Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Side by Side Refrigerators Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Top Pick
- 2. Best Design
- 3. Runner-Up
- 4. Best Value
- 5. Best Heavy-Duty
- 6. Best Splurge
- 7. Best Lightweight
- 8. Best for Small Spaces
- Side by Side Refrigerators Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Side by Side Refrigerators
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
The best cheap side by side refrigerator for your needs is the Midea MRS25I7BST. This model features 24.5 cubic feet of storage and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish. It also includes an autofill water pitcher, which is a great convenience. Another strong option is the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. unit, which offers more space but sacrifices some advanced features like the autofill pitcher.
The key tradeoff is between spaciousness and features. The Kenmore provides excellent storage but lacks the innovative autofill pitcher found in the Midea. The rest of this page explores more options, helping you make a well-informed decision about the best cheap side by side refrigerator for you.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Side by Side Refrigerators Reviewed in Detail
Here are several side by side refrigerators to consider. Each offers unique features to meet different needs.
1. Top Pick
The Midea MRS25I7BST has a 24.5 cu. ft. capacity. It features an autofill water pitcher, making it easy to stay hydrated. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish helps keep it looking clean. The electronic control panel is user-friendly and simple to operate.
Pros
Ample storage space with a convenient autofill water pitcher.
Cons
Some users may prefer a larger capacity for bigger families.
This model works well for small to medium-sized households.
The Midea MRS25I7BST is a solid choice for those needing a reliable, efficient refrigerator.
2. Best Design
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36" Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
- Designed for Busy Households: This 29.cu. ft. extra‑large capacity and traditional 36″ width refrigerator provides ample room and smart organization for family favorites, meal‑prep ingredients, and big‑batch groceries so you can shop less and have more on hand
- Fast, Even Cooling for Freshness: Accela Chill and Accela Freeze boost fan-forced cold air to quickly cool or freeze newly added groceries, while the Multi-Flow Air System circulates air across every shelf for consistent temperatures and long-lasting freshness
- Filtered Ice & Water, More Freezer Space: A space-saving ice maker tucked into the freezer door frees up shelf space while producing up to 3 lbs. of ice per day, and the NSF-certified filtration system delivers great-tasting, filtered ice and water from the convenient external dispenser
- Maximize Your Storage Space: Edge-to-edge glass shelves, adjustable shelving, and 4 gallon-size clear door bins keep groceries visible and within reach, while crisper drawers preserve fruits and veggies and the freezer’s shelves, basket, and door bins keep frozen foods neatly organized
- Convenient Features for Everyday Use: Enhanced LED lighting on the ceiling and sides illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; and the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
Kenmore’s 29 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator is designed for busy families. Its extra-large capacity allows for smart organization of groceries. The fast cooling feature keeps your food fresh quickly. The traditional 36-inch width fits standard kitchen spaces.
Pros
Extra-large capacity provides plenty of room for groceries.
Cons
It may take up more space than smaller units.
Great for larger families or those who shop in bulk.
The Kenmore model is perfect for families needing ample storage and quick cooling.
3. Runner-Up
Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Frost-Free, Tempered Glass Shelves, LED Interior Lighting, Stainless
- 21.4 CU. FT. OF ORGANIZED STORAGE: Make room for groceries, beverages, leftovers, and everyday essentials with 21.4 cu. ft. of total storage. The side-by-side design keeps fresh and frozen foods conveniently separated while making it easy to see and reach what you need.
- EASY-TO-ORGANIZE SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Keep frequently used foods within easy reach with adjustable tempered glass shelves, spacious door bins, and dedicated storage throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. The vertical layout makes it easier to find items without digging through deep shelves.
- KEEP PRODUCE FRESHER, LONGER: A crisper drawer provides an ideal storage environment for fruits and vegetables, helping you keep fresh produce organized and ready for everyday meals.
- BRIGHT LED LIGHTING & FROST-FREE OPERATION: Bright interior LED lighting makes it easier to find food from top to bottom, while automatic defrost helps prevent frost buildup and eliminates the need for manual defrosting.
- CLEAN STAINLESS FINISH: A sleek stainless exterior brings a clean, modern look to your kitchen while complementing a wide range of appliances and décor. The logoless design seamlessly blends with your current appliances.
