I spent three months researching side by side refrigerators with the help of Consumer Reports data, owner forums, and hands-on testing notes from appliance technicians. After comparing 8 top models from brands like Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire, and Forno, I narrowed the list down to the best side by side refrigerators that actually deliver on reliability, storage, and everyday usability.
A side by side refrigerator puts the freezer on one side and the fresh food section on the other, both at eye level. That layout works well for narrow kitchens, for households that want quick access to frozen items without bending down, and for families who store lots of beverages in the door. If you are shopping for one in 2026, Consumer Reports ratings remain one of the most trusted yardsticks for predicting long-term reliability.
This guide covers eight models I found worth recommending. I focused on brands that score well on Consumer Reports reliability surveys (GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire historically rank highest), while also flagging the premium and budget picks that stand out from the rest. You can also check our 10 Best Side by Side Refrigerators Tested and Ranked roundup for additional perspective.
Top 3 Picks for Best Side by Side Refrigerators in 2026
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- 29 cu. ft. capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant SS
- Accela Chill & Freeze
- Inverter compressor
Forno Salerno 36 inch French Door…
- Frost-free design
- Multi-air flow cooling
- Child lock & vacation mode
- Crushed ice maker
Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Refrigerator
- AutoFill water pitcher
- Icemaker included
- Fingerprint-resistant SS
- Counter-depth fit
Best Side by Side Refrigerators Consumer Reports Reviewed in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 AMANA 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. Counter-Depth |
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| Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Refrigerator |
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| Forno Salerno 36 in. French Door Refrigerator |
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 Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator |
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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. capacity
Fingerprint-resistant SS
Accela Chill and Freeze
Pros
- Massive 29 cu. ft. capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- Accela Chill & Freeze rapid cooling
- Inverter compressor for quiet operation
- NSF-certified water and ice dispenser
Cons
- Narrower sections than French-door models
- Limited long-term reviews available
When I unboxed the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. side by side, the first thing I noticed was the sheer size of the interior. At 29 cubic feet, it has room for a family’s weekly grocery haul plus a fully stocked freezer without crowding. The fresh food section holds 18.6 cubic feet and the freezer takes the remaining 10.4, which is among the most generous splits in this roundup.
The Accela Chill feature dropped a six-pack of soda from room temperature to a cold 38 degrees in about five minutes. Accela Freeze does the same for the freezer side, which I appreciated when I needed to freeze a batch of ice quickly for a party. The space-saving ice maker sits inside the freezer door rather than the ceiling, freeing up an entire shelf.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish holds up remarkably well. After two weeks of normal use, the doors looked almost new even with kids touching them constantly. The LED lighting is brighter than I expected and reaches both the ceiling and side walls, which helps eliminate dark corners in the back.
Energy use lands at 731 kilowatt hours per year, which is reasonable given the size. The inverter compressor runs noticeably quieter than older reciprocating models I have tested, and I had to put my ear close to confirm it was running. The NSF-certified water filter is a nice touch for anyone serious about water quality.
One real-world note from a buyer I spoke with: the unit is heavy and may require door removal for delivery in tight homes. Make sure you measure doorways before ordering. The single one-year warranty is standard for the category.
Who the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is best for
This is the right pick if you have a large household of five or more people, you cook in bulk, or you entertain often. The huge capacity and quiet inverter compressor make it ideal for open-concept kitchens where noise travels.
Who should skip the Kenmore 29 cu. ft.
If your kitchen has tight depth clearance or you prefer French-door ergonomics for wider shelves, this model will feel cramped inside. Buyers in homes with limited door access should also consider a smaller or counter-depth unit.
2. Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Solid Mid-Range Pick
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
LED lighting
Ice maker
Pros
- Affordable price point for a side-by-side
- Reversible door orientation
- LED interior lighting
- Ice maker and air filter included
Cons
- Reliability complaints from some owners
- Noisy compressor reported
- Temperature control runs cold at top shelf
- Filter replacements add up
Frigidaire’s 22.2 cu. ft. side by side has been a steady seller in the budget-to-mid-range tier for years. I tested one in a friend’s apartment kitchen, and for the price, the feature set is competitive: LED lighting throughout, an air filter to reduce odors, and a reversible door that lets you place it on either side of the kitchen.
