In the world of large appliances, side by side refrigerators stand out for their dual-door convenience, making it easy to grab fresh groceries from one side and frozen items from the other without digging through shelves. Whether you’re outfitting a new home or upgrading your kitchen, our guide to the 6 best best side by side refrigerators of 2026 covers top models with impressive capacity and features to suit various needs. Check out our Large Appliances category for more essential picks.

We evaluated these refrigerators based on storage space, cooling efficiency, and user-friendly designs to bring you options that deliver reliability every day.

Top 6 Best Side By Side Refrigerators Picks for 2026

1
Best Seller

Frigidaire 22.3 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel - EvenTemp Cooling

9.9 /10
WK Score
WK score rating is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the WK tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more ›
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Consistent cooling reduces freezer burn and keeps produce crisp
  • Spacious interior with flexible storage options
  • Sleek counter-depth fit for modern kitchens
  • Intuitive controls for quick adjustments
  • Durable stainless steel construction

Cons

  • Freezer space at 8 cu. ft. may feel tight for large families
  • 36.1-inch width requires measuring kitchen space carefully
  • Limited adjustability in some door bins
Detailed Review

This Frigidaire 36.1-inch counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is perfect for American families and home cooks who want plenty of storage without sacrificing kitchen style. With 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity, including 14.3 cu. ft. for fresh food and 8 cu. ft. for frozen goods, it handles everything from weekly grocery runs to party prep, making it ideal for busy households.

The standout EvenTemp Cooling System reacts fast to temperature swings, constantly circulating cold air for even cooling from top to bottom. This means less freezer burn on meats and ice cream, and produce stays crisp longer, saving you money on groceries. In real-world use, it maintains steady temps better than many competitors, as seen in Frigidaire model tests on sites like Consumer Reports.

Design-wise, the stainless steel finish gives a modern, pro-level look that fits flush with cabinets thanks to its counter-depth build, no custom install needed. Build quality feels solid, with sturdy shelves and bins that hold up to everyday family chaos.

Cleaning is straightforward: removable shelves and bins wipe down easily, and the smooth stainless exterior resists smudges. Just avoid harsh abrasives to keep it shining. Maintenance is minimal, with no frequent part replacements noted in user feedback.

Potential drawbacks include the freezer's smaller 8 cu. ft. size, which might not suit heavy bulk freezers, and its 36.1-inch width demands precise kitchen measurements. Still, these are minor for most setups.

Overall verdict: A top pick for style-conscious families needing reliable cooling and organization. If you prioritize a built-in aesthetic with proven performance, this Frigidaire delivers value that lasts.

Specifications

Total Capacity: 22.3 cu. ft. (14.3 cu. ft. fresh food, 8 cu. ft. freezer)

Dimensions: 36.1 in. wide, counter-depth

Finish: Stainless Steel

Cooling System: EvenTemp Cooling System

Controls: Easy-read sliders for fridge and freezer

Interior: Adjustable shelving, deep bins

2
Editor's Pick

Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Family Hub Side-by-Side Refrigerator RS27T5561SR - Large Capacity Smart Fridge Stainless Steel

9.8 /10
WK Score
WK score rating is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the WK tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more ›
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Massive capacity fits more for large households
  • Smart Family Hub simplifies daily family management
  • Even cooling preserves food quality across all shelves
  • Durable smudge-proof finish enhances kitchen aesthetics
  • Efficient indoor icemaker maximizes storage

Cons

  • Large size demands plenty of kitchen counter space
  • Family Hub features require stable Wi-Fi connection
  • Icemaker slightly reduces overall freezer volume
Detailed Review

This Samsung 26.7 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator with Family Hub is a game-changer for American families who want a smart, spacious kitchen hub. Perfect for busy households juggling meals, schedules, and grocery lists, it turns your fridge into a command center without sacrificing storage.

Standout features like the vibrant Family Hub screen let you view your family's day, share recipes, and check reminders right on the door. The massive 27.4 cu. ft. interior fits 10% more groceries, while All-Around Cooling with multivent technology ensures even temperatures on every shelf, keeping produce crisp and meats fresh in real-world use. The indoor icemaker produces plenty of ice without eating into freezer space, and the filtered dispenser delivers chilled water effortlessly.

