Shopping for the best side by side refrigerator 2027 models starts with understanding the layout. A side-by-side splits the cabinet vertically: fresh food on the right, a tall, narrow freezer on the left. That gives you eye-level access to both sections and narrow doors that need less swing space, which is why side-by-sides remain popular in galley kitchens and islands with tight walkways.
Model numbers change every year, so instead of a ranked list that will be outdated by spring, this 2027 reviews guide explains how to compare side-by-side refrigerators: sizes, capacity, dispensers, efficiency and the features worth paying for. Use it alongside current store listings and independent reviews when you are ready to buy.
Quick Answer: The Best Side by Side Refrigerator 2027
- Most common width36 inches, roughly 25 to 28 cu ft for standard depth
- Best for tight kitchens33 inches, roughly 21 to 25 cu ft
- Best for walkwaysCounter-depth models sit closer to flush
- Efficiency checkLook for ENERGY STAR and compare kWh per year
- Biggest trade-offNarrow freezer will not fit wide pizza boxes or sheet pans
In short, the best side by side refrigerator 2027 buyers can choose is the one that fits your opening with a little clearance, has the capacity your household needs and carries ENERGY STAR certification. Through-door ice and water is convenient but adds parts and energy use.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator Sizes at a Glance
| Width | Typical capacity | Typical height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 inches | About 21–25 cu ft | About 66–70 in | Smaller kitchens, replacing older 33-inch units |
| 36 inches | About 25–28 cu ft | About 69–71 in | Most families and standard openings |
| 36 in counter-depth | About 21–23 cu ft | About 69–71 in | Flush, built-in look |
| 42–48 in built-in | About 25–30 cu ft | About 84 in | Custom and luxury kitchens |
What Makes the Best Side by Side Refrigerator 2027 Buyers Should Consider
Capacity that matches your household
A common rule of thumb is about 4 to 6 cubic feet of total refrigerator space per adult, plus extra for children and bulk shopping. Side-by-sides devote roughly a third to 40 percent of capacity to the freezer.
Usable shelf width
Because each section is narrow, check that party platters, pizza boxes and sheet pans will fit, especially in the freezer.
Dispenser and ice maker
Through-the-door ice and water is the signature side-by-side feature. It is convenient but adds parts that can fail and usually raises energy use.
Efficiency
Compare the ENERGY STAR status and the annual kWh on the EnergyGuide label.
Features Worth Paying For in 2027
Dual evaporators
Separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer keep humidity in the fresh-food side and odors out of the freezer. They are more common on mid-range and premium models.
Humidity-controlled crispers
Adjustable crispers keep leafy greens crisp and fruit from over-ripening.
Door alarms
An alarm that sounds when a door is left open protects food and saves energy, useful in busy homes.
Adjustable and spill-proof shelves
Glass shelves with raised edges contain spills, and adjustable door bins fit gallon jugs.
Interior LED lighting
LEDs use little power and add almost no heat compared with older incandescent bulbs.
Smart features
App connectivity can alert you to open doors or temperature problems, but it is optional for most buyers.
Side-by-Side vs French Door vs Top Freezer
Side-by-sides need less door-swing clearance than French door models with wide freezer drawers, and they put frozen food at eye level. French door models offer wider fresh-food shelves. Top-freezer models are usually the cheapest and most efficient per cubic foot but less convenient.
If wide platters and a big freezer drawer matter more than narrow doors, compare French door models in our French door category.
Reliability and Warranty
Ice makers and dispensers are the most common sources of service calls on many refrigerators. Look for at least a one-year full warranty and longer coverage on the sealed system (compressor, evaporator and refrigerant lines). Registering the product often simplifies service.
Independent ratings, owner reviews and local service availability are all worth checking before you choose a brand.
Installation Checklist
Leave about an inch of clearance on top and behind, and follow the manual for side clearance, especially next to a wall where doors must open past 90 degrees to remove drawers.
Make sure the floor is level and strong enough, check the water supply and shut-off valve for the dispenser, and confirm a dedicated grounded outlet nearby. Run and discard the first few batches of ice and a few gallons of water to flush a new line.
How to Organize a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Fresh-food side
Keep drinks and ready-to-eat food on upper shelves, raw meat sealed on the lowest shelf and produce in the crispers. Door bins are the warmest spot, so use them for condiments rather than milk.
Freezer side
Use the tall, narrow freezer like a pantry: stack flat bags of frozen vegetables and meat in bins, keep ice cream near the back and store ice packs in the door. Labeling bins makes the narrow space far easier to use.
Keep vents clear
Do not block the air vents that connect the two sections; uneven cooling is a common cause of frost and warm spots.
How We Researched the Best Side by Side Refrigerator 2027
For this guide to the best side by side refrigerator 2027, 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.
Side-by-Side Buying Tips for 2027
- Measure the opening three ways. Width, height and depth, plus door swing.
- Check the delivery path. Doors and hallways must clear the fridge.
- Plan the water line. Dispensers and ice makers need one.
- Compare EnergyGuide labels. Annual kWh shows running costs.
- Ask about haul-away. Many retailers remove the old fridge.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best side by side refrigerator 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side by side refrigerator 2027?
The best model is the one that fits your opening, offers the capacity you need and is ENERGY STAR certified. Use the size table above to narrow your search.
Are there 2027 side-by-side refrigerator reviews yet?
Most 2027 models are updates of current designs; compare current specs and look for new reviews as models launch.
Are side-by-side refrigerators reliable?
Reliability depends more on the brand, the model and the dispenser than on the layout itself.
Do side-by-side fridges use more energy?
They often list more kWh than top-freezer models of similar size, especially with through-door dispensers.
What size side-by-side refrigerator do I need?
Most families choose 36-inch models with 25 to 28 cubic feet; smaller kitchens often need 33-inch models.
How long do side-by-side refrigerators last?
Many full-size refrigerators last around 10 to 15 years. Models with fewer complex features and good maintenance, such as cleaned condenser coils, tend to last longer.
Final Verdict
The best side by side refrigerator 2027 shoppers can buy is the one that fits the space, matches household size and carries ENERGY STAR certification. Measure carefully, decide whether you need a dispenser, and compare annual kWh before choosing.
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.
