siemens side by side fridge freezer By Side Freezers Fridge
Side-by-side fridges provide plenty of space to store food items. Some, such as our top pick from Forno have counter-depth sizes that sit flush against the cabinetry to create sleek, built-in style.
Some models offer freezer storage with different heights. This is a great feature for families with children or any who has difficulty reaching high shelves.
Size
The name implies that side-by-side refrigerators have freezers on one side and a fridge on the other. They are larger than models with a top-freezer and bottom-freezer. They are also smaller and don't block your view as single-door fridges do which is a benefit in kitchens with small spaces.
Side-byside refrigerators are taller than other types of refrigerators, which is why they give more space to the freezer. They typically have multiple shelves and compartments to make organizing easy, letting you keep the most frequently used items on your shelves in the refrigerator section and long-term foods on shelves that are higher, more difficult to reach in the freezer. They can include ice and a water dispenser that lets you quickly access your beverages without having open the door to the freezer.
The freezers in these refrigerators employ separate cooling systems to guarantee the coldest and most even temperatures, which means food stays fresher for longer. They also come with features that stop food spoilage and loss of food like a hydration system, air filters for controlling the smell, or crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas to prevent overripening.
The downside to this kind of refrigerator is that it's not as efficient as top or bottom freezer models. This is due to the fact that they have a larger vertical volume to cool, which can increase your utility bill. They're also less efficient at storing wide items than other models, and may not be suitable for people who suffer from mobility issues that make bending difficult.
Convenience
The slim doors on side-by-side refrigerators need less space for opening than other types of refrigerators which makes this type of refrigerator a top choice for narrow kitchens. Side-by side refrigerators generally have higher capacity than French door fridges, too - usually 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food, and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer.
These refrigerators are also an excellent option for small homes and condos where a larger fridge would occupy counter space. The primary drawback to these refrigerators is that they might not be large enough for the storage needs of some families. Even the everyday utensils you use and larger holiday dinners may not fit. It is possible to arrange shelves, however this can be a lengthy process and can reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator.
Another disadvantage of a side-byside freezer is that it assigns more room to the freezer than the refrigerator. This could be a problem if you utilize a deep freeze often. The good thing is that a lot of models have an additional Ice machine that can provide the convenience of chilled beverages without using the refrigerator's cooling system So there are ways to avoid this possible drawback.
You can pick an appliance that is independently controlled refrigerator and freezer compartments with features such as the Preserve Food System from KitchenAid, for example, which includes an air filter which helps to keep odors at bay and a mechanism within the crisper drawers to absorb ethylene gas, which can delay the over-ripening and spoilage of your produce. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in good shape for longer.
Energy Efficiency
As a whole, side by side refrigerators use less energy than models with bottom freezers. They also tend to cost less than French door refrigerators, and can be more maintenance-friendly since their doors open at a half-width. You'll need your kitchen is able to accommodate a water-and-ice dispenser. This will require a plumbing connector which is difficult to install in smaller kitchens. The larger openings of the side by side fridge can make it harder to store taller items.
Many manufacturers offer energy saving features in their side by side refrigerators. They include adjustable shelving and LED lights to keep food visible, even in the darkest corners of the freezer. Some models have separate cooling systems for the freezer and fridge sections. This can help to reduce food waste, as it allows you to find things that are popular and less likely to discard them accidentally if you don't remember about them or they have lost their freshness.
You can also buy an appliance that comes with additional features like door-in-door access to drinks and snacks. This is not just a time-saver but also decreases energy consumption since cold air is prevented from leaving the fridge. You can also find a reliable side-by-side refrigerator without additional features for kitchens with budgets or who like to keep things simple. Quincy Bulin is a writer and product expert at Lowe's where she writes about everything from the most modern appliances to the latest trends in home improvement products and trends. She's always eager to assist you in finding the ideal products for your home, just ask!
Storage
Many side-byside refrigerators come with ice and water dispensers that are built into the freezer. This is a great option for those who want easy access to cold drinks and snacks. It also makes it convenient to wash dishes or to clean glasses. This decreases the freezer's capacity. Make sure that you select an appliance that is large enough to meet your needs.
In contrast to refrigerators with bottom freezers, side-by-side fridges offer a larger capacity of storage on the freezer side, due to their vertical design. This means you can store things you frequently use on higher shelves, while you can store longer-term frozen goods lower down. The freezer has a variety of shelves to choose from, allowing you to arrange it to meet your requirements.
Modern side-by-side fridges are sleek and stylish in appearance, which can enhance the appearance of kitchens. They also have two doors, which create an incredibly small footprint and less clutter than other refrigerator configurations. A lot of models come with cooler drawers and controls for humidity along with other features specific to the model.
Some fridges with side-by-side doors are Energy Star certified, meaning they'll cost less per day. If you're worried about your energy costs which is why they're an ideal choice. However, the high standards that are required to obtain this certification will add to the upfront price of fridges with this certification. It may not be an issue for all buyers, but it's worth considering before purchasing a fridge.