Top 10 Best Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerators

The best side by side built in refrigerator offers seamless integration for a high-end kitchen look while providing exceptional cooling and storage. These premium appliances are designed for homeowners seeking both sophisticated aesthetics and robust functionality, ensuring all your groceries are perfectly preserved. Choosing the right model is crucial, as a suboptimal pick can lead to inefficient cooling, higher energy consumption, and a compromised kitchen design.

Factors like capacity, shelving flexibility, ice maker performance, and smart features vary significantly, impacting daily use and long-term satisfaction. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your unique needs and space can be overwhelming.

This curated list highlights the top 10 best side by side built in refrigerator options, making your selection process easier and ensuring you invest wisely in your home’s heart.

For a spacious and organized kitchen, the best side by side built in refrigerator offers ample storage with capacities ranging from 21.7 to 27.4 cu. ft., such as the Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator or the Samsung 27.4 cu. ft.

Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator.

Counter-depth models like the Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft.

provide a sleeker, built-in look without sacrificing significant kitchen space.

Best Side by Side Built In Refrigerators at a Glance

Image	Product	Buy
Best Pick 1	Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator with 21.72 Best for: Standard kitchen fridge	Check Price
Best Pick 2	Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Best for: Shallow kitchen fit	Check Price
Best Pick 3	Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Best for: Everyday family fridge	Check Price
Best Pick 4	Samsung 27.4 cu. ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel, Best for: Maximum cold storage	Check Price
Best Pick 5	GE Profile 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Best for: Premium kitchen upgrade	Check Price

How We Picked

To identify the best side by side built-in refrigerator, we prioritized concrete evaluation criteria crucial to buyers: build quality, real-world performance, safety, durability, and standout features. We examined spaciousness, from Whirlpool’s 21.72 cu. ft.

to Samsung’s 27.4 cu. ft.

models. Counter-depth options like the Frigidaire Professional were assessed for efficient kitchen integration. Models with advanced features, such as LG’s Slim In-Door or the 27 cu.

ft. Smart Refrigerator with InstaView, were noted.

Smaller capacity units like the Frigidaire FRQG1721AV and the Bespoke French Door were ruled out as they didn’t align with the core requirements for a spacious side-by-side refrigerator.

What Most Buyers Get Wrong

Built-In Depth vs. Counter Depth Considerations

When opting for a built-in look, the distinction between true built-in depth and counter-depth models is crucial. True built-ins are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry for a seamless appearance. Counter-depth refrigerators, while shallower than standard models, typically still protrude slightly from cabinetry.

Models like the Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu.

ft. are specifically labeled as counter-depth, meaning you’ll need to measure your cabinet’s depth carefully to ensure the integrated look you desire without the appliance sticking out too far.

Understanding Refrigerator Capacity for Side-by-Side Layouts

Side-by-side refrigerators often present a unique capacity challenge due to their vertical split. While a large total cu. ft.

like the Samsung 27.4 cu. ft.

or GE Profile 25.3 cu. ft. is appealing, the actual usable space for wider items in the fresh food section can be limited.

Always consider how your typical groceries will fit. For instance, a large frozen pizza or wide platters might be cumbersome in the freezer compartment of a standard side-by-side, even with a high overall capacity.

1. Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator with 21.72

Best for: Spacious and adaptable storage for families.

This Whirlpool refrigerator offers 21.72 cu. ft. of capacity, letting you store a week’s worth of groceries with adjustable shelving and gallon door bins for tall items.

With 6 shelves and a door shelf count of 4, this compact side-by-side unit provides flexible organization. Its automatic defrost system ensures consistent cooling, while bright LED lighting illuminates all corners for easy food access.

Pros

• 21.72 cu. ft. spacious capacity for ample food storage.
• Adjustable shelving for customizable organization.
• Automatic defrost system for consistent cooling.
• Bright LED lighting for excellent interior visibility.

Cons

• The icemaker is sold separately and requires an additional kit.

Ideal for families needing generous, adaptable storage. This model ensures all your groceries are easily found and consistently chilled.

2. Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side

Best for: Streamlined kitchen with external ice/water.

The Frigidaire Professional 36-inch counter-depth refrigerator boasts 22.3 cu. ft. capacity, fitting flush with cabinetry for a seamless look while offering organized fresh and frozen sections.

It provides 14.3 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 8 cu. ft. for frozen items across 3 shelves and 6 racks, all cooled by the EvenTemp system. This ENERGY STAR certified and ADA compliant unit includes an external ice and water dispenser.

Pros

• 22.3 cu. ft. counter-depth capacity for a sleek look.
• External ice and water dispenser for convenience.
• ENERGY STAR Certified for energy efficiency.
• EvenTemp Cooling System for consistent temperature.

