Side By Side Freezers Fridge Side-by-side refrigerators are a great source of storage for your family's food. Some, like our top pick from Forno also have counter-depth dimensions that sit in a flush with the cabinet to create a sleek, integrated look. Some models allow freezer storage that is adjustable in height. This is useful for families with children or for anyone who has difficulty reaching high shelves. Size The name suggests that side-by side refrigerators have an ice maker and refrigerator on each side. They tend to have more capacity overall than the bottom or top freezer models. They also have a narrower width and don't usually interfere with your walk like single-door refrigerators, which is useful for kitchens with limited space. Side-by-side refrigerators are taller than other types of refrigerators, and therefore offer more space in the freezer. They come with several shelves and compartments which allow for easy organization. You can store frequently used foods at eye level in the refrigerator and longer-term food on higher, more difficult-to-reach shelves within the freezer. They could also have an ice maker and a water dispenser which allows you to quickly access your beverages without having open the door of the freezer. They have separate cooling systems for the freezers to ensure that food stays fresher longer. And they come with features to prevent loss and spoilage. These include a hydration system, air filters to control smells, as well as crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas, which can delay the over-ripening process of vegetables and fruits. This kind of refrigerator has an issue in that it's not as efficient in energy use as top-freezer or bottom-freezer models. This is due to the fact that they have a massive vertical volume to cool, which could increase your power bill. In addition, they're less efficient than other models for storing large items and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues who find it difficult 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 for kitchens with limited space. Side-by-side refrigerators are larger than French door refrigerators. They generally have 13 to 15 cubic foot for fresh food, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer. side-by-side fridge can also be a good option for small homes and condominiums, where a larger refrigerator could occupy counter space. These refrigerators are not large enough to accommodate the storage needs of some families. Even everyday kitchen utensils and holiday dinners may not fit. The possibility of rearranging shelves is there however, it can take time and can decrease refrigerator efficiency. Another disadvantage of a side-byside freezer is that it allocates proportionally more space to the freezer than the refrigerator. This can be a problem if you are using a deep freezer frequently. The good news is that many models have an additional freezer that has an ice machine to offer the convenience of chilled drinks without relying on the cooling system of the refrigerator and there are solutions around this potential drawback. You can select one with independently controlled refrigerator and freezer sections, with features such as the Preserve Food System from KitchenAid, for example, which includes an air filter that keeps odors in check and a mechanism that is built into the drawers that are used to absorb ethylene gas to delay the over-ripening process of produce. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in better condition for longer. Energy Efficiency Overall, side-byside refrigerators consume less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also cost less than French-door fridges and may be more maintenance-friendly since the doors open just half as wide. However, you'll need to make sure your kitchen can accommodate an ice and water dispenser, which requires plumbing connections that can be harder to install in narrower kitchens. Additionally, the larger openings of a fridge that is side-by-side can make it difficult to store taller items. Many manufacturers offer energy saving features in their side-by-side refrigerators. These include adjustable shelving and LED lights to make food visible even in the darkest corner of the freezer. Some models have separate cooling systems for the freezer and fridge sections. This can reduce food waste since it makes it easier to locate products that are popular and less likely that you will throw them away if you forget about them or they've become gone through a deterioration. You can also buy refrigerators with additional features like door-in-door access to snacks and drinks, which will not only help you save time, but also can help reduce energy consumption by limiting the cold air that escapes from the refrigerator. But you can also get a reliable side-by-side refrigerator without extras for budgets and kitchens who prefer keeping 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 help you find the ideal products for your home, just ask! Storage Many side-byside refrigerators come with water and ice dispensers built into the freezer. This is a great option when you want easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It also makes it convenient to wash dishes or to clean glasses. However, it also reduces the capacity of the freezer. Choose a refrigerator sufficient for your needs. Due to their vertical design, side-by-side refrigerators have a larger storage capacity in the freezer than refrigerators with a bottom freezer. This allows you to keep items you frequently use on the upper shelves, while keeping frozen items that will last longer in the lower shelves. The freezer has multiple shelving options so you can organize it to meet your requirements. Most modern side-by-side refrigerators have sleek, modern design that amplifies the look of your kitchen. The two doors create a smaller footprint and less clutter than other models of refrigerators. Many models also include cooler drawers, humidity controls and other features specific to the model. Some side-byside fridges are Energy Star certified, meaning they will cost you less per day. If you're worried about your monthly energy bill, this makes them an excellent choice. The strict requirements required to obtain this certification can increase the cost of a fridge that bears this certification. This may not be a problem for some buyers, but it's something worth looking into when you purchase.
side-by-side fridge
