Side By Side Freezers Fridge Side-by-side fridges provide ample space to store food items. Some such as our top pick from Forno, also have counter-depth dimensions and sit directly against the cabinet for a sleek built-in look. Other models offer freezer storage that is adjustable in height which is beneficial for families with kids or anyone who may struggle to reach high shelves. Size As side by side fridge freezer under counter implies, side-by-side refrigerators have a freezer on one side and a refrigerator on the other. They are larger than models with a top-freezer and bottom freezer. They also have a smaller length and don't typically block your walkway like single-door refrigerators, which can be useful for kitchens with limited space. Side-by-side refrigerators are higher than other styles of refrigerators, and therefore give more space to the freezer. They come with multiple shelves and compartments that make it easy to organize. You can store frequently used foods at eye-level in the refrigerator, and more long-term food on higher shelves, which are more difficult to reach within the freezer. They can also have water dispensers and ice that allows you to easily access your drinks without having to open the door of the freezer. These refrigerators come with separate cooling systems for freezers to ensure that food remains fresher for longer. They also have features to prevent food loss and spoilage such as a system for hydration and air filters to reduce odors, or crisper drawers which absorb ethylene gas in order to prevent overripening. A drawback with this type of refrigerator is that it's not as efficient as top- or bottom-freezer models. They have a bigger vertical volume that needs to be chilled, which can raise your monthly utility bill. Plus, they are less effective than other models for storing large items and may not be suitable for people who have mobility issues and struggle to bend. Convenience Side by side refrigerators have slimmer doors that require less space to open than other refrigerators. This is why they are a great option for kitchens with limited space. Side-by-side refrigerators are larger than French door refrigerators - typically 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food items, and 8 to nine cubic feet for the freezer. They are also a great choice for small homes and condominiums where a larger refrigerator might make counter space. The main drawback of these refrigerators is that they may not be large enough to accommodate some families' storage needs. Even everyday kitchen utensils and meals for the holidays may not be able to fit. Rearranging shelves is a possibility but it will take a while and may affect the efficiency of your refrigerator. Another disadvantage of side by side freezers is that they give significantly more space to the freezer than refrigerators and that could be a problem if are planning to frequently use deep freezers. The positive side is that many models have an additional freezer that has an ice machine to offer the convenience of chilled drinks without using the refrigerator's cooling system and there are solutions to overcome this issue. Pick a model that comes with separate refrigerator and freezer sections. For instance the Preserve Food System by KitchenAid has an air filter to keep odors under control and a mechanism to absorb the ethylene to slow down the process of the process of overripening. It's a big investment, but a smart one that will help you save money and keep your food in good quality for longer. Energy Efficiency Overall, side-byside refrigerators consume less energy than models with bottom freezers. They are also less expensive than French-door refrigerators, and can be less troublesome to maintain since the doors open just half as wide. However, you'll need ensure that your kitchen is able to accommodate the water and ice dispenser, which will require plumbing connections that are sometimes more difficult to install in narrower kitchens. Plus, the wider apertures of a side-by-side refrigerator can make it more difficult to store larger items. Many manufacturers offer energy saving features in their side-by-side refrigerators. They include adjustable shelving and LED lights that keep food visible, even in the darkest corner of the freezer. Some have separate cooling systems that monitor temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer sections and can help reduce food waste by making common items readily available and reducing the amount of frozen food items you discard because you forgot about them or they've become spoiled. You can also buy a refrigerator that has extras like door-indoor access to snacks and drinks. This not only saves you time but also decreases energy consumption because the cold air is prevented from leaving the fridge. But you can also get a reliable side by side refrigerator that does not have any extras for kitchens that are budget-friendly and that prefer to keep things simple. Quincy Bulin is a writer and product specialist at Lowe's where she writes about everything from the most modern appliances to products for home improvement and trends. She is always happy to help you find the perfect products for your home. Just ask! Storage Many side-byside fridges have water and ice dispensers that are built into the freezer. This is a great feature for those who prefer having quick access to cold drinks and snacks, as well as an efficient method of washing dishes or clean glasses. This will reduce the freezer capacity. Make sure you choose a fridge that's large enough to meet your needs. Contrary to bottom freezer refrigerators side-by-side refrigerators have a greater capacity of storage on the freezer side, due to their vertical design. That means you can store things you frequently use on higher shelves, while storing longer-term frozen goods lower down. The freezer also has multiple shelves options, meaning you can organize it to suit your individual requirements. The majority of modern side-by-side refrigerators have sleek, modern design that amplifies the look of your kitchen. The two doors make smaller footprints and less clutter in comparison to other refrigerator configurations. Some models also come with crisper drawers, humidity controls and other features based on the model. Some side-by-side refrigerators are Energy Star certified, meaning they'll cost less per day. If you're concerned about your monthly energy bill which is why they're an ideal choice. The strict requirements to get this certification increase the price of a refrigerator with this certification. This might not be a problem for some buyers, but it's something worth looking into when you purchase.
side by side fridge freezer under counter
