The best Side-by-Side refrigerators: how to choose the right one + rating of the TOP 12 models

The excitement for large household appliances for the kitchen, including high-quality and reliable refrigeration units, never subsides.The demands of ordinary users are becoming more complex, so manufacturers are using new technologies, engineering developments, expanding functionality - in general, they are doing everything to meet demand.

The Side-by-Side refrigerator is a symbol of progress, which embodies all the best qualities of classic models.

In this material we will give a rating of the best Side by Side refrigerators, and also talk about the features of their choice.

Features of the Side-by-Side form factor

Refrigerator type Side by Side translated into Russian means side by side. It differs from other modifications in the vertical arrangement of the chambers, while the refrigerating and freezing chambers are arranged parallel to each other.

Two- and three-chamber refrigeration units, structurally classified as side-by-side, are rightfully considered premium equipment. It’s not only about the increased usable space, but also about the arrangement and technical equipment

This invention belongs to American engineers, so the alternative name for the model is American standard.

The parameters of such units vary significantly - they are produced in different configurations. The exception is European options, where the standard depth is 600 mm.

The dimensions of the side-by-side refrigerator are significantly larger in width and depth compared to classic models. Such large-sized appliances can only be placed in a spacious kitchen

An important distinguishing feature of American standard swing models is the unusual placement of the heat exchanger.

Unlike Top-mount or Bottom-mount form factors, the heat exchange unit is located not on the rear panel, but under the bottom of the refrigerator. This priority technological technique allows you to build equipment into kitchen furniture or move it close to the wall.

In addition, the heat exchange element in the side-by-side model is equipped with a special device that repels dust. In this way, process engineers have solved the everyday problem of cleaning hard-to-reach parts once and for all.

Depending on the model of side-by-side refrigeration equipment, the number of doors can vary from two to four

The disadvantage of this location of the compressor is that it prohibits the installation of refrigerant on floors with a heating system. And as you know, if the operating conditions are not met, the equipment is not subject to warranty repair.

Advantages of American-type refrigerators

The main reason why consumers choose the Side-by-Side modification is the impressive size of the equipment.

They are ideal helpers not only for a large family, but also for those who are used to stocking up on food for future use, because up to 800 liters are available for use. useful volume, which is almost three times higher than standard options.

The large dimensions of side-by-side units provide good opportunities for the orderly arrangement of products not only in the refrigerator compartment, but also in the full-size freezer, due to which uncut semi-finished products can be placed there

The separated space of the refrigerator and freezer compartments allows you to conveniently place food. Versatile hinged doors provide sufficient visibility for full inspection of the cameras. Due to its impressive volumes, the unit can be upgraded with various functions.

Transportation is also not difficult. Since most side-by-side equipment consists of two independent products, each of them can be delivered separately. With monolithic options it will be a little more complicated and you will have to measure the openings.

Absolutely all models are equipped with two independent electronic controllers, through which the temperature in each chamber is adjusted.

If necessary, you can use only one of the blocks. The cooling system can be represented by one or two compressors.

Due to the use of Twin Tech Frost Free technology (separate circuit cooling) in independent units of the refrigerator and freezer compartments when storing food, odors do not mix in the chambers

Using a system of forced circulation of refrigerant in a confined space, the formation of frost and ice is eliminated.

There is also automatic defrosting and an antibacterial function embodied in an infrared system. Through such irradiation, the shelf life of products is significantly extended.

An inherent advantage is the various temperature zones with controlled climates.

These include:

1. Freshness zone, which some manufacturers may call the living air zone. This is a compartment with a temperature of 0 °C or +1 °C. Products that are to be consumed in the near future and do not require freezing are stored here: fish, meat, etc. Cooling is carried out by blowing from the freezer compartment. In this case, the chamber is sealed and the refrigerant does not penetrate inside.
2. Chamber with adjustable humidity. Vegetables, fruits and herbs are placed here. If necessary, the supply of dry air is turned on.
3. Beverage cooling compartment. In this block the temperature is 2-3 °C lower than in the main compartment.

It is worth noting that different climatic ranges are present only in units of this type. For the most part, it is the large dimensions that allow so much efficient distribution of internal space.