Cons

• Adjustable temperature control is not a feature on this model.

Perfect for homeowners prioritizing kitchen aesthetics and convenient access to chilled water and ice. This refrigerator blends style with practical, energy-efficient cooling.

3. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity,

Best for: Essential functionality and large capacity.

This Frigidaire 33-inch side-by-side refrigerator provides 22.2 cu. ft. of total capacity, offering ample room for daily essentials with its straightforward design.

It features 3 shelves and 3 racks within its two-section configuration, supported by a reliable compressor cooling method and automatic defrost. The reversible door orientation allows for flexible placement in various kitchen layouts.

Pros

• 22.2 cu. ft. total capacity for ample storage.
• Automatic defrost system for ease of use.
• Compressor cooling method for effective temperature control.
• Reversible door orientation for flexible installation.

Cons

• Does not feature adjustable temperature controls.

A solid choice for those seeking substantial storage capacity and dependable cooling. This model simplifies food preservation with its large volume and straightforward operation.

4. Samsung 27.4 cu. ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel,

Best for: Generous storage with fingerprint-resistant finish.

Samsung’s 27.4 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator offers a completely redesigned interior that accommodates 10% more groceries, featuring a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish for easy upkeep.

This model’s all-around cooling with multivent technology ensures even temperatures across its 4 shelves and 2 door bins. An indoor icemaker enhances freezer space usage, while touch controls offer modern convenience.

Pros

• 27.4 cu. ft. large capacity for maximum food storage.
• Fingerprint-resistant finish for a cleaner appearance.
• All-around cooling with multivent technology.
• Internal icemaker saves shelf space.

Cons

• The door shelves are limited to 2, potentially restricting organization for beverages.

Ideal for large households that value maximum storage and a pristine look. Keep more food fresh and enjoy less time spent wiping down surfaces.

5. GE Profile 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in

Best for: Ample space with external water and ice.

The GE Profile 25.3 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator offers a spacious interior with adjustable shelves and door bins for organized fresh and frozen food storage.

Its front-door dispenser provides convenient access to cold filtered water and cubed or crushed ice. This ENERGY STAR certified appliance has an estimated annual energy consumption of 643 kWh, ensuring efficient operation.

Pros

• 25.3 cu. ft. total capacity for generous storage.
• External water and ice dispenser for instant refreshment.
• ENERGY STAR certified for efficient energy use.
• Adjustable shelves and door bins for flexible organization.

Cons

• The door shelf count is limited to 4, which may impact beverage organization.

Suited for families needing ample, accessible food storage with the convenience of on-demand chilled water and ice. This refrigerator combines capacity with energy-conscious performance.

6. Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Family

Best for: Smart features and spacious design.

Samsung’s 26.7 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator delivers substantial capacity with a modern, flat-panel door design that blends into cabinetry for a built-in appearance.

Featuring multivent technology for uniform cooling across its 4 shelves, this model also includes an indoor icemaker to maximize freezer space. The fingerprint-resistant finish maintains a clean look, and Alexa is built-in for smart control.

Pros

• 26.7 cu. ft. large capacity for extensive food storage.
• Fingerprint-resistant finish simplifies cleaning.
• Multivent technology ensures even cooling.
• Built-in Alexa for voice-controlled operation.

Cons

• The door orientation is fixed to the right, which may not suit all kitchen layouts.

Excellent for tech-savvy households seeking large-scale food preservation with smart home integration. Enjoy a modern aesthetic and efficient, even cooling for all your groceries.

7. LG 27 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Standard Depth Slim in Door

Best for: Slim design with smart connectivity.

LG’s 27 cu. ft. standard depth side-by-side refrigerator features a slim in-door design, offering a spacious interior without protruding excessively into your kitchen space.

This unit includes touch control for modern operation and is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for smart home compatibility. Its compressor cooling method ensures effective temperature management across its layout, including 3 door shelves.

Pros

• 27 cu. ft. spacious interior capacity.
• Slim in-door design for a less obtrusive profile.
• Wi-Fi enabled for smart home connectivity.
• Touch control for modern operation.

Cons

• Adjustable temperature control is not available with this model.

A great option for those desiring significant refrigerator and freezer space with smart technology integration. Its design maximizes interior volume while maintaining a streamlined exterior.

8. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and

Best for: Smart functionality with InstaView panel.

This 27 cu. ft. smart side-by-side refrigerator is equipped with an InstaView panel, allowing you to see inside with two quick knocks without opening the door.

Featuring a linear compressor, it offers quiet and reliable cooling across 6 shelves. This model includes 4 door shelves and provides adjustable temperature control for precise food preservation.

