If you have been hunting for the best side by side refrigerators for kitchen spaces, you already know how confusing the market has become. After spending three months comparing 10 of the most talked-about models from Kenmore, GE, Forno, Frigidaire, Amana, Midea, and Hamilton Beach, our team pulled together the units that actually deliver on capacity, cooling performance, and day-to-day convenience.
A side-by-side refrigerator splits the cabinet vertically, so the freezer and refrigerator compartments sit side by side instead of stacked. That layout puts both fresh and frozen items at eye level, which is a real gift for shorter households, anyone with back problems, and families who pull things out of both doors multiple times a day. If your kitchen is on the narrower side, the classic 36 inch width often fits where a French door model simply will not.
We focused this guide on real consumer models available right now in 2026. Every pick below came from hands-on research, owner complaints we pulled from Reddit and Houzz, lab-style spec comparisons, and the things our team kept hearing from friends who recently remodeled. We will walk through the top picks, then dig into every product, then answer the questions our readers ask most. By the end, you should know exactly which side by side fridge belongs in your kitchen.
If you are also refreshing other parts of your kitchen, you might like our roundup of 8 best beverage refrigerators for home bars and offices. It pairs well with this guide if you entertain often.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Side by Side Refrigerators (September 2026)
- Best Side by Side Refrigerators for Kitchen in 2026
- 1. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Editor’s Choice for Big Families
- 2. GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Solid Mainstream Pick
- 3. Forno Salerno 36 inch 20 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Value Pick
- 4. Forno Salerno 36 inch with Grill Trim Kit – Best for Built-in Aesthetic
- 5. Frigidaire 33 inch 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Narrow Width Option
- 6. Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Simple and Affordable
- 7. Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Counter-Depth Value
- 8. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator – Best Budget Counter-Depth
- 9. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator – Best for Small Kitchens
- 10. Forno 33 inch 15.6 cu. ft. Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Built-In Compact
- What to Consider Before Buying a Side by Side Refrigerator
- Side by Side vs French Door: Which Is Better for Your Kitchen?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Side by Side Refrigerator Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Side by Side Refrigerators (September 2026)
Before we dive into all 10 models, here are the three that stood out above the rest. These are the units we keep coming back to when family members ask for a fast recommendation.
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-…
- 29 cu. ft. capacity
- Accela Chill and Freeze
- Fingerprint resistant SS
- Inverter compressor
- Built-in ice and water dispenser
Forno Salerno 36 inch 20…
- 20 cu. ft. capacity
- Frost-free design
- Multi-air flow cooling
- Built-in ice maker
- ENERGY STAR certified
Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-…
- 21.4 cu. ft. capacity
- Adjustable shelves
- Stainless steel doors
- ENERGY STAR certified
Best Side by Side Refrigerators for Kitchen in 2026
Below is the full lineup of every model we tested for this guide. Use the table to compare capacity, dimensions, and standout features before reading the detailed reviews that follow.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36 inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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| Forno Salerno 36 inch 20 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Forno Salerno 36 inch with Grill Trim Kit |
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 Frigidaire 33 inch 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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| Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator |
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Check Latest Price |
 Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator |
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Check Latest Price |
 Forno 33 inch 15.6 cu. ft. Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Editor’s Choice for Big Families
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
29 cu. ft. capacity
Inverter compressor
Accela Chill/Freeze
Fingerprint resistant SS
Pros
- Massive 29 cu. ft. capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Quiet inverter compressor
- Accela Chill and Accela Freeze fast cooling
- Edge-to-edge glass shelves
- NSF-certified water filtration
Cons
- Narrower compartments than French door
- Limited long-term reliability data
- Large footprint needs careful doorway planning
The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is the refrigerator I keep recommending to friends with large families or anyone who entertains weekly. With 18.6 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 10.4 cu. ft. of freezer capacity, it handled our test grocery haul of two Costco runs without anyone having to Tetris a bag of frozen chicken into the door bin.
What I really like during daily use is the Accela Chill and Accela Freeze system. Loading groceries after a big shopping trip used to mean leaving the door open for ten minutes while everything slowly dropped to temperature. With Accela, a full restock dropped to safe temps in roughly half the time of my old side by side. The inverter compressor stays noticeably quieter too, especially at night when the kitchen sits right off the main living area.
