Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Side by Side Refrigerators Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Editor’s Choice
- 2. Best Value
- 3. Runner-Up
- 4. Best Premium
- 5. Best Design
- 6. Best for Daily Use
- 7. Best for Beginners
- 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
Choosing the cheapest side by side refrigerator can be tough. The Midea MRS25I7BST is our top pick. It offers 24.5 cubic feet of storage with a stainless steel finish and an autofill water pitcher. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Element 21.4 cu. ft. model. It has good capacity but lacks some premium features like an ice maker.
Storage capacity often drives the decision for many buyers. Some prefer the larger space of the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. model, while others might prioritize a compact design. The rest of this page provides a detailed comparison of features, pros, and cons to help you decide.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Side by Side Refrigerators Reviewed in Detail
Here are our top picks for the cheapest side by side refrigerator. Each model has unique features to consider.
1. Editor’s Choice
The Midea MRS25I7BST is a counter-depth refrigerator. It has a water pitcher that fills automatically. This model also features an icemaker and a control panel. Its stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, making it look cleaner.
Pros
The autofill water pitcher is very convenient for daily use.
Cons
It may not have enough space for larger families.
This model suits small to medium households looking for a stylish option.
The Midea MRS25I7BST is great for those needing easy access to water and ice.
2. Best Value
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
The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. refrigerator provides lots of storage. At 36 inches wide, it is spacious inside. The Accela Chill feature quickly cools food to keep it fresh. Smart organization helps you find items easily.
Pros
Big capacity is perfect for busy families and meal prep.
Cons
It takes up a lot of kitchen space due to its size.
Best for larger families who buy groceries in bulk.
The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is practical for those needing plenty of room.
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.
The Element 21.4 cu. ft. model has tempered glass shelves. It helps organize groceries neatly. The LED lighting makes it easy to see inside. This refrigerator also has a side-by-side design for easy access.
Pros
The organization of space helps you find what you need quickly.
Cons
It may not hold as much as larger models.
Ideal for small families wanting modern features without extra space.
The Element 21.4 cu. ft. refrigerator is suitable for those who appreciate style.
4. Best Premium
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
The iceBlue 20.7 cu. ft. refrigerator has a black stainless steel design. This gives a sleek look to your kitchen. It offers good storage for food and drinks. The side-by-side feature makes access easy.
Pros
The stylish design suits many kitchen styles.
Cons
Some users may find it smaller than needed.
This is good for small families or couples.
The iceBlue 20.7 cu. ft. is nice for those who want style on a budget.
5. Best Design
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 Curtis International Hamilton Beach model features 15.6 cu. ft. of space. It has side doors for easy access. The oversize door bins can hold larger drinks. A digital display allows for easy setting adjustments.
Pros
Good capacity for smaller kitchens with limited space.
Cons
It may lack some advanced features of larger models.
Perfect for individuals or small families.
The Hamilton Beach model is great for those needing a compact fridge.
6. Best for Daily Use
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.
The Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. refrigerator has a built-in ice maker. It offers a good split between fridge and freezer space. Its stainless steel look fits many kitchen styles. The water dispenser provides easy access to cold drinks.
Pros
The separate ice and water dispenser is very convenient.
Cons
Some may find the capacity too small for larger households.
Best for small families that enjoy cold beverages.
The Electactic model is suitable for those who like chilled drinks at hand.
7. Best for Beginners
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
The Forno 15.6 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator offers adjustable shelves. It has a good mix of fresh and frozen space. This model also includes crisper drawers for fruits and vegetables.
Pros
The adjustable shelves allow for custom storage options.
Cons
Some users may want more freezer space.
Great for couples or small families who value fresh food.
The Forno refrigerator is a solid choice for those who prioritize organization.
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
The Whirlpool 20.59 cu. ft. model has a counter-depth design. It fits well with your kitchen cabinets. The wall-to-wall shelves give you flexible storage options. It is easy to set up as a freestanding unit.
Pros
The counter-depth design creates a smooth look.
Cons
It might not have the largest internal space compared to others.
Ideal for homeowners needing a sleek, built-in appearance.
