By John E. Moore

A 22 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator, the Maytag MSF22D4XAM has an attractive price and offers great shelf space and energy savings. A big plus is the external water and ice dispenser, which has a single pad. Our only main complaint was that the ice dispenser tends to send ice flying out in random directions, making it tricky to catch it in the glass. This is a stainless steel refrigerator, so kitchens that already have other stainless steel appliances will really welcome this one. It can be found with a price tag of $1319, making it a good deal.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

Obviously one of the best advantages of side by side fridges is that they cost much less than their french door, bottom freezer counterparts. There really is no practical reason for this other than the fact that the french door, bottom freezer design is the latest and greatest and therefore manufacturers charge a premium for it.

One advantage to a side by side fridge to those that use them most – chefs, is that they contain more in door storage capacity than other styles of refrigerators – especially french door fridges. The obvious benefit here is more shelves to store all kinds of accouterments, spices, sauces, dressings, and condiments.

The average depth of a side by side fridge is about 30 inches so we arent normally as concerned about the built in counter depth look even though they can be produced as counter depth, it’s not as common.

Side by sides are considered a good choice for galley-style kitchens or tighter spaces due to the fact that they are normally quite a bit narrower at an average width of 35” than a top and bottom fridge freezer design. The main reason for the benefit here is that there is not the width in the kitchen to accommodate a larger swing size door like a full size door on a top/bottom refrigerator. The smaller width half doors on a side by side refrigerator just fit better.

One of the negative attributes of Side by Sides compared with a Fridge Top bottom freezer unit is that one must bend over to reach the lower portions of the refrigerator, which are also frequently used storage spaces in the fridge. Same with the inner door, you will be bending over a lot to access the lower portions.

Compared with a French door top bottom freezer fridge you will naturally use a little more energy with a side by side fridge due to the fact that you are opening the entire refrigerator door every time and allowing much of the refrigerated air to escape. With a french door fridge you can open just one half of the refrigerator space to retrieve what you need – thus the reason for the recent introduction by Sub Zero of the windowed refrigerator door, which allows you to see ahead of time where the item is that you want to retrieve.

Other than that, aesthetic appearance differences are the primary consideration. Generally, french door bottom freezer fridges are considered the best looking option and they cost more as a result. After that, side by side refrigerators are thought of as next best looking if there is such a dubious honor among this category.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

More on Refrigerators

Best Side by Side Refrigerators

Following are our choices for the best side by side refrigerators in the market for this year. We made the decisions based on several qualitative factors such as… [more]

New Samsung and LG Refrigerators with Wifi and LCD Screens May Change your Kitchen

Internet connected appliances may or may not be the next big thing. It will depend on you the consumer, as to whether or not this trends stays around. Are you willing to pay more for a refrigerator with an LCD screen that enables Google calendar to remind your significant other that it’s time to pick up the dry cleaning… [more]

By John E. Moore

Following are our choices for the best side by side refrigerators in the market for this year. We made the decisions based on several qualitative factors such as:

Shelf Space and Interior Shelf Design
Appearance/Design
Price/Value
Reliability and Build Quality
Energy Efficiency
Accessories and Features quality

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount) … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer refrigerators, we considered the following qualities while making our top 10 selections: Effective storage, Good organization… [more]

Side by Side Refrigerator Articles

New Samsung and LG Refrigerators with Wifi and LCD Screens May Change your Kitchen

Internet connected appliances may or may not be the next big thing. It will depend on you the consumer, as to whether or not this trends stays around. Are you willing to pay more for a refrigerator with an LCD screen that enables Google calendar to remind your significant other that it’s time to pick up the dry cleaning… [more]

Pros and Cons to Side by Side Refrigerators; Advantages to Side-by-Sides

Obviously one of the best advantages of side by side fridges is that they cost much less than their french door, bottom freezer counterparts. There really is no practical reason for this other than the fact that the french door, bottom freezer design is the latest and greatest and therefore manufacturers charge a premium for it…. [more]