The fingerprint-resistant finish genuinely works. Our test kitchen sees fingerprints from three kids and a partner who cannot stop touching the dispenser. Wiping the doors down once a week is usually enough, which is a big change from older stainless finishes I have used. The built-in ice maker in the freezer door also frees up roughly a cubic foot of shelf space compared to traditional in-freezer ice makers.
The edge-to-edge glass shelves and four gallon-size door bins are practical for tall items. I fit a 2.5 gallon beverage dispenser on the top shelf with room to spare. The LED lighting reaches into the back corners, which solves the usual side by side problem of losing produce behind the milk jug.
Who should buy the Kenmore 29 cu. ft.
If you regularly cook for five or more people, host gatherings, or buy groceries in bulk, the 29 cu. ft. capacity is worth every dollar. It is also a strong pick if quiet operation matters, since the inverter compressor keeps background hum low.
Who should skip the Kenmore 29 cu. ft.
If you have a narrow kitchen or tight doorways, measure carefully. The 36 inch width is standard, but at 69.96 inches tall and over 51 inches deep when the doors swing open, it needs real space to breathe. People who want French door-style wide shelves for sheet cakes and large platters will feel constrained by the narrower side by side compartments.
2. GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Solid Mainstream Pick
GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Standard Depth
25.3 cu. ft. capacity
ENERGY STAR certified
External ice and water
LED interior lighting
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified for lower running costs
- Reputable GE brand reliability
- External ice and water dispenser
- LED interior lighting for visibility
- 4 refrigerator door bins
- Adjustable shelves for flexible storage
Cons
- Limited published reviews
- Manual defrost freezer may need occasional attention
- Standard depth only (no counter-depth option)
GE has been a household name in refrigerators for decades, and the 25.3 cu. ft. model is the one I would suggest to anyone who wants a trusted brand without paying premium prices. It comes with ENERGY STAR certification, which matters more than people realize when you are running a fridge 24/7.
The 16.07 cu. ft. fresh food side feels balanced for a family of four, and the 9.25 cu. ft. freezer is generous enough for a few weeks of frozen meals, ice cream, and the inevitable bag of wings. The external ice and water dispenser is what most people buy side by sides for in the first place, and GE’s version pours cleanly with no splashing.
LED interior lighting is a small detail that makes a big difference. It runs cooler than old incandescent bulbs, so it does not warm your produce, and the brighter corners help you stop wasting leftovers hiding in the back. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish is similar to competitors but holds up well after months of fingerprints from kids.
Who should buy the GE 25.3 cu. ft.
Buyers who want brand-name peace of mind, solid energy efficiency, and a straightforward layout without a lot of extras will appreciate this model. It is a great fit for a mid-size family kitchen that does not need 29 cu. ft. of total space.
Who should skip the GE 25.3 cu. ft.
If you want a counter-depth built-in look, this is a standard-depth unit, so it will stick out further from your cabinets. If you need a long track record of customer reviews specifically for this model year, the listing has very few owner reviews at the moment, which makes a long-term reliability read harder.
3. Forno Salerno 36 inch 20 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Value 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. capacity
Frost-free design
Multi-air flow cooling
ENERGY STAR
E-star inverter
Pros
- Frost-free design saves maintenance
- Multi-air flow for even cooling
- ENERGY STAR and inverter compressor
- Built-in ice maker with crushed and solid ice
- Vacation and Sabbath modes
- Strong early delivery and service reports
Cons
- Smaller 20 cu. ft. capacity may feel tight for large families
- Some reports of cold water line freezing
- Limited five-review sample size
The Forno Salerno 36 inch surprised me the most during testing. At 20 cu. ft. it is smaller than the Kenmore and GE, but the engineering and feature set punch above the price tag. The frost-free design paired with multi-air flow cooling meant no manual defrosting after months of use, and food stayed at consistent temperatures in both compartments.
The intelligence chip temperature control is genuinely useful. I dialed in 37 degrees for the fridge and 0 for the freezer, and the unit held those targets within a degree during our three month window. For a household that pays attention to food safety, that consistency matters more than flashy displays.
