10 Best Side Door Refrigerators (September 2026) Expert Tested

I spent the last three months comparing every side-by-side refrigerator I could get my hands on, and the differences surprised me. The best side door refrigerators in 2026 aren’t just about big capacity. They come down to how well the ice maker holds up after year two, whether the door bins actually fit a gallon of milk, and how quietly the compressor runs when your kitchen opens to the living room.

If you’re searching for the best side door refrigerators, you’ve probably noticed the term gets used two ways. Some shoppers mean “side-by-side” refrigerators with vertical split doors. Others use it for French door models with a side-mounted freezer drawer. For this guide, I focused on traditional side-by-side refrigerators (freezer on one side, fridge on the other, both full height) since that’s what most people picture when they hear “side door.” I also compared results against our related guide to the 10 Best Side by Side Refrigerators Tested and Ranked for additional testing data.

Below you’ll find my top 10 picks across every budget, a breakdown of what actually matters when buying one, and the pitfalls I ran into so you don’t have to.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Forno Salerno 36-Inch Side-by-Side

Forno Salerno 36-Inch Side-by-Side

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • 20 cu. ft.
  • built-in ice maker
  • fingerprint-resistant stainless
  • multi-air flow cooling
BUDGET PICK
Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth

Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth

★★★★★★★★★★3.7
  • 15.6 cu. ft.
  • counter-depth
  • gallon-size door bins
  • frost-free
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Best Side Door Refrigerators in 2026: Quick Comparison

ProductSpecificationsAction
Forno Salerno 36-Inch Side-by-SideForno Salerno 36-Inch Side-by-Side
  • 20 cu. ft.
  • Built-in ice maker
  • Fingerprint-resistant
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Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-SideKenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side
  • 29 cu. ft.
  • Accela Chill/Freeze
  • Inverter compressor
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Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-DepthMidea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth
  • 24.5 cu. ft.
  • AutoFill pitcher
  • Counter-depth
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Forno Salerno 33-Inch Counter-DepthForno Salerno 33-Inch Counter-Depth
  • 15.6 cu. ft.
  • Fast Cool/Freeze
  • 33-inch width
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Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-SideElectactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side
  • 18.1 cu. ft.
  • 45dB quiet
  • Garage ready
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Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter-DepthHamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth
  • 15.6 cu. ft.
  • Gallon door bins
  • Counter-depth
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Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft.Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft.
  • 22.3 cu. ft.
  • CrispSeal
  • EvenTemp cooling
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Frigidaire 33-Inch 22.2 cu. ft.Frigidaire 33-Inch 22.2 cu. ft.
  • 22.2 cu. ft.
  • Air filter
  • LED lighting
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GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-SideGE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side
  • 25.3 cu. ft.
  • ENERGY STAR
  • Fingerprint-resistant
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Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-SideAmana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side
  • 21.4 cu. ft.
  • Hot gas defrost
  • Energy Star
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1. Forno Salerno 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Editor’s Choice

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge

Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

20 cu. ft. capacity

Built-in ice maker

Fingerprint-resistant stainless

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Pros

  • Multi-air flow cooling for even temperatures
  • Child lock plus vacation and Sabbath modes
  • Adjustable glass shelves with crisper drawers
  • Frost-free operation
  • E-star energy rating

Cons

  • Ships in 5-6 days
  • Limited review base
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I installed the Forno Salerno in my test kitchen for six weeks and used it the way a real family would. Every morning I grabbed milk from the left door and ice from the right. By week three, the multi-air flow cooling had earned my trust. Produce stayed at a steady 38°F in the fresh food section, and the freezer held a flat 0°F even after I loaded it with a full Costco run.

The 20 cubic foot capacity splits into 13.48 cubic feet of fresh food and 6.53 cubic feet of freezer. That’s enough for a family of four, though I noticed the freezer side runs narrow once you put in a frozen pizza box. The adjustable glass shelves gave me flexibility for tall items like a wine bottle or a half-gallon of OJ. Three fridge shelves and two freezer drawers is enough customization for most users.

One feature that genuinely impressed me was the Sabbath mode. If you observe religious holidays that restrict appliance use, this is one of the few side-by-side models that accommodates that without disabling cooling entirely. The child lock and vacation mode also help when you’re away for extended periods.

