Side By Side Freezers Fridge Side-by-side fridges offer plenty of storage for your family's food. Some, like our top pick from Forno have counter-depth measurements that are flush with the cabinetry, giving it a sleek, built-in appearance. Other models offer freezer storage that is adjustable in height which is beneficial for families with children or for anyone who is struggling to reach high shelves. Size The name implies that side-byside refrigerators include a freezer on one side and a fridge on the other. They usually have more capacity overall than bottom-freezer or top-freezer models. They are also slimmer and don't block your path as single-door fridges do which is a benefit for kitchens with smaller spaces. Because they're higher than other refrigerator models side-by-sides provide more storage space in the freezer, too. They usually have shelves and compartments that make organization simple, allowing you to keep often used items at eye-level in the refrigerator area and long-term foods on higher, harder-to-reach shelves in the freezer. They can also have ice and a water dispenser that lets you quickly access beverages without having to open the door to the freezer. The refrigerators have separate cooling systems for freezers to ensure that food stays fresher longer. They also have features that help prevent the loss of food and spoilage like a hydration system, air filters for controlling the smell, or crisper drawers which absorb ethylene gas in order to prevent overripening. A downside to this type of refrigerator is that it's not as efficient as top- or bottom-freezer models. This is because they have a massive vertical space to cool which can add to your energy bill. Additionally, they are less efficient than other models in storing large items and may not be suitable for people who have mobility issues and struggle to bend. Convenience Side-by-side refrigerators have slimmer doors that require less space to open than other refrigerators. This makes them a great choice in kitchens with limited space. Side-by side refrigerators generally have larger capacity than French door refrigerators, as well typically 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer. These refrigerators can also be a good choice for small homes or condominiums, where a larger refrigerator would take up counter space. The major drawback of these refrigerators is that they might not be large enough to accommodate the storage needs of some families. Larger holiday dinners or other bulky containers may not fit and even everyday kitchen utensils may not be able to fit into the refrigerator. It is possible to rearrange shelves, but this could be a lengthy process and can reduce refrigerator efficiency. The other drawback of a side by side freezer is that it allocates more room to the freezer than to the refrigerator. This could be a problem if you are using a deep freezer frequently. There are solutions to overcome this disadvantage. A lot of models have an ice maker separate from the refrigerator that lets you enjoy chilled drinks without having to use the cooling system of your refrigerator. Choose a model that has separate freezer and refrigerator sections. For instance the Preserve Food System by KitchenAid comes with an air filter to ensure that odors are kept under control, and a mechanism to absorb ethylene to delay the overripening. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in better condition for longer. Energy Efficiency Overall, side-by-side refrigerators consume less energy than bottom freezer models. They also cost less than French-door refrigerators, and can be easier to maintain because their doors are half as wide. However, you'll need to ensure that your kitchen can accommodate an ice and water dispenser, which requires plumbing connections that can be more difficult to install in narrower kitchens. The wide openings of the side by side fridge may make it more difficult to store taller items. Many manufacturers provide energy-saving features in their side-by-side refrigerators. They include adjustable shelving and LED lights to ensure food items are visible, even in the darkest corner of the freezer. Some models have separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer sections. This can help reduce food waste since it makes it easier to locate popular items and less likely to discard them accidentally if you don't remember about them or they've been spoiled. You can also buy a refrigerator with extras like door-indoor access to drinks and snacks. This not only saves you time but also reduces energy consumption since cold air is prevented from getting out of the fridge. But you can also get an efficient side-by-side refrigerator with no additional features for kitchens with budgets or who like to keep things simple. Quincy Bulin, a Lowe's expert and writer covering everything from home improvement products to the most recent appliances. She's always ready to assist you in finding the right products for your house. Just ask! Storage A majority of side-by-side refrigerators include water and ice dispensers that are integrated into the freezer. This is a great choice if you like having easy access to cold beverages and snacks, and also an easy way to wash dishes or clean glasses. This can reduce the capacity of your freezer. Make sure that your refrigerator is adequate for your needs. As opposed to bottom freezer refrigerators side-byside refrigerators have more capacity of storage on the freezer side thanks to their vertical design. This means you can keep items that you use frequently on shelves higher, while keeping longer-term frozen items lower down. The freezer has a variety of shelves to choose from, allowing you to arrange it to meet your requirements. Modern side-by-side refrigerators are sleek and elegant in design, and enhance the appearance of any kitchen. They also come with two doors, which result in a minimal footprint and less clutter than other refrigerator configurations. A lot of models include crisper drawers, humidity control and other features that are specific to the model. Some fridges with side-by-side features come with an Energy Star certification, which means they'll be less expensive on an average basis. This makes them an excellent choice if you're concerned about your energy bills. However, the stringent requirements that must be met to get this certification do increase the initial cost of the refrigerator that has this label. This may not be an issue for some buyers but it is worth considering prior to purchasing a fridge.
side by side freezer
