Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator (6 Picks From 6 Brands for 2026)

A side-by-side refrigerator splits the fridge and freezer into two tall doors. Each door is narrow, so it swings open in a tight kitchen where a single wide door would hit an island.

You also get the freezer at eye level. That makes frozen food far easier to see than in a bottom drawer.

The short version: The Samsung RS27T5200SR is the best side-by-side for most kitchens. It has 27.4 cubic feet and an in-door ice maker. For a narrower 33-inch opening, choose the Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF. For a built-in look, the Kenmore 46-51805 counter-depth is the pick.

Our Picks at a Glance

• Best overall: Samsung RS27T5200SR 27.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-SideJump to review ↓
• Best large fridge section: LG LRSXS2706S 27 Cu. Ft. Side-by-SideJump to review ↓
• Best value: Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Side-by-SideJump to review ↓
• Best for easy organizing: GE GSS25GYPFS 25.3 Cu. Ft. Side-by-SideJump to review ↓
• Best 33-inch: Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF 22.3 Cu. Ft.Jump to review ↓
• Best counter-depth: Kenmore 46-51805 20 Cu. Ft. Counter-DepthJump to review ↓

Samsung, LG, GE and Frigidaire list these as current models. Delivery and stock for large appliances depend on your ZIP code, so check the Amazon listing for your area. Whirlpool’s own store showed the WRS325SDHZ as temporarily out of stock, while retailers still had it.

Pick	Width	Total	Fridge / Freezer	Energy Star	Price Seen
Samsung RS27T5200SR	35 7/8 in	27.4 cu ft	17.9 / 9.5	No (728 kWh/yr)	$1,666 at Samsung
LG LRSXS2706S	35 7/8 in	27.16 cu ft	17.52 / 9.64	No (726 kWh/yr)	$1,665 to $1,721 at LG
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ	35 7/8 in	24.55 cu ft	15 / 10	No	$1,498 at AJ Madison
GE GSS25GYPFS	35 3/4 in	25.3 cu ft	16.07 / 9.25	No (708 kWh/yr)	$1,799 at GE
Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF	33 1/8 in	22.3 cu ft	14.36 / 7.94	Yes	$1,499 at AJ Madison
Kenmore 46-51805	36 in	20 cu ft	Not listed	Yes	See listing

Capacities and dimensions come from the makers and from AJ Madison’s spec listings.

1. Samsung RS27T5200SR: Best Overall

The Samsung RS27T5200SR gets the basics right and adds one big advantage. Its ice maker sits in the freezer door, not inside the freezer.

That matters on a side-by-side. The freezer is narrow, and an ice bin inside it eats a lot of space. Moving the ice to the door gives you more room for frozen food.

At 27.4 cubic feet, it is the largest fridge here. The 17.9-cubic-foot fresh food side has room for a week of groceries for a family.

Samsung’s All-Around Cooling sends cold air to each shelf. The digital inverter compressor adjusts its speed instead of switching on and off. Retailer listings show a 10-year parts warranty on that compressor.

The finish resists fingerprints. It is also ADA compliant and has a Sabbath mode.

Who should buy it: Families who want the most space in a standard 36-inch opening.

2. LG LRSXS2706S: Best Large Fridge Section

The LG LRSXS2706S matches the Samsung on size. It wins on looks. The dispenser has no buttons; you press the lever and it works. The controls hide inside the fridge.

That gives the doors a clean, flat front. LG offers it in PrintProof stainless, stainless look, smooth white and smooth black.

LG’s SpacePlus ice system moves most of the ice bin up and out of the way. It makes up to 3 pounds a day on IcePlus mode.

Door Cooling+ blows cold air toward the door bins. That helps milk and condiments in the door stay as cold as food on the shelves.

Who should buy it: Anyone who wants a large side-by-side in a finish other than stainless.

3. Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ: Best Value

The Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ is the simple, sensible choice. It has fewer extras than the Samsung or LG but costs less at most retailers.

It has the biggest freezer here at 10 cubic feet. If you buy frozen food in bulk, that matters more than the fridge size.