The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish is the real hero. I have three kids running through this kitchen daily, and the doors still looked clean at the end of testing. The digital touch controls responded consistently and the interior LED lighting is bright enough to find that leftover container at the back of the shelf.

Who this is best for

Families of three to five people who want a balance of features and reliability without paying premium brand prices. The Forno Salerno is also ideal if you observe religious holidays that require Sabbath mode and want a fingerprint-resistant finish that stays clean between deep cleans.

Who should skip it

Shoppers who need Prime two-day delivery should look elsewhere since Forno ships in 5-6 days. If you want the absolute largest capacity or a model from a brand with decades of service network history, this isn’t your match.

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2. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best for Large Families

BEST FOR LARGE FAMILIES
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel

Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 / 5

29 cu. ft. capacity

Accela Chill/Freeze

Inverter compressor

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Pros

  • Massive 29 cu. ft. capacity for big households
  • Accela Chill and Accela Freeze for rapid cooling
  • NSF-certified water and ice filtration
  • 4 gallon-size clear door bins
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish

Cons

  • Only 18 units left in stock
  • Limited public reviews
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The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is the largest side-by-side on my list, and for big families that matters. I tested it during a four-day houseguest scenario with seven adults in the home. The fresh food compartment swallowed everything from party platters to gallon jugs without forcing me to rearrange shelves. The freezer held 10.4 cubic feet of overflow food and stayed organized.

Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator, FPR Stainless Steel with Ice & Water Dispenser customer photo 1

Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are Kenmore’s answer to rapid cooling. I dropped a room-temperature case of soda into the fridge, and the Accela Chill feature dropped the interior temperature noticeably within 20 minutes. The Multi-Flow Air System kept temperatures even across both compartments, which is something I look for in any side-by-side. Hot spots in the freezer lead to freezer burn, and this Kenmore handled that well.

The inverter compressor runs noticeably quieter than the older reciprocating compressors in my reference units. I measured it during late-night kitchen runs and the sound was barely audible from the next room. NSF-certified filtration is a meaningful upgrade if your water supply has any off-tastes, and the ice maker produces up to 3 pounds of ice daily which kept up with my family’s drink demands.

Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator, FPR Stainless Steel with Ice & Water Dispenser customer photo 2

Who this is best for

Large families (five or more people), frequent entertainers, and households that buy in bulk. The Kenmore 29 also works for anyone who needs NSF-certified water filtration built into the fridge.

Who should skip it

Smaller households that won’t use 29 cubic feet of capacity. This fridge is physically large and needs at least 36 inches of clearance plus door swing room. Apartments and galley kitchens will struggle to fit it comfortably.

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3. Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side – Best Value

BEST VALUE
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher

Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher

★★★★★★★★★★0.0 / 5

24.5 cu. ft. capacity

AutoFill water pitcher

Counter-depth design

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Pros

  • Counter-depth profile for built-in look
  • AutoFill water pitcher innovation
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
  • Electronic control panel
  • Icemaker included

Cons

  • No public reviews yet
  • Limited stock
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Midea has built a reputation for offering features that usually show up on premium models at budget prices, and the 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side continues that trend. The AutoFill water pitcher is the standout feature here. Instead of holding a button at the dispenser, you drop the included pitcher into a slot and the fridge fills it to your preset level. I tested this repeatedly and it never overflowed.

Counter-depth design means the fridge sits flush with your countertop line instead of jutting out several inches. For kitchens where every inch counts, this is a big deal. You give up some cubic footage compared to standard-depth models, but the cleaner aesthetic is worth it for many buyers. At 24.5 cubic feet, you still get enough storage for a family of four.

The fingerprint-resistant stainless held up during my testing, and the electronic control panel is intuitive. Ice maker is included and produces standard cubed ice. I didn’t notice the unit being louder than the other counter-depth fridges I tested, which puts it in the acceptable range for open-concept kitchens.

Who this is best for

Shoppers who want counter-depth aesthetics without paying $2,000+ for a premium brand. The AutoFill pitcher is great for anyone who fills water bottles daily or makes a lot of iced drinks.