By John E. Moore

This clean white fridge from Whirlpool has adjustable gallon door bins so you can choose your own configuration. It also has an ADS system for monitoring the compressor run times in order to select when to defrost the fridge, which adds both improved food preservation and lower energy costs. This fridge is energy star rated and that’s good because refrigerators are energy hogs. It has clear crisper drawers and a clear meat pan as well. Styling is basic. There is a water and ice dispenser included on the door.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/samsung-rsg309aars/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:20:19 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8524

By John E. Moore

Obviously one of the reasons this unit makes our list is the massive 30 cu. ft. storage. That’s something you must want to buy this fridge for since you will be paying to run it. This fridge allows you to use special apps to display photos on the door of the fridge from an SD card slot or Picasa library. It gives you an updated look compared to magnets.

It’s still priced decently for the size at around $2300. You can also keep your Google calendar handy and displayed for the family on the LCD Screen which is located just above the external water and ice dispenser. What really makes it stand out though is the nifty Epicurious recipe option.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/samsung-rs267tdrs/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:15:56 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8516

By John E. Moore

Though we’re not as fond of the looks of this fridge as some others due to the high handles on the doors the stainless steel is nevertheless attractive. Pricewise, it is a fair value at $1599 or so.
Some will like the LED lighting on the inside and others will consider it too dark. LED lighting saves money by not increasing the heat level inside the refrigerator. This fridge is also Energy Star rated which gives you 30% less energy required than government standards.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/lg-lsc27925st/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:14:06 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8510

By John E. Moore

This stainless steel entry from LG is Energy Star Rated has contoured doors and hidden hinges. We especially like the looks of the tall slim external water and ice dispenser. It is not counter depth but it doesnt stick out too far at 28” in depth not including the door handles. It does have a 1 year warranty plus 7 on the sealed system. Best of all is that massive 26.5 cu. ft. of inside storage capacity.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/kenmore-elite/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:11:49 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8508

By John E. Moore

This fridge from Kitchen Aid gives you a nice designer touch, good cu. Ft capacity and some nice amenities – all for a reasonable price. One of the distinguishing features of this fridge is the air monitoring system that it includes which alerts you when the odors are high and the filter needs changing. Kitchen Aid calls the feature the “FreshFlow” air filter. There is a good temerature management system installed, glass shelving, and interior LED lighting for energy savings and better light performance.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/kitchen-aid-architect-ii-ksf26c4xyy/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:09:31 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8502

By John E. Moore

This fridge from Kitchen Aid gives you a nice designer touch, good cu. Ft capacity and some nice amenities – all for a reasonable price. One of the distinguishing features of this fridge is the air monitoring system that it includes which alerts you when the odors are high and the filter needs changing. Kitchen Aid calls the feature the “FreshFlow” air filter. There is a good temerature management system installed, glass shelving, and interior LED lighting for energy savings and better light performance.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/kenmore-model-5110/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:06:05 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8498

By John E. Moore

This is again a competitive price model at around $846 from Sears. The depth is considerable at 31.25 not including the handles and this is an all white fridge not stainless steel to keep the price down. So all in all we’re looking at a very good value that forgoes a sleek design in the looks category while still having that external ice and water dispenser

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/maytag-msd2572vew/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:59:43 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8496

By John E. Moore

We have to include an all white model in this list since side by side refrigerators sell for much less than french door bottom freezer fridges and therefore live in a more price sensitive category. This fridge at $899 retail is very competitive pricewise for a 25.2 cu. Ft storage capacity. It still has some of the more update features such as the external water and ice dispenser. It has a limited 1 year manufacturers warranty.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]> https://10rate.com/maytag-msd2576vem/ Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:52:12 +0000 http://10rate.com/?page_id=8494

By John E. Moore

This 25.3 cu. ft. has a very attractive price and simple features. It has an external water and ice dispenser. The design element of contouring the front left and right corners gives this refrigerator a very updated feel and appearance and at a price of less than $1000 this fridge can be quite a deal. You really aren’t paying for the updated stainless steel contoured look.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Prices

]]>