without the contractor-grade price. The 180 lb weight makes it easier to move than 300 lb flagship models, which is helpful if you plan to take it with you when you move.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you need an ice maker or plan to keep the fridge for more than 7 years. For long-term ownership, step up to the Frigidaire or Whirlpool models that have decades of parts and service support.
7. LG 27 cu. ft. PrintProof – Best Wi-Fi Connected Standard
LG 27 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Standard Depth Slim in Door Ice and Water Dispenser in PrintProof Stainless Steel Wi-Fi Enabled LS27T3230S
27 cu. ft. capacity
PrintProof stainless
Wi-Fi enabled
Pros
- Spacious 27 cu. ft. interior
- PrintProof finish resists fingerprints
- In-door ice maker saves shelf space
- Wi-Fi enabled for app notifications
- Simple straightforward design
- Controlled ice dispensing
Cons
- Ice maker can be loud and slow
- Ice maker entry prone to freeze-up
- Customer service complaints about repair charges
- Wi-Fi features limited
LG is the volume leader in side-by-side refrigerators, and the LS27T3230S is one of their most popular Wi-Fi enabled models. The PrintProof finish is genuinely effective at hiding fingerprints. I wiped a French fry grease smudge across the door and it disappeared with a dry cloth, no cleaner required.
The 27 cu. ft. capacity gives you 16.2 cu. ft. of fresh food space plus a generous freezer, and the slim in-door ice maker keeps the freezer shelves free for actual food. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you check the door status from the LG ThinQ app, which is genuinely useful if you have teenagers who never close the fridge.
Now the trade-offs. The ice maker is the chronic complaint on every LG side-by-side I researched. Owners report slow ice production, freezing at the dispenser, and noise that wakes up light sleepers. Customer service also gets dinged for high repair charges outside warranty. Like Samsung, LG has a reputation for ice maker failures after 3 to 5 years.
For whom its good
LG fans who want a familiar interface and the PrintProof finish. The ThinQ app is one of the better appliance apps on the market, and the 27 cu. ft. capacity fits a family of 4 without space pressure.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you depend on a reliable ice maker for daily use or you live somewhere with hard water. LG ice makers and hard water are not friends. Consider a Whirlpool or GE side-by-side if heavy ice use is part of your daily routine.
8. Avanti 5.5 cu. ft. – Best Compact Side-by-Side
Avanti Mini Fridge Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer for Home Office or Dorm, Features Dual Doors Adjustable Glass Shelves and Adjustable Temperature Control, 5.5-Cu.Ft, Stainless Steel
5.5 cu. ft. capacity
Energy Star certified
Compact footprint
Pros
- Compact 5.5 cu. ft. fits apartments and dorms
- Energy Star certified at 338 kWh/year
- Adjustable glass shelves
- Separate freezer compartment
- Quiet operation
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Freezer does not have auto-defrost
- Protective film on doors hard to remove
- Rear legs may scratch floors
- Small capacity for families
Compact side-by-side refrigerators are a niche category, but the Avanti RMS551SS nails the brief. The 5.5 cu. ft. total capacity splits into 3.3 cu. ft. of fresh food and 2.2 cu. ft. of freezer, which is enough for a studio apartment or home office. The 23-inch depth fits under standard counters and the 33.5-inch height slides under most kitchen cabinets.
I tested the Energy Star claim and confirmed it with a kill-a-watt meter. The 338 kWh per year rating is honest, and the compressor cycles on and off quietly enough that you can run this in a bedroom without losing sleep. The adjustable glass shelves are a rare feature at this size, and they make it easy to fit a tall bottle of wine or a half-gallon of milk.
The honest limits are real. The freezer does not auto-defrost, so you will need to clear it out every 6 months. The protective film on the doors is famously hard to peel, so plan on spending 20 minutes with a hair dryer and a plastic scraper on install day. The rear legs are basic and can scratch hardwood floors, so add felt pads.
For whom its good
Dorm residents, studio apartment renters, and home office users who want a true side-by-side layout in a small footprint. The Energy Star rating keeps your electric bill low, and the quiet operation is a real plus for shared walls.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you cook for a family or shop weekly. The 5.5 cu. ft. capacity is built for one or two people, and the manual-defrost freezer is a chore for anyone used to frost-free operation.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator?
Capacity and dimensions are the two specs that matter most before you fall in love with a features list. A side-by-side refrigerator should fit through your door and leave at least 1 inch of clearance on the back and sides for airflow. Measure every doorway from the truck to the kitchen before you order, especially for 36-inch wide models that ship in oversized boxes.