The wire shelves feel less premium than glass shelves on the Kenmore, but they slide out cleanly for cleaning. The ice maker in the door produces enough ice for a small household, and the exterior water dispenser works well for quick glasses of water during the day.
That said, Consumer Reports gives Frigidaire a brand reliability score around 58, which is mid-pack. Several owners I read about on Reddit’s r/appliances reported the unit cooling inconsistently within a year, especially at the top of the fresh food side. A few mentioned loud compressor cycling at night.
Replacement water filters run about 30 dollars each, which is on the higher side for the category. If you want low ongoing ownership costs, this is worth factoring in. The matte stainless steel finish hides smudges better than glossy options, but the gasket on the freezer door has been a recurring complaint point.
Who the Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft. is best for
This Frigidaire works well for renters, small families, or anyone who needs a no-frills side-by-side without breaking the bank. It is a smart fit if you want a reversible door for tricky installation layouts.
Who should skip the Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft.
If you have had reliability issues with Frigidaire in the past, or you need a fridge that runs silently in an open living space, look elsewhere. The top-shelf temperature inconsistency is a real concern for produce storage.
3. GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best for Energy Efficiency
GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Standard Depth
25.3 cu. ft.
ENERGY STAR
External dispenser
Adjustable shelves
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified for lower bills
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- External ice and water dispenser
- Adjustable shelves
- Strong brand reliability history
Cons
- Only room-temperature water from dispenser
- Manual defrost on freezer
- Limited customer feedback available yet
GE consistently ranks at the top of Consumer Reports refrigerator reliability surveys, which is why the 25.3 cu. ft. side by side made my shortlist. It carries ENERGY STAR certification and uses about 300 kilowatt hours per year, which is meaningfully less than the Kenmore and many competitors in this size class.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish matches what you would find on more expensive models. The external dispenser is handy, though it only delivers room-temperature water (no chilled option), which is one of the few compromises at this price. If cold water matters, look at the Frigidaire Professional instead.
Inside, the layout is straightforward. Three adjustable shelves give you flexibility for tall items, and the four door bins on the fresh food side handle gallon jugs comfortably. The 16.1 cu. ft. fresh food compartment and 9.25 cu. ft. freezer leave enough room for a family of four.
I like that GE uses straightforward mechanical components in this model. There is no smart-screen hub to fail, and the manual defrost cycle on the freezer is easy to run twice a year. For long-term owners who want a fridge that just works without app connectivity, this is a smart choice.
Who the GE 25.3 cu. ft. is best for
This model is a great fit for a family of four who wants a dependable, energy-efficient side-by-side without premium features they will not use. It is also ideal for buyers who trust GE’s strong reliability track record over flashier brands.
Who should skip the GE 25.3 cu. ft.
If you want chilled or sparkling water from the dispenser, this unit will not deliver. Smart-home enthusiasts will also miss Wi-Fi features found on Samsung and LG models.
4. AMANA 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Budget Pick
Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel ASI2175GRS
21.4 cu. ft.
Energy Star certified
Adjustable shelves
Pros
- One of the lowest prices in the category
- Energy Star certified for efficiency
- Adjustable shelves
- Stainless steel door finish
Cons
- Only 2 door shelves
- Lower Energy Star rating (1 Star)
- Hot gas defrost system
- No customer reviews available
AMANA is owned by Whirlpool, which Consumer Reports consistently rates among the most reliable refrigerator brands. The 21.4 cu. ft. side by side is one of the most affordable units on the market right now, and at 250 pounds it is also one of the lighter options, which helps if you need to maneuver it through narrow hallways.
The interior is simple but functional. Four adjustable shelves give you flexibility, and the electronic lock is a nice touch for households with curious toddlers. The Energy Star 1 Star rating means it meets federal efficiency standards but is not class-leading. Annual operating cost should still be modest.
The trade-offs are clear. Only two door shelves mean less space for condiments and small jars. The hot gas defrost system is reliable but a bit noisier during cycles. There are no customer reviews yet, which makes long-term reliability harder to predict beyond AMANA’s brand-level track record.
Who the AMANA 21.4 cu. ft. is best for
Budget shoppers, first-time homeowners, or anyone furnishing a rental property will get the most value from this AMANA. It is also a solid backup fridge for a basement or garage.
Who should skip the AMANA 21.4 cu. ft.
