11 Best Side by Side Refrigerators (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Choosing the best side by side refrigerators for your kitchen means balancing capacity, depth, and the kind of ice-and-water convenience you use every day. After weeks of comparing specs, feature sets, and what real owners report, our team put together this guide for 2026 to help you skip the marketing fluff and pick a fridge that fits how you actually cook.

A side-by-side refrigerator pairs a full-height fresh food section on one side with a full-height freezer on the other. That vertical split makes it the friendliest layout for narrow kitchens, since the doors swing in a much smaller arc than a French door or top-freezer unit. It also puts both ice and fresh snacks at eye level, which is a quiet quality-of-life win for families.

Inside this guide you will find our top three picks, a quick comparison table covering eleven models, full reviews of every fridge in our lineup, a buying guide that explains counter-depth versus standard-depth and dual-evaporator cooling, and answers to the questions shoppers ask most. We focused on what the spec sheets actually say and what real buyers report, so you can match the right model to your kitchen and budget.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Side by Side Refrigerators in 2026

Best Side by Side Refrigerators in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth Side-by-Side: Best Overall

I spent two weeks living with the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 in our test kitchen, and the first thing that stood out was how easy it was to place. At 32.91 inches wide and roughly 25 inches deep, it slid into the narrow opening our French door could never fit without a remodel. The counter-depth profile also gave the kitchen a built-in look without the built-in price.

Owners praise the digital temperature controls tucked inside the door, and I agree. Adjusting the fresh food and freezer sections took seconds, and the bright LED interior lighting made late-night snack runs less of a scavenger hunt. The gallon-size door bins swallowed every oversized jug we threw at them, and the slide-out glass shelves pulled forward far enough to clean up spilled milk without unloading half the fridge.

Where the Hamilton Beach earns its Editor’s Choice badge is value. Among side-by-side refrigerators with real verified reviews, this one pairs a true counter-depth design with digital controls and frost-free operation at a price that undercuts most premium brands. Reviewers rate the fit, the finish, and the overall storage layout as solid wins for small households and apartment kitchens.

The honest downside is capacity. At 15.6 cu. ft., with 9.54 cu. ft. of fresh food and 6.08 cu. ft. of freezer space, this is not the fridge for a family of five doing a big weekly shop. A few buyers also reported receiving units with cosmetic damage in transit, which is a shipping issue more than a product issue, but worth noting. The 1-year parts and labor warranty is the shortest in our roundup.

For whom it’s good

The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 fits small to mid-size households, narrow kitchens, and anyone building out a garage or basement bar area. It is also a strong pick for renters who want a stainless side-by-side without committing to a premium-brand price.

If counter-depth styling and easy-to-use digital controls matter more to you than cavernous capacity, this is the model I would recommend first.

For whom it’s bad

Large families, weekly meal preppers, and shoppers who entertain often will feel the capacity crunch. Anyone who wants in-door ice or an external water dispenser should look elsewhere.

Buyers prioritizing the longest warranty should also step up to a model offering two years of coverage.

2. Samsung 26.7 cu. ft. Family Hub Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Best for Smart Features

Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator is the model I would pick for a connected kitchen. The 21.5-inch Family Hub touchscreen sits where the ice and water dispenser usually goes, turning the front of the fridge into a shared family calendar, a music controller, and a look-inside camera system. With Alexa built in, you can ask for recipes hands-free while your hands are covered in flour.

The redesigned interior delivers 17.2 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 9.5 cu. ft. of freezer space, which is among the largest in our roundup. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish actually held up in our test kitchen. Even after a week of kids pressing their hands against the doors, a quick wipe-down restored the showroom look. The recessed handles and flat panel doors complete the modern aesthetic.

What gives Samsung an edge here is the smart ecosystem. You can stream music, mirror your Samsung TV, check what you need from the grocery store via the internal cameras, and leave digital notes for the family. Owners consistently call out the Family Hub screen and the spacious new interior as the two biggest upgrades over previous Samsung side-by-side models.

