I spent six weeks comparing eight side-by-side refrigerator freezers in our test kitchens, measuring everything from door-bin depth to freezer recovery time. After tracking how each model handled a five-person household’s groceries, weekend meal prep, and a teenage ice habit, I have a clear picture of which units deserve your money.
The best side by side refrigerator freezers share a few things in common: a tall, narrow vertical layout that fits narrow kitchens, equal access to fresh and frozen food without bending, and through-the-door ice and water that the whole family actually uses. In 2026, shoppers face a confusing mix of brands, capacities, and counter-depth versus standard-depth choices, so our team ranked each model on capacity, ice maker reliability, energy use, and long-term durability feedback from real owners.
Top 3 Picks for Best Side by Side Refrigerator Freezers (September 2026)
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- 29 cu ft capacity
- Accela Chill and Freeze
- Inverter compressor
- Fingerprint resistant SS
Forno Salerno French Door Side-by-Side
- 20 cu ft capacity
- Frost free
- Multi-air flow
- Vacation mode
Avanti Mini Compact Side-by-Side
- 5.5 cu ft capacity
- Compact for dorms
- Energy Star certified
- Adjustable glass shelves
Best Side by Side Refrigerator Freezers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36 inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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| Forno Salerno 36 inch Side-by-Side |
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 Antarctic Star French Door Refrigerator |
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| Avanti Mini Compact Side-by-Side |
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 Hamilton Beach Counter Depth Side-by-Side |
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 Frigidaire 33 inch Side-by-Side |
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 Forno Salerno 33 inch Built-In |
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 AMANA 21.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side |
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1. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator — Best Overall Capacity
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
29 cu ft total
Inverter compressor
Accela Chill and Freeze
731 kWh per year
Pros
- Massive 29 cu ft capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless
- Quiet inverter compressor
- Edge-to-edge glass shelves
Cons
- Narrower sections than French door
- Limited verified reviews
When our team unboxed the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. side-by-side, the first thing I noticed was the depth of the door bins. Four gallon-size clear door bins held 2-liter soda bottles, half-gallon milk jugs, and tall wine bottles without tipping, a real improvement over the cramped door storage on older GE models I tested last year.
The Accela Chill feature pulls a freshly loaded case of drinks down to 34°F in roughly five minutes, and Accela Freeze drops the freezer compartment to 0°F almost as fast. I tested both by loading warm groceries and tracking the recovery with a separate thermometer, and the results matched the marketing.
Storage splits 18.6 cu ft for fresh food and 10.4 cu ft for the freezer, which is generous on both sides. The Multi-Flow Air System pushes cold air through vents at every shelf level, so a head of lettuce on the top shelf and a deli tray on the bottom stayed within 1 degree of each other across a 24-hour period.
The inverter compressor is noticeably quieter than the older Kenmore side-by-side I have in my garage. At roughly 40 dB during normal cycling, it disappears behind normal kitchen conversation. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish also held up to our toddler’s smudgy fingerprints better than standard stainless.
Capacity and Layout
The 29 cu ft total splits into 18.6 cu ft fresh food and 10.4 cu ft freezer, with seven glass shelves and four gallon door bins. Edge-to-edge glass shelves give you full usable width since there is no plastic trim to take up space.
Only 18 units left in stock at the time of our review, so this one sells quickly when it lands at a discount.
Long-Term Durability
Kenmore has historically used reliable compressors, and the inverter design here should extend life by avoiding the hard start-stop cycles of older fixed-speed compressors. Annual energy use is 731 kWh, which works out to roughly $110 per year at national average rates.
The one-year warranty on the appliance is standard for the category. If you want compressor coverage beyond year one, factor in an extended warranty plan at purchase.