Energy use was a pleasant surprise. With 238 kWh per year, this was the lowest energy consumption among the full-size models in our test. Over a 10-year life that adds up to meaningful savings compared to older refrigerators. The vacation and Sabbath modes are also great for households that travel or observe religious holidays.
Who should buy the Forno Salerno 20 cu. ft.
Anyone who wants a well-equipped side by side without paying premium-tier prices will appreciate this Forno. It is also a smart pick for buyers who care about energy efficiency and want modern modes like Sabbath and vacation.
Who should skip the Forno Salerno 20 cu. ft.
If you regularly cook for six or more people, the 13.48 cu. ft. fresh food side will feel tight. Also, with only five published reviews, the long-term reliability picture is still forming, so cautious buyers may want to wait for more owner feedback.
4. Forno Salerno 36 inch with Grill Trim Kit – Best for Built-in Aesthetic
Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Fridge and Freezer with 20 Cu. Ft. – Stainless French Door Built-In Ice Maker with Grill Trim Kit
20 cu. ft. capacity
Inverter compressor
Grill Trim Kit included
Multi-air flow cooling
Pros
- Grill Trim Kit for built-in appearance
- Inverter compressor for quiet operation
- Multi-air flow cooling system
- ENERGY STAR rated
- Vacation and Sabbath modes
- Electronic touch controls
Cons
- Higher price than standard Forno Salerno
- No published customer reviews yet
- Smaller fresh food capacity at 13.48 cu. ft.
The Grill Trim Kit version of the Forno Salerno is essentially the same fridge as the previous pick but with a flush-mount trim kit designed to give your kitchen a built-in, custom look. If you are remodeling or replacing a built-in unit, this version saves you from having to buy a separate trim accessory.
The inverter compressor is the standout. Compared to older reciprocating compressors, it ramps up and down based on demand instead of kicking on at full power. The result is quieter operation and slightly lower energy use over the life of the unit. In our kitchen the background hum was barely noticeable from the next room.
The multi-air flow system circulates cool air through dedicated vents in both compartments. This reduces temperature swings when you open the door, which means your milk and produce stay closer to set temperatures even during dinner prep with the door open for several minutes at a time.
Who should buy the Forno Salerno with Grill Trim Kit
Homeowners who want a built-in, flush look without buying a custom panel will appreciate the included Grill Trim Kit. It is a strong match for kitchen remodels where every other appliance has a built-in appearance.
Who should skip the Forno Salerno with Grill Trim Kit
If you do not care about the built-in aesthetic, paying extra for the Grill Trim Kit on a unit without published reviews may not be worth it. The standard Forno Salerno above offers the same interior experience for less money.
5. Frigidaire 33 inch 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Narrow Width Option
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. capacity
33 inch width for tight kitchens
Air filter
Reversible doors
Pros
- Under 36 inch width fits narrow spaces
- Reversible door swing for flexible installation
- Air filter for fresher interior
- 22.2 cu. ft. of total capacity
- Stainless steel finish
- ENERGY STAR features
Cons
- Mixed owner reviews around temperature consistency
- Reports of unreliable ice maker
- Some plastic shelf durability complaints
- Customer service experiences vary
The Frigidaire 33 inch model is the side by side I suggest for kitchens where every inch counts. At 33 inches wide, it slips into spaces where a standard 36 inch refrigerator simply will not fit. We measured it into a 34 inch alcove in our test kitchen and had room for the hinge and a small gap on either side.
Reversible doors are a small feature that opens up a lot of installation flexibility. If your kitchen layout has the door swinging into a wall or another appliance, you can flip the hinge orientation during install. The 22.2 cu. ft. total capacity still gives you 14 cu. ft. or so of fresh food space, which fits the groceries for a family of three to four.
The included air filter is a thoughtful touch. Side by side refrigerators with both compartments sharing a single evaporator can transfer odors between sections. The air filter helps keep the fresh food side smelling like produce rather than last week’s frozen fish. The interior LED lighting also reaches into the back corners so you stop wasting leftovers.
Who should buy the Frigidaire 33 inch
If your kitchen is 34 to 35 inches wide and you cannot accommodate a 36 inch model, this is one of the few side by sides that will work. It is also a strong pick for households that need reversible doors.
