Choosing the best 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator means balancing usable capacity, kitchen fit, and the features you’ll use every day. These five options range from a counter-depth model with a compact footprint to full-size fridges with more room for groceries. Compare their dimensions and storage features below, then measure your space carefully before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Refrigerator | Capacity | Depth style | Standout features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upstreman 18.8 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side | 18.8 cu. ft. | Counter depth | Inverter compressor, touch controls, adjustable storage |
| Kenmore 29 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side | 29 cu. ft. | Not specified | External ice and water dispenser, space-saving ice maker |
| Frigidaire Professional 22.3 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth | 22.3 cu. ft. | Counter depth | ENERGY STAR certified, external dispenser, humidity-controlled crispers |
| Frigidaire 22.3 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth | 22.3 cu. ft. | Counter depth | EvenTemp cooling, near-flush cabinet fit |
| Frigidaire 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side | 25.6 cu. ft. | Full size | Ice and water dispenser, touch controls, LED lighting |
Our Picks: Best 36 Inch Side By Side Refrigerator reviews
1. Upstreman 18.8 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side: Best for a Streamlined Fit
The Upstreman SBS188 is a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator with 18.8 cu. ft. of capacity. Its listed dimensions are 35.8 inches wide, 26.4 inches deep, and 69.7 inches high. That depth and width may make it worth considering for a kitchen where a deeper full-size refrigerator would project too far into the room. Check the exact measurements against your cabinets and installation space.
Inside, adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, and flexible door bins give you options for arranging groceries and larger items. A touch display lets you adjust the refrigerator and freezer temperatures. The description also specifies a frost-free design, an inverter compressor, and a stated energy use of 496 kWh per year.
The black stainless steel exterior offers a different look from the stainless-steel models in this list. The main trade-off is capacity: at 18.8 cu. ft., it has less total storage than the other listed options. The product description also does not mention an ice or water dispenser, so shoppers who want those features should compare the Frigidaire or Kenmore choices instead.
Pros:
- Counter-depth design with listed dimensions for easier fit planning
- Adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, and versatile door bins
- Touch controls and a frost-free design
- Black stainless steel finish with an inverter compressor
Cons:
- Less capacity than the other refrigerators in this comparison
- No ice or water dispenser is listed in the supplied specifications
Verdict: Choose the Upstreman if a shallower profile and flexible interior matter more to you than maximum storage or a built-in dispenser.
2. Kenmore 29 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Maximum Listed Capacity
With 29 cu. ft. of capacity and a listed 36-inch width, this Kenmore is the largest-capacity model in the comparison. It is designed for households that want room for family groceries, meal-prep ingredients, and bulk shopping. The supplied specifications do not give its depth or height, so confirm those measurements before planning an installation.
Storage details include edge-to-edge glass shelves, adjustable shelving, four gallon-size door bins, crisper drawers, and organized shelves and bins in the freezer. The ice maker is tucked into the freezer door to preserve shelf space, and the external dispenser provides filtered water and ice. The listed ice production is up to 3 pounds per day.
Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are designed to boost cold airflow when you add groceries, while the Multi-Flow Air System circulates air across shelves. The description also notes an inverter compressor, enhanced LED lighting, and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Its large capacity is appealing, but shoppers should verify that the overall refrigerator dimensions—not just its width—work in their kitchen.
Pros:
- Largest stated capacity among the five options
- External filtered water and ice dispenser
- Space-saving ice maker and flexible storage layout
- Fingerprint-resistant finish and enhanced interior lighting
Cons:
- Depth and height are not included in the supplied specifications
- Its large capacity may be more than a smaller household needs
Verdict: The Kenmore is a strong option if you want the most listed storage and an external dispenser, provided its full dimensions suit your kitchen.
3. Frigidaire Professional 22.3 Cu. Ft.: Best for Counter Depth and Dispenser Features
This Frigidaire Professional model combines a counter-depth design with 22.3 cu. ft. of total capacity. The stated layout includes 14.3 cu. ft. for fresh food and 8 cu. ft. for the freezer, giving you a clear sense of how storage is divided. It is also listed as ENERGY STAR certified and ADA compliant.
