The best side-by-side refrigerators are not always the priciest or the most well-known name brands. Here’s our list of the four best side-by-side refrigerators.

Hotpoint HSS22GFTWW side-by-side refrigerator: There were actually a couple Hotpoint models which were rated very highly, but this one stands out from the crowd - not because it’s flashy, but it’s just an all around solid performer. It has external temperature controls, adjustable shelves, and of course the external water & ice dispensers. It’s not the biggest (22 cu. ft.) or the priciest (around $1,000) side-by-side refrigerator, but it does have all the basics covered.

Kenmore Elite CS 57442 side-by-side refrigerator: This side-by-side fridge is large and packed with features. It’s a whopping 25.1 cubic feet, and includes features such as through-the-door water & ice dispensers and an in-door ice storage. You can really notice the build quality and attention to detail. The exterior display is pretty cool as well. It does lack an egg rack though. Pricing is around $2,500.

Whirlpool GC55SHEXN side-by-side refrigerator: You won’t find a better combination of style & function than this fridge. It’s very nice looking and comes loaded with lots of extras. One cool feature is the cooling system on the doors. Even when you swing open the doors, the cold air is still blasting on your goods that need kept cool. All the shelves are adjustable, and there’s a lot of room to play around with. Also, the ice maker is much quicker than other similar brands. Pricing is in the $2,500 range (varies a bit).

Samsung QautroCooling Side-by-side refrigerators: Samsung’s line of QuatroCooling refrigerators are fairly well-liked by professional reviewers and users alike because they are feature packed, and you can personalize them to a degree. Inside, there are 4 compartments which you are able to turn into either a refrigerator or a freezer. Their pretty neat to use, but some people find all the choices & features a bit daunting. The Samsung RM257ACRS is the most likely model you’ll find in stores (costs around $2,700).

There are a lot of other very good choices, which could potentially make this list of the best side-by-side refrigerator models (e.g. - General Electric Profile PSF26NGTWW, Maytag MSD2652, Frigidaire FSC23R5D & the KitchenAid KSRS25CN). I happen to like the Hotpoint side-by-side refrigerator the best. It’s cheap and does the job. However, if money wasn’t holding me back I think I would opt for the Whirlpool model or even a KitchenAid. Overall, a very good line-up here.

Comments(0)

The KitchenAid Architect Series II undercounter refrigerator is a smaller unit, which stands just 24″ tall. The KitchenAid Architect Series II undercounter fridge works great in satellite kitchens, the bar area, dorm rooms or just about anywhere you don’t have a lot of space. The interior is a fairly spacious 5.7 square ft. The standard version has a stainless steel exterior. However, you can purchase a wood paneling exterior to better match your cabinets. There is also a 2 drawer variation, which is a pretty innovative design. The drawers almost make it look like a small filing cabinet.

Although the KitchenAid Architect Series II undercounter refrigerator is a spectacular unit (not to mention energy star compliant), it’s still on the very high-end as far as price goes. Depending on the model and style you want, it can range from $1,100 - $1,800. So, I can’t say this unit is for everyone. But, if you’re looking for a high-end undercounter refrigerator - and can afford the price - you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Comments(0)

The Samsung RS2630SH refrigerator is loved by some and hated by others. The Samsung RS2630SH is decently priced at around $1,000, but unfortunately you sacrifice some of the better build quality found on higher-end models. Some of it’s better qualities are: it’s huge (26 cubic ft), stylish, has a digital display, filtered water, separate water and ice dispensers, shelves slide out easily, doesn’t leave a lot of fingerprints and of course the lower price point.

However, the Samsung RS2630SH refrigerator does have it’s negative aspects. As mentioned earlier, it does sacrifice on build quality in exchange for a lower price. This really bothers some users, but not others - it’s more of a personal issue. When it does break down, the parts are fairly hard to find (and also repair people to fix it) - not to mention, the customer service could use improvement. It’s also a little noisier than most competitors. And lastly, there is no light on the water dispenser.

As you can see, the Samsung RS2630SH has its high and low points. This refrigerator would work best for those trying to get style on a budget. However, I think there are much better models available from Samsung (just be willing to spend a little more cash).

Comments(0)

A review of the Kenmore 78222 top-freezer refrigerator says: “The Kenmore 78222 is probably the best top-freezer refrigerator I’ve ever had. The extra features on this machine are what sold me. I love the water filter & ice-maker that come standard. I know it’s Energy Star compliant, so you’ll save a few bucks a month on electricity. The noise level is minimal as well.

While I love the Kenmore 78222 top-freezer refrigerator, it’s hard to find it cheap. The reason for this is because it’s only sold by one store - Sears. If you want to buy a slightly used one, check out Craigslist. Buying it brand new is of course the best option if you can afford the $1050. There are a couple other cheaper Kenmore models that have gotten good reviews, if you don’t have the money for this one, but this particular model is worth every penny.”

