Side by Side Refrigerators

Nowadays, there are some household appliances that we definitely cannot live without. Among the most important of them is the refrigerator, which is without a doubt extremely useful. Side by side models are the most popular ones these days, due to several reasons. They have an interior very well organized, and they are also quite spacious. These models are not big but not small either, and they are highly recommended for medium-sized families. If you want to find out more about side by side models, then take a look at the following information.

Top 5 Side-by-Side Refrigerators Comparison

	1. LG LSXS22423B	2. Kenmore Elite 51823	3. Kenmore Elite 51773	4. GE GSE25HGHWW	5. Frigidaire FFSS2615TE
	BEST MODEL			OUR CHOICE
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Product Specifications
Brand	LG	Kenmore	Kenmore	GE	Frigidaire
Total Capacity (cu.ft)	21.86	21.9	27.7	25.3	25.6
Number of Shelves/ Bins	5	10	9	8	7
Interior Light
Energy Consumption	606 kWh/Year	606 kWh/Year	739 kWh/Year	643 kWh/Year	709 kWh/Year
Features
Ice & Water Dispenser
Cooling Technology		GeniusCool	GeniusCool
Temperature Sensors	6	N/A	N/A	4	N/A
Humidity Control
Door Alarm
CoolTight Door
Water Filtration System
Water Filter Change Indicator Light
Additional Features
	Tall Ice & Water Dispenser	Automatic Defrost	SmartSense Temperature Management	Child Lock	Ready-Select LCD Controls
	LoDecibel Quiet Operation	Digital Controls	Accela Ice	Frost Guard Automatic Defrost	Energy Saver Plus Technology
	Child Lock	CleanFlow Air Filter	CleanFlow Air Filter	Upfront Electronic Touch Temperature Controls	Adjustable Interior Storage
	SpillProtector Tempered Glass	Contoured Door Style	Water Filter	Advanced Water Filtration	Meat/ Deli Drawer
Design
Depth with Handles	35 5/8″	34.375″	35.13″	34 3/4″	31 3/4″
Depth without Handles	34 1/3″	33″	29 7/8″	32 3/4″	N/A
Depth without Door	28 5/8″	28.625″	29″	28 1/2″	28 3/4″
Depth (Total with Door Open)	49 1/2″	49.5″	51.125″	50″	49 1/2″
Height to Top of Case	65 5/8″	65.625″	68.88″	69″	68 7/8″
Height to Top of Door Hinge	66 3/4″	66.75″	69″	N/A	69 5/8″
Width (Door Open 90° with Handle)	40 5/8″	40.625″	38″	43 1/2″	N/A
Width (Door Open 90° without Handle)	35 5/8″	N/A	N/A	38 1/2″	N/A
Weight	250 Lbs	250 Lbs	307 Lbs	320 Lbs	300 Lbs
Available Colors	Smooth White, Smooth Black, Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel, Black, White	Stainless Steel, Black, White	White, Slate, Stainless Steel, Black, Black Stainless	Ebony Black, Pearl White
Hidden Hinges
Certifications & Approvals
Certifications & Approvals	ADA Compliant	Energy Star Certified	NSF Certified	Energy Star Certified	Energy Star Certified, CSA Certified, ADA Cmpliant
Warranty&Customer Service
Warranty	1 Year for Parts and Labor, 5 Years for Sealed System, 5 Years for Compressor, 6-10 Years Linear Compressor	1 Year for Parts and Labor, 5 Years for Sealed System, 10 Years for Linear Compressor	1 Year for Parts and Labor	1 Year for Parts and Labor	1 Year for Parts and Labor
Customer Service

Refrigerators Evaluations

1. LG LSXS22423B

This top-tier refrigerator is perfect for large households, allowing you to store up to 15.01 cubic feet of food in the refrigerator section, and up to 6.85 cubic feet in the freezer section. It is an Energy Star certified product which consumes only 606 kWh per year, so you need not worry about the energy bills as it won’t add a lot to them. When it comes to convenience in use, the Digital Temperature controls allow you to set and maintain whatever humidity and temperature levels you see fit in order to preserve food items fresh for a longer time.