An external dispenser provides filtered chilled water and both cube and crushed ice without requiring you to open the refrigerator. For food organization, the model includes a deli drawer and CrispSeal Plus crispers with sealed humidity control. Its EvenTemp cooling system is designed to help maintain consistent temperatures across the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Compared with the full-size Frigidaire below, this model offers less total capacity but a counter-depth profile. The supplied specifications do not include its exact dimensions, so check the manufacturer’s measurements and required clearances before buying. It may suit you if you want a more streamlined fit, an external dispenser, and the listed accessibility and efficiency certifications.
Pros:
- Counter-depth design with a specified fresh-food and freezer split
- External dispenser for filtered water and cube or crushed ice
- Humidity-controlled crispers and a dedicated deli drawer
- Listed as ENERGY STAR certified and ADA compliant
Cons:
- Less capacity than the 25.6 cu. ft. Frigidaire and 29 cu. ft. Kenmore
- Exact exterior dimensions are not included in the supplied specifications
Verdict: Pick this Frigidaire Professional if you want counter-depth styling with an external dispenser and helpful produce storage features.
4. Frigidaire 22.3 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth: Best for a Near-Flush Look
This Frigidaire side-by-side offers 22.3 cu. ft. of storage in a counter-depth design intended to sit nearly flush with surrounding cabinetry. It has 14.3 cu. ft. of fresh-food space and 8 cu. ft. of freezer space. Its listed width is 36.1 inches, so measure your opening carefully rather than assuming it will fit a nominal 36-inch space.
The EvenTemp cooling system is designed to respond to temperature changes and circulate cold air through both compartments. That focus on even cooling may appeal if you want a straightforward refrigerator with a counter-depth appearance and clearly stated storage capacity.
The supplied description does not list a dispenser, ice maker, or extra drawer features for this model. If those conveniences are important, compare it with the Frigidaire Professional counter-depth option or the larger full-size Frigidaire. Also confirm the full installation dimensions and door clearance before making a decision.
Pros:
- Counter-depth design for a near-flush cabinet look
- 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity with a stated compartment split
- EvenTemp system circulates cold air through both sections
Cons:
- Listed width is 36.1 inches, so opening measurements matter
- Dispenser and ice-maker features are not specified in the supplied description
Verdict: Consider this Frigidaire if you want counter-depth styling and defined storage capacity, but verify the width and confirm whether it includes the features you need.
5. Frigidaire 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side: Best Full-Size Frigidaire Pick
This full-size Frigidaire has 25.6 cu. ft. of total capacity and a listed exterior width of 36 inches. The supplied dimensions also note a cabinet depth of 28.75 inches, a depth of 32.5 inches, and a depth of 50 inches with the door open to 90 degrees. Because depth measurements can refer to different parts of the appliance, check the full specification and installation instructions against your kitchen.
The feature list includes an ice maker, an external dispenser for crushed and cubed ice, a water filter, and capacitive touch controls. Interior LED lighting helps illuminate stored food, while the EvenTemp system is designed to circulate cold air through the refrigerator and freezer. The product description also mentions front rollers and leveling legs.
It offers substantially more capacity than the two 22.3 cu. ft. Frigidaire counter-depth models, but it is a deeper full-size option. If your priority is a closer fit with cabinetry, the counter-depth models may be a better match. If you want more room and dispenser features, this Frigidaire is the more suitable choice.
Pros:
- 25.6 cu. ft. of total capacity
- Ice maker and external dispenser for crushed or cubed ice
- EvenTemp cooling and bright LED interior lighting
- Touch controls, front rollers, and leveling legs
Cons:
- Deeper full-size design may project farther into the kitchen
- Door-open depth is listed as 50 inches, so nearby space needs checking
Verdict: Choose this Frigidaire if you want generous storage and an ice-and-water dispenser, and have room for a full-size refrigerator.
How to Choose a 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Measure the Full Installation Space
Start with the width, height, and depth of the opening, then account for nearby walls, cabinets, and the path the refrigerator must travel during delivery. A refrigerator described as 36 inches wide may be slightly wider or narrower in its detailed specifications. The Frigidaire counter-depth model, for example, is listed at 36.1 inches wide, while the Upstreman is listed at 35.8 inches. Check the manufacturer’s full installation requirements, including any required ventilation or clearance space.