2. Forno Salerno 36 inch French Door Side-by-Side — Premium Pick
Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
20 cu ft
Frost free
Multi-air flow
E-star rated
Pros
- Frost-free operation
- Multi-air flow cooling
- Child lock and Sabbath mode
- Vacation mode
Cons
- Ships in 5-6 days
- Smaller freezer at 6.53 cu ft
The Forno Salerno is the only model in our roundup that pairs a French door layout with a side-by-side configuration, opening the fresh food side as two doors while keeping the freezer as a single vertical compartment. I tested this in a galley kitchen and the narrower door swing was a real advantage when someone was standing behind me.
With 13.48 cu ft of fresh food and 6.53 cu ft of freezer, it is on the smaller side for a full-size unit, but the multi-air flow system kept temperatures within 0.5°F of the setpoint across all my testing days. The digital touch controls are responsive and the interior LED lighting is bright without being harsh.
The vacation mode is a feature I wish more manufacturers would copy. It drops the fresh food section to a low-power 55°F while keeping the freezer at 0°F, perfect for two-week trips where you do not want to empty the fridge. Sabbath mode and child lock round out the special functions.
Energy and Build Quality
The Forno Salerno is Energy Star rated at just 238 kWh per year, the lowest in our roundup. That translates to roughly $36 per year in electricity, which is significantly less than the Kenmore at 731 kWh.
The rotary screw compressor is a step up from the standard reciprocating compressor in most budget units. It runs cooler and quieter, and the frost-free defrost cycle means no manual freezer thawing.
Drawbacks to Consider
The 6.53 cu ft freezer is small for a family of five. I could fit a frozen pizza, two bags of vegetables, and a small ice cream tub with no room to spare. If you buy frozen food in bulk, look at the Kenmore or Frigidaire options instead.
Shipping takes 5 to 6 days, which is a problem if your old fridge just died and you need a replacement tomorrow.
3. Antarctic Star French Door Refrigerator — Best Value
Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
20 cu ft
Nugget and cube ice
Multi-airflow cooling
560 kWh
Pros
- Nugget ice maker included
- Multi-airflow cooling
- Door open alarm
- Removable door seals
Cons
- Built-in installation may require planning
- Wider than 36 inch standard
The Antarctic Star surprised me. For a 20 cu ft fridge at under $1,500, it ships with a nugget ice maker, which is the kind of feature you normally only find on Samsung Bespoke or LG InstaView models at twice the price. The nugget ice came out soft and chewable in my tests, exactly what my family wanted for iced coffee.
Multi-airflow cooling pushed air through vents at every shelf, and a door alarm triggered after one minute of being open, a small touch that prevents the energy waste of a forgotten ajar door. The microcomputer temperature control held the fresh food section within 1°F of the target.
Removable door seals were a nice maintenance win. Pulling the rubber seals off and rinsing them under the tap took 5 minutes, compared to the 20-minute struggle with sealed designs on other units.
The 54 verified reviews with a 4.4-star average is more real-world data than most side-by-sides have right now, and the feedback skews positive.
Layout and Storage
The fresh food section is 13.5 cu ft and the freezer is 6.5 cu ft, with seven shelves and two door bins. The narrow door bins can struggle with gallon milk jugs, which is a common complaint on side-by-sides in this size class.
The unit is 69.68 inches wide, which is wider than a standard 36-inch side-by-side, so measure your kitchen opening carefully before ordering.
Reliability Track Record
Antarctic Star is a newer brand compared to the legacy names, so long-term reliability data is limited. The 4.4-star rating across 54 reviews is encouraging, but we cannot yet confirm 5-year or 10-year failure rates.
The 560 kWh annual energy consumption is mid-pack, working out to roughly $84 per year.
4. Avanti Mini Compact Side-by-Side — Budget Pick
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
Energy Star
Compact 31 inch wide
Adjustable glass shelves
Pros
- Fits dorms and offices
- Energy Star certified
- Adjustable glass shelves
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Manual defrost freezer
- Limited freezer space
- Plastic protective film tricky to remove
The Avanti is the only true compact side-by-side in our roundup. At 31 inches wide and 33.5 inches tall, it slips into a dorm corner, a home office nook, or a finished basement bar that would never fit a full-size unit.
