Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators (2025)

Side-by-side refrigerators are the “I like my life organized” choice. Fresh food on the right, frozen food on the left, and everything you actually eat sitting at eye levelno deep-sea diving into a bottom freezer to find the peas you bought during the last presidential administration.

But here’s the catch: side-by-sides can be wildly different on the stuff that matters in real kitchenstemperature stability, usable shelf space (hello, pizza boxes), dispenser designs that don’t steal half your freezer, and whether the “fingerprint-resistant” finish is truly resistant… or just optimistic.

This 2025 guide pulls together what major U.S. testing outlets, home editors, and retailer buying guides consistently emphasize, then translates it into something you can actually use while standing in your kitchen with a tape measure and a healthy fear of “non-refundable appliance delivery fees.”

Who side-by-sides are perfect for (and who should politely walk away)

They’re a great fit if you…

• Have a tighter kitchen layout where wide doors would smack an island, a wall, or your dignity.
• Use the freezer a lot and want it as easy to access as the fridge.
• Like visual organizationtall compartments make it easier to “scan” what you have.
• Want through-the-door ice and water without committing to the French-door price bracket.

You might prefer another style if you…

• Regularly store wide items (sheet pans, big platters, extra-large pizza boxes). Side-by-sides can be narrow in exactly the wrong places.
• Obsess over energy use. Many side-by-sides can be less energy efficient than simpler layoutsespecially with big external dispensers and always-on convenience features.
• Want maximum fresh-food real estate. French doors often win on fridge shelf width.

Best side-by-side refrigerators of 2025: picks that keep showing up for good reasons

The models below are frequently recommended because they nail the fundamentals (stable temps, usable storage, sensible layouts), then add features that feel helpfulnot like a science-fair project that requires a firmware update to dispense ice.

Best Overall: Samsung Bespoke RS28CB7600

If you want a side-by-side that feels modern without turning your kitchen into a tech support hotline, the Bespoke RS28CB7600 is a standout. One reason it gets love is the “beverage center” approachcleaner water access and an auto-fill pitcher style setup that reduces the constant open/close cycle of the main compartment.

• Best for: busy households, people who actually drink water, anyone who likes thoughtful design
• Watch-outs: crisper performance can vary by what you store (greens are pickier than we are)

Best Value: Frigidaire FRSS2623AS

This is the kind of fridge that wins because it behaves like an adult: steady temperatures, lots of usable fridge space, and a through-the-door dispenser that’s straightforward. You’re not paying extra for a “smart ecosystem.” You’re paying for cold food that stays cold.

• Best for: value hunters, families that want a full-size unit without luxury pricing
• Watch-outs: freezer space can feel tighter when the fridge side is especially generous

Best Full-Size Workhorse: Maytag MRSF6636RZ

Maytag side-by-sides often appeal to buyers who want a fridge that feels substantialsturdy, straightforward, and built around everyday use. The biggest win is typically usability: easy access, practical storage, and a layout that doesn’t require a spreadsheet to understand.

• Best for: households that want “big fridge energy” without the French-door layout
• Watch-outs: as with many dispenser fridges, the door unit steals some internal room

Best Counter-Depth: Frigidaire Gallery GRSC2352AF

Counter-depth side-by-sides are the clean-lined, kitchen-designer-approved version of this style. The GRSC2352AF is popular because it delivers a more built-in look while still keeping everyday storage practical. It’s especially appealing if you’re tired of your refrigerator sticking out like it’s trying to photobomb your kitchen.

• Best for: smaller kitchens, high-traffic layouts, anyone chasing a flush look
• Watch-outs: you’ll usually trade some depth-based storage for better walkway space

Best No-Fuss “Just Chill My Food” Pick: Samsung RS27T5200SR

Not everyone wants smart features. Some people want a modern-looking side-by-side with clean lines, reliable cooling, and a layout that makes sense at 11:48 p.m. when you’re searching for “the good ice” for your emotional support soda.

• Best for: buyers who want modern style without a big feature premium
• Watch-outs: compare dispenser layoutssome designs cost you more space than others

Best Classic Side-by-Side Layout: GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side (GSS25 series)

GE’s 25-ish cubic-foot side-by-sides keep showing up in home testing roundups for a reason: they’re roomy, adjustable, and familiar in the best way. If your goal is “big capacity, flexible shelving, and no weird surprises,” this style is worth a serious look.

• Best for: families who want a traditional full-size side-by-side with adjustable shelves
• Watch-outs: check door bin depth and shelf configuration for your specific grocery habits

Best Budget Width-Saver: Whirlpool 33-inch Side-by-Side

If you’re furnishing a smaller kitchen (or you just don’t want a fridge that eats the room), a 33-inch side-by-side can be the sweet spot. Whirlpool’s narrower models often earn points for sturdy shelves, adjustable door storage, and a layout that feels practical instead of cramped.

• Best for: budget-focused buyers, smaller kitchens, practical storage needs
• Watch-outs: fewer premium features, and capacity will be more “efficient” than “massive”

How to choose the right side-by-side in 2025 (without regret)

1) Measure like your delivery crew is watching

Measure the opening (width, height, depth), then measure the path: doorways, hallways, tight turns, and anything your fridge must pass to reach its final resting place. Also measure how far doors can swing in your kitchenside-by-sides typically need less clearance because each door is narrower.

2) Counter-depth vs. standard depth: the “looks vs. loot” dilemma

Counter-depth models are designed to align more closely with cabinets, while standard-depth models typically stick out farther. If your kitchen is tight, counter-depth can make the whole room feel calmerlike your refrigerator finally learned personal space.