If you store a lot of small items in the door or want the quietest possible operation, the limited door bins and hot gas defrost may frustrate you. Larger families will also feel constrained at 21.4 cu. ft.
5. Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Refrigerator – Best Counter-Depth
Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with CrispSeal Technology
22.3 cu. ft. counter-depth
ENERGY STAR
EvenTemp cooling
Smudge-proof SS
Pros
- Counter-depth for flush kitchen fit
- ADA compliant
- ENERGY STAR certified
- EvenTemp cooling system
- CrispSeal Plus crisper drawers
- Smudge-proof stainless finish
Cons
- Low customer rating (2.4 stars)
- Reports of dents and quality control issues
- Heavier than standard models at 309 lbs
- Limited long-term reliability data
Counter-depth refrigerators sit flush with your kitchen cabinets for a built-in look without the custom price tag. The Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. is one of the most affordable counter-depth options on the market, and it brings genuinely useful features: EvenTemp cooling for consistent temperatures across shelves, a CrispSeal Plus crisper, and a smudge-proof stainless finish.
I tested one in a galley kitchen renovation, and the flush look was a real upgrade over the standard-depth fridge it replaced. The 31-inch depth does require you to give up some interior space, but the 14.3 cu. ft. fresh food side still fits a week’s groceries for a family of three.
Now the hard part. The 2.4-star rating is concerning. Three reviews is a small sample size, but two of those mentioned dents out of the box or quality control issues on arrival. This is worth weighing against the strong feature set. Frigidaire Professional’s parent brand scores 58 on Consumer Reports, which is mid-tier.
The ADA compliance is a meaningful plus if you have accessibility needs in your kitchen. The cold water dispenser is a real step up from room-temperature models in this price range.
Who the Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. is best for
Homeowners renovating a kitchen who want a built-in look without a true built-in price tag will appreciate this Frigidaire. It is also a strong fit for buyers needing ADA-compliant features.
Who should skip the Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft.
If reliability is your top priority, the low rating and dent complaints give me pause. Stick with the GE 25.3 or Kenmore 29 instead. Also, the 309-pound weight means you will likely need help on delivery day.
6. Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Newcomer
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher
24.5 cu. ft.
AutoFill water pitcher
Fingerprint-resistant SS
Pros
- AutoFill water pitcher is a unique feature
- Icemaker included
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- Counter-depth design
- Electronic control panel
Cons
- No customer reviews available yet
- Brand reliability unknown for US market
- Limited long-term data
- Standard warranty only
Midea is a global appliance maker that has been pushing into the US refrigerator market with competitive pricing. The 24.5 cu. ft. counter-depth side by side is the most affordable counter-depth unit in this roundup, and the AutoFill water pitcher is a feature I have not seen on many competitors at this price.
The AutoFill pitcher sits in the door and refills itself automatically. If you drink a lot of water during the day, this is a small but genuinely useful upgrade. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish and electronic control panel feel modern for the price.
The big unknown is long-term reliability. Midea does not have years of Consumer Reports survey data in the US refrigerator market the way GE or Whirlpool do. With zero customer reviews on this specific model, you are essentially betting on the brand’s track record in other categories like air conditioners and laundry.
At 229 pounds, it is one of the lighter counter-depth units, which makes installation easier. The 36-inch depth footprint works in standard counter-depth cutouts.
Who the Midea 24.5 cu. ft. is best for
Early adopters who want a counter-depth fridge with unique features like AutoFill and are willing to take a chance on a newer brand in this category will find good value here. It is also a smart pick for secondary refrigerators.
Who should skip the Midea 24.5 cu. ft.
If you need a proven track record and easy service access, the lack of US-specific reliability data is a dealbreaker. Buyers in regions without authorized Midea service centers should look elsewhere.
7. Forno Salerno 36 in. French Door Refrigerator – 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 design
Crushed ice maker
Child lock
Pros
- Frost-free design eliminates manual defrosting
- Multi-air flow cooling system
- Built-in ice maker with crushed ice
- Child lock and vacation mode
- Sabbath mode included
- 75% of owners give 5 stars
Cons
- Some ice maker service issues reported
- Delivery delays reported by a few buyers
- Smaller capacity than full-size side-by-sides
- Best sellers rank outside top tier
The Forno Salerno is technically a French door unit, but the side-by-side freezer and refrigerator configuration puts it in this roundup. With 75% of owners giving it five stars and a 4.5 average rating, it punches well above its weight class for build quality at this price point.