Comments(0)

The best fridge to buy for your needs will depend primarily on what style of fridge you are looking for (top freezer, bottom freezer, french door & side-by-side). Here’s a quick run-down of which fridge we & other reviewers think are the best in each category:

Top Freezer: Kenmore 78222 - this refrigerator is quiet & energy efficient, but does have a hefty price tag

Bottom Freezer: Kenmore Elite 76252 - includes ice maker & is Energy Star compliant, but it is also slightly above average on the pricing

French Door: Amana AFD2535DEW - it’s nice and big, comes with water filter & ice maker; a tad pricey though

Side-by-Side: Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW - it’s reliable, decently priced & roomy; on the negative side, it isn’t Energy Star qualified

Like I mentioned earlier, it all depends on which style you are looking for. Overall, I would have to go with the Kenmore 78222 top freezer refrigerator. However, if pricing is your main focus, then the best fridge for you would be the side-by-side Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW.

Comments(0)

A user reviews the Igloo FR280 2.8 Cu-Ft Refrigerator: “The Igloo FR280 2.8 Cu-Ft Refrigerator is an ideal size for an office space. It has adequate space. The only thing I don’t like is that you can’t make ice without freezing the rest of the items in the fridge. The fridge has to be 1 temperature for both the fridge and freezer section so I am having to make ice in another fridge in our office which is an annoyance. Also, the Igloo FR280 2.8 Cu-Ft Refrigerator is white, not black as advertised.”

Comments(0)

A user reviews the Maytag MFI2568AES 25 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator: “The Maytag MFI2568AES 25 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator does its job and looks nice doing it. The biggest problem though is the noise. It spends half the day making a vibrating noise, but worse it is not constant. We have had the fridge almost 1 year and we have the Maytag repair people out twice to investigate the issue and both times they made minor adjustments and then the noise came back as soon as they left.

Despite the noise, the Maytag MFI2568AES 25 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator does its function (so far at least) and it looks nice. We get many compliments on the look, but we didn’t buy it to look at! I have a hard time with larger items (like 2 liter bottles) and often wind up laying them down on a shelf inside the fridge. I love the deli drawer and how it goes across the width of the fridge and I like the drawers in the freezer, although tall or bulky items become an issue again.”

Comments(0)

An Epinions user reviews the General Electric Profile Energy Star PFSS6PKWSS Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator: “My family has had the General Electric Profile Energy Star PFSS6PKWSS Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator since November 07. We love the freezer on the bottom, and the french door design. The only problem is the apparently razor thin stainless steel that causes the front to warp. Light is reflected off the door fronts such that it looks flimsy and cheap. I feel an appliance at this price should be at least as durable as a cheap laminate fronted model. This one is not. There was a slight indentation in the steel on the day it was delivered and it has since gotten worse all over the front. Other than that, the General Electric Profile Energy Star PFSS6PKWSS refrigerator is a great fridge. The design is very good with spacious drawers and versatile shelves. At Thanksgiving we had two 12lb. turkeys in the freezer along with all our other stuff with no problem. The ice maker doesn’t take up too much room and it is well worth the space that it does. When ice drops from the machine during ice making it is quite loud, but the compressor is nearly silent. The ice/water dispenser design is brilliant; large cups can get ice/water just as easy as small ones because it is tilted. Water dispenses somewhat slowly, but the filtration seems to work well, as the water tastes good. I’m a little wary about the life of the button that switches between water, cubed and crushed ice though. You have to press it three times to get cubed ice water(my family of four probably presses it 30+ times a day). I’ve only rarely used the “turbo” functions and we still have it set to the default temperatures, which seem to be perfect (milk doesn’t give you brain freeze and ice cream is scoopable). I do plan to contact GE about the doors and ask about the button.”

Comments(0)

An Epinions user reviews the Amana Easy Reach AFD2535DE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: “The Amana Easy Reach AFD2535DE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is pretty nice. It is a bit noisy though - it has a good hum to it. Also, we do not care for the cold cuts drawer that runs the length of the fridge across - you get used to accessing everything when you open only one side of the fridge - but for that drawer you have to open both sides. Next time I’d spend a little bit more money and get something of a little better quality and a bit more quiet”

Another user wrote: “The Amana Easy Reach AFD2535DE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator’s appearance is great, filter change out was easy, and storage is good in both upper & lower compartments. Installation was a breeze. Manuals were accurate and complete. We haven’t found any weak points yet, no unexpected noises, and no leaks.

We don’t care for the wide, single meat storage bin as it requires both doors to be opened for access. The compartment rails in the door storage bins are rounded, reducing the amount of possible items stored in the doors.”

Comments(0)