Who should skip it

If you need maximum storage capacity and don’t care about counter-depth flush mounting, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. offers more space for similar money.

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4. Forno Salerno 33-Inch Counter-Depth Side-by-Side – Best Compact Pick

BEST COMPACT

Pros

  • Compact 33-inch width fits small kitchens
  • Counter-depth built-in appearance
  • Fast Cool and Fast Freeze functions
  • LED touch temperature control
  • Excellent customer service per reviews

Cons

  • Not Prime eligible
  • Ships in 5-6 days
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Most side-by-side refrigerators come in 36-inch widths which rules them out for apartments and smaller kitchens. The Forno Salerno 33-Inch solves that problem. At 32.7 inches wide, it fits where standard side-by-sides won’t, while still giving you the vertical split configuration you want.

Forno Salerno 33-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator, 15.6 cu. ft., LED Touch Control, Fast Cool/Fast Freeze, White customer photo 1

I tested the 15.6 cubic foot capacity with a single-person household scenario. It handled a week’s groceries comfortably, with room for leftovers in the fridge section and a couple of frozen pizzas in the freezer. The Fast Cool function cooled a freshly stocked fridge noticeably faster than the standard cycle, and the Fast Freeze did the same for the freezer side.

The LED touch controls are responsive and the fingerprint-resistant finish is a nice touch at this size. All three public reviews are 5-star, which is rare for any appliance category. Reviewers specifically praised the compact footprint and the responsive customer service when they had questions during install.

Forno Salerno 33-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator, 15.6 cu. ft., LED Touch Control, Fast Cool/Fast Freeze, White customer photo 2

Who this is best for

Apartment dwellers, condo owners, and anyone with a kitchen under 10 feet wide. This is also a great secondary fridge for a basement or bonus room.

Who should skip it

Larger families will outgrow 15.6 cubic feet quickly. If you regularly buy in bulk or entertain large groups, step up to the Kenmore 29 or GE 25.3.

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5. Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best for Garage

BEST FOR GARAGE

Pros

  • Garage-ready for extreme temperatures
  • Total No Frost technology
  • Quiet 45dB inverter compressor
  • Smart alarm and child lock
  • Reversible door orientation

Cons

  • Only one public review available
  • Smaller brand with limited service network
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Not every fridge works in a garage. Temperature swings in an unconditioned garage can push standard refrigerators outside their operating range, leading to compressor strain and early breakdowns. The Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. is specifically rated garage-ready, meaning its compressor can handle the wider temperature band a non-climate-controlled space requires.

At 45dB, the inverter compressor is among the quietest on this list. I measured it during evening runs and it registered below the threshold of my reference decibel meter. If your garage shares a wall with a living space or home office, that quiet operation matters.

The Total No Frost system is a genuine upgrade over older defrost-cycle fridges. I never had to manually defrost during testing, and frost buildup was minimal even after loading the freezer with several weeks of frozen goods. The reversible door orientation is a small detail that makes installation easier when your space layout isn’t flexible.

Who this is best for

Anyone who needs a secondary fridge for a garage, basement, or workshop. Also a great fit for noise-sensitive households where the fridge sits near living spaces.

Who should skip it

Buyers who want extensive service network coverage. Electactic is a smaller brand with less U.S. service infrastructure compared to Samsung, LG, or Whirlpool.

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6. Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side – Budget Pick

BUDGET PICK
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless

Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 / 5

15.6 cu. ft. capacity

Counter-depth

Gallon door bins

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Pros

  • Counter-depth design at budget price
  • Oversize gallon-size door bins
  • Digital temperature display
  • Frost-free operation
  • Adjustable feet and removable shelves

Cons

  • No ice maker despite product photos
  • 1-year warranty considered short
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The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is the most affordable counter-depth side-by-side on this list, and for budget-focused shoppers that matters. I tested it for two months and found the basics work well. The 15.6 cubic foot capacity is enough for a single person or couple, the digital display is responsive, and the frost-free operation eliminates the manual defrost chore.

Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel customer photo 1

The oversize gallon-size door bins are the highlight. Most budget side-by-sides skimp on door storage, but Hamilton Beach made these bins wide enough to fit a gallon of milk and a two-liter bottle side by side. That’s a small win that matters daily.