Element’s 21.4 cu. ft. refrigerator has a side-by-side design. This design helps keep fresh and frozen foods organized. The tempered glass shelves are easy to clean. LED interior lighting makes it easy to find items inside.
Pros
Good storage space with organized shelves and bright lighting.
Cons
The overall capacity may not suit larger families.
This model is suitable for small to medium households.
The Element refrigerator is a practical choice for those needing organized storage.
4. Best Value
20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators, 36" Full Size Refrigerator – Black
- Premium Side by Side Refrigerator: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators offers spacious storage capacity. The beverage fridge has a total capacity of 20.7 cubic feet, making it perfect for all family members. This refrigerator with freezer provides ample space for storing food and drinks
- Black Stainless Steel Design: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators features a flat surface design and easy-to-open handles. This beverage fridge can seamlessly match your other household appliances. With perfectly proportioned height and depth, this refrigerator with freezer fits flawlessly into modern kitchens
- Large Capacity: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a storage capacity of 20.7 cubic feet. The dimensions of this beverage fridge are 35.8 inches × 27.2 inches × 70.1 inches (width × depth × height). This refrigerator with freezer achieves separate storage for refrigerated and frozen items, with a refrigeration capacity of 13.25 cubic feet and a freezing capacity of 7.42 cubic feet
- Electronic Temperature Control: The freezer compartment of the iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has a temperature range from -10°F to 5°F, which can keep all frozen foods fresh. The refrigeration compartment of this beverage fridge has a temperature range from 32°F to 42°F. This refrigerator with freezer is equipped with 5 variable temperature settings, which can be manually switched according to your needs
- Crisper Drawers & Dairy Compartment: The iceBlue side-by-side refrigerators has transparent humidity-controlled crisper drawers.The beverage fridge allow you to select the ideal humidity level to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.Alos the refrigerator with freezer can store all your butters and spreads at their optimal temperature
- Suitable as a Gift : This iceBlue refrigerator makes for an excellent gift. The color of the beverage fridge is a versatile and relaxing color, making this Side-by-side Refrigerators a great choice to give as a gift to your mother, father, or friends for festivals like Christmas, Easter
IceBlue offers a 20.7 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator. Its black stainless steel design adds a modern touch. The spacious storage easily holds food and drinks for the whole family. It fits well in most kitchen spaces.
Pros
Stylish design and spacious storage for family needs.
Cons
The black finish may show fingerprints more easily.
Good for medium-sized families looking for a stylish option.
The iceBlue refrigerator combines style and functionality for daily use.
5. Best Heavy-Duty
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by side doors 15.6 CuFt Capacity, perfect for all the family members
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- _Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or interchange your shelves for a personalized experience
- BUILT-IN LAMP: Find your food quicker with the interior light
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Delivery & Haul-Away (in select locations) – Let us do the heavy lifting with options for room-of-choice delivery, item unboxing, item hook-up/installation and haul-away at checkout
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 has a 15.6 cu. ft. capacity. Its side doors allow easy access to items. The oversized door bins can hold large beverages. A digital display helps you adjust settings quickly.
Pros
Large door bins and simple digital controls are convenient.
Cons
The smaller size may be limiting for larger families.
This model suits small families or individuals.
The Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a good choice for compact living spaces.
6. Best Splurge
Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with Freezer, 2-Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice Maker, Water Dispenser, Garage Ready Freezer with…
- 18.1 Cu.Ft. Spacious Capacity: This side by side refrigerator offers a 12.1 cu.ft. fridge and 6.0 cu.ft. freezer. The stainless steel look side by side fridge elevates your kitchen with modern, freestanding style.
- Auto Ice & Water Dispenser: Enjoy chilled drinks easily with this refrigerator with water dispenser. As a premium refrigerator with ice maker, it delivers cooling water, cubed, and crushed ice directly from the door.
- Total No Frost & Inverter: Powered by an energy-efficient inverter compressor, this fridge freezer runs quietly at 45dB. Like top side by side refrigerators, its Total No Frost technology stops ice buildup entirely.
- Power LED & Slide Shelves: The interior of this side by side refrigerator features brilliant LED lights. Adjustable easy slide-out shelves in this fridge freezer make organizing and reaching deep items effortless.
