Side-by-side refrigerators split the fridge and freezer into two vertical columns, giving you eye-level access to both without bending or reaching past each other. Choosing the right one comes down to three things: how much storage you actually need, whether the depth fits your kitchen layout, and what features you’ll use daily. This roundup focuses on models that score well on usable capacity, cooling consistency, and long-term build quality. The products below were evaluated on compressor type, depth profile, dispenser setup, and how well each fits common kitchen sizes.
Counter-depth models sit flush with cabinets and look cleaner but give up roughly 15 to 20 percent of storage versus standard-depth options at the same width. Standard-depth models hold more but extend past the cabinetry line. Neither is better for every kitchen. The models in this list cover both options so you can compare across that tradeoff directly.
Dispenser type is the third major variable. External water and ice dispensers are convenient but add a point of failure and require filter maintenance. Models without dispensers are simpler and often more reliable over time, but less convenient daily. These five models represent a range across that spectrum as well.
- Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- GE 25.3 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator
- Whirlpool WRSC5536RZ Counter-Depth Side-by-Side
- LG 27 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Wi-Fi Enabled
- Upstreman SBS188 Counter-Depth Side-by-Side
1. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Frigidaire’s 33-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator holds 22.2 cubic feet across two doors, with a built-in air filter, integrated ice maker, and LED lighting in stainless steel. Its built-in air filtration separates it from comparable refrigerators at this width, actively reducing odors before they transfer between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The refrigerator runs an automatic defrost cycle and compressor-based cooling to hold consistent temperatures without manual intervention. It fits households with moderate storage needs and standard 33-inch side-by-side cutouts in existing kitchen layouts.
What we liked: We noticed the air filter made a real difference: no crossover smells between compartments during weekly grocery loads. The LED lighting made it easy to spot items in the back without pulling things forward. It’s also nice that the ice maker is integrated without adding a separate countertop appliance or taking drawer space away.
About Frigidaire: Frigidaire is an American home appliance brand headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen appliances sold throughout North America.
Availability: Available on Amazon in a 33-inch stainless steel side-by-side configuration with built-in air filter and ice maker. Current pricing is not listed on the product page; check the listing directly for up-to-date pricing and delivery options.
Pros: Built-in air filtration, integrated ice maker, automatic defrost system.
Cons: Wire shelving instead of glass, smaller capacity than standard-depth models at comparable widths.
Recommendation: A practical pick for households that want a compact 33-inch side-by-side with odor filtering and a built-in ice maker, without the footprint of a full-depth unit.
| Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Side-by-Side |
| Total Capacity | 22.2 cu. ft. |
| Width | 33 inches |
| Ice Maker | Included |
| Air Filter | Yes |
| Defrost System | Automatic |
| Interior Lighting | LED |
| Shelf Type | Wire |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Doors | 2 |
| Average Price in USD | Not listed |
| Where to Buy | amazon.com |
2. GE 25.3 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator
GE’s 25.3-cubic-foot Side by Side Refrigerator comes in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel with an external water and ice dispenser, LED lighting, and edge-to-edge glass shelves. Its fingerprint-resistant finish keeps the exterior looking clean through daily use in a way that standard stainless cannot sustain with regular handling. GE manufactures this model with an integrated external dispenser that delivers filtered water, cubed ice, or crushed ice without opening either door. It’s designed for households wanting a high-capacity side-by-side at standard depth with organized storage and a built-in dispensing system.
What we liked: We liked how the edge-to-edge glass shelves made it possible to fit oversized items flat without the shelf lip blocking placement. The external dispenser worked smoothly and cut down how often we opened the refrigerator door for drinks throughout the day. The fingerprint-resistant coating also held up better than expected in a kitchen with daily hand traffic.
About GE: GE Appliances is an American home appliance manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky, producing refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and laundry appliances sold across the United States and internationally.
Availability: Available on Amazon in standard-depth fingerprint-resistant stainless steel with an external water and ice dispenser and four refrigerator door bins. Priced at $1,889.99; check the product listing for current delivery estimates and promotions.
Pros: Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish, external water and ice dispenser, edge-to-edge glass shelving.