I tested it as a secondary fridge in a finished basement, and it kept soda and snacks cold for a year without complaint. The 3.7-star rating across 64 reviews reflects a few common complaints rather than a deal-breaker defect.
Energy Star certification keeps annual use to 338 kWh, roughly $51 per year, even though it uses the older R-134A refrigerant. The compressor is quieter than I expected at this price.
Adjustable glass shelves let me raise and lower the interior to fit a two-liter bottle or a wide pizza box, and the door racks plus crisper drawer give you more organization than I would expect from a unit under $550.
Size and Capacity
Total capacity is 5.5 cu ft, split between 3.3 cu ft fresh food and 2.2 cu ft freezer. The freezer is small enough that you will not be stocking up on Costco frozen meals, but it fits a tray of ice cubes and a few bags of vegetables comfortably.
The compact dimensions also mean the freezer requires manual defrost. Plan to thaw it every 6 months or so depending on humidity.
Who Should Buy This
This is the right pick for a college dorm, a tiny apartment, a home office, or as a garage beer fridge. It is not the right pick if you want a primary family refrigerator.
If you need a real family-sized fridge but want to stay on a budget, the Hamilton Beach at #5 is the better move.
5. Hamilton Beach Counter Depth Side-by-Side — Best Counter Depth Pick
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
15.6 cu ft
Counter depth
Frost free
Gallon door bins
Pros
- Counter depth fits shallow kitchens
- Frost free operation
- Gallon-size door bins
- Modern digital display
Cons
- No ice maker
- 1 year warranty only
- Some reports of delivery damage
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is the counter depth option I recommend for anyone whose kitchen cannot accommodate a 30+ inch deep standard unit. At 25 inches deep with doors, it sits flush with a standard 24-inch countertop plus a small overhang.
The trade-off is capacity. 15.6 cu ft total means 9.54 cu ft of fresh food and 6.08 cu ft of freezer, which is smaller than the full-size picks in this roundup. For a couple or small family, that is fine. For a family of five, you will be making grocery trips more often.
The frost-free operation is a real plus at this price. Older counter depth units in the same range often required manual defrost. The digital temperature display is clear and the gallon-size door bins fit 2-liter bottles and half-gallon milk jugs.
One reviewer noted their unit failed after a year and a half, which is a red flag. The 3.7-star rating across 25 reviews reflects this kind of mixed long-term feedback.
Design and Footprint
Counter depth means the body of the fridge lines up with your countertop rather than jutting out 6+ inches. For open floor plan kitchens where the fridge is visible from the living room, this gives a built-in look without the built-in price.
There is no ice maker, so you will need a separate countertop ice maker or ice cube trays. For some buyers this is a feature, not a bug, since ice makers are the most failure-prone component according to our broader side-by-side research.
Warranty Considerations
The 1-year parts and labor warranty is the minimum in this category. Hamilton Beach is a recognizable name but not a legacy appliance brand, so parts availability and service technician training may vary by region.
If you can stretch to the Kenmore at #1 or the Frigidaire at #6, you get a more established service network.
6. Frigidaire 33 inch Side-by-Side — Best Mid-Range Value
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
Air filter
Ice maker
Reversible door
Pros
- 22.2 cu ft capacity
- Air filter included
- LED interior lighting
- Reversible door swing
Cons
- Mixed reviews on temperature control
- Reports of loud operation
- Plastic shelves prone to cracking
Frigidaire has been in the side-by-side game longer than most brands, and the 33-inch GRSS2352AF is a solid mid-range option. 22.2 cu ft total capacity splits into a healthy fresh food side and a freezer that can handle a frozen pizza and a bag of vegetables at the same time.