Undoubtedly, one of its best features is the SpacePlus Ice System which ensures that the ice dispenser will not take up valuable space, freeing it in order to allow you to store more fresh food in the shelf compartments. The door alarm feature announces you when you forget to close the door, preventing an unwanted situation where you might leave the door open overnight and end up spoiling the food products inside it. It offers 3 shelves and 2 humidity crisper bins in the refrigerator section, allowing you to partition food items as you please.

It features LED panels at the back of the fridge, panels which provide brightness in the interior of the appliance. Also, as these are LED lights, they consume considerably less energy than traditional bulbs do, hence the refrigerator’s energy efficiency. Other features worth mentioning include the Child Lock function that does not allow the small ones to tamper with the fridge when you are not around, and the LoDecibel Quiet Operation technology which ensures you will barely hear the refrigerator running.

PROS	CONS
SpacePlus Ice System provides more free space in the fresh food shelf compartments	No downsides to this product
Digital temperature controls allow you to conveniently set and maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels
Energy Star compliance shows this is an energy efficient refrigeration unit
Freezer compartment features 5 glass shelves to store food products on
VERDICT
A 33-inch wide refrigerator that will perfectly compliment your modern kitchen, and one in which you will have no trouble storing all of your favorite food items is this LG product. We strongly recommend it as it comes with innovative cooling technologies and it boasts a great partitioning due to the shelves and drawers it features.

2. Kenmore Elite 51823

Imposing through its design and praiseworthy for its capability to keep foods at optimal temperatures in an ideal environment, this Kenmore refrigerator is all that a large household could ask for. It boasts a generous 21.9 cubic feet total capacity, so regardless of how much grocery shopping you do, there will be enough space for all the items. What you will surely appreciate is that this refrigeration unit features a charcoal filter which preserves a pleasant smell inside the appliance, a feature that only top-tier products deliver.

In terms of space and storage, there is nothing bad that we can say about it as it is in fact perfect. It comes with gallon-sized adjustable door bins which allow you to store tall bottles without a problem, and a dairy shelf where you can strictly put dairy products to have them within your reach. For optimal performance and temperature and humidity preservation, the refrigeration unit utilizes the GeniusCool technology.

It features spill-proof glass shelves which make it easy to clean up when a bottle of milk or orange spills over. It features a built-in water filter which handles contaminants removal in order to ensure that you will only consume fresh and safe water. Furthermore, you can have ice in your glass at the simple touch of a button, so a convenient operation is definitely awaiting you if you purchase it.

PROS	CONS
Multi Air Flow technology maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels	A bit expensive
Adjustable door bins allow you to even store gallon-sized bottles inside the refrigerator
Charcoal filters ensures the appliance will be odor-free at all times
Dairy shelf allows you to conveniently store dairy products in your reach
VERDICT
Smart and more than generous in terms of its capacity, this Kenmore refrigerator is a perfect fit in the kitchen of a serious chef with a large family. It boasts a clean finish and an interesting overall design, and the partitioning of the shelves, bins, and drawers allows complete freedom when it comes to storing your favorite foods inside it.

3. Kenmore Elite 51773

This refrigeration unit is everything that you could ask for if you have a large family. Smart in its design and intuitive when it comes to preserving the ideal temperature and humidity levels, your food will be kept fresh for a longer time in it. Also, it is worth mentioning the fact that despite its impressive capacity, it does not take up an absurd amount of space in the kitchen. Furthermore, it comes in 3 color variations, allowing you to pick the one which suits your décor best.

The spill-proof glass shelving it features ensures that when messes do occur, you won’t have a hard time cleaning up. It comes with gallon-sized adjustable door bins which allow you to store tall bottles without a problem. Among its most important features is the SmartSense temperature management technology which automatically maintains the optimal temperature and humidity in both compartments.