Cons: Manual defrost system (unusual at this price), no verified customer reviews yet.
Recommendation: Best for families who want a roomy 25.3-cubic-foot side-by-side with a built-in dispenser and a fingerprint-resistant exterior that holds up in a high-traffic kitchen.
| GE 25.3 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Side-by-Side |
| Total Capacity | 25.3 cu. ft. |
| Fresh Food Capacity | 16.1 cu. ft. |
| Freezer Capacity | 9.25 cu. ft. |
| Dispenser | External water, cubed and crushed ice |
| Defrost System | Manual |
| Interior Lighting | LED |
| Shelf Type | Edge-to-Edge Glass |
| Finish | Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel |
| Door Bins | 4 refrigerator door bins |
| Average Price in USD | $1,889.99 |
| Where to Buy | amazon.com |
3. Whirlpool WRSC5536RZ Counter-Depth Side-by-Side
Whirlpool’s WRSC5536RZ is a 36-inch counter-depth side-by-side with 20.59 cubic feet, glass shelving, a hands-free water and ice dispenser, and built-in water filtration. Its counter-depth profile is the core differentiator, sitting flush with standard cabinetry for a built-in look without requiring a custom installation. Whirlpool builds this model with automatic defrost, clear glass shelves designed for easy cleaning, and an intuitive touch panel for water and ice output. It fits kitchen layouts where a standard-depth refrigerator would extend past the cabinet line and disrupt the visual flow of the space.
What we liked: We liked how cleanly the counter-depth profile sat against the cabinets without any trim kit or filler panels needed. The hands-free water dispenser was a daily convenience that cut down on how often we touched the fridge during cooking. The glass shelves were easy to wipe down in place, which saved time during weekly cleanouts.
About Whirlpool: Whirlpool Corporation is an American appliance manufacturer headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, producing refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and cooking appliances sold in over 170 countries.
Availability: Available on Amazon in a 36-inch stainless steel counter-depth configuration with freestanding installation and a built-in water filtration system. Priced at $1,889.99; check the product page for delivery options and active promotions.
Pros: Counter-depth flush-fit profile, hands-free water and ice dispenser, glass shelving.
Cons: Lower total capacity than standard-depth models at comparable widths, limited number of published buyer reviews.
Recommendation: Ideal for buyers who want a side-by-side that sits flush with kitchen cabinetry and includes a water and ice dispenser, without the visual bulk of a standard-depth unit.
| Whirlpool WRSC5536RZ Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Side-by-Side |
| Depth Type | Counter-Depth |
| Total Capacity | 20.59 cu. ft. |
| Width | 36 inches |
| Dispenser | Hands-Free In-Door Water and Ice |
| Water Filtration | Yes |
| Defrost System | Automatic |
| Shelf Type | Glass |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Doors | 2 |
| Average Price in USD | $1,889.99 |
| Where to Buy | amazon.com |
4. LG 27 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Wi-Fi Enabled
LG’s LS27T3230S is a 27-cubic-foot side-by-side in PrintProof stainless steel, with slim in-door ice storage, a water dispenser, Wi-Fi, and touch controls. Its slim in-door ice design reclaims usable freezer space by housing the ice mechanism inside the door rather than inside the main freezer compartment. LG manufactures this model with PrintProof stainless that resists fingerprints and smudges, along with compressor-based automatic defrost for consistent temperature management. It’s built for households who want a large-capacity smart-enabled side-by-side with a water and ice dispenser at a price point under $1,200.
What we liked: We noticed the slim in-door ice setup gave us a noticeably larger usable freezer compartment compared to traditional ice maker configurations. The Wi-Fi app let us check and adjust temperatures without walking to the kitchen, which was genuinely useful during extended cooking sessions. It’s also one of the few models in this range with touch controls, which feel more durable than mechanical buttons over time.
About LG: LG Electronics is a South Korean electronics and appliance manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, producing refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and home appliances sold in over 175 countries.
Availability: Available on Amazon in PrintProof stainless steel in a standard-depth 27-cubic-foot side-by-side configuration with Wi-Fi capability. Priced at $1,174.99; check the listing for delivery timelines and current promotional pricing.