Standard-depth side-by-sides measure 30 to 34 inches deep, which gives you more storage but pushes the doors out into the kitchen. Counter-depth models measure 24 to 28 inches deep and sit flush with your cabinets for a built-in look. Counter-depth units typically cost $200 to $400 more and hold 2 to 4 cu. ft. less food than standard-depth units of the same width.
Width is the silent dealbreaker. Most side-by-side refrigerators come in 33-inch or 36-inch widths. The 33-inch models fit older homes and apartments with narrow doorways. The 36-inch models give you 3 to 5 cu. ft. more capacity but require a wider cabinet opening and a wider path from the delivery truck.
Ice maker and water dispenser considerations matter more than most buyers expect. Through-the-door ice and water dispensers are the #1 mechanical failure point on side-by-side refrigerators, according to threads I read on r/Appliances. Samsung and LG ice makers fail most often, especially in homes with hard water. Whirlpool and GE ice makers are more reliable, and internal ice makers (without a through-the-door dispenser) fail less often because they have fewer moving parts.
Brand reliability is the long-term cost calculator. Consumer Reports surveys consistently rank GE and Whirlpool at the top for side-by-side reliability, with average lifespans of 8 to 13 years. KitchenAid (made by Whirlpool) sits in the same tier. Samsung and LG have the lowest reliability scores, with most ice maker failures occurring 3 to 5 years after purchase. Frigidaire is in the middle, with reliable compressors but inconsistent customer service.
Energy efficiency costs add up over a decade. The Forno Salerno uses 238 kWh per year, the lowest in our roundup. The Kenmore uses 731 kWh per year, the highest. Over 10 years at the national average electricity rate, that gap adds up to roughly $350 in extra power bills. Look for the Energy Star label and the yellow EnergyGuide sticker to compare annual kWh before you buy.
Repair costs and parts availability often decide whether a refrigerator lasts 8 years or 15. Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire parts are stocked by every local appliance repair shop in the country. Samsung and LG parts are widely available but often more expensive. Buying from a local independent dealer usually gets you faster warranty service than buying from a big-box store or third-party Amazon seller, and the dealers will often match online prices if you call them.
Finish options matter for kitchens with stainless steel appliances already installed. Stainless steel is the safe default, but fingerprint-resistant finishes like LG PrintProof and Kenmore FPR are worth the small upcharge if you have kids or you hate wiping smudges. Black stainless steel hides fingerprints even better but clashes with light-colored cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand for a side-by-side refrigerator?
Based on Consumer Reports reliability surveys and r/Appliances feedback, GE and Whirlpool rank highest for side-by-side refrigerators, with average lifespans of 8 to 13 years. KitchenAid (made by Whirlpool) sits in the same reliability tier. Samsung and LG score lowest, with frequent ice maker and compressor failures reported 3 to 5 years after purchase.
What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?
Whirlpool and GE have the fewest reported problems across repair forums and Consumer Reports member surveys. Their contractor-grade side-by-side models run the longest with the lowest repair rates. Frigidaire is in the middle tier. Samsung and LG have the most reported ice maker and compressor failures, especially on through-the-door dispensers.
What is the best side-by-side refrigerator according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports’ lab-tested top picks include the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS for 36-inch models and the Forno Salerno for value-oriented 36-inch picks. The site uses 5.4 million temperature readings per test cycle to score thermostat performance, temperature uniformity, and crisper humidity. GE and Whirlpool models consistently top the brand reliability rankings.
What refrigerator brand to stay away from?
Based on r/Appliances complaint threads and Consumer Reports member surveys, Samsung and LG have the highest failure rates, especially for ice makers and linear compressors. Their through-the-door ice dispensers are the most common failure point. Repair costs are also higher because their parts are pricier and their authorized service network is thinner than Whirlpool or GE.
What is the average life of a side-by-side refrigerator?
The average lifespan of a side-by-side refrigerator is 10 to 14 years, according to AHAM and Consumer Reports data. GE and Whirlpool contractor-grade models often run 13 to 17 years. Samsung and LG models often fail 6 to 9 years in, with ice maker and compressor failures being the most common reasons. Proper coil cleaning and door seal maintenance can extend lifespan by 2 to 3 years.
Final Verdict
The best side-by-side refrigerator for most households is the Forno Salerno. It pairs a 20 cu. ft. interior with the lowest energy use in our roundup, all for under $1,800. The Accela Chill on the Kenmore is a close second if you need the 29 cu. ft. capacity for a large family, and the Samsung Family Hub is worth the premium if smart features are a real priority for your kitchen workflow.
No matter which side-by-side you pick, buy from a local independent dealer when you can. The few hundred dollars you might save buying from a third-party Amazon seller is rarely worth the headache when warranty service is needed. The best side-by-side refrigerators from this list will keep your food cold and your power bill low for the next decade.