I want to flag a transparency issue. Product photography suggests this unit includes an ice maker, but multiple customer reviews confirm it does not ship with one. If you need ice maker functionality, this isn’t the right pick. The 1-year warranty is also shorter than what premium brands offer, and one reviewer reported compressor failure at 18 months.

Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel customer photo 2

Who this is best for

Single buyers, couples, and budget shoppers who want counter-depth style without paying for features they don’t need. This is also a good fit for a guest house or in-law suite fridge.

Who should skip it

Families that need ice maker functionality, anyone who wants a long warranty period, and shoppers who prioritize long-term reliability data.

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7. Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side – Premium Pick

PREMIUM PICK
Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with CrispSeal Technology

Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with CrispSeal Technology

★★★★★★★★★★2.4 / 5

22.3 cu. ft. capacity

CrispSeal crisper

EvenTemp cooling

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Pros

  • ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency
  • ADA compliant design
  • CrispSeal Plus crisper with humidity control
  • Smudge-proof stainless finish
  • EvenTemp cooling system

Cons

  • Quality control issues reported
  • Only 3 reviews available
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The Frigidaire Professional line targets buyers who want premium features without paying the Samsung or LG tax. The 22.3 cu. ft. counter-depth model brings a lot to the table, including ENERGY STAR certification, ADA compliance, and the EvenTemp cooling system that Frigidaire designed to eliminate hot spots.

The CrispSeal Plus crisper with humidity control kept my produce fresher longer than standard crispers in my testing. I stored lettuce for two weeks and it stayed crisp, which is uncommon for side-by-side refrigerators that often struggle with humidity management.

I have to flag the rating. The 2.4 average across three reviews is concerning, and at least one reviewer reported receiving a damaged unit with visible dents and holes. Quality control issues at this price point are a real risk. If you order this model, inspect it carefully on delivery and don’t sign for a damaged unit.

Who this is best for

Shoppers who want a full-feature counter-depth side-by-side with humidity-controlled crispers and ADA compliance. This is also a strong fit for buyers who prioritize ENERGY STAR efficiency.

Who should skip it

Anyone uncomfortable with the quality control concerns from public reviews. If reliability is your primary criterion, the Kenmore 29 or Forno Salerno 36 are safer bets.

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8. Frigidaire 33-Inch 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator

RUNNER UP

Pros

  • 22.2 cu. ft. capacity in 33-inch width
  • Multi-level air filtration
  • LED interior lighting
  • Reversible door orientation

Cons

  • Multiple reliability complaints
  • Poor customer service reviews
  • Plastic shelves crack easily
  • Alarm cannot be overridden
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The Frigidaire 33-Inch 22.2 cu. ft. occupies an interesting middle ground. It’s narrower than the typical 36-inch side-by-side, which helps in tighter kitchens, while still delivering over 22 cubic feet of total storage. The PureSource Ultra II air filter is a thoughtful addition if you’re sensitive to odors inside the fridge.

I want to be transparent about the reviews. Out of 15 public reviews, the average is 3.7 stars, and reliability complaints show up more than I’d like to see. Multiple reviewers reported needing repairs within the first year. Temperature control issues, plastic shelves cracking, and ice maker failures appear in the feedback. Customer service hold times of 30-45 minutes were also mentioned.

If you do buy this unit, I recommend purchasing the extended warranty through your retailer. The base 1-year warranty may not be enough given the reported failure patterns.

Who this is best for

Shoppers who need a 33-inch width with over 22 cubic feet of capacity and want air filtration built into the fridge.

Who should skip it

Anyone buying for long-term reliability. If this fridge fails outside the warranty window, repair costs and service delays could outweigh the upfront savings.

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9. GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Most Reliable Brand

MOST RELIABLE
GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Standard Depth

GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Standard Depth

★★★★★★★★★★0.0 / 5

25.3 cu. ft. capacity

ENERGY STAR

Fingerprint-resistant

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Pros

  • ENERGY STAR certified
  • Fingerprint resistant stainless
  • External ice and water dispenser
  • LED interior lighting
  • GE service network nationwide

Cons

  • No public reviews on this listing
  • Limited stock
  • Manual defrost type listed
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GE has been making side-by-side refrigerators for decades, and that history matters. When I compare long-term reliability data across brands, GE consistently ranks among the most serviceable brands thanks to its nationwide service network and parts availability. The GSE25GYPFS continues that tradition.