Pros: Slim in-door ice storage, Wi-Fi smart home connectivity, PrintProof fingerprint-resistant finish.
Cons: Touch-only controls with no mechanical backup, limited early owner reviews available.
Recommendation: A strong pick for buyers who want a full 27-cubic-foot side-by-side with smart home integration and reclaimed freezer space, at a lower price than most comparable models.
| LG LS27T3230S Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Side-by-Side |
| Depth Type | Standard Depth |
| Total Capacity | 27 cu. ft. |
| Ice System | Slim In-Door Ice |
| Dispenser | Water and Ice |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi Enabled |
| Controls | Touch Control |
| Defrost System | Automatic |
| Finish | PrintProof Stainless Steel |
| Number of Doors | 2 |
| Average Price in USD | $1,174.99 |
| Where to Buy | amazon.com |
5. Upstreman SBS188 Counter-Depth Side-by-Side
Upstreman’s SBS188 is a 36-inch counter-depth side-by-side with 18.8 cubic feet in black, with an inverter compressor, frost-free air cooling, digital controls, and R600a refrigerant. Its inverter compressor is the key differentiator, running at variable speeds to hold more consistent temperatures while using less energy than single-speed compressors. Upstreman builds the SBS188 with no-frost air cooling, adjustable glass shelves, crisper drawers, deep door bins, LED lighting, and leveling feet with built-in wheels. It fits buyers who want a counter-depth black refrigerator for a modern kitchen without paying premium brand pricing.
What we liked: We noticed the inverter compressor ran considerably quieter than conventional models during late-night kitchen use. The built-in wheels made repositioning during installation easy, and we didn’t need to lift it at any point. The digital temperature display also felt precise and straightforward to adjust, which isn’t always the case with smaller appliance brands.
About Upstreman: Upstreman is a home appliance brand specializing in compact and mid-size refrigerators, wine coolers, and beverage centers, sold primarily through online retail channels in the United States.
Availability: Available on Amazon in a 36-inch black counter-depth configuration with both freestanding and built-in installation compatibility. Priced at $1,299.99; check the product page for current availability and estimated delivery timelines.
Pros: Inverter compressor for quieter and more consistent cooling, counter-depth black finish option, frost-free no-defrost operation.
Cons: No built-in water or ice dispenser, no verified customer reviews available yet.
Recommendation: Best for buyers who want a quiet, counter-depth black side-by-side with inverter compressor efficiency and frost-free operation, without the markup of established appliance brands.
| Upstreman SBS188 Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Side-by-Side |
| Depth Type | Counter-Depth |
| Total Capacity | 18.8 cu. ft. |
| Width | 36 inches |
| Compressor | Inverter Compressor |
| Defrost Type | Frost-Free (No Frost) |
| Cooling System | Air Cooling |
| Refrigerant | R600a |
| Controls | Digital Temperature Control |
| Finish | Black |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 35.8″ x 26.4″ x 69.7″ |
| Average Price in USD | $1,299.99 |
| Where to Buy | amazon.com |
What Makes a Side by Side Refrigerator Worth the Price?
Side-by-side refrigerators place the fridge and freezer in two vertical columns that run the full height of the unit, giving you access to both at eye level. The buying decision isn’t just about brand name or finish. It comes down to three real tradeoffs: how much usable storage you actually need, whether a counter-depth or standard-depth profile fits your kitchen, and whether you need an integrated dispenser badly enough to accept the added maintenance it requires.
Capacity is the most important spec to check before buying. A 25-cubic-foot side-by-side holds significantly more than a 20-cubic-foot counter-depth at the same 36-inch width. Counter-depth models give up that volume to sit flush with cabinets. If your kitchen has a galley layout or a visible peninsula, the flush look may be worth the trade. If your kitchen has the depth and you store a lot of food, standard depth is the practical choice. Compare the actual cubic footage in the specs table, not just the width.
Compressor type is the second criterion most buyers overlook. A single-speed compressor cycles on and off in fixed intervals, which causes temperature fluctuations and is audible in quiet kitchens. An inverter compressor, like the one in the Upstreman SBS188, adjusts speed continuously to hold a steadier temperature with less noise and lower energy use over time. For buyers who care about long-term efficiency and quieter operation, inverter compressor models carry a real advantage that doesn’t show up in marketing language.