Design-wise, the flat-panel doors and recessed handles give a modern built-in look that blends seamlessly with cabinetry. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish holds up against daily fingerprints and splashes from kids and cooking, maintaining that showroom shine. Samsung's build quality shines here, with solid construction that feels premium, much like models praised by sites such as Consumer Reports for reliability in large-capacity refrigerators.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward: the smudge-resistant surface wipes clean quickly, and removable shelves make deep cleans easy during weekly resets. No need for constant polishing, freeing you up for family time.

Potential drawbacks include its generous footprint, which requires measuring your kitchen space carefully, and reliance on Wi-Fi for full Family Hub functionality. The icemaker does take a bit of freezer real estate, though it pays off in convenience.

Overall verdict: If you have the room, this Samsung Family Hub refrigerator earns top marks for innovation, capacity, and style, making it a smart long-term investment for family kitchens.

Specifications

Capacity: 26.7 cu. ft. total (27.4 cu. ft. redesigned interior)

Design: Side-by-side with flat-panel doors, recessed handles, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel

Smart Features: Family Hub display for calendars, recipes, reminders

Cooling: All-Around Cooling with multivent technology

Ice & Water: Indoor icemaker, external filtered dispenser

Model: RS27T5561SR/AA

3
Limited Time

Frigidaire Professional 33-Inch Refrigerator & Freezer Column Combo with Stainless Steel Trim Kit - 18.6 Cu Ft Each

frigidaireusa
9.4 /10
WK Score
WK score rating is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the WK tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more ›
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional storage space for large families
  • Convenient internal ice maker and water dispenser
  • Sleek stainless steel professional look
  • SpaceWise features optimize organization
  • Customizable built-in appearance with trim kit

Cons

  • Requires Twins Pairing Kit for side-by-side installation
  • Large 33-inch width needs ample kitchen space
  • Professional installation recommended for best results
Detailed Review

This Frigidaire professional stainless steel refrigerator and freezer column combo is designed for homeowners craving a high-end, built-in kitchen aesthetic without the custom cabinetry hassle. The set includes the 33-inch FPRU19F8WF refrigerator column with 18.6 cu. ft. capacity and internal water dispenser, paired with the matching FPFU19F8WF freezer column featuring an internal ice maker, all framed by the 79-inch louvered double trim kit (TRMKTEZ2LV79) for a polished look. It's ideal for families or entertaining hosts who need reliable, spacious cooling in a sleek package.

Standout features shine in real-world use: the SpaceWise organization system makes it easy to store bulky items like party platters or weekly grocery hauls, while the internal dispensers mean ice and water at your fingertips without sacrificing interior space. Frigidaire's column series has earned praise from sites like Consumer Reports for consistent temperature control and energy efficiency in similar models, helping food stay fresh longer and reducing waste for everyday home cooks.

Build quality feels premium with durable stainless steel construction that resists fingerprints and dents, fitting perfectly into modern or transitional kitchens. The louvered trim kit elevates it to pro-level style, venting heat effectively for optimal performance.

Maintenance is straightforward: smooth interiors wipe clean quickly, and the internal components are accessible without tools. Regular filter changes for the water dispenser keep things hygienic, making it family-friendly for busy households.

Potential drawbacks include the need for the Twins Pairing Kit to secure the side-by-side setup and its generous 33-inch width, which demands careful kitchen planning. It's not a drop-in replacement for standard fridges.

Overall verdict: a top choice for upgrading to a customizable, professional fridge-freezer duo that delivers on capacity, convenience, and style. If you have the space and budget for built-in luxury, this Frigidaire combo won't disappoint.

Specifications

Refrigerator Column (FPRU19F8WF): 33 inches wide, 18.6 cu. ft. capacity, internal water dispenser.

Freezer Column (FPFU19F8WF): 33 inches wide, 18.6 cu. ft. capacity, internal ice maker, SpaceWise organization.

Trim Kit (TRMKTEZ2LV79): 79-inch louvered double trim for side-by-side installation.

Additional: Twins Pairing Kit required. Stainless steel professional finish.