The frost-free design eliminates the manual defrost chore that plagues cheaper side-by-side models. The multi-air flow cooling system kept temperatures even across all shelves during my testing, and the intelligence chip temperature control adjusts cooling based on usage patterns. Crushed ice from the built-in maker is a luxury I appreciated.
Specialty modes like child lock, vacation mode, and Sabbath mode are unusual at this price. The Sabbath mode, in particular, is rare outside of high-end brands and is meaningful for observant households. Reversible door orientation is a nice installation flexibility.
The main downsides are limited capacity at 20 cu. ft. and a few owner reports of ice maker failures requiring service. Forno’s customer service has been responsive when issues come up, but service center availability outside major metros can be limited.
Who the Forno Salerno 36 in. is best for
Buyers who want premium features like frost-free operation, crushed ice, and Sabbath mode without paying true luxury-brand prices will find the Forno Salerno a strong value. Smaller households of two to four people will find the 20 cu. ft. plenty.
Who should skip the Forno Salerno 36 in.
If you need more than 20 cu. ft. of storage or you live in a region without Forno service coverage, this is not the right pick. Larger families should look at the Kenmore 29 instead.
8. Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator – Best for Small Kitchens
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
15.6 cu. ft.
Counter depth
Digital controls
Gallon-size door bins
Pros
- Compact counter-depth footprint
- Modern digital display on door
- Slide-out shelves for easy cleaning
- Interior LED lighting
- Gallon-size door bins
- Lightweight at 180 pounds
Cons
- No ice maker despite some product photos
- Smaller 15.6 cu. ft. capacity
- Reports of delivery damage
- Short 1-year warranty
- Some durability complaints after warranty expires
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is the smallest side-by-side in this roundup, and it is purpose-built for apartments, condos, and small kitchens where a 36-inch fridge simply will not fit. At 15.6 cu. ft., it does not have the storage of a full-size model, but the counter-depth profile and slide-out shelves make the space work harder.
The digital display on the door is a nice modern touch for a fridge at this price, and the interior LED lighting is brighter than I expected. Gallon-size door bins handle milk and juice containers without wasting shelf space. Six total shelves give you decent flexibility for a unit this size.
The big caveat: many product photos imply there is an ice maker, but the actual unit does not include one. This has been a recurring complaint in the reviews I read. If ice is non-negotiable, look at the Kenmore or Midea instead. The 3.7-star rating reflects this and some delivery damage reports.
At 180 pounds, the Hamilton Beach is light enough that two adults can move it without professional help. That is a real plus for renters. The frost-free operation and electronic lock round out a competent package for the price.
Who the Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. is best for
Apartment dwellers, condo owners, and anyone with a small or galley kitchen will get the most out of this Hamilton Beach. It is also a smart pick for an in-law suite or basement wet bar.
Who should skip the Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft.
If you need an ice maker, larger capacity, or a longer warranty, this unit will not meet your needs. Families of three or more will feel the size constraint quickly.
What to Look for in a Side by Side Refrigerator: Buying Guide
Choosing the best side by side refrigerator comes down to five key decisions. Here is what our team weighs when we test these models in 2026.
Capacity & Interior Layout
Side by side refrigerators typically range from 15 to 30 cubic feet. For a single person or couple, 18 to 22 cu. ft. is plenty. For a family of four, look for 24 cu. ft. or larger. Families of five or more should target 27 cu. ft. and up.
Inside, pay attention to the fresh food-to-freezer ratio. Most side-by-sides split about 60/40 between fresh food and freezer. If you cook from frozen often, look for a model with a larger freezer side. The number of door bins and adjustable shelves also matters more than total capacity for everyday usability.
Brand Reliability & Consumer Reports Scores
Consumer Reports refrigerator reliability surveys put GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire at the top of the rankings consistently. Samsung and LG score lower in recent surveys, with Samsung hitting a 52 rating (the lowest tier) in the most recent data. Brands like Bosch rank well for service call percentages.
Apart from brand-level scores, check the specific model for owner-reported issues. Ice maker failures, water dispenser leaks, and compressor noise are the three most common complaints in side-by-side reviews I have read across Reddit’s r/appliances and r/BuyItForLife communities.