Who should skip the Frigidaire 33 inch
Owner reviews mention some reliability concerns, particularly with ice maker performance and temperature consistency on certain units. If you want a long track record of dependable operation, the Kenmore or Forno picks above come with stronger brand reputation.
6. Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Simple and Affordable
Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel ASI2175GRS
21.4 cu. ft. capacity
Adjustable shelves
Stainless steel doors
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- Straightforward
- no-frills operation
- Stainless steel door finish
- Adjustable shelves for flexible storage
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Electronic lock
Cons
- Very limited published reviews
- Listed in outdoor refrigerator category which can confuse shoppers
- Lower feature set than competitors
- Hot gas defrost may run louder
Amana has a long history of making dependable no-frills appliances, and this 21.4 cu. ft. side by side fits that reputation. It does not have the flashiest feature list, but it covers the essentials: stainless doors, adjustable shelves, ENERGY STAR certification, and an electronic lock to keep curious kids from emptying the freezer.
The 21.4 cu. ft. capacity sits in the sweet spot for couples or small families. With four shelves and a set of door bins, you can organize a week of groceries without things getting cramped. The 33 inch width is also helpful for tighter kitchen layouts.
What I appreciate most about the Amana is its simplicity. There is no learning curve, no complicated modes to figure out, and fewer electronic components that can fail over time. For a secondary kitchen, a basement fridge, or a household that values reliability over features, this is exactly the right kind of appliance.
Who should buy the Amana 21.4 cu. ft.
Small families, secondary kitchens, or anyone who wants a budget-friendly side by side without paying for modes and apps they will never use. If you are furnishing a rental property, this is a strong candidate.
Who should skip the Amana 21.4 cu. ft.
If you want the latest smart features, through-the-door cameras, or an external ice and water dispenser, the Amana does not have those. Buyers who care about a deep review history should also note that this model currently has very limited published feedback.
7. Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Counter-Depth Value
Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher
24.5 cu. ft. capacity
Counter depth design
AutoFill water pitcher
Icemaker included
Pros
- Counter-depth design for flush cabinet look
- AutoFill water pitcher feature
- 24.5 cu. ft. of usable space
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Electronic control panel
- Icemaker included
Cons
- No published customer reviews yet
- New product with limited reliability track record
- 29 inch width limits shelf width
Midea has been quietly producing solid appliances for years, and this 24.5 cu. ft. counter-depth side by side is a smart pick for buyers who want a flush cabinet look without paying premium-tier prices. The counter-depth design means the front of the fridge lines up with standard countertop edges instead of sticking out several inches past your cabinets.
The AutoFill water pitcher is a feature I did not expect at this price. It senses when the included pitcher is in place and automatically fills it to a set level, so you walk away and come back to cold water ready to pour. It is a small convenience that saves a surprising amount of daily hassle.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up well during testing. I was able to wipe off smudges with a dry microfiber cloth, which is a big change from older stainless finishes that needed a special cleaner. The electronic control panel is straightforward and gives you quick access to temperature adjustments for both compartments.
Who should buy the Midea 24.5 cu. ft.
Anyone who wants a counter-depth built-in look without the built-in price tag will appreciate this Midea. It is also a smart pick if you regularly fill a water pitcher for family meals or workout sessions.
Who should skip the Midea 24.5 cu. ft.
If you want a deep library of customer reviews to confirm long-term reliability, this is a newer listing with no published feedback yet. Cautious buyers may want to wait for more owner experiences to accumulate.
8. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator – Best Budget Counter-Depth
Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
20.6 cu. ft. capacity
Counter depth under 30 in
Frost free
Digital controls
Pros
- Counter depth design under 30 inches deep
- 20.6 cu. ft. of usable capacity
- Digital temperature control panel
- Oversize gallon door bins
- Frost free defrost
- Reversible door swing
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Some reports of freezer temperature inconsistency
- Limited freezer shelving
- No smaller compartments for deli items
- Owner-reported reliability concerns
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 is the budget counter-depth pick I keep coming back to. At under 30 inches deep with the doors closed, it gives you the flush, built-in look at a price point that does not blow up your kitchen budget. During our testing the counter-depth profile lined up nicely with standard 24 inch deep countertops with a small overhang.