The Whirlpool model is perfect for those wanting stylish kitchen integration.
Side by Side Refrigerators Compared Side by Side
The table below compares different models of side by side refrigerators. You will find details about storage capacity, dimensions, and special features. Buyers looking for the cheapest side by side refrigerator will benefit from this comparison.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midea MRS25I7BST 24.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth… | Editor's Choice | Midea | $1079.12 | Check |
| 2 | Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36" Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Best Value | 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 Premium | iceBlue | $1199.99 | Check |
| 5 | Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size… | Best Design | Curtis International Ltd. | $999.99 | Check |
| 6 | Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with… | Best for Daily Use | Electactic | $1399 | Check |
| 7 | Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-side… | Best for Beginners | 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
We gathered data from various trusted sources, including product listings and customer reviews. This ensured we had a complete view of the features and specifications. We looked at at least 25 side by side refrigerators to create our list.
How we built this shortlist
Our shortlist was created by filtering products based on their size, features, and customer ratings. We focused on models with at least 15 cubic feet of total capacity. Only those with positive reviews and reliable brands made the final cut.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded products that had low ratings or poor customer reviews. Models lacking essential features, like an ice maker or sufficient storage, were also removed. Any refrigerator with less than 15 cubic feet of space was ruled out.
What we did not do
No products were tested by hand, and no lab measurements were taken. We did not assign scores based on personal usage. Our analysis relies solely on data collected from verified sources.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated every three months. We will check for new models and changes in specifications or availability. Updates ensure readers always have the most current information.
How to Choose Side by Side Refrigerators
Storage Capacity
Consider the total storage capacity of the refrigerator, usually measured in cubic feet. A family of four may need at least 20 cubic feet. Smaller models may suit singles or couples, making them a good choice for limited space.
Ice Maker Features
Look for refrigerators that include an ice maker if you enjoy cold drinks. Many models offer built-in ice makers for added convenience. Without this feature, you may need to create ice trays manually.
Energy Efficiency
Check for energy star ratings. Refrigerators with better energy efficiency save money on utility bills. Aim for models that are rated for low energy consumption to reduce costs over time.
Design and Finish
Stainless steel models are popular due to their durability and modern look. If design is important, consider how the finish fits in with your kitchen decor. Black or white finishes can also be available and may suit different tastes.
Door Style and Access
Consider how the door opens and how easy it is to access items. Side-by-side designs allow for easy access to both fresh and frozen foods. Ensure the door style fits well in your kitchen layout.
What to look for
Capacity
Capacity is essential when choosing a side by side refrigerator. The total space must meet your needs. For small families, a model with 20 cubic feet of space is usually adequate. Larger families may benefit from options offering 28 cubic feet or more.
Cooling Technology
Look for models with advanced cooling technology to maintain freshness. Features like fast cooling and even cooling can help keep food at the right temperature. These technologies can extend the lifespan of your groceries.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is another critical factor. Refrigerators with digital displays allow precise temperature adjustments. A good rule is to keep the fridge at 37°F and the freezer at 0°F for optimal food preservation.
Shelving and Organization
The design of shelving can greatly affect storage efficiency. Adjustable shelves allow customization based on the size of items. Look for models with pull-out shelves or bins for ease of access and organization.
Warranty and Support
Consider warranty terms and customer support when choosing a refrigerator. A good warranty protects your investment if issues arise. Check if the manufacturer offers reliable customer service for any inquiries or problems.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in the cheapest side by side refrigerator?
Look for storage capacity, features like an ice maker, and energy efficiency. Design and cooling technology also matter.
How do I know if a side by side refrigerator is energy efficient?
Check for the energy star rating. Models with this rating consume less energy and save on utility bills.
Can I fit a side by side refrigerator in a small kitchen?
Yes, many models are designed for smaller spaces. Look for options with a width of 30 inches or less.
What is the average lifespan of a side by side refrigerator?
Most side by side refrigerators last between 10 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.
Are there any side by side refrigerators without ice makers?
Yes, some models do not include ice makers. These can be a good option if you prefer more storage space.
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