5 Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators (2023 Guide)

Side-by-side refrigerators offer a minimalist, modern aesthetic and ample storage space, making them a popular choice for many homes. In this product review and buying guide, we evaluate some of the best side-by-side refrigerators on the market. We’ll discuss features, benefits, drawbacks, what to look for, and which new refrigerators are the best for various scenarios.

 

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Top 5 Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• Best Overall: Samsung Bespoke Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Best Smart Refrigerator: LG Smart Side-by-Side Refrigerator with InstaView
• Best Large Capacity Refrigerator: Samsung 28 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Best Counter-Depth Refrigerator: Cafe Customizable Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Best Basic Refrigerator: GE Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice and Water Dispenser

 

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Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator Overall

Fast Facts

• Total capacity: 23 cubic feet
• Finishes: Stainless steel, white glass
• Key features: Ice maker, water dispenser, Wi-Fi
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes

What we like: The Samsung Bespoke Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator has an internal beverage center complete with a dual auto ice maker, a sleek white glass exterior, and connection capability to Samsung’s SmartThings app. Further, the fridge’s power-touch sensor allows you to open the door with minimal effort.

What Customers Are Saying

Our evaluation of numerous customer reviews shows that satisfied buyers are quite pleased with this Samsung side-by-side refrigerator’s shelving, beverage center, spaciousness, and minimalist design. However, our team encountered just one critical review, which suggests that some buyers may require a water hose adapter for certain situations.

“I chose this Samsung fridge because the shelving system looked and felt sturdier than all the other brands on the floor. I prefer side-by-side and the sleek look. So far, we are loving it! The dual ice maker is the best, and the beverage center makes it easy for everyone. No complaints as of yet!” —Emmack via Best Buy, April 2023

“We have officially had this for a month and love it so far. So much room [and] different choices of ice and water. Surprisingly, the water area doesn’t take up to much room from the fridge…” —Katie Jo via Samsung, May 2023

“Delivery could not install the hose for ice maker. We had to go out and buy an adapter that probably should have been on the truck of the delivery company.  The hose they left had a hole in it, and water was leaking. We had to go buy another hose after the adapter.” —JIAH via Best Buy, May 2023

 

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Best Smart Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Fast Facts

• Total capacity: 27 cubic feet
• Finishes: Black stainless steel, stainless steel
• Key features: Ice maker, water dispenser, Wi-Fi
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes

What we like: There are a few reasons LG’s Refrigerator with Craft Ice and InstaView is our top pick for smart side-by-side fridges: First, this unit’s Wi-Fi capability allows users to monitor and control the fridge remotely, as well as connect it to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. We also like its sizable 17.5-cubic-foot fridge and 9.6-cubic-foot freezer compartment, convenient see-through door design, and specialized ice dispenser that produces small, slow-melting ice cubes.

What Customers Are Saying

According to our verified-buyer research, customers praise this LG side-by-side model for its substantial capacity, integrated viewing window, and design features. However, negative feedback includes criticism of the ice maker’s noise level and relatively weak shelf design.

“How many people can say they LOVE their refrigerator? Well, I LOVE it—the craft ice, the spaciousness, the easy-sliding drawers, the lifting shelf for the bottom drawer of the freezer, and especially the see-through door when you knock twice.” —Faulty via Best Buy, 2022

“We replaced our old LG refrigerator from 2007 with this one in 2021. Great space! It fits three milk gallon bottles deep. The ice makers are awesome! Plenty of capacity. It’s nice to be able to customize settings through the app.” —Drapdv via Best Buy, 2022

“Our last LG lasted 12 years, and we only changed it because the freezer seals were worn out, freezing our produce. I expect similar longevity from this model, but it’s not without issues: 1) extremely flimsy plastic shelves and drawers without any stoppers. We already had a breakage when the ice drawer fell on a lower shelf. 2) The ice-maker is very, very loud as when the ice falls a long distance into the thin drawer, it’s like someone is playing the Taiko drums in the fridge.”  —Shyman99 via Best Buy, November 2022

 

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Best Large Capacity Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Fast Facts

• Total capacity: 28 cubic feet
• Finishes: Black stainless steel, stainless steel
• Key features: Ice maker, inventory tracker, Wi-Fi
• ENERGY STAR certified: No

What we like: This Samsung fridge is our choice for large households owing to its ample 17.9-cubic-foot fridge and 10.1-cubic-foot freezer. Additionally, the model offers an impressive suite of smart features that allow it to connect to Alexa, Bixby, Google, and SmartThings. As a bonus, users can take advantage of the unit’s smart grocery list and inventory data.

What Customers Are Saying

Our research indicates that customers like this Samsung fridge for its large storage capacity, Wi-Fi connectivity, and minimalist design. However, critical reviews we encountered claim that the ice maker is slower than expected and that the shelves are not adjustable.

“I started to not even use [the] SmartThings app, but after connecting, I absolutely love the additional features and can’t imagine not using them. The grocery list and refrigerator inventory [have] me hooked. I love that it has no handles, and it’s extremely spacious.” —BBCustomer4Life via Best Buy, January 2023

“This refrigerator has everything you need. … Four gallons of milk will fit comfortably on the top shelf with room to spare. … The door compartments are amazing. They are deep and like a textured bottom to keep things from sliding. The outside shelf cover is tall. … The freezer is very roomy as well. The door compartments are designed like the refrigerator section. The ice maker sits at the top and is not obtrusive at all.” —Boxermom via Best Buy, March 2023

“I purchased this for my garage, and when I went to fill, I was SHOCKED to find out you can NOT adjust the shelves. The refrigerator is nice looking. I do like that it has no outside handles.” —Cwoody via Best Buy, 2022

 

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Best Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Fast Facts

• Total capacity: 21.9 cubic feet 
• Finishes: Stainless steel
• Key features: Custom handles, ice maker, water dispenser
• ENERGY STAR certified: No

What we like: We particularly like this Cafe fridge for its minimalist design and choice of brushed black, flat black, brass, bronze, copper, or stainless handles. The 14.2-cubic-foot fridge and 7.7-cubic-foot freezer may sound small, but our research indicates that the internal shelving offers highly efficient, surprisingly ample storage. As for performance, the unit’s crisper drawer offers adjustable humidity control to accommodate a variety of fruits and veggies.