It features an in-door ice maker which is easy to use and dispenses crushed or cubic ice instantly. Also, the dispenser is conveniently placed to free up more room for food product storage, optimizing the space provided by the refrigerator. Additionally, the water filter it features removes up to 99.9% of contaminants, thus ensuring you will drink clean, pure water.

PROS	CONS
Features a humidity-controlled crisper	Lacks a water filter change indicator
Air filtration ensures the refrigerator will always smell fresh and clean
Allows you to choose between crushed and cubed ice
Features automatic frost-free defrost system
VERDICT
Convenient to use and very spacious in terms of food storage, the Elite 51773 had to make it in our top as it is indeed one of the best side-by-side refrigerators on the market at the moment. As you have probably already concluded yourself after reading the review, it is capable of keeping your food fresh for a longer time than other refrigerators, so it is worth every cent.

4. GE GSE25HGHWW

Delivering the best performance in its price range, this affordable refrigerator does not disappoint as it is filled with numerous features and utilizes the latest technologies in terms of cooling. It is designed to perfectly compliment any kitchen décor and it comes in plenty of colors, allowing you to choose what suits your tastes best. In terms of storage, it is ideal as it has a generous capacity of up to 25.3 cubic feet. It is designed for convenience in use, proof being the door gaskets which can be easily removed.

In order to save energy when you are away, it allows you to switch to the Vacation mode. Another mention-worthy feature is the Child Lock which does not allow the small ones to access the settings when you are not around or paying attention. It filters the water it dispenses in order to ensure you will not drink impurity-filled water which might harm your health. Additionally, it comes with a water filter replacement indicator light that announces you when maintenance work is due.

The refrigerator section features 4 door bins and 4 shelves, while the freezer compartment features 3 shelves and 4 bins. Furthermore, it provides you with two slide-out storage baskets where you can conveniently place food items. In addition, you can adjust the humidity levels in the drawers as you want, thus ensuring all food products will be kept in the best possible environment for them to stay fresh for a longer time.

PROS	CONS
Great price to quality ratio	No real downsides to this product
Integrated shelf support system
Condenser never requires to be cleaned
When you are away for a long time, you can set it on Vacation mode
VERDICT
Produced by one of the most renowned appliances manufacturers out there, the GE GSE25HGHWW can be described best this way – bang for your buck. Feature-filled and accompanied by the most innovative technologies, its performance will surely never let you down. Best of all, it comes in numerous color variations, allowing you to find the right one for your existing kitchen décor.

5. Frigidaire FFSS2615TE

Although it ranks fifth in our top, the FFSS2615TE is a refrigerator we strongly recommend you take into consideration as it comes at a great price and delivers an amazing performance. Built to last and keep food fresh for longer than ever, it makes for the perfect option for large households. The reason why we are so convinced you will appreciate it is because it has a great 25.5 storage capacity, and it allows you to customize the storage space as you see fit, it over 100 different ways to be precise.

In terms of energy consumption, it is hard to beat this product as it comes with the Energy Saver Plus technology which automatically changes the settings to approach an energy-saving mode when the refrigerator door is not opened for over 24 hours. Furthermore, it does not consume a lot of electricity, to begin with, so you do not have to worry about spending too much when the bills come after installing it.

Another highlight worth mentioning is the fact that it filters the water before dispensing it in order to keep you safe and healthy. Also, it features a filter change alert which takes the guesswork out of this maintenance task. Overall, it is an appliance that we are convinced will serve you well for years on end, so make sure you check it out more thoroughly in the comparison matrix above to convince yourself how impressive it actually is.

PROS	CONS
Side-mounted ice maker saves space for storing food items	Does not allow you to control humidity levels
You can choose whether you want crushed or cube ice
2-paddle dispenser design allows a convenient use
Adjustable door bins allow you to fit in large-sized bottles
VERDICT
Last we have this Frigidaire appliance which comes at a reasonable price and delivers a spacious interior which allows a large family to easily deposit all food items. Best of all, it allows you to organize and customize the interior storage as you like, so you can juggle with it according to the food products you have bought at that moment to optimize storage.