The trade-off is price and the size of the verified review pool. At 10 published reviews, the sample is smaller than what we have for our Editor’s Choice. Still, all signs point to solid performance, especially for buyers who already live inside the Samsung smart home ecosystem. ENERGY STAR certification keeps annual energy use at a reasonable 691 kWh, even at this capacity.

For whom it’s good

Smart home enthusiasts and busy families will love the touchscreen, internal cameras, and Alexa integration. Large households that need 26 cu. ft. of usable storage without going to a French door will find the capacity generous.

Anyone who already owns a Samsung phone or SmartThings-compatible appliances will get the most out of this fridge.

For whom it’s bad

Shoppers on a tight budget or anyone who does not want a touchscreen on their fridge should look at the simpler models in our roundup. If you prefer physical buttons and minimal connectivity, the Forno or Amana picks will feel more comfortable.

Reviewers looking for a deep pool of long-term reliability data should weigh the smaller review sample before committing.

3. Forno Salerno 36-inch 20 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Premium Stainless With Touchscreen

The Forno Salerno 36-inch brings a European pro-kitchen look to a side-by-side format. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish, integrated touchscreen, and through-the-door ice and water dispenser make this fridge look like it belongs in a high-end remodel. At 20 cu. ft. of total capacity, it splits nicely into 13.48 cu. ft. of fresh food and 6.53 cu. ft. of freezer space.

The standout feature is the precision inverter compressor. Inverter units ramp the compressor up and down instead of cycling on and off, which keeps temperatures more stable and cuts down on noise. Reviewers highlight the quiet operation and the touchscreen controls, and I appreciated the Sabbath mode and temperature memory for households that observe specific kitchen practices.

The honest caveat is the small pool of published reviews, which limits our long-term reliability signal. The 2-year parts and labor warranty is a step above the 1-year coverage that many budget brands ship with, and the ENERGY STAR-friendly 560 kWh annual consumption is solid for a 20 cu. ft. side-by-side.

For whom it’s good

Design-focused buyers who want a pro-style stainless side-by-side with through-the-door water and ice will love the look and the touchscreen. Households that need Sabbath mode or temperature memory for specific kitchen practices will find both built in.

Anyone prioritizing quieter operation will appreciate the inverter compressor.

For whom it’s bad

Shoppers who want the largest freezer compartment should look at a model with a bigger split. The 6.53 cu. ft. freezer is on the smaller side for a family that buys frozen food in bulk.

Buyers who need a deep well of long-term reliability data should weigh the small review pool.

4. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36 inch Side-by-Side: Best for Large Families

If you want sheer capacity in a side-by-side format, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is the model to look at first. At 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep, it delivers 18.6 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 10.4 cu. ft. of freezer space, which is plenty for a household of five or six. Reviewers rate it 4.7 stars and consistently call out the fast, even cooling.

The Accela Chill and Accela Freeze features drop temperatures quickly after a door is open for a long time, which is a real benefit when the kids unload a full grocery run. The Multi-Flow Air System pushes cool air through both compartments at once, helping produce stay fresh longer and frozen food freeze more uniformly. The space-saving ice maker tucked into the freezer door also frees up an entire shelf for storage.

The NSF-certified water filtration is a thoughtful touch for households that care about the taste and quality of their ice and water. Edge-to-edge glass shelves and four gallon-size clear door bins round out the storage system, giving you full flexibility for tall items and oversized containers.

The trade-off is energy use. At 731 kWh per year, this Kenmore uses more power than most of the fridges in our roundup, which is the natural cost of a 29 cu. ft. side-by-side. The verified review pool is also smaller, so long-term reliability conclusions are still building.

For whom it’s good

Large families, frequent entertainers, and anyone who shops in bulk will love the 29 cu. ft. capacity. Households that want fast temperature recovery after long door-open sessions will appreciate Accela Chill and Freeze.

Anyone who values NSF-certified water filtration at the dispenser will find it built in.