- Smart Alarm & Child Lock: Built for safety, this side by side fridge features a 3-second Child Lock to prevent misclicks. This refrigerator with water dispenser also has a Door Open Alarm sounding after 60 seconds.
Electactic’s 18.1 cu. ft. refrigerator has a built-in ice maker and water dispenser. Its spacious design includes a 12.1 cu. ft. fridge and 6.0 cu. ft. freezer. The modern stainless steel look adds style to your kitchen.
Pros
Includes a water dispenser and ice maker for convenience.
Cons
The ice maker can take up some freezer space.
Ideal for families wanting features in a compact design.
The Electactic refrigerator is a practical choice for those needing added features.
7. Best Lightweight
Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel, 15.6 cu.ft.
- 15.6 CU. FT. TOTAL CAPACITY: Offers a 9.54 cu. ft. fresh food section and a 6.08 cu. ft. freezer section. Configured with 3 adjustable glass shelves, 2 crisper drawers, and multiple door bins-including a dedicated 4-liter gallon bin-in each compartment to store items of various sizes
- FAST COOL & FAST FREEZE FUNCTIONS: Features an electronic multi-air flow cooling system managed by an exterior LED touch control panel on the door. Rapidly lowers temperatures in both compartments to cool or freeze new grocery loads efficiently
- COUNTER-DEPTH SIDE-BY-SIDE DESIGN: Built with dimensions of 32.9″ W x 27.42″ D x 70.14″ H to fit standard 33.9″ x 24.42″ x 71.14″ kitchen cutouts. The dual-door configuration positions fresh and frozen food items at eye level for quick visibility and access
- FROST-FREE & SPILL-PROOF MAINTENANCE: Utilizes an automatic frost-free system to prevent ice buildup without manual defrosting. Includes tempered glass shelves designed with spill-proof borders to contain accidental leaks for simple cleanup
- SPECIFICATIONS & 2-YEAR WARRANTY: Operates at a 37.54 dBA noise level with an average power consumption of 460 kWh/yr. Includes Sabbath mode, vacation mode, internal LED lighting, and is backed by a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor
- STAINLESS STEEL FINISH & DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Features a clean stainless steel VCM finish that complements any kitchen decor. Built with an embossed galvanized steel cabinet and high-impact polystyrene door liners for long-lasting durability and reliable performance
- ADJUSTABLE STORAGE CONFIGURATION: Includes 4 fresh food shelves with 3 adjustable positions, 2 crisper drawers, 4 freezer shelves with 3 adjustable positions, and 2 freezer drawers. Door storage features 3 refrigerator bins including one gallon-size bin and 3 freezer door bins for flexible organization
Forno’s 33-inch side-by-side refrigerator has a total capacity of 15.6 cu. ft. It features adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers. This setup helps keep food fresh and organized. The stainless steel finish is sleek and durable.
Pros
Adjustable shelves and crisper drawers enhance food storage.
Cons
The size may not accommodate larger families.
Good for small families or couples.
The Forno refrigerator provides solid performance in a stylish design.
8. Best for Small Spaces
Whirlpool WRSC5536RZ 20.59 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Counter-Depth Freestanding Refrigerator
- User Manuals: Included for easy reference
- Spacious 36-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Offers 20.85 cu. ft. capacity for ample food storage
- Easy Freestanding Installation: Simplifies setup process
- Seamless Counter-Depth Design: Integrates perfectly with surrounding cabinetry
- Flexible Storage with Wall-to-Wall Shelves: Frameless, adjustable glass shelves for versatile organization
Whirlpool’s WRSC5536RZ offers 20.59 cu. ft. of space. This model has a smooth counter-depth design. It fits well with your kitchen cabinets. Flexible storage options include wall-to-wall shelves for easy organization.
Pros
Smooth design and flexible storage make it user-friendly.
Cons
Counter-depth design may limit interior space slightly.
Ideal for kitchens with a modern design.
The Whirlpool refrigerator is a reliable and stylish choice for your home.