6. Kenmore 50049

As you are already aware by this point, Kenmore is one of the brands you can trustfully buy from as it produces the highest-quality refrigerators. The 50049 makes no exception, its 25 cubic feet interior space making it a perfect selection for mid-sized families, even large ones. It features glass shelves which you can easily adjust as you want to gain more storage space when needed. Furthermore, it features an innovative humidity-controlled crisper bin that provides you with even more organizational options.

As any modern refrigerator, it features a Dual Pad ice and water dispenser that adds convenience as you can enjoy water and ice on demand. Best of all, the built-in water filtration system put in place ensures the water you drink is free of impurities. It has adjustable gallon-sized door bins where you can store your big milk bottles or anything else you cannot find proper storage space for anywhere else in the fridge. The specialized dairy shelf ensures dairy products are kept in optimal conditions so that they don’t spoil easily.

It features LED lights which light up bright, providing you with a clear path whenever you want to search for food in the middle of the night, but you are too lazy to turn the lights on in the kitchen. It is estimated that it uses up approximately 702 kWh per year, which makes it one of the most energy efficient refrigerators on the market. Additionally, it is backed by a 1-year warranty by the manufacturing company against defects in workmanship or material.

PROS	CONS
Interior space of 25 cubic feet	Not the cheapest option on the market
Features a dual pad ice and water dispenser
Features gallon-sized adjustable door bins
Water filter removes impurities to ensure you are drinking clean water
VERDICT
Made by Kenmore, which is one of the most respected brands in the niche, this refrigerator is one of our top recommendations as it can accommodate a big quantity of foods, thus being ideal for mid-sized or even large families. It might not be the cheapest option to go for, but considering the fact that it comes with the latest features and technologies, it is surely worth the investment.

7. Samsung RS25H5000BC

For a fridge to boast the Energy Star certification, it really has to stand out. Fortunately, this is exactly the case with this Samsung entry, refrigerator which has earned the title of energy efficient appliance as it boasts an yearly power usage of only 625 kWh. Thus, the rather expensive upfront price is not only explicable, but easier to handle once you realize the perks which come with using it.

As it boasts a generous 24.5 cubic feet total capacity, 15.7 cubic feet of which belong to the refrigerator side, while 8.8 cubic feet to the freezer side, you are sure to fit inside it as much food as you and your family can eat. The freezer side features a compact icemaker, a drawer, 4 door bins, and 4 wire shelves. When it comes to the refrigerator side, know that it features 4 spill-proof shelves, a snack drawer, a dairy bin, 2 clear crispers, and 4 door bins.

Obviously, as expected from modern refrigerators by this point, it features an external filtered water and ice dispenser. As it uses filtration, the water used is 100% guaranteed to be free of impurities that would have otherwise harmed your health. It features a useful LED light which makes it easy for you to scout the fridge at night without opening the lights in the kitchen. It features 6 total temperature sensors which ensure a precise operation. Furthermore, this household appliance is backed with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, and a 5-year warranty for the sealed system.

PROS	CONS
Generous 24.5 cubic feet total capacity	Comes at an expensive price
In the freezer, there are 4 wire shelves, 4 door bins, and 1 drawer to allow you to organize your food as you like
LED light illuminates interior to allow you to see what’s inside without opening the light in the room
Complies with Energy Star guidelines – uses only 695 kWh per year
VERDICT
Although it isn’t the cheapest acquisition you could make, this refrigerator compensates for the upfront price through its capacity, design, and the low power consumption it boasts. Thus, there is a lot to gain if you choose it in the detriment of other products which come at cheaper prices.