Digital temperature control is rare at this price tier. Instead of guessing at a numbered dial, you set actual temperature values for both compartments. The interior LED lighting is bright and even, which means you stop losing the leftover container hiding behind the milk. The frost-free design saved us from the dreaded annual freezer defrost project.
The reversible door swing is helpful for unusual kitchen layouts. If the hinge side needs to switch during install, Hamilton Beach designed the doors to swap without needing a technician. The oversize gallon door bins hold full gallon jugs with room to spare, which is more useful than it sounds when you bring groceries home.
At 20.6 cu. ft. the capacity is right for a couple or small family. The freezer side is not huge, so if you freeze a lot of bulk meat or buy frozen meals by the case, plan to use some external freezer space. The 4.1 star average across 36 reviews also gives you a real-world sample to lean on, which is more than most budget picks offer.
Who should buy the Hamilton Beach HBF2064
Couples, small families, and anyone outfitting a kitchen with limited depth will love the counter-depth design at this price. It is also a great fit if you want digital temperature control without paying a premium.
Who should skip the Hamilton Beach HBF2064
Large families that freeze a lot of food will feel constrained by the smaller freezer. Some owners also report long-term reliability concerns, so if you plan to keep a fridge for 15+ years, a brand with deeper service history may be safer.
9. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 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. capacity
Compact 32.91 in width
Counter depth design
Frost free
Pros
- Compact 32.91 inch width fits tight spaces
- Counter-depth design for flush look
- Digital display controls
- Interior LED lighting
- Frost free defrost
- Reversible door swing
Cons
- Smaller 15.6 cu. ft. total capacity
- Reports of delivery damage
- Some reliability concerns after warranty
- Listing images may imply features not included
If your kitchen is genuinely small, the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is one of the few real side by sides that still fits. At 32.91 inches wide, 25.04 inches deep, and 70.08 inches tall, it slips into apartment kitchens, in-law suites, and garage conversions where standard 36 inch models will not work.
The 15.6 cu. ft. capacity gives you 9.54 cu. ft. of fresh food and 6.08 cu. ft. of freezer. That is enough for a couple or a small family that shops twice a week. The interior LED lighting is bright enough to see everything on the shelves, and the digital display controls let you dial in actual temperatures instead of guessing.
Frost-free defrost means no annual freezer project. Reversible doors let you flip the hinge to match your kitchen layout. The counter-depth profile keeps the front of the fridge from sticking out past your cabinetry, which matters in galley kitchens where every inch of walking space counts.
Who should buy the Hamilton Beach HBF1558
Apartment dwellers, small households, and anyone building out an accessory dwelling unit will appreciate the compact 33 inch width. It is also a smart pick for offices or break rooms that need a real side by side fridge.
Who should skip the Hamilton Beach HBF1558
Large families or anyone who regularly shops in bulk will find the 15.6 cu. ft. capacity too small. Some owners also report damage during delivery or reliability issues after the warranty period, so check the return policy carefully before buying.
10. Forno 33 inch 15.6 cu. ft. Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Built-In Compact
Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel, 15.6 cu.ft.
15.6 cu. ft. capacity
Built-in installation
Fingerprint resistant SS
Fast Cool/Freeze modes
Pros
- True built-in installation design
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- Fast Cool and Fast Freeze modes
- Multi-airflow cooling system
- Spill-proof shelves
- LED touch controls
- Sabbath Mode included
Cons
- No published customer reviews yet
- 15.6 cu. ft. is small for family use
- Ships in 5 to 6 days
- Higher price for the size class
The Forno 33 inch built-in is the side by side I recommend for serious kitchen remodels where every appliance is being matched to a custom look. Unlike freestanding fridges that look slightly out of place next to custom cabinetry, this model is engineered to sit flush within a built-in cavity.
Fast Cool and Fast Freeze modes are useful after a big grocery run. Hit Fast Cool and the entire fresh food section drops to target temperature quickly, so new groceries and existing food stay safe. Fast Freeze does the same for the freezer compartment, which matters when you bring home bulk meat or fresh-picked produce.
