How to Choose an American Side by Side Fridge Freezer
The refrigerator you choose depends on your budget as well as the size and storage requirements. Find out more about selecting the best refrigerator for your needs in our Refrigerator buying Guide.
Side-by-side refrigerator freezers provide equal access to both the freezer and fridge. The freezer and fridge sections typically include four shelves, and two drawers for produce, a size for deli containers, and gallon-sized door storage bins.
Capacity
The average American side-by-side fridge freezer has an average storage capacity of 25plus cubic feet. This is enough to store food for a four person family. It may be worthwhile to invest in a bigger model for a larger family.
Some models feature modern and sleek features, such as adjustable shelves and a drawer for produce, deli drawers or gallon-sized bins. Some models also come with cameras built-in that send regular updates to your phone. You can then determine what you need to buy before you go shopping, and avoid buying items you already have.
Based on what you need according to your requirements, you may opt for a side by side refrigerator with a dispenser and an ice maker. Ice makers are available in single and dual versions, with the second with an additional storage container for ice as well in dispense ice through the door.
If you're looking for a less formal option there are a number of counter-depth refrigerators made by KitchenAid. They are flush with the cabinetry and give it an elegant, sophisticated built-in appearance.
Door storage
If you're looking to buy a new refrigerator freezer, be sure to consider its capacity. The refrigerators have two doors to store fresh food and a freezer compartment. Some brands include an ice maker which can make cubes or crushed ice straight from the door, thereby preventing you from reaching into the freezer and can help you fill water bottles and other containers.
Some models have adjustable shelves and produce crisper drawers while others feature gallon-sized door storage bins for storing cans of food and drinks. Other features include an area for milk, a butter drawer, and an cabinet for deli items. Many side-by-side refrigerators and freezers come with a sleek, modern look that blends with other kitchen appliances. Some manufacturers offer a stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints, smudges and other visible smudges.
This sleek GE model offers plenty of space for fresh and frozen food items. It's also Wi-Fi enabled and comes with a technology hub on the door that lets you access recipes, stream shows or music or show photos, and much more. You can even use it to get alerts when the door is open or something needs attention. This option is more expensive, but it's well worth it if you're looking to keep connected to your fridge and family. The GE Side by Side fridge freezer comes in a variety of options, including a trendy slate and high-gloss black.
Energy efficiency
Side-by-side fridges have plenty of space for your grocery shopping, with the freezer and refrigerator compartments located on opposite sides. You can find models that come with different capacities, from 20 to 27 cubic feet. Some models feature the dual ice maker which produces standard cubed and crushed ice to dispense from the door and also places ice into an additional storage bin.
If you're looking to buy a brand new American side-by-side freezer fridge, look for one with a high energy efficiency rating. You'll reduce your energy bill. Compare full size side by side fridge and freezer by comparing the kWh numbers on a refrigerator's energy label.
While a side-byside fridge freezer is large enough to hold your family's food needs, it's vital to organize it well in order to maximize its capacity. Put drinks in door bins so that they are easy to access. Use crisper drawers for produce which needs a low humidity environment.
Certain models come with intelligent features that let you control your fridge with the tablet or smartphone. These features are useful, but they're not necessary for a great side by side refrigerator. If you're on a tight budget or you're looking to save money on energy, consider a no-frills model without these amenities. This will provide you with an affordable refrigerator that is reliable.
Noise
If you are using a fridge freezer that comes with an ice dispenser, it can be quite loud when it's making ice. The door can also make noise when it closes and opens. This isn't a problem. The refrigerator evaporator can make noise however it shouldn't get too loud. It's an essential part of the cooling process and it's important for your fridge to function efficiently.
One of the great things about American style fridge freezers is that they are an all-in-one unit that has both the fridge and the freezer compartment. They are easy to transport, and less likely to get damaged during delivery or transportation. They can also be more easily fitted to your kitchen, especially when it's an open-plan living space.
There are many styles of American refrigerator freezers, such as French door models and stacked models. They differ in capacity and storage, with a stacked model allowing more freezer space than a side-by-side fridge. However an side by side fridge offers nearly the same amount of storage as both compartments and is more efficient in energy use than a model that is stacked.
This 'A+ energy rated American refrigerator' is available in an elegant stainless steel finish. It has contoured doors as well as child lockable controls. It also has a fingerprint-proof finish. It has a smart LED display and comes with a bar for home along with a vacation mode as well as a maximum ice feature.