The freezer temperature in American standard refrigerators reaches -23(-24) °C, and it only works with the No Frost system

Despite the extensive list of positive characteristics, side by side form factor models also have disadvantages. First of all, it is worth mentioning the large dimensions - this technique is not suitable for a small kitchen.

In second place is the price category, which is the highest among refrigeration equipment. And in last place is increased energy consumption, at least twice that of standard models.

What to rely on when choosing a refrigerator?

Undoubtedly, the side-by-side format technique itself is a modified example and embodiment of the latest technologies.

The name of the category already indicates high quality, because the production of such equipment is possible only at large-scale enterprises. Nevertheless, it is worth understanding which functions are worth overpaying for, and which will not be used at all during operation.

Refrigeration appliances of the side by side form factor fit perfectly into the modernized and discreet interior of a high-tech kitchen

Let us outline the range of important characteristics that influence the choice of a specific model of a new refrigeration device:

• required dimensions, optimal for placement in the catering unit;
• working volume of chambers for full storage of the required amount of food set and semi-finished products;
• zoning of cell space;
• number and sizes of drawers in the freezer;
• complete set with clamps and limiters;
• functionality.

Let's dwell on the most necessary parameters and consider what the manufacturer can offer us. At the same time, we take into account exclusive models belonging to the premium class, which can only be purchased upon order.

Determine the required dimensions

Since the main distinguishing characteristic of Side-By-Side equipment is its dimensions, it is worth carefully taking measurements of the intended placement area.

Manufacturers offer the following range of parameters: height ranges from 170 cm to 220 cm, depth – from 63 cm to 95 cm.

If the kitchen is being renovated and furniture will be ordered to match the appliances, in this case the dimensions do not play a significant role. However, if an old refrigeration unit is being replaced, measurements will be required.

Width measurements may vary depending on the model range.

To correctly place large equipment, it is necessary to first measure the following indicators:

• the site where the product will be placed;
• a niche in the kitchen set, if a built-in type of installation is intended;
• doorways and landings through which transportation will take place.

Due to the unusual location of the compressor for refrigeration units, you can count on their tight fit to the wall.

Useful working volume

The American standard is produced with impressive indicators of the useful internal volume of the chambers - from 300 liters to 800 liters.

Here, each buyer determines an individual indicator. However, space is measured not only by digital value, but also by the convenience of zonal distribution.

Electrolux refrigerators are distinguished not only by excellent capacity, but also by convenient zoning for comfortable storage of provisions

Not all manufacturers can boast of rational differentiation, especially for narrow models. Due to the two doors, they visually create the illusion of a large internal space, when in practice even a couple of small pans cannot fit on the shelf.

A similar problem exists in the freezer, where all products must be small in size.

Availability of climate zones

Of course, large equipment should provide the same extensive opportunities for storing various categories of products and this must be taken advantage of.

The large space of the refrigerator with hinged doors is perfectly divided into zones with different microclimates. It contains several compartments with the temperature and humidity required for storing a certain type of product

So, what zones does the manufacturer suggest we use:

1. Natural Fresh – pull-out containers for storing provisions that require low climatic conditions from +1 to 0 °C. The zero chamber can be divided into two compartments: dry and wet freshness. In one there is a high humidity coefficient, in the other it is low.
2. Fresh Zone – a department for short-term placement of perishable products: all types of meat, fish, dairy products. Here the temperature is maintained at a lower level compared to the refrigeration unit.
3. Super Drawer – temperature-controlled zone suitable for fruits and vegetables. Capacious pull-out boxes on runners with convenient partitions for separating fruits allow you to achieve maximum comfort when pulling out containers.
4. Mini Bar – equipped with special shelves for bottled drinks.

In addition to the above characteristics, in all these zones you can adjust the climatic conditions, which allows you to more accurately adhere to the recommendations for maintaining a favorable climate for each product category.

The Liebherr SBSes 7165 refrigerator is designed for people who know a lot about wine. The device is equipped with two two-section sections with independent climatic conditions. They are designed for storing wine

However, we should not forget that unnecessary functionality not only takes up part of the usable space, but also affects the overall cost of the product. Some types of equipment require the presence of all of the listed climate sections.