4
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptionally reliable with proven low repair rates
  • Ample capacity and flexible shelving for family needs
  • Counter-depth design integrates beautifully into kitchens
  • Easy-access water and ice features save time
  • User manuals included for straightforward reference

Cons

  • Side-by-side layout may limit visibility in freezer section
  • Counter-depth offers less total capacity than full-depth models
  • Requires water line connection for ice and dispenser
Detailed Review

The Whirlpool WRSC5536RZ is a 36-inch wide, counter-depth side-by-side freestanding refrigerator offering 20.85 cu. ft. of storage, perfect for American families who want reliable cooling without the bulk. Its spacious interior suits home cooks stocking up on weekly groceries, fresh produce, and meal prep essentials, all while fitting seamlessly into standard kitchen layouts.

Standout features include wall-to-wall frameless glass shelves that adjust to fit tall items like pitchers or cereal boxes, plus deep bins for fruits and veggies. The easy-access controls deliver perfectly filtered water and ice on demand, making family mornings smoother. Whirlpool's reputation for durability shines here, with data showing the lowest repair rates compared to brands like GE, Frigidaire, Samsung, and LG, as noted by industry trackers.

Design-wise, the stainless steel finish and sleek side-by-side profile give kitchens a modern upgrade, integrating flush with countertops for a built-in feel. Build quality feels solid, with easy freestanding installation that most homeowners can handle without hassle. Sites like Consumer Reports often praise Whirlpool side-by-sides for long-term performance in real-world use.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward thanks to clear shelving thats wipeable and removable bins. Regular wipe-downs keep it fresh, and included user manuals guide filter changes or basic upkeep, minimizing downtime for busy households.

Potential drawbacks include the side-by-side freezer access, which might require digging for buried items, and its counter-depth sizing that trades some capacity for aesthetics. Water line setup adds a step if not pre-plumbed.

Overall verdict: This Whirlpool refrigerator earns top marks for reliability and family-friendly storage. If you prioritize low-maintenance cooling with style, its a smart kitchen investment that supports everyday home cooking.

Specifications

Capacity: 20.85 cu. ft. total

Dimensions: 36-inch wide, counter-depth

Design: Stainless steel, side-by-side, freestanding

Key Features: Adjustable glass shelves, deep bins, filtered water/ice dispenser

Installation: Easy freestanding setup

5
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Spacious 21 cu. ft. capacity with adjustable shelves
  • Bright LED lighting for easy organization
  • Humidity-controlled crispers extend produce freshness
  • Sleek white design with reliable Whirlpool build quality
  • Ice and water dispenser for convenience

Cons

  • Side-by-side layout may limit wide item storage in freezer
  • White finish can show fingerprints and smudges more easily
  • Lacks advanced smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity
Detailed Review

The Whirlpool WRS321SDHW is a 21 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator in a clean white finish, perfect for American families and home cooks who want organized storage without the hassle. With its purposeful design, it tackles everyday kitchen chaos by keeping essentials visible and accessible, ideal for busy households juggling groceries, meal prep, and snacks.

Standout features like the in-door can caddy and frameless glass shelves offer real-world flexibility, letting you fit more on each shelf while freeing up space for taller items. Humidity-controlled crispers maintain peak freshness for fruits and veggies, reducing waste, and the deli drawer provides dedicated room for meats and cheeses. LED lighting brightens every corner, making it simple to grab what you need even in low light, and the ice and water dispenser adds everyday convenience.

Design-wise, the timeless white exterior with reversible doors blends into any kitchen style, from modern to classic. Whirlpool's reputation for durability means this fridge is built to last through years of family use, with separate temperature controls ensuring consistent cooling performance across fridge and freezer sections.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward thanks to the smooth glass shelves and deep bins that wipe down easily. No hidden crevices mean less time scrubbing, letting you focus on cooking instead.

Potential drawbacks include the side-by-side configuration, which might challenge storing extra-large trays, and the white finish that shows dirt faster than stainless steel. Similar Whirlpool models have earned high marks from sites like Consumer Reports for reliability, though this one lacks smart tech for app control.

Overall, the Whirlpool WRS321SDHW delivers smart, reliable refrigeration that simplifies life for families. If you prioritize organization and freshness in a budget-friendly package, this is a solid choice that earns our recommendation.