Side by Side Refrigerators Compared Side by Side
The table below shows key specifications of the best cheap side by side refrigerator options.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth… | Top Pick | Midea | $1079.12 | Check |
| 2 | Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36" Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Best Design | Kenmore | $1949.99 | Check |
| 3 | Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Runner-Up | Element Electronics | 999.99 | Check |
| 4 | 20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators | Best Value | iceBlue | $1199.99 | Check |
| 5 | Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size… | Best Heavy-Duty | Curtis International Ltd. | $999.99 | Check |
| 6 | Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with… | Best Splurge | Electactic | $1399 | Check |
| 7 | Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-side… | Best Lightweight | Forno | $1099 | Check |
| 8 | Whirlpool WRSC5536RZ 20.59 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side… | Best for Small Spaces | WHIRLPOOL | $1889 | Check |
| 9 | Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in White… | — | Amana | $1398.6 | Check |
| 10 | Amana 21.4 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator in Stainless… | — | Amana | 1398.6 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
Our data comes from trusted sources like manufacturer specifications, user reviews, and expert articles. We gathered information from various online retailers and product review sites.
How we built this shortlist
We looked at over 20 different side by side refrigerators. Criteria included price, features, capacity, and user satisfaction. Each product had to meet basic quality standards to make it to this list.
What we ruled out and why
We removed any refrigerators that had poor user ratings or lacked important features. Models that did not meet basic storage requirements were also excluded. This ensured only reliable options were included.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing or lab measurements were taken. We did not create any subjective scores. All information is based on available data and user feedback.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated regularly to reflect new products and changes in availability. We review it every month to ensure all details remain accurate and current.
How to Choose Side by Side Refrigerators
Consider the Size
Choose a side by side refrigerator that fits your kitchen space. Measure the area where you plan to place it. Many models range from 15 to 30 cubic feet in capacity. A larger unit may hold more food but also take up more space.
Check the Features
Look for features that fit your lifestyle. An autofill water pitcher is useful if you drink a lot of water. Some models offer built-in ice makers or energy-efficient settings. Identify which features are necessary for you before deciding.
Assess Energy Efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. Look for models with Energy Star ratings. They use less electricity, which can save you money on bills over time. This is an important factor if you plan to use the refrigerator long term.
Evaluate Storage Options
Check the layout and organization of shelves. Adjustable shelves offer flexibility for various food items. Look for models with large door bins for beverages. An organized interior makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
Read User Reviews
User reviews provide valuable insight into how well a refrigerator performs. Check what others say about reliability and space. Look for feedback about customer service experiences with the brand. Real-life experiences can guide your choice.
What to look for
Capacity
Capacity is a key factor when choosing a side by side refrigerator. Typical sizes range from 15 to 30 cubic feet. A larger capacity is great for families, while smaller units suit singles or couples. Ensure the model you choose fits your storage needs.
Cooling Technology
Cooling technology affects how well the refrigerator maintains temperature. Features like Accela Chill help keep food fresh quickly. Look for even cooling systems that prevent hot spots. This helps ensure your food stays safe and fresh longer.
Design and Finish
The design and finish of the refrigerator should match your kitchen style. Stainless steel is popular for its modern look and easy cleaning. Other finishes like black or white can blend well in traditional settings. Choose a style that complements your home.
Ice and Water Dispenser
Consider whether you want an ice and water dispenser. These features offer convenience for drinks and cooking. Some models have built-in water filtration systems for clean drinking water. Weigh the added benefits against the space they require.
Noise Level
Noise level can affect your kitchen experience. Some refrigerators run quietly, while others might be noisier. Check user reviews for insights on noise levels. A quieter model may be better suited for open-plan spaces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap side by side refrigerator?
The best cheap side by side refrigerator is the Midea MRS25I7BST. It offers great features and a spacious design.
How much space do I need for a side by side refrigerator?
Measure the space in your kitchen before buying. Most side by side refrigerators range from 30 to 36 inches wide.
Do side by side refrigerators have ice makers?
Many side by side refrigerators, like the Midea and Kenmore models, include built-in ice makers. This feature is helpful if you often entertain guests.
Are side by side refrigerators energy efficient?
Some models are more energy-efficient than others. Look for an Energy Star rating to find a model that saves on energy costs.
Can I adjust the shelves in a side by side refrigerator?
Many side by side refrigerators come with adjustable shelves. This feature allows you to customize the space for taller items.
Shopping around? We have 10 more side by side refrigerator guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR dishwashers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- ENERGY STAR refrigerators ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
About the author
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