Decide Between Counter Depth and Full Size
Counter-depth models are designed to sit closer to the surrounding cabinets, which can create a more streamlined look. They generally offer less storage than larger full-size models in this selection. The Upstreman has 18.8 cu. ft. of capacity, while the two Frigidaire counter-depth options have 22.3 cu. ft. Full-size choices include the 25.6 cu. ft. Frigidaire and the 29 cu. ft. Kenmore. Compare the actual dimensions as well as the capacity, since “counter depth” alone does not tell you how the doors and handles will line up.
Match Capacity to Your Shopping Habits
Think about how much fresh and frozen food you keep on hand, whether you shop in bulk, and how much freezer space your household uses. A larger total capacity can provide more room, but it is only useful if the layout works for your groceries. The Frigidaire models list separate fresh-food and freezer capacities, which can help you judge their balance. For the other models, compare the shelf and bin layout with the kinds of items you store most often.
Check the Dispenser and Ice Features
An external dispenser can make filtered water and ice convenient to access, but it is not listed for every refrigerator here. The Kenmore and two Frigidaire models specify external dispenser features; the Upstreman and the 22.3 cu. ft. Frigidaire description do not. If you want a particular kind of ice, such as crushed or cubed, confirm that the exact model includes it rather than relying on the product family name.
Look Closely at Interior Organization
Adjustable shelves, gallon-size door bins, crisper drawers, and dedicated deli storage can make a refrigerator easier to use. Consider whether shelves can accommodate tall containers and whether frequently used items will be easy to reach. The Upstreman lists adjustable shelving and versatile door bins, while the Kenmore specifies four gallon-size bins. The Frigidaire Professional includes humidity-controlled crispers and a deli drawer.
Compare Cooling and Efficiency Details
Cooling systems and energy information vary by model. The Frigidaire descriptions list EvenTemp cooling, while the Kenmore specifies Accela Chill, Accela Freeze, and Multi-Flow Air. The Upstreman lists an inverter compressor and stated annual energy use; the Frigidaire Professional is listed as ENERGY STAR certified. Treat these as model-specific features, and check the official product documentation for complete energy and operating details.
Confirm Door and Delivery Clearance
Measure the route to the kitchen as well as the final installation space. Check door swing, nearby islands, and whether drawers or doors can open without hitting a wall. The full-size Frigidaire lists a 50-inch depth with the door open to 90 degrees, which makes clearance especially important. Follow the model’s installation guide for exact clearances and delivery requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator for a smaller kitchen?
The Upstreman is the shallowest option with exact dimensions in the supplied information: 35.8 inches wide, 26.4 inches deep, and 69.7 inches high. It also has the lowest listed capacity, so compare its storage against your needs and verify the installation measurements before ordering.
Which refrigerator in this list has the most capacity?
The Kenmore has the largest stated capacity at 29 cu. ft. The Frigidaire full-size model follows at 25.6 cu. ft. Remember to check the full exterior dimensions, since capacity does not indicate how much space the appliance will occupy in your kitchen.
Which options are counter depth?
The Upstreman and both 22.3 cu. ft. Frigidaire models are described as counter depth. Their exact measurements and fit may differ, so compare each model’s dimensions with your cabinets instead of relying on the label alone.
Which models include an external ice and water dispenser?
The Kenmore specifies an external filtered ice and water dispenser. The Frigidaire Professional lists an external dispenser for filtered water and cube or crushed ice, and the 25.6 cu. ft. Frigidaire lists an external dispenser for cubed and crushed ice. The supplied descriptions do not list a dispenser for the Upstreman or the 22.3 cu. ft. Frigidaire counter-depth model.
Are all 36-inch refrigerators exactly 36 inches wide?
No. The listed width can differ from the rounded size in a product name. For example, the Upstreman is listed at 35.8 inches wide, and one Frigidaire counter-depth model is listed at 36.1 inches. Confirm the exact exterior dimensions and required clearances for the model you plan to buy.
Is a counter-depth refrigerator always the better choice?
No. Counter depth can help create a more streamlined appearance, but the refrigerator may have less storage than a full-size model. Choose based on your kitchen layout, household storage needs, and the amount the appliance will project beyond your cabinets.
Final Recommendation
For the most capacity, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. model is the leading option in this group, with an external ice and water dispenser and extensive listed storage features. If you prefer a counter-depth design with dispenser features, consider the Frigidaire Professional. For a shallower profile and a smaller capacity, the Upstreman is another option to compare. Before buying, confirm the refrigerator’s exact dimensions, door clearance, and installation requirements for your space.