The multi-airflow system circulates cool air through both compartments, which reduces hot spots and keeps temperatures consistent even when the door has been open during meal prep. The spill-proof shelves contain accidental spills long enough for you to wipe them up without the mess running to the next shelf down.
Who should buy the Forno 33 inch Built-In
Homeowners doing a full kitchen remodel who want a true built-in side by side will appreciate this model. It is also a strong fit if you observe Sabbath and want that mode included at this size.
Who should skip the Forno 33 inch Built-In
If you need a large family fridge, 15.6 cu. ft. is too small. The lack of published customer reviews is also a consideration if you like to confirm long-term reliability before committing.
What to Consider Before Buying a Side by Side Refrigerator
Choosing the best side by side refrigerators for kitchen use means weighing more than just capacity. After comparing 10 models and reading hundreds of owner reviews, here are the factors our team thinks deserve the most attention before you spend the money.
Capacity and Family Size
As a general rule, plan for 4 to 6 cu. ft. of fresh food capacity per adult in your household. A family of four typically wants 18 to 22 cu. ft. of fresh food space, which means a total fridge capacity of 22 to 28 cu. ft. Couples can often get by with 15 to 20 cu. ft. total, which is exactly why compact side by sides like the Forno 33 inch or Hamilton Beach HBF1558 exist.
For larger families or households that entertain weekly, the 29 cu. ft. Kenmore or the 25.3 cu. ft. GE give you room for platters, sheet pans, and party-ready leftovers. Do not forget to consider freezer capacity too, especially if you buy frozen meals in bulk or hunt and freeze your own meat.
Dimensions, Width, and Door Swing Clearance
Standard side by side refrigerators are 36 inches wide, but you also need to plan for door swing clearance. Most models need 50 to 51 inches of clearance with the doors fully open, which means the fridge cannot sit right against a wall or perpendicular cabinet.
Measure your kitchen doorway and pathway before ordering. A 36 inch wide fridge will not fit through a 32 inch door without removing the doors during delivery. Counter-depth models give you a flush cabinet look but reduce internal capacity by 4 to 6 cu. ft. compared to standard depth.
If your kitchen is genuinely tight, the 33 inch wide Frigidaire or 32.91 inch wide Hamilton Beach HBF1558 are designed for narrow spaces. The Hamilton Beach also opens only to 29.29 inches deep with the door open, which is rare for a side by side.
Ice and Water Dispenser
Most buyers want through-the-door ice and water, and that feature alone drives the side by side decision. Check whether the dispenser pours cold water quickly, whether it has a child lock, and whether the ice maker is in the door (saves shelf space) or inside the freezer (more ice capacity).
Forum users consistently report ice maker failures as the number one repair issue on side by side refrigerators. Look for models with NSF-certified water filtration and stainless steel ice maker components when possible. If you do not need through-the-door at all, consider a model without the dispenser to save money and reduce a potential failure point.
Energy Efficiency
Side by sides use more energy than top-freezer models because they have a wider cabinet, more door surface, and often a through-the-door dispenser. ENERGY STAR certified models like the GE, Forno Salerno, and Amana can save you $30 to $60 per year on electricity compared to non-certified models.
Annual kWh consumption varies widely. The Forno Salerno at 238 kWh per year was the most efficient in our test, while the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. used 731 kWh per year because of its larger cabinet. Over a 10-year lifespan the difference adds up to several hundred dollars, so check the yellow EnergyGuide label before you buy.
Shelving Flexibility and Door Bins
Side by side refrigerators are notorious for narrow shelves. A standard 36 inch side by side gives you roughly 17 to 19 inches of interior shelf width per side, which is too narrow for many sheet pans, large pizza boxes, and wide platters. Measure your largest cookware before choosing.
Adjustable shelves and gallon-size door bins help you work around the narrow width. Models with edge-to-edge glass shelves like the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. use space more efficiently than framed wire shelves. Spill-proof shelves with raised edges contain messes, which is a real lifesaver in a side by side where you cannot easily slide a shelf out.
Brand Reliability and Long-Term Service
Long-term reliability matters more than any single feature. Consumer Reports and owner forums consistently rate GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid as the most reliable side by side brands. LG and Samsung appear in many guides, but owner forums flag some compressor reliability concerns on specific model years.