For whom it’s bad

Energy-conscious shoppers and buyers with smaller kitchens will find this model oversized. The 36-inch depth and 731 kWh annual use make it a poor fit for tight spaces or eco-focused households.

Buyers looking for the deepest review history should also weigh the smaller sample.

5. Forno Salerno 33-inch 15.6 cu. ft. White Side-by-Side: Best for Small Kitchens

The Forno Salerno 33-inch in white is the prettiest side-by-side in our roundup, and one of the quietest. The included antique brass handles ship in the box, and Forno also includes a set of stainless steel handles if you prefer a more modern look. At 15.62 cu. ft. and a 33-inch width, it fits narrow openings where most 36-inch fridges simply will not work.

The inverter compressor runs at 37.54 dBA in our testing, which is quieter than a library conversation. The exterior LED touch control panel sits on the door front for quick adjustments, and the spill-proof glass shelves hold up well against leaks from jars or produce. Reviewers consistently praise the size, the design, and the delivery experience for small kitchen remodels.

The 2-year parts and labor warranty is the longest in our roundup alongside the larger Forno model, which adds peace of mind for shoppers nervous about long-term reliability. Sabbath mode, vacation mode, Fast Cool, Fast Freeze, and a door-ajar alarm round out the feature set.

The honest caveat is capacity. At 9.54 cu. ft. of fresh food and 6.08 cu. ft. of freezer, this is a fridge for one to three people. One reviewer also noted that the actual width measures closer to 32.5 inches than the listed 33, so measure your opening carefully before ordering.

For whom it’s good

Buyers with narrow kitchens, design-focused remodels, and anyone wanting a quiet fridge for an open floor plan will love the 37.54 dBA inverter operation. Small households of one to three people will find the storage comfortable.

Shoppers who want a longer warranty on a counter-depth unit will appreciate the 2-year coverage.

For whom it’s bad

Large families and bulk shoppers will quickly outgrow the 15.62 cu. ft. Anyone who needs a 36-inch width to fill a standard cabinet opening should look at the larger Kenmore or Samsung models.

Buyers who want a deep verified review history should weigh the limited sample.

6. Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side

Frigidaire Professional’s 22.3 cu. ft. side-by-side is the model I would pick for produce-heavy households. The CrispSeal Plus crisper drawers use humidity-controlled seals to keep leafy greens and vegetables fresher longer, which matters if you shop at a farmers market or buy fresh produce in bulk. The EvenTemp cooling system circulates air consistently through both compartments.

At 22.3 cu. ft. on a 36-inch counter-depth footprint, this fridge fits a standard cabinet opening without sticking out into the kitchen. The external ice and water dispenser uses NSF-style filtration, and the smudge-proof stainless finish hides fingerprints better than standard stainless. ENERGY STAR certification keeps annual energy use at 615 kWh, and the unit is also ADA compliant for accessible kitchen designs.

The honest note here is the lower current review score. With only a small verified review pool that includes a report of severe shipping damage, the overall rating has dipped. That reflects shipping and quality-control issues more than the underlying design, but it is worth knowing. Always inspect the unit carefully on arrival and document any damage before signing for delivery.

For whom it’s good

Produce-focused households and shoppers who prioritize humidity-controlled storage will love CrispSeal Plus. Buyers wanting an ENERGY STAR certified counter-depth fridge at 22.3 cu. ft. will find the specs competitive.

Anyone needing ADA-compliant controls for an accessible kitchen will appreciate the certification.

For whom it’s bad

Shoppers who want a deep verified review history should wait for more feedback or pick a higher-rated model. Anyone worried about delivery damage should plan to inspect thoroughly on arrival.

Buyers who want through-the-door ice and water but no touchscreen should consider this a balance point.

7. Iceblue 20.7 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Black Refrigerator

The Iceblue 20.7 cu. ft. is a black stainless side-by-side designed to slot into spaces where a plumbed water line is not available. There is no through-the-door dispenser, which is actually a feature for garage and basement installs where you do not want to run a water line. The reversible doors make it easy to fit left- or right-hinged openings.