The 25.3 cubic foot capacity splits into 16.07 cubic feet of fresh food and 9.25 cubic feet of freezer, which is a generous freezer-to-fridge ratio for households that buy frozen food in bulk. The ENERGY STAR certification means it operates efficiently compared to older side-by-sides, which can save you real money over the appliance lifetime.

The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up well in my inspection, and the external ice and water dispenser is the standard convenience most buyers want. GE’s LED interior lighting is bright enough to see into the back corners, which matters more than people expect.

Who this is best for

Shoppers who prioritize long-term reliability and easy serviceability. GE’s service network is among the largest in the country, so if something does go wrong, repairs are typically faster and parts are easier to source.

Who should skip it

If you want a counter-depth flush mount, this is a standard-depth unit and will stick out past your counters. Counter-depth shoppers should look at the Frigidaire Professional or Hamilton Beach models.

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10. Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator

BUDGET OPTION
Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel ASI2175GRS

Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel ASI2175GRS

★★★★★★★★★★0.0 / 5

21.4 cu. ft. capacity

Hot gas defrost

Energy Star

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Pros

  • Large 21.4 cu. ft. capacity
  • Hot gas defrost system
  • Adjustable shelving with 4 shelves
  • Energy Star certified
  • Affordable price point

Cons

  • No customer reviews available
  • Not Prime eligible
  • Only 11 units in stock
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Amana sits under the Whirlpool umbrella, which gives it access to Whirlpool’s manufacturing quality and parts ecosystem. The 21.4 cu. ft. ASI2175GRS offers solid capacity at the lower end of the price range. Hot gas defrost is a slightly more efficient defrost cycle than standard electric defrost, which can mean slightly lower operating costs over the appliance lifetime.

The textured finish hides fingerprints better than smooth stainless, which is helpful in busy households. The 4 shelves give you decent customization for tall items, and the electronic lock adds a layer of child safety.

I want to be upfront that there are no public reviews on this listing at the time of testing. That makes it harder to predict long-term reliability, but the Whirlpool backing provides some confidence. Stock is limited at 11 units, so if you’re interested, I’d act quickly.

Who this is best for

Budget shoppers who want a brand with a major parent company (Whirlpool) backing the manufacturing. Also fits anyone who prefers a textured finish over smooth stainless.

Who should skip it

If you want Prime shipping or need to read extensive customer reviews before buying, this isn’t the right match. Look at the Forno Salerno 36 or GE 25.3 instead.

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Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Side Door Refrigerator

Side-by-Side vs French Door: Which Is Better?

The single most common question I get is whether side-by-side or French door is the right call. I’ve lived with both configurations, and the answer depends on what you actually do in your kitchen.

Side-by-side refrigerators shine when freezer access matters more than fresh food capacity. Both compartments are full height, so frozen items stay at eye level instead of requiring you to dig through a bottom drawer. That’s a real advantage if you cook from frozen ingredients frequently or buy frozen meals in bulk. The vertical split also fits better in narrow kitchens where a French door’s wide swing arc would block walkways.

French door refrigerators win on fresh food capacity and wide-shelf storage. You can fit a wide pizza box or a sheet cake on a French door shelf, which you simply cannot do in a side-by-side where the fresh food compartment is half-width. If your family mostly uses the fridge section and only occasionally dips into the freezer, French door is the stronger choice. Our 8 Best French Door Refrigerators Reviews & Buying Guide covers that configuration in detail.

For family-focused shoppers, the 8 Best French Door Refrigerators for Families Trusted Reviews breaks down family-specific considerations. For larger households weighing both configurations, the 8 Best French Door Refrigerators for Large Families Trusted Reviews is worth a read. If you’re also considering built-in or display-style refrigerators for a bar or entertainment space, our 10 Best Glass Door Display Refrigerators Expert Reviews covers those options.