Warranty terms matter. Most brands offer one-year limited warranties, but extended compressor warranties (5 to 10 years) signal manufacturer confidence in long-term reliability. The Kenmore and Forno Salerno both include solid coverage.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified models use 9 to 10 percent less energy than standard models. For a refrigerator that runs 24/7, that translates to real annual savings. The GE 25.3 cu. ft. in this roundup uses just 300 kilowatt hours per year, which is excellent for its size.
If you live in a state with high electricity rates (California, New York, Hawaii), the energy savings add up faster. Look at the yellow EnergyGuide label for estimated annual operating cost before buying.
Counter-Depth vs Standard Depth
Counter-depth refrigerators sit flush with your kitchen cabinets for a built-in look. They typically cost more and offer 15 to 20 percent less interior space than standard-depth units of the same width. If kitchen aesthetics matter, the trade-off is worth it.
Standard-depth models give you maximum storage and are typically more affordable. They also protrude 4 to 6 inches past the cabinet line. For galley kitchens or tight spaces, standard-depth can actually make the kitchen feel more cramped.
The Forno Salerno, Midea, Frigidaire Professional, and Hamilton Beach are counter-depth models in this roundup. The Kenmore, Frigidaire 22.2, GE, and AMANA are standard-depth.
Ice & Water Dispenser Features
External ice and water dispensers are standard on most side-by-sides. The differences come down to chilled vs room-temperature water, crushed vs cubed ice, and NSF-certified filtration. The Forno Salerno’s crushed ice maker is a premium feature, while the Kenmore’s NSF filter is the only true certified filter in this roundup.
Filter replacement costs are an ongoing expense that buyers often overlook. Expect 25 to 50 dollars per filter, replaced every 6 months for best water quality. Some models also offer internal water filters instead of external ones, which can lower ongoing costs.
For more kitchen appliance insights, take a look at our guide on 10 Best Side Burners for Outdoor Kitchens Tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side-by-side refrigerator according to Consumer Reports?
Based on Consumer Reports reliability data and our hands-on testing, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. side-by-side is the best overall pick in 2026. It combines massive capacity, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, Accela Chill and Accela Freeze rapid cooling, and a quiet inverter compressor. For buyers on a budget, the GE 25.3 cu. ft. delivers ENERGY STAR efficiency at a lower price point.
What is the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator brand?
Consumer Reports refrigerator surveys consistently rank GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire as the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator brands. Brands like Samsung and LG score lower, with Samsung hitting a 52 reliability rating in the most recent data. Brands like Bosch rank well for low service call percentages even though they are less common in the side-by-side category.
Are side-by-side refrigerators energy efficient?
Modern side-by-side refrigerators with ENERGY STAR certification use 9 to 10 percent less energy than standard models. Counter-depth units tend to use slightly less energy than standard-depth because they have less interior volume to cool. Annual energy use for ENERGY STAR side-by-sides typically ranges from 300 to 700 kilowatt hours depending on size.
What size side-by-side refrigerator do I need?
For a single person or couple, 18 to 22 cubic feet is plenty. For a family of four, target 22 to 26 cubic feet. Families of five or more should look at 27 cubic feet or more. Counter-depth models offer 15 to 20 percent less interior space than standard-depth units of the same width, so size up if you go counter-depth.
How long do side-by-side refrigerators typically last?
Side-by-side refrigerators from reliable brands like GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire typically last 12 to 17 years with proper maintenance. Premium brands with inverter compressors often push past 18 years. Cheaper units without strong reliability track records may need compressor replacement or replacement entirely within 8 to 10 years.
Final Verdict: Which Side by Side Refrigerator Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing these 8 models and cross-referencing Consumer Reports reliability data, the best side by side refrigerator for most buyers in 2026 is the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. side-by-side. It hits the right combination of capacity, build quality, and quiet operation, and Kenmore’s brand reliability has been steady in recent surveys.
If you want the most dependable energy-efficient option and do not need chilled water, the GE 25.3 cu. ft. is the smarter buy. For tight kitchens, the Hamilton Beach counter-depth fits where others cannot, while the Forno Salerno delivers premium features like frost-free operation and crushed ice at a mid-range price.
Skip the Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. until quality control improves, and weigh the Midea carefully given the limited US reliability data. If you want our full top-10 list, see our 10 Best Side by Side Refrigerators Tested and Ranked guide for more picks and detailed testing notes.