The storage is practical. Gallon bins in the door hold milk jugs. A can caddy keeps sodas in the door. A deli drawer holds meat and cheese.

Some Whirlpool customer reviews mention ice spilling from the dispenser. Use a tall glass and push gently.

Whirlpool’s own store showed it as temporarily out of stock when we checked. Retailers and the Amazon listing still had it.

Who should buy it: Budget shoppers and anyone who freezes a lot of food.

4. GE GSS25GYPFS: Best for Easy Organizing

GE’s side-by-side is easy to organize. The edge-to-edge glass shelves let you slide food across the full width without bumping into a frame.

Two humidity-controlled crispers keep produce fresh. You can set one for leafy greens and the other for fruit.

A door alarm sounds if a door is left open. A child lock stops small hands from emptying the ice dispenser.

It uses the least energy of the 36-inch picks here, at 708 kWh per year. That is still not enough for Energy Star.

Who should buy it: Families with kids who want a simple, well-organized fridge.

5. Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF: Best 33-Inch

Many older kitchens have a 33-inch opening. Most side-by-sides are 36 inches wide and will not fit. The Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF is built for that space.

It is one of two Energy Star picks in this guide, along with the Kenmore. That means lower power bills year after year.

Frigidaire’s EvenTemp cooling circulates air to keep the temperature steady top to bottom. The CrispSeal Plus crisper adds a seal and a filter that absorbs ethylene gas, which ripens produce faster.

Frigidaire also sells a plainer version, the FRSS2323AS, with the same capacity. The Gallery adds the Smudge-Proof finish and the better crisper.

Who should buy it: Kitchens with a 33-inch fridge opening and anyone who wants Energy Star.

6. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth: Best Counter-Depth

A standard-depth fridge sticks out several inches past the counters. A counter-depth model sits nearly flush. It looks built in and frees up walking room in a narrow kitchen.

The Kenmore 46-51805 is a counter-depth side-by-side at a sensible size. You trade some space for the slimmer profile; it holds 20 cubic feet.

Kenmore says its inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently. It is Energy Star certified.

Accela Chill gives a burst of cold air after you load groceries. Kenmore’s Multi-Flow Air System spreads air through the fridge for even cooling.

Who should buy it: Narrow or open-plan kitchens where a fridge that sticks out would look bulky.

Side-by-Side vs French Door vs Top Freezer

Side-by-side fridges have narrow doors that suit tight kitchens and islands. The freezer is at eye level. Shelves are narrow, so wide platters can be hard to fit.

French door fridges have two fridge doors on top and a freezer drawer below. They have wide shelves for platters and pizza boxes. You bend down to reach frozen food.

Top freezer fridges cost the least and use the least energy. They lack ice and water dispensers on most models.

If you have a narrow galley kitchen or an island close to the fridge, a side-by-side is often the best fit.

How to Measure for a Side-by-Side Refrigerator

1. Measure the opening. Width, height and depth, in three places each. Use the smallest numbers.
2. Leave air space. Most makers ask for about 1 inch above and behind, and a small gap at the sides.
3. Check the door swing. Side-by-side doors are narrow, but they still need room. The GE needs over 50 inches of depth with the doors open.
4. Measure the path. Check every doorway and hallway the fridge passes through. Removing the doors can save a few inches.
5. Find the water line. A dispenser and ice maker need a water supply behind the fridge.

Features That Matter

Ice maker location. An in-door ice maker, like Samsung’s, frees freezer space.

Energy use. Look at the yellow EnergyGuide label. The Frigidaire and Kenmore picks are Energy Star certified. Our guide to the most energy-efficient small kitchen appliances explains the labels.

Finish. Fingerprint-resistant stainless saves a lot of wiping.

Crisper drawers. Humidity controls and ethylene filters keep produce fresh longer.

Water filter. Check the filter’s cost and how often it needs changing.

Warranty. A long compressor warranty, like Samsung’s, protects the part that costs the most to fix.

Organizing a Side-by-Side Fridge

Narrow shelves reward good organization.