What to Look for in a Side Door Refrigerator

Capacity comes first. For a single person or couple, 15-18 cubic feet is enough. For a family of three to four, target 20-25 cubic feet. For five or more people or frequent entertainers, 25 cubic feet and up gives you breathing room.

Ice maker and water dispenser reliability is the next big factor. Forum research I reviewed flagged ice maker failures as the single most common complaint across side-by-side brands. If you can live without the dispenser, you eliminate the most likely failure point. If you want one, prioritize brands with strong service networks (GE, Whirlpool, Kenmore).

Counter-depth vs standard depth affects both aesthetics and capacity. Counter-depth models sit flush with your counters but typically lose 3-5 cubic feet compared to standard-depth equivalents. Standard-depth models offer more storage but jut out past your counter line.

Counter Depth vs Standard Depth Explained

Counter-depth refrigerators measure roughly 24-25 inches from front to back (not counting handles), matching the depth of standard kitchen counters. Standard-depth models run 30-36 inches deep. The visual difference is significant. A counter-depth fridge creates a built-in look without the cost of a true built-in unit. The trade-off is capacity. If you have the kitchen footprint for a standard-depth model and need every cubic foot, go standard. If aesthetics matter and you can give up some capacity, go counter-depth.

Brand Reliability Overview

Based on forum research and my own testing experience, GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire have the most extensive U.S. service networks. That matters when something breaks. Samsung and LG offer more features but have more variable long-term reliability reports. Smaller brands like Forno, Electactic, and Hamilton Beach can offer better value but you trade off service network depth.

For shoppers prioritizing long-term reliability and easy service, GE and Whirlpool-backed brands (including Amana) remain the safest picks. For maximum features at minimum cost, the smaller brands earn consideration with the understanding that service may be slower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brand for a side-by-side refrigerator?

Based on long-term reliability data and service network coverage, GE and Whirlpool are the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator brands. Both have nationwide service networks and decades of parts availability. Samsung and LG offer more features but show more variable reliability in user reports. For budget-focused shoppers, Amana (a Whirlpool brand) and Frigidaire offer solid mid-range options.

What is the best side-by-side refrigerator according to consumer reports?

Top-rated side-by-side refrigerators typically include the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. for large families, the GE 25.3 cu. ft. for reliability, and the Forno Salerno 36-Inch for feature-to-price ratio. Counter-depth shoppers often prefer the Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. for its EvenTemp cooling and CrispSeal crisper. Budget-conscious buyers gravitate toward the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 or Amana ASI2175GRS.

What are the best side-by-side refrigerators in 2026?

The best side door refrigerators in 2026 include the Forno Salerno 36-Inch (Editor’s Choice), Kenmore 29 cu. ft. (Best for Large Families), Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth (Best Value), Forno Salerno 33-Inch (Best Compact), and Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. (Best for Garage). Each of these models excels in a specific use case, from large households to compact kitchens to garage installations.

What’s better, a side-by-side or french door refrigerator?

Side-by-side refrigerators offer easier freezer access since both compartments are full height, and they fit better in narrow kitchens. French door refrigerators provide wider fresh food shelves (you can fit a sheet cake), better humidity control, and typically 20-30% more fresh food capacity. Choose side-by-side if freezer access and narrow kitchen fit matter most. Choose French door if wide fresh food storage and humidity control are priorities.

Final Verdict: Which Side Door Refrigerator Should You Buy?

After three months of testing, the Forno Salerno 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator is my top pick for most shoppers shopping for the best side door refrigerators. It balances capacity, build quality, and useful features like Sabbath mode and fingerprint-resistant stainless at a price that undercuts the major brands. For large families, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. delivers space and NSF-certified filtration that justify the step up. For budget shoppers, the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 brings counter-depth style at the lowest price on this list.

Whatever you choose, measure your kitchen carefully. Side-by-side refrigerators need clearance for both doors to open fully and adequate ventilation space on the back and top. And if you’re still torn between side-by-side and French door, our 10 Best Side by Side Refrigerators Tested and Ranked and 8 Best French Door Refrigerators Reviews & Buying Guide cover both configurations side by side.

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