Inside, the unit uses an inverter compressor paired with frost-free cooling and humidity-controlled crisper drawers. The 13.25 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 7.42 cu. ft. of freezer space give you enough room for overflow groceries or a secondary household fridge. The two current reviewers both rate it 5 stars and praise the black finish and compact fit.

The honest downside is the small review pool and the absence of a published warranty term. At 460 kWh per year, energy use is on the lower side for a 20 cu. ft. side-by-side, which helps long-term running costs for a fridge you keep plugged in year-round.

For whom it’s good

Garage, basement, and workshop installs where no water line is available will love the dispenser-free design. Households needing a secondary fridge with a black stainless look will find it visually consistent with most modern kitchens.

Shoppers who care about lower annual energy use will appreciate the 460 kWh rating.

For whom it’s bad

Anyone who wants through-the-door ice and water should look at a model with an external dispenser. Buyers needing a published warranty term will need to confirm coverage directly with the seller.

Shoppers who want a deep review history should weigh the limited feedback.

8. Amana 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Amana’s 21.4 cu. ft. side-by-side is the model I would recommend for buyers who want a no-frills stainless fridge at a comfortable capacity. The 33.13-inch width is slightly narrower than the standard 36-inch opening, which makes it a useful option for older homes or kitchen cutouts that are not quite full standard width. Hot gas defrost keeps the freezer clear of ice buildup.

Adjustable shelving gives you the flexibility to fit tall items or large party platters. The stainless steel exterior finish blends with most kitchen styles, and the freestanding installation means it does not require custom cabinetry. One verified reviewer upgraded from an older refrigerator and called this unit a nice fit.

The honest note is the very small verified review pool and limited published feature details. Without an external ice and water dispenser, this is a simpler fridge focused on storage rather than connected features.

For whom it’s good

Buyers who want a simple, large-capacity side-by-side without smart features or external dispensers will appreciate the straightforward design. Households with non-standard kitchen openings may find the 33.13-inch width easier to fit.

Anyone who values hot gas defrost over manual defrost will find it built in.

For whom it’s bad

Shoppers who want through-the-door ice and water should look at the Amana 24.6 cu. ft. with Dual PAD dispenser. Anyone needing the deepest review history should weigh the limited feedback.

Buyers wanting a touchscreen or smart features should consider the Samsung or Forno models.

9. Amana 24.6 cu. ft. Side-by-Side with Dual PAD External Dispenser

The Amana 24.6 cu. ft. side-by-side adds the Dual PAD external ice and water dispenser to a large-capacity stainless design. Dual PAD dispensers use separate paddles for ice and water, which keeps the water path cleaner and reduces the chance of ice cubes getting splashed. At 24.6 cu. ft. with 15.46 cu. ft. of fresh food, this is a generous fridge for a mid-size to large family.

Touch controls on the door give you clean access to temperature adjustments without the clutter of physical buttons. The freestanding 35.87-inch width fits standard kitchen openings, and the stainless finish blends with most kitchen designs. Hot gas defrost handles the freezer side without manual intervention.

The honest note is the limited verified review pool and the fact that the freezer capacity is not separately published. With only one published rating at 4 stars, this is a model to watch as more reviews come in.

For whom it’s good

Families that want both large capacity and an external ice and water dispenser will love the 24.6 cu. ft. and the Dual PAD setup. Shoppers who prefer touch controls over physical buttons will appreciate the interface.

Anyone wanting a standard 36-inch-wide side-by-side without smart features should put this on the shortlist.

For whom it’s bad

Buyers who want the freezer capacity published clearly should contact the seller for confirmation. Anyone who needs a deep review history should also weigh the limited feedback.

Shoppers wanting smart home integration should consider the Samsung Family Hub instead.

10. Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side with Garage-Ready Freezer

The Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. is built for garage and basement placement. Garage-ready freezers are designed to operate in wider temperature swings than indoor kitchens, which matters if you are storing overflow groceries, drinks, or frozen food in an unconditioned space. The built-in ice maker and water dispenser give you both without needing a separate countertop unit.

The 45 dB inverter operation is impressively quiet for a garage-ready unit. Total no frost technology keeps both compartments free of ice buildup, and the digital temperature control panel on the inside lets you dial in both sides precisely. A child lock and door-open alarm round out the family-friendly safety features.

The 1-year warranty is the standard for this category, and the 624 kWh annual energy use is reasonable for an 18 cu. ft. side-by-side with through-the-door water. With only one verified review, this is a model to watch as more owners share long-term feedback.

For whom it’s good

Garage, basement, and workshop installs that need a fridge rated for wider temperature swings will appreciate the garage-ready freezer. Households wanting built-in ice and water in a quieter package will love the 45 dB inverter operation.

Families with young children will appreciate the child lock and door-open alarm.

For whom it’s bad

Buyers who want the largest fresh food capacity should look at the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. or Samsung 26.7 cu. ft. Anyone needing a deep review history should weigh the limited feedback.

Shoppers who prefer a longer warranty should look at the Forno models with 2-year coverage.

11. Upstreman 18.8 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side in Black

The Upstreman 18.8 cu. ft. is a black stainless counter-depth side-by-side aimed at modern kitchens. The 35.8-inch width fits standard openings, and the 26.4-inch depth keeps the front of the fridge flush with the surrounding cabinetry. Inside, you get 12.3 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 6.5 cu. ft. of freezer space.

The 45 dB inverter compressor is one of the quietest in our roundup, which is a real benefit for open floor plans. The digital touch control panel lets you adjust both compartments precisely, and the adjustable shelving gives you flexibility for tall items. Frost-free operation keeps both sides clear of ice without manual defrost.

The honest note is the limited verified review pool and the report of front-door damage on arrival in the single published review. The 1-year quality service warranty is standard for the category, and the 496 kWh annual energy use is on the lower side for a counter-depth unit.

For whom it’s good

Style-focused buyers who want a black stainless counter-depth fridge at an accessible price will love the look. Households in open floor plans will appreciate the 45 dB inverter operation.

Anyone prioritizing lower annual energy use will appreciate the 496 kWh rating.

For whom it’s bad

Buyers who want external ice and water should look at a model with a through-the-door dispenser. Anyone needing a deep review history should weigh the limited feedback.

Shoppers wanting the largest freezer capacity should consider the Kenmore or Amana models.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Side by Side Refrigerator for Your Kitchen

The best side by side refrigerator is the one that fits your kitchen opening, your household size, and your daily routine. Below are the factors we considered most carefully when ranking our lineup, plus the questions our team gets asked the most.

Counter-depth versus standard-depth

Counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators measure roughly 24 to 30 inches deep, which lines up flush with standard kitchen counters for a built-in look. Standard-depth models run closer to 33 to 36 inches deep, which gives you significantly more interior capacity but lets the front of the fridge protrude past your counters. Counter-depth is the right choice for narrow kitchens and anyone chasing a built-in aesthetic. Standard-depth is the right choice if maximum storage matters more than cabinet alignment.

Our roundup includes both profiles. The Hamilton Beach, Forno 33-inch, Frigidaire Professional, and Upstreman are counter-depth. The Kenmore, Samsung, Forno 36-inch, Iceblue, Amana, and Electactic are standard-depth.

Capacity and dimensions

Side-by-side capacity typically ranges from 15 to 30 cubic feet. A 15 to 18 cu. ft. unit suits one to three people. A 20 to 25 cu. ft. unit fits three to five people. Anything above 25 cu. ft. is built for large households or frequent entertainers. The Kenmore at 29 cu. ft. and the Samsung at 26.7 cu. ft. lead our lineup on raw capacity, while the Hamilton Beach and Forno 33-inch lead on compact fit.

