Finding the best side by side refrigerator 33 inch wide usually starts with a replacement. Many older kitchens were built around a 33-inch opening, and swapping in a 36-inch model means rebuilding cabinets. A 33-inch side-by-side keeps the narrow-door convenience of the layout in a footprint that slides straight into that existing space.
This guide explains what to expect from 33-inch side-by-side refrigerators: typical capacity, how to measure correctly, what you give up compared with 36-inch models and which features matter most at this size. Full-size refrigerators are rarely sold on Amazon, so we focus on how to compare models rather than ranking individual listings. If you are not sure a side-by-side is right, our comparison sections below also explain how 33-inch top-freezer, bottom-freezer and French door models differ.
Quick Answer: The Best Side by Side Refrigerator 33 Inch
- Typical capacityAbout 21 to 25 cubic feet
- Typical heightAbout 66 to 70 inches
- Best forReplacing an existing 33-inch fridge
- Main trade-offNarrower freezer than 36-inch models
- Must-checkHeight under cabinets and door swing
The best side by side refrigerator 33 inch buyers can choose is one that fits the opening with clearance on top and behind, offers around 21 to 25 cubic feet and has the features you will actually use. Measure first, then filter by ENERGY STAR and dispenser preference.
33-Inch vs 36-Inch Side-by-Side at a Glance
| Spec | 33-inch side-by-side | 36-inch side-by-side |
|---|---|---|
| Typical capacity | About 21–25 cu ft | About 25–28 cu ft |
| Freezer width | Narrow | Somewhat wider |
| Fits | Older 33″ openings | Most newer kitchens |
| Door swing | Shorter doors | Slightly wider doors |
How to Measure for the Best Side by Side Refrigerator 33 Inch Opening
Width
Measure the opening at the top, middle and bottom. Use the smallest number, and look for a fridge listed at about 32.75 to 33 inches wide.
Height
Measure from floor to the underside of the cabinet above. Many 33-inch models are 66 to 70 inches tall; allow about an inch for air.
Depth
Measure from the wall to the front of the counter. Standard-depth fridges stick out beyond the counter; counter-depth versions sit closer to flush.
Door swing
Side-by-side doors are narrow, but next to a wall they may need to open past 90 degrees to remove crisper drawers.
What You Give Up at 33 Inches
Compared with 36-inch models, 33-inch side-by-sides have narrower shelves and a narrower freezer. Wide items like frozen pizza boxes, sheet cakes and large platters may not fit, especially in the freezer.
The upside is a smaller footprint and shorter doors, which can be easier in tight galley kitchens.
33-Inch Side-by-Side vs Other 33-Inch Layouts
Top-freezer
A 33-inch top-freezer fridge usually costs less and uses less energy per cubic foot, but you bend down for fresh food every time.
Bottom-freezer
Bottom-freezer models in this width put fresh food at eye level and give a wider freezer drawer, but they need more door and drawer clearance.
French door
33-inch French door models offer wider fresh-food shelves. Their freezer drawer is wider than a side-by-side freezer, though the doors still swing out.
Why choose side-by-side
Choose a side-by-side if you want both sections at eye level, narrow doors for a tight walkway, and a through-door dispenser.
Features to Prioritize at This Size
Adjustable shelves
Flexible shelving makes the most of narrow compartments.
Ice maker placement
In-door ice makers free freezer space compared with ice makers mounted inside the freezer.
ENERGY STAR
Certification helps keep running costs down.
Humidity crispers
They make the most of limited produce space.
Installation Tips
Check the water line and shut-off valve if the model has a dispenser, and plan for a dedicated grounded outlet.
Make sure the delivery path clears the fridge; doors can usually be removed for tight entries.
Organizing a Narrow Side-by-Side
Because each section is narrow, organization makes a big difference. Use clear bins in the freezer so you can slide out a whole category at once, and store frozen food flat in bags rather than in bulky boxes. On the fresh-food side, keep tall bottles in the door and use the lower shelves for leftovers in stackable containers.
Avoid packing items against the air vents between the sections. Restricted airflow is a common cause of warm spots and frost, especially in narrower 33-inch cabinets where there is less room for air to move around food.
Energy Use and Running Costs
Check the yellow EnergyGuide label for each model’s estimated yearly kWh. A side-by-side with a through-door dispenser often lists more energy use than a similar fridge without one. Multiply the kWh figure by your local electricity rate to estimate the annual cost, and compare models on that basis rather than on purchase price alone.
ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use less energy than the federal minimum standard requires, and some utilities offer rebates on certified models. Look up rebates for your ZIP code before you buy, since they can narrow the price gap between models.
How We Researched the Best Side by Side Refrigerator 33 Inch
For this guide to the best side by side refrigerator 33 inch, we reviewed manufacturer specification sheets and ENERGY STAR data for current side-by-side refrigerators sold by major U.S. appliance brands, focusing on exact widths, heights and depths, capacity, freezer layout, dispenser features and listed annual energy use. Amazon does not sell most full-size side-by-side refrigerators, so this is a buying guide rather than a product roundup, and we do not rank individual models we could not verify.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
33-Inch Fridge Tips
- Use the smallest width measurement. Openings are rarely perfectly square.
- Allow top clearance. About an inch helps airflow.
- Measure doorways. Delivery paths matter.
- Check freezer shelf width. Bring measurements of items you freeze often.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best side by side refrigerator 33 inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side by side refrigerator 33 inch?
The best choice is a model that fits your measured opening, offers about 21 to 25 cubic feet and is ENERGY STAR certified.
How much does a 33-inch side-by-side hold?
Typically about 21 to 25 cubic feet.
Will a 33-inch fridge fit a 33-inch opening?
Most are listed just under 33 inches wide, but check the manual’s clearance recommendations.
Is 33 inches too small for a family?
For a family of four it can work, though 36-inch models give more room.
Are 33-inch side-by-sides counter depth?
Most are standard depth; check the depth spec.
Do 33-inch side-by-sides have ice and water dispensers?
Many do. A dispenser needs a water line, and it usually adds to energy use and the number of parts that may need service.
How do I know if my opening is really 33 inches?
Measure the width at three heights and use the smallest number. If it is under 33 inches, check each model’s exact width and clearance requirements before ordering.
Final Verdict
The best side by side refrigerator 33 inch wide is the one that fits your opening with proper clearance and meets your capacity needs. Measure carefully, accept a narrower freezer, and prioritize adjustable shelves and ENERGY STAR certification. If your opening allows a little more width, compare 36-inch models too, since the extra three inches usually add several cubic feet of space.
Related Guides
More refrigerator research from Best Refrigerator Deals:
Specifications change between model years. Always confirm the exact dimensions, capacity and energy figures on the retailer or manufacturer page before you buy.