However, the remaining question is how necessary they are. If, for example, the freshness zone and the zero chamber have almost identical indicators.

The same question applies to the minibar - this section takes up a significant part of the freezer compartment. Although true wine gourmets will appreciate the section with a climate and humidity similar to a cellar.

Freezer department

Various models can represent freezer compartments that occupy from 1/3 to 1/5 of the total volume of equipment.

It is better to choose bulk freezers when there is a need to freeze large quantities of raw materials. In the standard version, the temperature in this department reaches -18 °C, which allows for long-term storage of provisions.

The freezer compartment of side-by-side units is capable of freezing about 10 kg of products per day. Moreover, some devices have a special deep-freezing system

Having decided on the required displacement, you should pay attention to the width and depth of the containers, so that after purchase you do not have to crush large products every time before placing them. The best option is a full-size freezer.

Availability of accessories

If the equipment belongs to the highest technological class in all respects, then the equipment must be at the appropriate level.

Since the opening radius of the refrigerator doors is 120 degrees, and such equipment is often installed close to the kitchen furniture, fully swinging the door open can lead to damage to the surfaces.

Closers are a popular accessory for refrigerators of any modification. This system allows you to silently close the doors without human intervention

Therefore, the manufacturer is obliged to provide for such a situation and equip the product with latches and limiters that ensure safe opening of doors, while maintaining their external characteristics. Closers and double-sided awnings are also mandatory fittings.

Options worth paying extra for

Each manufacturer, when advertising their products, tries to impose not only necessary, but also completely useless functionality.

For example, various cooling systems with a difference of 1-2 °C with almost identical properties - Shopping system, Party Bar and much more. They do not represent any benefit, and they will be used no more than several times a year.

Now you need to think about it, because each system is reproduced by a special device, and accordingly, this mechanism either increases the dimensions of the unit itself, or takes up useful space, and what’s more, it may even make noise.

A mandatory function in side dy side is the presence of a thermostatic system, through which the specified temperature ranges are maintained in the departments

First, let's look at such popular mechanisms - an ice maker and a dispenser. Useful devices built directly into the freezer door space.

There is one caveat here - you need to be prepared for additional installation costs, because...you will need to embed this system into a common water supply unit.

In addition, the filter element in the dispenser must be changed once a year. Here the decision is made individually - the function is good, but it is accompanied by difficulties when connecting.

The ice maker is capable of forming up to 4 kg of ice per day. Chilled water from the dispenser is pre-cleaned using a special filter

Among the proposed functions that can be used in everyday life and will bring more comfort during operation are the following:

1. Quiet ZoneTM — a system that reduces noise levels. It’s not bad at all if the large unit operates silently. For multi-storey buildings, such a mechanism is impractical, because often the unit is located on the lower floor, and the rest rooms are on the upper floors. But it will be useful for an apartment.
2. Vacation mode. The option is necessary to turn off one of the cameras during the departure period. In this way, it will be possible to preserve frozen food and reduce electricity consumption.
3. Anti Finger-print - protection against bacteria and fingerprints. A pressing problem in Side By Side units is touch marks. The only company offering this option is Electrolux.

Having understood the useful and necessary capabilities of the models, you will have to get to know the representatives of this type of technology that have the best characteristics.

Side-by-side models are mostly equipped with a system that switches the unit to the economical “Vacation” operating mode in the event of a long absence of owners

Well-known companies such as Liebherr, Shivaki, Electrolux, Gorenje represent the latest developments in the cooling technology segment. There are also many newcomers whose products deserve no less trust, for example, Neff and AEG.

Despite the popularity of the brands, we will conduct an independent review of the best American standard refrigerators.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Once again about how to choose the right refrigerator for your needs in the video:

If you are dreaming of buying a mega-capacity refrigerator and paying attention to Side-by-Side units, you need to take a closer look at their functionality.

Indeed, in addition to the basic ones - cooling and freezing - such devices are equipped with a considerable number of unique options that are simply not available in standard models. However, this affects the final cost of the refrigerator. Therefore, you should carefully select the model so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions.

Please share your own experience of choosing a refrigerator for your home, tell us which model you preferred and why. Write comments, participate in the discussion, ask questions under this article.