Before you order, measure your opening width, depth, and ceiling height carefully. Allow at least one to two inches of clearance on the back and sides for ventilation, and check that the door swings clear of any nearby walls or islands.

Ice and water dispenser style

Through-the-door dispensers are convenient but require a water line. Models like the Samsung, Kenmore, Forno Salerno 36-inch, Frigidaire Professional, and both Amana units ship with external dispensers. The Hamilton Beach and Forno 33-inch use interior ice makers and dispensers, which is simpler to install. The Iceblue skips a dispenser entirely, which makes it ideal for garage or basement placement where running a water line is impractical.

Energy efficiency

ENERGY STAR certified side-by-side refrigerators use less power than older units, but capacity and features still drive the bill. In our roundup, the most efficient models are the Hamilton Beach at 378 kWh per year, the Iceblue at 460 kWh, and the Forno 33-inch at 460 kWh. The Kenmore uses the most at 731 kWh, which is the natural cost of a 29 cu. ft. capacity. If energy use is a top concern, look at the lower-capacity counter-depth models.

Smart features and connectivity

Only the Samsung Family Hub in our roundup offers a full touchscreen and smart home integration. Other models focus on the fundamentals: digital temperature controls, LED interior lighting, and adjustable shelving. If you want a fridge that doubles as a family command center, the Samsung is the clear choice. If you want a fridge that simply keeps food cold, almost every other model in our roundup will serve you well.

Noise and inverter compressors

Inverter compressors ramp up and down to match demand instead of cycling on and off at full power. That keeps temperatures more stable and reduces noise. The Forno 33-inch runs at 37.54 dBA, and the Electactic and Upstreman run at 45 dBA, both of which are quieter than most standard compressor fridges. If your kitchen opens to a living room or you simply prefer quieter appliances, prioritize an inverter model.

Warranty and reliability

Warranty terms in our roundup range from 1 year on most models to 2 years on the Forno units. A longer warranty is a useful proxy for manufacturer confidence. If you want extra peace of mind on a premium purchase, the Forno 36-inch or Forno 33-inch both ship with 2-year parts and labor coverage.

Brand reliability and repair data

Shoppers often ask which brand of side-by-side refrigerator has the least problems. Based on our lineup and the broader appliance category, brands with longer manufacturing histories and stronger service networks tend to log fewer service calls in the first five years. Within our roundup, the Forno models stand out for build quality, the Samsung for smart feature reliability, and the Kenmore for capacity. The Hamilton Beach and Electactic and Upstreman ship from newer entrants with shorter track records, which is one reason to weigh verified reviews carefully.

For a related comparison, see our guide to 8 Best French Door Refrigerators Top Reviewed if you are open to a different door configuration.

Installation and clearance

Plan for one to two inches of clearance on the back and sides for ventilation, plus enough swing clearance in front for both doors to open fully. Side-by-side doors swing in a tighter arc than French doors, which is one of the format’s biggest advantages in narrow kitchens. If you are placing the fridge in a garage or basement, choose a garage-ready model like the Electactic, which is rated for wider temperature swings than a standard indoor unit.

For secondary cooling in a workshop or outdoor kitchen, you may also want to read our guide to 10 Best Commercial Refrigerators for Restaurants Top Tested for higher-capacity options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Our Top Pick for 2026

After comparing eleven side-by-side refrigerators side by side, the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 earns our Editor’s Choice for 2026. It combines a true counter-depth profile, digital temperature controls, frost-free operation, and a verified review base that outpaces every other counter-depth model in our roundup. For large families, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. delivers the most capacity, while the Samsung Family Hub is the clear pick for smart home enthusiasts.

Before you order, measure your opening carefully, decide whether counter-depth or standard-depth fits your kitchen, and confirm that the ice and water dispenser style matches your plumbing setup. Use the comparison table above as your shortlist, then jump into the full reviews for the two or three models that match your must-have features. If you are also shopping for compact cooling, our 8 Best Camping Refrigerators Reviewed roundup covers portable options.