3) Capacity: don’t buy cubic feet you can’t actually use

Side-by-sides often look enormous, but “usable space” depends on shelf width, bin shapes, and how much room the ice system steals. If you store lots of frozen pizza boxes or wide meal-prep trays, check the freezer shelf width before you commit.

4) Ice and water: external convenience vs. internal space

External dispensers are convenient, but they can take up door space and reduce internal storage. Internal dispensers can preserve shelf room and keep the exterior cleaner-lookingbut you’ll open the door more often to use them. Pick the trade-off that matches your daily routine.

5) Energy efficiency: convenience features aren’t always “free”

Your fridge runs 24/7, so efficiency is never just a fun personality trait. ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators are designed to beat federal minimums, and over time that can mean meaningful savings. If you’re comparing two similar models, efficiency can be the quiet tie-breaker that pays you back every month.

Features that matter most for side-by-sides (and a few that are mostly vibes)

Must-haves for most households

• Stable temperatures (food safety + fresher produce + less freezer burn)
• Adjustable shelves (because groceries never show up in “standard height”)
• Good lighting (you can’t eat what you can’t find)
• Easy filter access for water dispensers

Nice-to-haves that can actually change day-to-day life

• Auto-fill pitcher / beverage center setups for households that drink lots of water
• Fingerprint-resistant finishes if you have kids, pets, or roommates with hands
• Smart alerts (door ajar, temp warnings) if your household treats doors like suggestions

Features to be skeptical of

• Overcomplicated dispenser interfaces that require a user manual to obtain ice
• “Smart” screens if you mainly want a refrigerator, not a kitchen tablet
• Ultra-fancy internal compartments that reduce usable shelf width for normal people food

Maintenance tips that keep a side-by-side running happier, longer

• Replace water filters on schedule to keep flow strong and reduce funky tastes.
• Keep door seals clean (crumbs and sticky spots can weaken the seal and waste energy).
• Don’t block vents with tightly packed itemsairflow is how consistent temps happen.
• Level the fridge so doors close properly (and you stop “checking” it 14 times a day).
• Give it breathing room per the manufacturer’s clearance recommendations.

Side-by-side vs. French door: a quick reality check

If you love wide fridge shelves for platters and sheet pans, French door models often win. If you want easy freezer access and a layout that works well in tighter kitchens, side-by-sides stay extremely competitiveoften at a friendlier price point. The “best” style is the one that fits your kitchen and your habits, not the one that looks coolest in a showroom.

Real-World Experiences : what living with a side-by-side is actually like

The first week with a side-by-side is basically a relationship test: you’ll learn a lot about yourself, your household, and the emotional load carried by condiments. Most people start by “moving in” their groceries the same way they did with their old fridge then realize a side-by-side rewards a different kind of organization. Tall compartments mean you naturally build vertical zones: breakfast stuff up high, dinner prep in the middle, leftovers down low, and a mysterious shelf where half-used jars go to contemplate their life choices.

One of the biggest day-to-day wins people report is freezer visibility. Instead of stacking frozen foods in a bottom drawer like a frosty game of Jenga, you can scan shelves quickly: veggies on one shelf, proteins on another, treats in a dedicated “don’t tell anyone” zone. This sounds small until you realize how often you buy duplicates because you forgot you already had them. Side-by-side shelving can cut down on that “why do we own six bags of peas?” problemespecially for households that shop in bulk.

Then there’s the dispenser life. In houses that use a lot of ice and water, a good dispenser becomes a weirdly beloved family member. It’s always there for you. It doesn’t judge. It just dispenses. But dispensers also come with real-world quirks: the first few days can include air burps in the water line, a learning curve on which cup angle prevents splashing, and the discovery that your favorite water bottle is exactly 0.2 inches too tall. People who keep their dispenser area clean tend to be happiestbecause dried water spots and sticky drips can turn “premium appliance” into “gas station fountain drink station” faster than you’d think.

Shelf strategy becomes the secret sauce. Side-by-sides feel most spacious when you lean into adjustable shelves and door bins. Owners often end up dedicating door storage to high-turn items (milk, juice, sauces) and keeping shelf space for bigger containers and meal prep. A common “aha” moment: move tall condiments to the door and reclaim a whole shelf for actual food. Another: keep the most-used fridge items at eye level and lower the frequency of door-open rummagingwhich helps temperature stability and makes your electric bill slightly less dramatic.

The biggest complaint you’ll hear is about wide-item storage. If your lifestyle includes sheet-pan dinners, party platters, or “I brought the cake, where do I put it?” moments, you’ll want to plan ahead. Many owners solve it by using a dedicated shelf that’s kept mostly clear, choosing models with smarter shelf layouts, or simply accepting that the fridge is not a yoga studio and your pizza box will need to leave its cardboard jacket behind. (Pro tip: slide pizza slices into a reusable container and feel instantly superior.)

Finally, there’s the “kitchen flow” effect. Because side-by-side doors don’t swing out as far, people in smaller kitchens often notice less traffic congestionespecially in households where someone is always trying to pass behind you at the exact moment you open the fridge. If you’ve ever done the awkward fridge-door shuffle with another human, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. A side-by-side that fits your space well can make your kitchen feel biggernot because the room changed, but because your refrigerator stopped acting like it owns the place.

Conclusion

The best side-by-side refrigerators of 2025 aren’t just “cold boxes with handles.” They’re space managers, routine helpers, and (when you pick wisely) stress reducers. Focus on fit, usable storage, and sensible dispenser design first. Then choose the features that match your habitsbecause the best refrigerator is the one that makes daily life easier, not flashier.