Side By Side Freezers Fridge Side-by-side fridges have ample space to store food items. Some such as our top pick by Forno, also have counter-depth dimensions that sit directly against the cabinet to give a sleek, built-in appearance. Other models include freezer storage with different heights that can be useful for families with kids or for anyone who is struggling to reach shelves high up. Size As the name implies, side-byside refrigerators are equipped with an ice maker on one side and a fridge on the other. They tend to have a larger overall capacity than the bottom or top freezer models. They are also smaller and don't block your way like fridges with a single door which is a benefit in small kitchens. Side-by-side refrigerators are taller than other refrigerators, so they can provide more space in the freezer. They typically have multiple shelves and compartments that make organization easy, keeping frequently used items at eye-level in the refrigerator area and long-term foods on higher, harder-to-reach shelves in the freezer. They may also have ice and water dispensers that allow you to easily access your beverages without opening the door to the freezer. These refrigerators have separate cooling systems for freezers to ensure that food remains fresher for longer. They also come with features to prevent the loss of food and spoilage, such as an hydration system as well as air filters to eliminate smells, or crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas to delay overripening. This kind of refrigerator has disadvantages in that it is not as efficient in energy use as top-freezer or bottom-freezer models. They have a greater vertical volume that needs to be chilled, which can increase your energy bill. Plus, they are less efficient than other models in storing large items. They may not be suitable for those with mobility issues who have difficulty bending. 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 fridges typically offer a 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 are also a great option for small homes or condos, where a bigger fridge could take up counter space. These refrigerators aren't large enough to meet the storage requirements of many families. Even everyday utensils and larger meals for the holidays may not be able to fit. The possibility of rearranging shelves is there, but that can be time-consuming and may reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator. The other drawback of a side by side freezer is that it gives more space to the freezer than to the refrigerator. This can be a problem if you use a deep freeze frequently. The positive is that a majority of models have an additional ice machine to provide the convenience of chilled beverages with no need for the refrigerator's cooling system So there are ways around this potential drawback. You can choose an appliance that is independently controlled freezer and refrigerator sections with features like the Preserve Food System from KitchenAid for instance. It includes an air filter which helps to keep odors at bay and a mechanism within the crisper drawers to absorb ethylene gas, which can delay the over-ripening of food items. It's a costly purchase, but it's a smart investment that will save you money and keep your food in better condition longer. Energy Efficiency In general, side-by-side refrigerators use less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also tend to cost less than French door refrigerators, and they can be easier to maintain since their doors are only to a smaller width. You'll need to ensure that your kitchen can accommodate a water-and-ice dispenser. This will require a plumbing connector which can be difficult to install in smaller kitchens. Additionally, the larger openings of a fridge that is side-by-side can make it difficult to store larger items. Many manufacturers provide energy-saving features in their side by side refrigerators. They include adjustable shelving and LED lights that keep food visible, even in the darkest corners of the freezer. There are also cooling systems that monitor temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer sections and can help reduce food waste by keeping the most popular items easily accessible and reducing the amount of frozen food items you throw away due to forgetting about them or they've gone bad. You can also buy a refrigerator with extras like access to the door for snacks and drinks, which not only saves time but can help reduce energy consumption by limiting the amount of cold air that escapes the fridge. You can also get a side-byside refrigerator with no extras if you're on a tight budget or your kitchen is basic. Quincy Bulin is a writer and product specialist at Lowe's and covers everything from the latest appliances to home improvement products and trends. She's always eager to assist you in finding the right products for your home, just ask! Stores A majority of side-byside refrigerators feature ice and water dispensers that are integrated into the freezer. This is an excellent option when you want easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It can also be convenient to wash dishes or clean glasses. This reduces the freezer capacity. Select a refrigerator that is adequate for your needs. Due to their vertical design, side by side refrigerators have more storage capacity in the freezer than refrigerators that are bottom freezer. This allows you to keep things you use frequently on the upper shelves while keeping frozen items that will last longer in the lower shelves. The freezer is equipped with multiple shelves to choose from, allowing you to arrange it to meet your requirements. Modern side-byside refrigerators are sleek and luxurious in design, and enhance the look of any kitchen. They also feature two doors, which provide an incredibly small footprint and less clutter than other configurations of refrigerators. Many models also have crisper drawers, humidity controls and other features based on the model. Some fridges that are side-by-side come with an Energy Star certification, which means they'll cost you less on the daily basis. If you're worried about your electricity bills, this makes them an excellent choice. However, fridges side by side that must be met to get this certification can increase the cost of purchasing refrigerators that have this label. This may not be an issue for some buyers but it is worth considering before making a purchase.
fridges side by side