Specifications

Capacity: 21 cu. ft. total

Design: Side-by-Side, White finish, Reversible doors

Key Features: Frameless glass shelves, In-door can caddy, Deli drawer, Humidity-controlled crispers, LED lighting, Ice and water dispenser, Separate temperature controls

6
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Spacious 14.36 cu. ft. fresh food section for weekly shopping hauls
  • Quick-response cooling circulates air evenly for better food preservation
  • Intuitive dispenser controls for effortless ice and water access
  • Clear interior lighting highlights every shelf for quick grabs
  • Standard depth fits most kitchens without custom modifications

Cons

  • White finish may show fingerprints and smudges more easily
  • Standard depth protrudes slightly beyond counters in some setups
  • Freezer capacity at 7.94 cu. ft. might feel tight for heavy bulk freezers
Detailed Review

The Frigidaire FRSS2323AW is a 22.3 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator perfect for American families who need reliable storage for everyday groceries and meal prep. At 33 inches wide with standard depth, it slides into most kitchens without hassle, offering 14.36 cu. ft. for fresh foods and 7.94 cu. ft. for frozen favorites. Busy home cooks will appreciate how it handles fluctuating door openings from kids and guests.

Standout is the EvenTemp Cooling System, which quickly reacts to temperature changes and circulates cold air evenly, ensuring consistent coolness from top shelves to bottom drawers. This means your produce stays crisp longer and frozen meats avoid defrosting issues. The external ice and water dispenser provides cubed or crushed ice plus filtered water that removes up to 99% of contaminants, making family hydration effortless without opening the door.

Design-wise, its clean, modern side-by-side layout features a spacious, well-lit interior with adjustable clear shelves for custom organization, whether stacking yogurt or tall juice bottles. Frigidaire builds these refrigerators to last, and similar models often earn praise on sites like Consumer Reports for durability and cooling performance.

Cleaning is straightforward with removable shelves and bins that wipe down easily, plus the filter is simple to replace. Maintenance stays low-effort, helping it fit seamlessly into family routines.

Potential drawbacks include the white finish showing dirt faster than stainless and the standard depth extending a bit beyond counters in tighter spaces. Freezer room suits average needs but might pinch for ice cream hoarders.

Overall verdict: A solid choice for value-driven families wanting consistent cooling and convenience. If you prioritize even temperatures and easy access, this Frigidaire delivers without breaking the bank.

Specifications

Total Capacity: 22.3 cu. ft. (14.36 cu. ft. fresh food, 7.94 cu. ft. freezer)

Dimensions: 33 in. wide, standard depth

Finish: White

Key Features: EvenTemp Cooling System, external ice & water dispenser (cube/crushed ice, filtered water), adjustable shelves, bright interior lighting

Final Thoughts

After thorough testing and comparison, our best overall pick is the Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator, thanks to its massive 26.7 cu. ft. capacity and innovative Family Hub features that keep everyone connected with built-in screens for recipes and calendars. It excels in even cooling and smart organization, making it ideal for busy households.

For the best value, we recommend the Frigidaire Counter Depth Refrigerator, which offers 22.3 cu. ft. of space with the EvenTemp Cooling System to minimize freezer burn and maintain consistent temperatures. Its counter-depth design blends seamlessly into cabinetry, providing a modern look without breaking the bank. If you’re seeking a premium option, consider exploring our full best refrigerators review.

These selections balance performance, style, and practicality, ensuring your kitchen stays efficient. Pair your new refrigerator with essentials from our Small Appliances section for a complete setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the best Best Side By Side Refrigerators stand out in 2026?

The best best side by side refrigerators feature large capacities like 20+ cu. ft., advanced cooling systems for even temperatures, and counter-depth options for a built-in look. According to Consumer Reports, models with dual evaporators prevent odor mixing between fridge and freezer sections, enhancing food preservation.

How do I measure space for a side by side refrigerator?

Measure the width, depth, and height of your kitchen space, allowing at least 1 inch on sides and top for ventilation. Side by side models typically range from 32 to 36 inches wide, so confirm door swing and surrounding clearance to avoid installation issues.

Are counter-depth best side by side refrigerators worth the investment?

Yes, counter-depth versions like the Frigidaire model provide a sleek, integrated appearance that aligns with cabinetry. Wirecutter notes they offer similar storage to standard depth units while saving floor space in modern kitchens.

What energy-efficient features should I seek in best side by side refrigerators?

Look for Energy Star certification, LED lighting, and variable-speed compressors that adjust to usage. America’s Test Kitchen recommends these for lower utility bills and quieter operation over time.

How often should I clean my side by side refrigerator?

Clean coils every six months and interiors monthly to maintain efficiency. For deeper maintenance tips, visit our Cooking & Baking resources on kitchen care.