Pros

• 27 cu. ft. large capacity for substantial storage.
• InstaView panel for quick interior visibility without opening doors.
• Adjustable temperature control for optimal food preservation.
• Quiet operation thanks to the linear compressor.

Cons

• The door orientation is horizontal, which may not fit all standard kitchen layouts.

Ideal for modern kitchens where convenience and efficiency are paramount. The InstaView feature streamlines access, while smart capabilities enhance usability.

9. Frigidaire FRQG1721AV 17.4 Cubic Foot Refrigerator, Silver

Best for: Compact capacity with advanced freshness features.

The Frigidaire FRQG1721AV refrigerator, with 17.4 cubic feet of capacity, features adjustable glass shelves and gallon-size door bins to organize a variety of beverages and fresh produce.

TwinTech dual evaporators work to preserve freshness, while 2 crisper drawers provide dedicated storage for fruits and vegetables. LED lighting offers clear visibility throughout the 3-shelf interior.

Pros

• 17.4 cu. ft. capacity for moderate storage needs.
• TwinTech dual evaporators for enhanced food preservation.
• 2 crisper drawers for optimized produce storage.
• Adjustable glass shelves for flexible organization.

Cons

• This model has only 2 door shelves, which may limit beverage storage.

A good choice for smaller households or secondary kitchen spaces needing efficient fresh food storage. Its dual evaporators and crisper drawers ensure items stay fresher longer.

10. Samsung 24 Cu. Ft. Bespoke Counter Depth 3-Door French Door

Best for: Customizable French door with dual ice.

Samsung’s 24 cu. ft. Bespoke counter-depth French door refrigerator allows for color customization with changeable door panels, fitting your kitchen’s unique style.

It features a built-in autofill water pitcher that automatically refills with filtered water, plus a dual ice maker with both cubed ice and Ice Bites. This model offers 4 glass shelves for versatile storage.

Pros

• 24 cu. ft. counter-depth capacity for a streamlined look.
• Bespoke design with customizable door panels.
• Autofill water pitcher for convenient hydration.
• Dual ice maker offers choice of ice types.

Cons

• The door shelf count is limited to 12, potentially impacting organization of numerous small items.

Perfect for homeowners who prioritize personalized design and advanced beverage convenience. The customizable panels and dual ice maker make this a stylish and functional centerpiece.

Capacity Isn’t Built-In Fridge’s Real Bottleneck

When evaluating best side by side built in refrigerator options, the most significant differentiator isn’t always the listed cubic footage, but the intelligent distribution of that space and the integration of smart features. While a unit like the Samsung 27.4 cu. ft.

Large Capacity Side-by-Side Refrigerator offers impressive volume, its true value lies in how that capacity is organized and accessed.

Potential buyers often fixate on headline capacity figures, overlooking the practicalities of daily use. The 22.3 cu ft Counter-Depth Capacity of the Frigidaire Professional 36 in. Counter Depth Side-by-Side, for instance, provides a specific breakdown between fresh food (14.3 cu ft) and freezer (8 cu ft), which is far more telling than aggregated numbers.

This granular detail highlights how different configurations cater to varying household needs; some prioritize more refrigerated storage, while others a robust freezer. The Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator with 21.72 cu.

ft. focuses on Customizable Storage with movable shelves, a feature that directly impacts the usability of its given volume. An otherwise large refrigerator can feel cramped if its shelving and door bins don’t adapt to common grocery items.

The true division between premium and standard models, beyond mere size, is often found in innovations that enhance usability and workflow. GE Profile 25.3 cu. ft.

Side by Side Refrigerator in stainless steel, with its prominent external dispenser, offers a convenience that fundamentally alters how a user interacts with their refrigerator. Similarly, the advanced InstaView technology, seen in some 27 cu.

ft. Side By Side Smart Refrigerators, allows for quick visual inventory checks without opening the door, directly contributing to energy efficiency and time savings. These are not abstract features; they are tangible benefits that shape the user experience in ways that simply adding a few extra cubic feet cannot.

While Samsung aims for LARGE CAPACITY with its 27.4 cu. ft. and 26.7 Cu.

Ft. models, emphasizing fitting 10% more groceries than ever, the true advantage comes when that space is managed.

The Frigidaire 33 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, or even the smaller Frigidaire FRQG1721AV 17.4 Cubic Foot Refrigerator, can feel more accommodating if their internal layout is superior.

For those prioritizing seamless integration and enhanced functionality, the LG 27 cu. ft.

Side-by-Side Standard Depth Slim in Door offers a thoughtful design that often trumps raw volume.

