French Door Fridge Vs Side by Side Refrigerators
It's important to consider your family's storage needs when choosing the best fridge. French door refrigerators feature double doors that open to a continuous refrigerator space with the freezer compartment below.
Side by side refrigerators come with fridge and freezer compartments that are positioned adjacent to each other which can be useful in tight spaces where a massive door swing might obstruct access. They also have useful features like ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelves and crisper drawers that have humidity controls.
Cost
Both refrigerator styles are affordable depending on the brand size, dimensions, and features. For the most part however, French door fridges have an increased price tag than side-by-side models.
The price difference may be due to more storage space, a more sleek and efficient design and extra convenience and efficiency some of these models offer. For instance, certain models may include in-door water and ice dispensers, as well as smart features, adjustable shelves and specific temperature zones.
Although side-byside models do include some of these convenient features, they tend to have smaller freezer capacities and aren't as well suited for storing wide items like pizza boxes or large food purchases. These limitations, along with the price difference, could make side-byside refrigerators more suitable for those who plan on buying more groceries over a shorter period of time or don't have lots of frozen food to store.
Both models are available in various sizes and finishes that can be matched to any kitchen style. While some consumers are drawn to the sleek and elegant look of a fridge with a French door Others may prefer the traditional look of a side-by-side.
Certain French door refrigerators, such as our top pick and runners-up have a freezer drawer that can convert into additional freezer space or refrigerator space to increase versatility. This lets you store items that are in high demand, like snacks and drinks at eye-level, while storing long-term frozen food on a lower shelf.
If you're interested in an energy-efficient alternative think about a French door refrigerator with an integrated ice maker. These refrigerators are energy-efficient since they only need to defrost one side of frozen food at a given time when it's opened. This kind of refrigerator can also help in eliminating food waste because it reduces the amount of time food sits on the counter.
There's a fridge for anyone, regardless of whether you're on a budget or simply want more space to store fresh and frozen foods. Review the capacities, additional storage options, as well as the energy efficiency of both models to find the ideal fridge for you.
Space
Form and function are merged, French door refrigerators boast double doors that open up to a spacious, comfortable interior. There's plenty of space for fresh food, drinks and more with a full-width refrigerator on the top and a lower refrigerator. A french door refrigerator is a great choice for small kitchens because it provides even space distribution. The narrow double door requires less clearance and swing. This makes it a great option for smaller spaces.
The French door configuration offers plenty of additional storage options, such as adjustable shelves, pantry drawers and door bins that make it easy to customize your refrigerator to suit your requirements. A French door refrigerator can have more capacity than a side-by-side model, so you can store more food items.
A side-by-side refrigerator has its own advantages, too. Side-by-side fridges are easy-to-navigate thanks to their well-organized shelving and freezers that are at eye-level. They also usually have more freezer space than the French door model.
With both models having their pros and pros, it all comes down to your personal preference and the kitchen space you have available. If you prefer a lateral refrigerator, you should consider one that has an ENERGY STAR (r) certification that can help you save on energy costs.
While the French door refrigerator is equipped with numerous useful features, it may come with a higher starting price than a side-by-side refrigerator. However, there are budget-friendly options on the market with the same features and capacity. You can locate the ideal model for your space using the variety of sizes available in both French door and side-byside refrigerators. Make sure to check the dimensions of your cabinet and refrigerator to ensure a good fit. If you decide to add the ice or water dispenser on the door, keep in mind the amount of freezer space lost. If you're in need of a smaller refrigerator, be sure to select an ultra-slim model that is designed to be smaller and efficient. This will reduce energy consumption and allow the same capacity.
Convenience
When purchasing a refrigerator, you need to think about the layout, energy efficiency, and storage space. There are a variety of refrigerators to choose from that include French-door refrigerators as well as side-by-sides. Each comes with its own pros and cons, therefore it is important to evaluate the different models before you make a purchase.
French door refrigerators are more efficient than side-by-sides. French door refrigerators are constructed with a freezer at the bottom. french door fridge freezers allows for easier access to frozen food items without having to bend down. This is ideal for those with back issues or who are worried about bending their back too much.
The freezer compartment in a French-door refrigerator is also bigger than the freezer compartment of side by side refrigerators. This is beneficial for those who need to store large platters of frozen food in larger quantities. The size of the freezer compartment allows children to reach their preferred snacks and meals which is an added benefit if you have young kids at home.
The freezer compartment of a French-door fridge can vary in temperature due to the frequent openings. This could be a problem for those who require consistent temperatures in the freezer for perishable items.
Some people also notice that the bin-style storage space in a French-door fridge is more difficult to arrange and may require them to bend more than they would like to. This can aggravate existing back pain or cause pain to those who don't have any.
French door refrigerators, generally, are more convenient as they come with a smaller and better-organized freezer. Side-by-side refrigerators also have advantages, such as a crisper drawer at eye level that's easy to reach and see frequently used produce. This can save you money by avoiding food waste and ensuring you eat your food before it goes bad. They are also cheaper than French-door models, so you might want to look into them if your budget is tight.
Energy Efficiency
It is essential to find the model that has Energy Star certification that meets the budget of your family and their needs. Energy efficiency factors like door storage, freezer design, and capacity inside can help narrow down your choices.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators feature a top-to-bottom layout with two narrow doors that separate the freezer from the refrigerator. This allows you store both frozen and fresh foods in one space, with separate storage for each. For added convenience, you can find models with integrated water and Ice dispensers. Certain Maytag(r) models come with BrightSeries LED lights that will help you find what want quickly and using less electricity.
The side-by-side layout of a refrigerator can offer plenty of space for frozen and refrigerated items. However the distribution of freezer space is generally less than in French door configurations. This may leave you with temperatures higher in the freezer section than the fridge section which can cause issues when you store perishables. In addition, some side-by-side refrigerators might have a freezer drawer that can serve as an additional refrigerator compartment. This can be useful if you need extra space to store larger platters or food items for a party, but it's important to be aware that this can reduce the amount of freezer space you have available.
French door refrigerators have larger fridge spaces and a larger bottom freezer, which is ideal for families that depend on frozen foods. Their unique design permits you to access food items without opening the freezer doors, which can help reduce energy usage by preventing cold air loss. There are also models with middle drawers for the freezer, which enables you to organize your freezer more efficiently than the drawers that pull out in side-by-side refrigerators.
However, you'll need to bend more often when you're able to access frozen food in the French door fridge, which can be difficult for those with back pain or injuries. The final choice between the French-door refrigerator and the side-by-side fridge is dependent on the cooking habits of your family and preferences.