What Customers Are Saying

Our customer review evaluations indicate that most buyers are pleased with the Cafe side-by-side fridge’s easy configuration, spacious capacity, and streamlined aesthetic. However, one buyer claims to have experienced difficulty with delivery and states that the shelving is cheaply made. 

“Excellent product, easy to configure the shelves, the cabinet depth has streamlined the look of our kitchen.” —Kjkfam via Best Buy, 2021

“Very attractive, more spacious than I expected, well-designed. I’m very pleased.”  —SueS via Best Buy, December 2022

“I had nothing but issues with Best Buy’s delivery and installation. Everything from not showing up when scheduled to … finally delivering but denting the doors on installation. Aside from delivery issues, the refrigerator is [of] poor quality. We have had the unit for around a year and are on our third set of shelves, as they are made from cheap plastic and crack in the cold temps.” —KIPHL via Best Buy, May 2023

 

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Best Basic Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Fast Facts

• Capacity: 25.1 cubic feet
• Finishes: Slate, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, white
• Key features: Ice maker, water dispenser
• ENERGY STAR certified: No 

What we like: As far as low-tech side-by-side fridges are concerned, this model from GE is our favorite. The 16.2-cubic-foot fridge and 8.9-cubic-foot freezer capacities are large enough for most homes but compact enough for small kitchens. Moreover, the external ice maker and water dispenser serve as traditional yet highly convenient features.

What Customers Are Saying

Our team’s consumer-oriented research reveals that customers like the GE refrigerator for its generous capacity, bright LED lighting, relatively affordable price point, adjustable shelves, and deep door bins. However, a handful of critical buyers state that the fridge’s ice maker is noisier than expected and that the water dispenser mechanism is slow.

“The dispenser provides water, crushed ice, or cube ice and easily switche[s] between functions. The quality of the build is top-notch. … Inside, the side-by-side is very roomy, and all the space is usable. The lighting is superb, and you can see in all corners, and the glass shelves allow you to see what is below as well. The doors have deep shelves and can hold gallon jugs of milk or juice. … I can quickly see everything in the freezer without sliding shelves or racks. I chose this one because it did NOT have a zillion bells and whistles. … This is the best fridge I ever had in the last 40 years. Highly recommend.” —Aggie 83 via Best Buy, November 2022

“Very bright and roomy inside both the refrigerator and freezer. Temperature settings outside of [the] freezer door are convenient. Ice maker stays full and never seems to run out. It keeps up with our demand. The option for crushed or cubes is easy and switches back and forth without problems or jamming. The outside of the unit seems to resist fingerprints and smudges and always looks good.” —Floridadeb via Best Buy, 2020

“The ice maker is a bit loud, and the amount of ice is unpredictable. It starts to dispense slowly, then all of a sudden, ice is coming out faster than you can stop it. The water comes out very slowly. It is quicker to fill a glass at the sink.” —sjones3 via Best Buy, 2020

 

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What to Look For in a Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Here are the top factors to consider when shopping for a side-by-side refrigerator.

• Brand: There are many brands that sell side-by-side refrigerators. We recommend prioritizing brands with longstanding reputations for producing quality appliances and providing good customer service.
• Capacity: Small refrigerators range from 20 cubic feet to 23.5 cubic feet. Standard depth units fall within the 24-cubic-foot to 26.5-cubic-foot range. Fridges over 27 cubic feet in capacity are considered large.
• Energy efficiency: Look for a refrigerator that is certified by ENERGY STAR. These refrigerators use less energy than standard models, which can save you money on your energy bills.
• Features: Some increasingly common refrigerator features include Wi-Fi connectivity, ice makers, water dispensers, adjustable shelves, “family hub” integration, and touch-screen controls.
• Noise level: Some refrigerators are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, choose a quiet model and look for verified buyer reviews to get a good sense of what to expect—especially when looking at fridges that include ice makers.
• Price point: Side-by-side refrigerators can range from just over $1,000 to more than $5,000.
• Warranty: Most side-by-side refrigerators come with a one-year warranty. However, some brands offer extended warranties.

 

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Our Recommendation

The Samsung Bespoke Side-by-Side Refrigerator is our top pick due to its ENERGY STAR certification, ADA compliance, space efficiency, and innovative features. Combined with its relatively low price and fingerprint-resistant exterior, this counter-depth fridge is ideal for modern, function-forward homes.

 

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How We Chose the Top Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Over the years, our team has vetted thousands of products to help you select the top major appliances for your home. We update our data points and review content regularly to account for shifts in customer consensus, product availability, new releases, and overall quality.

To steer the product selection process, our reviewers conduct detailed research that focuses on several key factors:

• Brand research: We cast a wide net by first looking at the latest, most reputable models available through trusted retailers. 
• Ratings: We then scope our list down to products with a high number of verified-buyer reviews and average customer ratings between four and five stars. 
• Expert and consumer insights: Next, we look at what independent product testers, subject matter experts, and other publications have to say about each model we review.
• User needs: Finally, we compare each item’s features, specs, and warranty information to find a best-in-class option for every type of consumer and price point.