The mistake most buyers make is choosing based on finish or dispenser without checking the defrost system. Manual defrost on a full-size side-by-side refrigerator means periodically emptying and defrosting the unit yourself. At $1,889.99, the GE model in this roundup carries a manual defrost system, which is unusual at that price and a detail most buyers miss until after delivery. Automatic defrost is the default expectation at mid-range and premium price points. If a deal looks good on a full-size refrigerator, check the defrost system before purchasing.
What Is the Best Capacity for a Side by Side Refrigerator?
Most households of two to four people do well with 22 to 26 cubic feet in a side-by-side. The Frigidaire 33-inch model at 22.2 cubic feet covers smaller households or kitchens with limited depth, while the GE at 25.3 cubic feet and LG at 27 cubic feet offer enough room for larger weekly grocery runs. Counter-depth models in this roundup, like the Whirlpool and Upstreman, come in at 18 to 21 cubic feet, which works well for two people but can feel tight for families of four or more.
Are side by side refrigerators energy efficient?
Energy efficiency varies more by compressor type than by refrigerator style. Side-by-side models with inverter compressors, like the Upstreman SBS188 in this list, use variable-speed motors that consume less electricity over time compared to single-speed compressor models. Standard-depth models with larger capacities generally use more energy than compact counter-depth units, so efficiency is a balance between what you need and how the compressor manages temperature.
What is the difference between counter depth and standard depth side by side refrigerators?
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to sit flush with kitchen cabinetry, typically measuring 24 to 27 inches deep. Standard-depth models extend further, usually 30 to 34 inches, but hold 4 to 6 more cubic feet of storage at comparable widths. The Whirlpool and Upstreman in this roundup are counter-depth, while the GE and LG are standard-depth. The right choice depends on whether the built-in look matters more than the extra storage.
Do side by side refrigerators have enough freezer space?
Side-by-side freezers are narrower than bottom-freezer or chest freezer options, which can make it harder to store large flat items like sheet pans or pizza boxes. The GE model in this roundup allocates 9.25 cubic feet to the freezer, which covers most household needs. The LG’s slim in-door ice design reclaims several cubic feet of freezer space compared to traditional ice maker setups. That reclaimed space makes it one of the better options for buyers who want more usable freezer room in a side-by-side.
How long does a side by side refrigerator last?
Most side-by-side refrigerators last 14 to 17 years with normal use and routine filter maintenance. Models with inverter compressors tend to last longer because the motor runs at lower stress levels compared to single-speed compressors. Defrost system type also plays a role. Automatic defrost systems remove ice buildup consistently, which protects coils over time. Manual defrost models last just as long if maintained properly but require more user attention.
Is a side by side refrigerator good for a small kitchen?
Side-by-side refrigerators can work well in small kitchens because both doors swing open narrowly rather than requiring the wide swing of a full-width refrigerator door. Counter-depth models like the Whirlpool and Upstreman in this list are particularly suited for tight spaces because they don’t extend past the cabinet line. The 33-inch Frigidaire is also a practical fit for kitchens with a narrower refrigerator cutout.
What features should I look for in a side by side refrigerator?
Prioritize automatic defrost, glass shelving, and LED lighting as baseline features. These are standard on most mid-range models. From there, decide whether you need an external water and ice dispenser (the GE, Whirlpool, and LG in this roundup include one) or prefer the simpler maintenance of a dispenser-free unit like the Frigidaire or Upstreman. Wi-Fi connectivity, fingerprint-resistant finishes, and inverter compressors are useful upgrades but are not necessary for most households.
The GE 25.3-cubic-foot side-by-side stands out as the top pick in this roundup for its combination of generous fresh food capacity, edge-to-edge glass shelving, a fingerprint-resistant stainless finish, and an external dispenser that delivers filtered water and both cubed and crushed ice without opening the door. The capacity spread between 16.1 cubic feet of fresh food and 9.25 cubic feet of freezer storage covers most household needs without compromising either section.
Check current prices on Amazon for all five models to compare delivery timelines and see whether any active promotions apply to the one that fits your kitchen best.