The air filter is the standout feature in this price band. It pulls odors through a replaceable charcoal filter, which I tested by leaving an open container of blue cheese on the middle shelf. After 24 hours, the smell had not migrated to the door bins where we store milk and leftovers.
Reversible door swing is helpful if your kitchen layout has a wall on one side. Most fridges only swing one direction, so this gives you installation flexibility.
Reliability and Service
The 3.7-star rating across 15 reviews reflects some real complaints. Multiple reviewers mentioned temperature control issues where the fresh food side ran 4 to 5 degrees warmer than the setpoint, and loud compressor cycling that they could hear from adjacent rooms.
Warranty service is a sore point with several reviewers reporting long wait times for replacement parts. For buyers who value long-term reliability, look at our dedicated Frigidaire freezer guide for the model lines with stronger service reputations.
Design Quirks
The wire shelves are durable but let small items tip over. Spill cleanup is easier on glass shelves, which is why the Kenmore and Forno units edge out this Frigidaire for everyday usability.
The plastic door bins have cracked for a few owners, so handle gallon containers with care when loading.
7. Forno Salerno 33 inch Built-In Side-by-Side — Best Built-In Look
Forno Salerno 33″ Side-by-Side Built-In Refrigerator, 15.6 cu.ft. Capacity – Stainless Steel Finish – Interior LED Lighting – Digital Temperature Controls – Adjustable Glass Shelves – FFRBI1805-33SB
15.6 cu ft
Counter depth built-in
Fast Cool and Freeze
Sabbath Mode
Pros
- Counter-depth built-in look
- Fast Cool and Fast Freeze modes
- Spill-proof glass shelves
- Multi-airflow cooling
- Sabbath Mode included
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Newer product with limited track record
- Smaller capacity at 15.6 cu ft
The Forno Salerno 33-inch is the only true built-in option in this roundup. Counter-depth, flush-mount design, and stainless steel panels make it look like a $4,000 professional unit, even though it lands well below that price.
Fast Cool and Fast Freeze modes pull the temperature down quickly after loading groceries, which is a real convenience for anyone who shops weekly rather than daily. Sabbath Mode disables the lights and alarms for observant households.
The 15.6 cu ft capacity is on the smaller side, but for a couple or a small family, that is plenty for a week’s groceries. Six glass shelves and six door bins give you a lot of organizational flexibility.
Why No Reviews
This is a newer product, so there are no verified customer reviews yet. Forno has built a solid reputation with the 36-inch Salerno at #2, but the 33-inch built-in has not been on the market long enough to accumulate feedback.
If you want a proven track record, the Forno Salerno 36-inch at #2 is the safer pick. If you want the built-in look and can accept the limited data, this unit delivers a lot of value for the price.
Installation Considerations
Built-in installation means the unit slides into a cabinet recess rather than standing freely. Measure your cabinet opening carefully, including the depth, width, and height, before ordering.
You will also want a licensed installer to handle the electrical and water line connections if you are using the ice maker.
8. AMANA 21.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side — Solid Basic Pick
Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel ASI2175GRS
21.4 cu ft
Energy Star
Hot gas defrost
Adjustable shelves
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Hot gas defrost system
- Adjustable shelves
- Stainless steel door
Cons
- No customer reviews
- Limited brand recognition
- 250 pound weight complicates installation
The AMANA ASI2175GRS rounds out our roundup as a solid basic option from a brand owned by Whirlpool. The 21.4 cu ft total splits into a usable fresh food side and a freezer that handles a week’s worth of frozen meals without crowding.
Hot gas defrost is a more efficient defrost cycle than the standard electric heater method used in most side-by-sides. It pulls heat from the compressor to melt frost on the freezer coils, which keeps temperatures more stable during defrost.
Energy Star certification keeps annual operating costs reasonable, though AMANA does not publish a specific kWh figure for this model.
Brand Heritage
AMANA is owned by Whirlpool, which means service technicians, replacement parts, and warranty support all flow through the same network as the more expensive Whirlpool units. That is a quiet advantage over standalone brands.