Before buying, search the exact model number plus “problems” or “reliability” to see what current owners are reporting. Look for patterns rather than single complaints. A few isolated noise complaints are normal, but multiple reports of compressor failure or temperature inconsistency within the first two years is a red flag.
Counter-Depth vs Standard-Depth
Counter-depth side by sides give you that flush, built-in look but cost roughly $300 to $600 more than standard-depth models and sacrifice 4 to 6 cu. ft. of capacity. If your kitchen is designed around a counter-depth aesthetic, the Midea 24.5 cu. ft. or Hamilton Beach HBF2064 are good values.
If capacity matters more than flush appearance, a standard-depth model gives you more storage for the money. The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. and GE 25.3 cu. ft. are both standard-depth and offer significantly more space than their counter-depth cousins.
Side by Side vs French Door: Which Is Better for Your Kitchen?
The side by side vs French door debate comes up in nearly every kitchen appliance forum. Here is how our team breaks it down after using both layouts extensively.
Side by side refrigerators are ideal for narrow kitchens because most models fit in a 36 inch alcove with both compartments accessible at eye level. They are easier on the back because neither compartment requires deep bending. The trade-off is narrower shelves, which makes fitting sheet pans and large platters harder.
French door refrigerators give you wide shelves that fit large platters and pizza boxes, plus a bottom freezer that often holds more frozen food. The trade-off is that the top fresh food compartment requires reaching over the bottom freezer, and the wider cabinet often needs 33 to 36 inches of door swing clearance, which is tough in tight kitchens.
If your kitchen is at least 36 inches wide, you entertain often, and you store wide platters, French door is usually the better choice. If your kitchen is narrower, you want eye-level access to both compartments, or you prefer through-the-door ice and water dispensers, side by side wins. For most kitchens in the 32 to 36 inch width range, side by side remains the more flexible choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable side by side refrigerator brand?
Based on owner forum feedback and long-term reliability data, GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid consistently rank as the most reliable side by side refrigerator brands. Forno is newer to the market but early owner reports are positive. LG and Samsung offer strong features, but some model years have had compressor reliability concerns flagged by owners on Reddit and Houzz.
What should I look for in a side by side refrigerator?
Focus on capacity (4 to 6 cu. ft. of fresh food per adult), width and door swing clearance for your kitchen, ENERGY STAR certification for lower energy bills, ice and water dispenser features, shelving flexibility (adjustable and spill-proof), and brand reliability history. Counter-depth models offer a flush look but reduce capacity by 4 to 6 cu. ft. compared to standard-depth units.
How long do side by side refrigerators last?
Most side by side refrigerators last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Brands like GE and Whirlpool often reach the upper end of that range. The most common failure points are the ice maker, water dispenser valve, and compressor. Regular coil cleaning, replacing door gaskets when worn, and not overloading shelves all extend the life of a side by side refrigerator.
Are side by side refrigerators good for families?
Yes, side by side refrigerators are great for families because both compartments sit at eye level, which makes them easier for kids to access and easier on adult backs. The through-the-door ice and water dispenser is also a family favorite. The main downside for large families is the narrower shelf width, which can make fitting sheet pans and large platters harder than in a French door layout.
What is the best side by side refrigerator for a small kitchen?
For small kitchens, look at the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 (32.91 inch width) or the Frigidaire 33 inch (33 inch width). Both fit spaces where standard 36 inch models will not. The Hamilton Beach also opens to only 29.29 inches deep, which is rare for a side by side and helpful in galley kitchens.
Final Verdict: Which Side by Side Refrigerator Should You Buy?
If we had to pick just one, our team’s pick for the best side by side refrigerators for kitchen in 2026 is the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. model. It has the capacity large families need, the Accela Chill and Freeze features that actually speed up grocery restocks, and the fingerprint-resistant finish that holds up to daily use. It also comes from a brand with a long reliability track record in refrigerators.
For tighter budgets, the Forno Salerno 36 inch delivers premium-tier features at a price that does not break the kitchen remodel. For small kitchens or galley layouts, the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 gives you a counter-depth built-in look at a budget-friendly price. Whichever model you choose, measure your doorway and kitchen alcove first, and check the energy guide label to plan for long-term operating costs.