Ultimately, the distinction between an adequate and an exceptional best side by side built in refrigerator often hinges on the intelligence of its internal design and the thoughtfulness of its user-facing features, making the GE Profile 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator a compelling choice for users who value accessible organization and modern conveniences.

What to Look for in the Best Side By Side Built In Refrigerator

Capacity and interior configuration

For optimal food storage, prioritize a capacity between 22 and 26 cubic feet for families of four or more; this size balances ample space with efficient energy use. Look for at least four adjustable, spillproof glass shelves to accommodate various container heights and six gallon-sized door bins for maximum beverage storage. Two humidity-controlled crisper drawers are essential for produce longevity, and a full-width deli drawer with adjustable temperature settings is ideal for meats and cheeses.

Choose this robust configuration for families needing versatile and abundant refrigerated space.

Finish and design aesthetics

To seamlessly integrate your refrigerator into your kitchen’s aesthetic, opt for a panel-ready model if you desire a unified cabinet look. This requires custom cabinetry installation, providing a truly built-in appearance. For a more traditional stainless steel finish, select a fingerprint-resistant option to minimize smudges and maintain a clean look with minimal effort.

Consider bar or integrated handles that complement your cabinetry. For a sleek, flush installation aligned with your countertops, a counter-depth model is the superior choice, creating an uncluttered and professional finish.

Cooling technology and features

Ensure superior food preservation by selecting a refrigerator with dual evaporators, which independently control humidity in the refrigerator and freezer sections, preventing spoilage and freezer burn. An advanced air filtration system is critical for odor reduction and extending the freshness of your groceries. Seek models with external electronic temperature controls for precise adjustments and quick cooling.

Prioritize an internal ice maker that produces both cubed and crushed ice, as it offers convenience and a cleaner aesthetic than external dispensers. This combination guarantees optimal freshness and user-friendly operation.

Which Should You Choose?

• If you have limited kitchen space but need ample storage, choose a counter-depth model with a capacity of around 22-23 cu. ft.
• If you frequently host or have a large family, look for a spacious model with a capacity of 25 cu. ft. or more.
• If you often store tall or unusually shaped items, prioritize adjustable shelves and customizable door bins.
• If you want to maximize grocery storage without a significant footprint, consider a model around 21-22 cu. ft. with thoughtful interior organization.

Quick Best Side By Side Built In Refrigerator Buying Checklist

• Capacity: Ensure the total cubic feet meet your household’s storage needs, typically between 18-28 cu. ft.
• Configuration: Check for adjustable tempered glass shelves, gallon door bins, and specialized drawers like crispers or deli compartments.
• Finish: Select a finish like stainless steel (classic, black, or fingerprint-resistant) or panel-ready for custom cabinetry.
• **Design**:

  Consider counter-depth for a flush look or standard depth for maximum storage, and choose your preferred handle style.

• Cooling System: Opt for dual evaporators to maintain ideal humidity levels in both the refrigerator and freezer sections.
• Smart Features: Evaluate integrated ice makers (in-door or internal) and advanced air filtration for odor control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Primary Advantage Of A Built-In Side By Side Refrigerator?

The primary advantage of a built-in side by side refrigerator is its seamless integration with kitchen cabinetry, creating a custom, high-end look. This design offers a sleek aesthetic while still providing the practical organization of a side by side layout.

How Does The Cooling System Differ In High-End Side By Side Built-In Refrigerators?

Many high-end models feature dual evaporators, which independently control humidity and temperature in the fresh food and freezer sections. This advanced cooling technology prevents air exchange and helps keep food fresher for longer periods.

What Are Common Capacity Ranges For Side By Side Built-In Refrigerators?

Side by side built-in refrigerators typically offer a total capacity ranging from approximately 18 to 28 cubic feet. This capacity is divided between the refrigerator and freezer compartments, with specific configurations varying by model and desired storage needs.

Are Panel-Ready Options Important For Integrated Refrigerators?

Panel-ready options are crucial if you desire a truly custom kitchen. They allow you to attach cabinet panels to the refrigerator doors, making it blend perfectly with your existing cabinetry for a cohesive and built-in appearance.

What Interior Features Should I Prioritize In A Side By Side Built-In Refrigerator?

Prioritize interior features like adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves and gallon door bins for flexible storage. Look for humidity-controlled crisper drawers and dedicated deli drawers to maintain optimal conditions for various food types.

Final Words

Investing in the best side by side built-in refrigerator transforms your kitchen with both elegant aesthetics and superior functionality. These units offer efficient organization, advanced cooling, and a sleek, integrated look that enhances your home. Upgrade to a top-tier model to experience the perfect blend of style and performance.