What You Should Know About These Appliances

A refrigerator is without a doubt essential in any kitchen, in order to keep the food and the drinks fresh at all times. Even if there are many types of models available on the market today, many people opt for side by side units. They actually split your fridge right down the middle, in order to offer you fresh foods on the right and frozen foods on the left. Furthermore, they also provide an equal real estate for both sections. On the other hand, some of them can actually allocate an extra couple of inches for the fridge. These appliances come in a wide variety of models and they tend to showcase a lot more innovative features than their horizontally minded counterparts. Some of these features are great for those who want to save some space, especially when it comes to the shelving inside the doors.

They also require much less clearance to open the doors, making them ideal for those who own a very narrow kitchen. Due to the vertical split, many people want to go with the widest model that will fit into their kitchen, and their budget as well. With the freezer on one side and the fridge on the other, these units usually come equipped with temperature-controlled bins and through-the-door ice&water dispensers. With widths typically between 31 and 36 inches, these appliances claim roughly 30 cubic feet capacity. Their narrow doors are without a doubt a plus for those who own a small kitchen. However, they do not open wide enough for storing a pizza box, for example. The tall and narrow compartments make items stuck at the back, which means that are quite hard to find. Overall, they are not as energy efficient nor or space efficient as other models, but they are quite good from other points of view.

Why Side-By-Side Models Are Better

• It is absolutely great for kitchens with narrow walkways

These products usually have a width between 18 and 21 inches. In comparison with single door units that have a 36-inch width, they are without a doubt great for all those who own a kitchen with narrow walkways or an island that it is placed too close. The wide-open doors of these appliances do not usually block the walkway. Therefore, if you have a similar kitchen design, then it is highly recommended to purchase a side by side unit.

• You will have an easy access to the freezer section

Due to the fact that the freezer is located separately, you will absolutely love the fact that you will have an easy access to the freezer section. This detail is very important if you really want to find with ease and quickly the desired item. All your foods will definitely be very well organized.


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• It is perfect for medium families

If you do not have a very big family and if you do not only live with your partner, then this type of appliance is absolutely perfect for you. It is not very large, but not small either. It has enough space to store food for 3 or even 4 members.

• Elegant design

If you want a unit with an elegant appearance that will fit your modern kitchen, then you should go for a side by side model. These units have a very elegant finish that will certainly complement any kitchen.

Choosing a Quality Refrigerator

If you want to make sure you are going to choose one of the best models, then you must take into consideration some important details. There are some essential aspects that will certainly make the difference between a high-quality appliance and a poor quality one. Therefore, in order to know exactly what you should look for, take a look at the following information.

• Certifications&Approvals are very important

It is very important that the appliance you are going to buy has the necessary certifications and approvals that will allow you to use it safely and efficiently as well. Therefore, look for a unit that is CSA Certified, Sabbath Mode (Star-K Certified), ADA Compliant, and Energy Star Rated as well. If it has all these certifications, it is without a doubt a high-quality product that will meet all your needs.

• Consider the temperature/humidity controls

Most of these models feature electronic temperature controls which enable excellent temperature precision. These are definitely very easy to operate using a LED display. If the model is quite advanced, it will actually allow you to set different temperatures within certain areas of the fridge. For example, some appliances provide a ‘chill’ compartment which is absolutely perfect for keeping meat and other perishables fresher for a longer period of time. Some units also provide a ‘drinks chill’ option that will help you quickly bring the wine, the champagne or any other drink you want down to an ideal serving temperature.

Furthermore, some side by side units come equipped with a ‘turbo freeze’ option to quickly freeze food that you have recently added it to the freezer. Keep in mind that the humidity levels can affect the freshness of vegetables and fruits, and this is why it is very important that you opt for a fridge supplies a crisper bin in order to prevent your veggies from drying out. The more advanced appliances will allow you to exactly control the humidity levels to best suit whatever it is you are actually storing, which is an absolutely great advantage.