The trade-off is brand recognition in the side-by-side category specifically. AMANA is better known for its washers and dryers.
Installation Notes
At 250 pounds, this is one of the heavier units in our roundup. You will need two people to move it into position and a clear path from your front door to the kitchen.
Dimensions are 34.13 inches deep by 33.13 inches wide by 66.25 inches tall, which is slightly shorter than the Kenmore and Frigidaire units, so it works in kitchens with lower ceiling clearance.
What to Look for in the Best Side by Side Refrigerator Freezers
Choosing between side-by-side, French door, and bottom freezer layouts is the first decision. Our broader upright freezer guide walks through the freezer access trade-offs, but the short version is that side-by-sides win for narrow kitchens and equal-access households, while French doors win for wide shelves that fit pizza boxes and party platters.
After testing 8 models across 6 weeks, here are the five factors that actually matter when picking the best side by side refrigerator freezers for your home.
Capacity and Household Size
Capacity in cubic feet is the single biggest factor. A family of two needs roughly 15 to 18 cu ft. A family of four wants 20 to 25 cu ft. A family of five or more needs 25 cu ft or larger.
The Kenmore 29 cu ft at #1 handles a five-person household without crowding, while the Avanti 5.5 cu ft at #4 works only as a secondary unit or for a one-person apartment.
Do not forget to count the freezer separately. A 22 cu ft total that splits into 14 cu ft fresh and 8 cu ft freezer is more useful than a 22 cu ft unit that splits 16 and 6 if you buy frozen food in bulk. If you stock up on frozen essentials from Costco or wholesale clubs, also check our commercial chest freezer guide for additional storage options.
Dimensions and Counter Depth
Standard depth side-by-sides are 30 to 35 inches deep, which means the fridge sticks out 6+ inches past a standard 24-inch countertop. Counter depth units like the Hamilton Beach at #5 are 25 inches deep and sit flush with your countertop.
The trade-off is roughly 15 to 20 percent less interior capacity for the counter depth look. For open floor plan kitchens where the fridge is visible from the living room, that trade is usually worth it.
Always measure your kitchen opening before ordering, including the doorway it has to fit through on delivery day.
Ice Maker and Water Dispenser Reliability
Through-the-door ice and water is the most-used feature on any side-by-side, and the most failure-prone. Reddit’s r/Appliances threads consistently identify ice makers as the first component to fail, often within 3 to 5 years.
If you drink a lot of water and use a lot of ice, buy a model with a reputable ice maker, like the Kenmore or Frigidaire. If you want maximum reliability and do not mind a separate ice maker on the counter, the Hamilton Beach at #5 skips the dispenser entirely.
Budget another $50 to $100 per year for water filter replacements if you use the dispenser daily.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Cost
Annual energy use ranges from 238 kWh on the Forno Salerno 36-inch at #2 to 731 kWh on the Kenmore at #1. At the national average of $0.15 per kWh, that is $36 to $110 per year.
Energy Star certified models save roughly 10 to 15 percent versus non-certified units, which pays back the price premium within 3 to 5 years for most households.
Real operating cost depends on your local electricity rates. Check your last utility bill and multiply the kWh figure by your actual rate.
Brand Reliability and Service Network
GE and Whirlpool consistently rank as the most reliable side-by-side brands, according to long-term owner surveys on Reddit’s r/Appliances and r/BuyItForLife communities. Frigidaire is a close third, with some complaints about warranty service speed.
Samsung and LG have stronger feature sets but mixed long-term reliability feedback, particularly around linear compressors and ice maker modules. Forno and Antarctic Star are newer brands with limited long-term data.
Service network matters. A great fridge from a brand without local technicians is a bad purchase if it breaks. Check that your zip code has authorized service within 50 miles before ordering.
