What are the Pros & Cons of a Side-by-Side Refrigerator?
Side-by-side refrigerators are high-end cooling units that come with plenty of advantages over other refrigerator types. Read on to learn the biggest pros and cons of side-by-side fridges and see what our top picks have to offer.
Many people say they prefer the look of side-by-side refrigerators. When the time comes to buy a new refrigerator, some consumers choose to purchase a model with the refrigerator and freezer sections side by side rather than the more traditional style with the freezer on top and the refrigerator below. But is that style always the right choice in terms of convenience, efficiency, and accessibility? When you invest in a new refrigerator, you expect to have that appliance in your home for many years to come. To ensure that you make the right buying decision, it pays to know the pros and cons of a side-by-side refrigerator before you have it delivered.
As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best side-by-side refrigerators for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of refrigeration units like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about the pros and cons of side-by-side refrigerators to see if they are a good fit for your home. We’ll even check out some top picks from our experts and what they have to offer!
Pros of a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Versatile Refrigerator Organization – You can place commonly used items at the height level most convenient for you and your family. If you have kids constantly opening the refrigerator to reach for snacks and drinks, having these items within easy reach means less time holding the door open while trying to get what they want. Conversely, if there are foodstuffs or beverages that you prefer to keep out of reach of small children, you have the flexibility of placing them on a higher shelf.
ADA-Friendly Construction – While not all side-by-side refrigerators are designated as ADA-compliant, the ability to keep your most used fresh and frozen items at eye level keeps users from frequently bending over, making this configuration type very advantageous for people with physical disabilities.
Frozen Food Unlikely to be Buried or Lost – Digging in the freezer to find a needed item or just trying to see what's in the fridge can be frustrating. The freezer on the side offers top to bottom shelf space, making a diverse assortment of items easier to locate and reach. This cuts down on energy waste and freezer burn since you won’t have the door open very long to find your favorite popsicles.
Doors Need Less Room to Swing Open – Side-by-side refrigerators are a fabulous choice for narrow kitchens and small spaces. In kitchens where space is at a premium, having doors that require less sweep area is a definite bonus.
Water and Ice Dispenser on the Door – Perhaps the single most popular benefit of the side-by-side refrigerator is the ability to get water and ice on demand without opening the doors. Most consumers feel this added convenience alone makes the side-by-side model of choice, especially when factoring in the cost savings from leaving the doors closed while dispensing.
Smart Features – The best side-by-side refrigerators now feature Wi-Fi connectivity to remotely control them, diagnose any issues, and improve their energy efficiency. Select models can even be controlled with your voice through a smart home manager like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Cons of a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Despite their many advantages, side-by-side refrigerators have a few disadvantages that you should factor into any purchasing decision.
Ice and Water Dispensers Require Upkeep – Suppose you select a side-by-side appliance because you want the dispensers. In that case, the first consideration is making sure that the area where you will place the refrigerator has a plumbing connection. In some older homes or apartments, this could pose a problem. Also, water lines and filters need maintenance, so make sure you are prepared to replace filters or have water lines repaired if needed.
Side-By-Side Refrigerators are Wider than Top Freezer Styles – Most side-by-side refrigerators are 36 inches wide. There are smaller options available. However, choosing a smaller side-by-side refrigerator over a top or bottom freezer style will compromise the versatility of your overall fridge capacity.Measure carefully to ensure there is enough room for the model you want. With standard-size kitchens, this is a non-issue. However, a bigger fridge in small spaces means you might lose counter space to make room for it.
Narrow Compartments – What you gain in organization, you lose in shelf-width. While the side-by-side refrigerator has many benefits, one major complaint from consumers is the lack of space for large items. Holiday dinners typically pose a problem in this regard.Sometimes you can rearrange shelves to increase capacity, but occasionally, large items simply will not fit. Even though most families do not need that kind of room every day, it bears keeping in mind those times when space may become a problem.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
A side-by-side refrigerator typically lasts around 10 to 15 years. However, this can vary based on the quality of the brand that manufactured it and how you use it. It is imperative you conduct routine maintenance tasks to ensure its efficiency and longevity. Make sure to replace water filters, clean gaskets, dust evaporator coils, and ensure proper ventilation to avoid overheating your unit.