• Use clear bins. Group yogurts, cheese and sauces so you can pull them out together.
• Store tall items in the door. Gallon bins hold milk and juice.
• Keep raw meat low. Store it on the bottom shelf in a sealed container.
• Label leftovers. Write the date on the lid.

Good containers make a big difference. See the best airtight food storage containers.

Know how long food lasts. Our guides on how long chicken lasts in the fridge and how long potatoes last cover two common questions. You can also freeze cream cheese to keep it longer.

A side-by-side’s tall door shelves suit fresh juice and cold-pressed bottles. If you juice at home, see the top 5 best juicers. Sliced deli meat keeps best in a sealed drawer; a meat slicer for home use lets you slice only what you need. For packed lunches, prep them the night before and keep a sturdy lunch cooler ready by the fridge.

If you cook for one, see how to stock a small kitchen for solo cooking and our easy meal prep ideas for one person.

Keeping Your Fridge Running Well

Clean the coils. Vacuum the condenser coils once or twice a year. Dusty coils make the compressor work harder.

Change the water filter. Most need a new filter every six months.

Check the door seals. Close a sheet of paper in the door. If it slides out easily, the seal may need cleaning or replacing.

Set the right temperatures. Keep the fridge at 37°F to 40°F and the freezer at 0°F.

Do not overfill. Air must circulate to cool evenly.

These habits also cut power bills. See how to reduce kitchen energy use in a small apartment.

Do You Need a Second Fridge or Ice Maker?

A side-by-side’s freezer is narrow. If you entertain a lot, a separate ice machine helps. See the best ice maker for home use.

For drinks, a small beverage fridge keeps the main fridge free. Our best mini fridge for beer guide covers good options. If you own one, here is how to defrost a mini fridge.

Small Kitchen Tips

If your kitchen is tight, plan the space around the fridge.

• Use the top. A shallow cabinet or basket above the fridge holds rarely used items.
• Go vertical. See our vertical storage ideas for small kitchens.
• Clear the counters. See countertop organization ideas for a small kitchen.
• No pantry? Here is how to organize a small kitchen with no pantry.

For other compact, efficient appliances, see the best compact Energy Star appliances for small kitchens.

Which Side-by-Side Refrigerator Should You Buy?

Buy the Samsung RS27T5200SR for the most space and the in-door ice maker.

Pick the LG LRSXS2706S for a clean look and a choice of four finishes.

Choose the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ for the biggest freezer at a lower price.

Get the GE GSS25GYPFS for easy organizing and family safety features.

Go with the Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF if your opening is 33 inches or you want Energy Star.

Choose the Kenmore 46-51805 for a counter-depth, built-in look.

Related Guides

• Coolest Kitchen Appliances to Buy
• Best Small Kitchen Appliances for Cooking for One
• Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Common Kitchen Appliances
• Small Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas
• How to Keep Pests Out of a Small Kitchen
• Best Iced Tea Maker
• Best Blenders for Smoothies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side-by-side refrigerator?

The Samsung RS27T5200SR is the best pick in this guide for most kitchens. It has 27.4 cubic feet of space, an in-door ice maker that frees up freezer room, and a 10-year parts warranty on its digital inverter compressor, per AJ Madison's listing. Samsung lists it at $1,666.

Are side-by-side refrigerators good?

Yes, for the right kitchen. They suit narrow galley kitchens because each door swings only about half as wide as a single-door fridge. They give you plenty of eye-level freezer space. The trade-off is narrow shelves, which can make it hard to fit a pizza box or a wide platter.

What size side-by-side refrigerator do I need?

Most side-by-sides are 36 inches wide. If your opening is 33 inches, look at 33-inch models like the Frigidaire Gallery GRSS2352AF. Leave about an inch of space above and behind the fridge for air flow, and check the depth with the doors open.

What is a counter-depth refrigerator?

A counter-depth fridge has a shallower cabinet that sits nearly flush with your counters. It looks built in and saves floor space, but holds less food than a standard-depth model of the same width.

How long do side-by-side refrigerators last?

Many last 10 to 15 years with good care. Clean the condenser coils once or twice a year, change the water filter on schedule and keep the door seals clean. Ice makers and dispensers are the parts most likely to need repair.