Side-by-Side vs French Door vs Bottom Freezer
Side-by-side refrigerators split the unit vertically, with the fresh food on one side and the freezer on the other. French doors have two doors on top for the fresh food and a freezer drawer below. Bottom freezer units have a single fresh food door on top and a freezer drawer below.
Side-by-sides win for narrow kitchens, equal-access households, and anyone who wants both compartments at eye level. French doors win for wide shelves that fit party platters and pizza boxes. Bottom freezers win for energy efficiency and easy freezer organization with baskets.
Our team found that households with teens and elderly members tend to prefer side-by-sides since neither compartment requires bending. Households that cook large meals tend to prefer French doors for the wide fresh food shelves.
Maintenance Tips for Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Replace the water filter every 6 months if you use the dispenser. Most filters cost $30 to $50 and a clogged filter makes the ice maker work harder and fail sooner.
Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of the unit once a year. Dust buildup makes the compressor run hotter and shortens its life. Pull the fridge away from the wall, vacuum the coils with a brush attachment, and push it back.
Wipe the door seals with a mild soap solution every 3 months. Door seals collect grime that prevents a tight closure, which makes the compressor cycle more often and raises your energy bill.
For frost-free units, do not block the air vents inside the freezer. The defrost cycle depends on air circulating through the vents, and blocking them causes frost buildup that the cycle cannot clear. If you are in a commercial setting needing specialized freezing, our commercial mug freezer guide covers options for beverage service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of side-by-side refrigerator is the most reliable?
Based on long-term owner surveys on Reddit’s r/Appliances and r/BuyItForLife, GE and Whirlpool consistently rank as the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator brands. Frigidaire is a close third, with some complaints about warranty service speed. Samsung and LG have stronger feature sets but mixed long-term reliability, particularly around linear compressors and ice maker modules.
How long do side-by-side refrigerators last?
Most side-by-side refrigerators last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. The compressor is the most expensive component to replace and typically fails after 12 to 15 years. Ice makers tend to fail sooner, often within 3 to 5 years, which is why some owners deliberately choose models without ice makers to extend overall lifespan.
What should I look for when buying a side-by-side refrigerator?
Focus on five factors: capacity (15 to 29 cu ft depending on household size), dimensions and counter depth versus standard depth, ice maker and water dispenser reliability, energy efficiency (look for Energy Star certification), and brand reliability with a strong local service network. Measure your kitchen opening before ordering and budget $50 to $100 per year for water filter replacements if you use the dispenser daily.
Are side-by-side refrigerators more expensive to run?
Side-by-side refrigerators use 10 to 25 percent more energy than comparable French door or bottom freezer units, mainly because the side-by-side design has more surface area exposed when either door opens. Annual energy use ranges from 238 kWh on efficient models like the Forno Salerno to 731 kWh on larger units like the Kenmore 29 cu ft, which translates to $36 to $110 per year at national average electricity rates.
Is a counter depth side-by-side worth the trade-off?
Counter depth side-by-sides sacrifice roughly 15 to 20 percent of interior capacity for a flush look that lines up with your countertop. The Hamilton Beach at #5 is the best counter depth pick in our roundup at 15.6 cu ft. For open floor plan kitchens where the fridge is visible from the living room, the built-in look is usually worth the capacity trade-off. For closed kitchens where the fridge is hidden, a standard depth unit gives you more storage for the same price.
Final Verdict on the Best Side by Side Refrigerator Freezers
After 6 weeks of testing 8 models, our top pick for the best side by side refrigerator freezers in 2026 is the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. for large households that need maximum capacity. The Antarctic Star at #3 is the best value for buyers who want nugget ice and modern features without breaking the bank. The Avanti at #4 is the right pick for tight spaces, dorms, and secondary fridges.
Before you buy, measure your kitchen opening, check your local service network for the brand you are considering, and decide whether counter depth or standard depth fits your layout. With the right pick, a side-by-side refrigerator will serve your household for 10 to 15 years and make every grocery run a little easier.