• Go for an appliance with adjustable glass shelves

Adjustable glass shelves provide flexible storage options and they are also very are easy to clean. The glass is sturdier than plastic, and it also helps in retaining the cold air. You should look for shelving with spill proofing. Some brands can actually prevent spills of up to 1 liter from dripping to the shelves below.

• Make sure the unit has a water&ice dispenser

A high-quality appliance will definitely come equipped with a water&ice dispenser in front of the fridge door. This is without a doubt very convenient, but it can increase the price of the appliance and take up storage space. Take into account the fact that the water dispensers must be plumbed in by a licensed tradesman. Another option is to purchase a unit with a twisting ice cube tray, which is usually located above an ice storage box.

Brands Worth Buying From

Choosing the appliance can be quite difficult for many people. There are many models available on the market today, each of them with different features. It is quite complicated to choose the manufacturer as well if you are not very well informed about this aspect. Therefore, in order to ease your choice, we have made a short list of the best brands that you can find on the market nowadays.

• Frigidaire

Frigidaire products are built to last and meet all your needs. They are CSA Certified, Sabbath Mode (Star-K Certified), ADA Compliant, and they usually have a 1-year limited warranty. Furthermore, Frigidaire appliances come with innovative features such as flush single paddle dispenser, contour door, air filter, quiet operation, adjustable front rollers, humidity-controlled drawers, and more.

• Whirlpool

Another reliable brand is Whirlpool. This manufacturer has a large range of models on the market these days, and all of them are Energy Star Certified. This actually means that they meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the government. They do not only meet Energy Star requirements, they actually exceed them. Built to meet all your needs, Whirlpool appliances are without a doubt highly recommended by many users.

• Samsung

Are you planning to buy a refrigerator? If so, you should go for a Samsung model. This brand is a well-known one these days, and furthermore, it is one that builds appliances that will satisfy even the most demanding customer. Samsung units come with a 1-year warranty for parts and labor, 5 years for parts and labor on sealed refrigeration system only, and 10-year parts and 5-year labor on Digital Inverter Compressor (compressor, evaporator, condenser, drier, connecting tubing).

Rating Process – How It All Went Down

After we have reviewed some products in this category, we have decided that there are some important details that anyone who is interested in buying an appliance like this, should definitely take into consideration, in order to make a good choice. Therefore, if you want to buy a high-quality unit, then have a look at the following aspects that stood behind our ratings.

• Innovative features

The features that a kitchen appliance like this has is extremely important. Therefore, what you need to do is to look for a unit that has, first of all, a filtration system. This filtration system will actually remove the impurities from the drinking water before it is dispensed so that you and the entire family can protect your family. The Multi-Air Flow Cooling System is another excellent feature that the unit you are going to buy should have. This means that the air actually flows from multiple outlets at every shelf level for fast and even cooling. The product that has these 2 important features and much more is the LG LSXS26366S. It is one of the models that we liked the most from this point of view, and it is a unit that will definitely keep your food fresh for a very long period of time. Furthermore, it will do that in an energy efficient way.

• Certifications

The certifications that a product like this has is another important aspect that matters very much to us. Therefore, we looked for a unit that is very safe to use, and that it is also environmentally friendly, and we found the Frigidaire FGHC2331PF. It is CSA Certified, ADA Compliant, and Sabbath Mode (Star-K Certified).

• Design

When you buy such an appliance, you certainly want a unit that will perfectly fit your modern kitchen, and not only. Therefore, you must go for a wonderful design, with straight lines and an elegant finish. The appliance that we like very much from this point of views is the SAMSUNG RH22H9010SR. It has a stainless steel finish that will beautifully complement any kitchen.

• Warranty

This detail was very important to us when we made the reviews, and what we liked the most is the Samsung RH22H9010SR, because it comes with one of the best warranties on the market: 5-year parts&labor on sealed refrigeration system only, 1-year parts&labor for the refrigerator, and 10-year parts and 5-Year labor on digital inverter compressor (compressor, connecting tubing, condenser, drier, evaporator).

Frequently Asked Questions