Finding the best deal on a side-by-side refrigerator means balancing capacity, kitchen fit, and useful features—not just choosing the lowest price. These five models range from compact options to a 29-cubic-foot family-size refrigerator, with differences in storage, finish, and ice-and-water features. Compare the specifications below, then confirm the current price, stock, delivery options, and dimensions on the product page before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Refrigerator | Capacity | Standout feature | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forno Salerno 33-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 15.6 cu. ft. | Fast Cool and Fast Freeze settings | Kitchens needing a narrower refrigerator |
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 29 cu. ft. | External filtered ice and water dispenser | Households needing substantial storage |
| Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 21.4 cu. ft. | Frost-free operation and LED lighting | Everyday storage with a simple feature set |
| Upstreman 18.8 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 18.8 cu. ft. | Counter-depth design and inverter compressor | Shoppers seeking a shallower profile |
| Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 18.1 cu. ft. | Built-in ice maker with water and ice dispensing | Households that want dispenser convenience |
Our Picks: Best Deal On Side By Side Refrigerator reviews
Forno Salerno: A Narrower Refrigerator with Fast Cooling
The Forno Salerno offers 15.6 cubic feet of storage in a 32.9-inch-wide body. Its fresh-food section holds 9.54 cubic feet, while the freezer has 6.08 cubic feet. That makes it one of the smaller choices here, which may be useful when a wider refrigerator will not fit or your household does not need a large grocery capacity.
Inside, adjustable glass shelves, two crisper drawers, and door bins help separate everyday foods. Fast Cool and Fast Freeze settings are designed to quickly lower temperatures after you add groceries. The refrigerator also has frost-free operation, spill-resistant shelf borders, interior LED lighting, and a stainless steel VCM finish.
Measure carefully before choosing this model. The listed dimensions are 32.9 inches wide, 27.42 inches deep, and 70.14 inches high. Although it is described as counter-depth, its listed depth is greater than the stated 24.42-inch cutout depth, so check the installation requirements and clearance needs on the product listing. It uses an average of 460 kWh per year and includes a two-year limited parts-and-labor warranty.
Pros:
- Narrower listed width than the 36-inch models in this roundup
- Fast Cool and Fast Freeze settings
- Spill-proof shelf borders and automatic defrost
- Two-year limited parts-and-labor warranty
Cons:
- 15.6 cu. ft. capacity is the smallest in this comparison
- Listed depth calls for careful fit checks despite its counter-depth description
Verdict: Consider the Forno if a narrower footprint and rapid cooling features matter more to you than maximum storage, but verify its depth against your kitchen plan before ordering.
Kenmore 29 cu. ft.: Maximum Listed Storage for a Busy Household
With a listed capacity of 29 cubic feet and a 36-inch width, this Kenmore is the largest option in the group. Its roomy interior is designed for families, meal prep, and households that like to keep plenty of food on hand. Adjustable edge-to-edge glass shelves and four gallon-size door bins offer space for larger containers as well as everyday items.
The external dispenser provides filtered water and ice, and its ice maker is tucked into the freezer door to preserve shelf space. The listing says it can produce up to three pounds of ice per day. Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are intended to cool or freeze new groceries quickly, while a multi-flow air system circulates air across the compartments.
Ceiling and side LED lighting help illuminate the interior, and the fingerprint-resistant finish is designed to reduce visible smudges. The main trade-off is the 36-inch width: this refrigerator needs a kitchen that can accommodate a full-size model. The supplied specifications do not give its depth or annual energy use, so confirm both before comparing installation needs and ongoing costs.
Pros:
- Largest stated capacity in this roundup at 29 cu. ft.
- External dispenser provides filtered water and ice
- Four gallon-size door bins and adjustable glass shelves
- Fingerprint-resistant finish and bright LED lighting
Cons:
- 36-inch width may not suit smaller kitchens or narrow openings
- Depth and annual energy-use figures are not provided in the supplied specifications
Verdict: Choose the Kenmore if your kitchen has room for a 36-inch refrigerator and you want the most stated capacity plus a built-in dispenser.
Element 21.4 cu. ft.: Straightforward Storage and Frost-Free Care
The Element has 21.4 cubic feet of total storage, placing it between the smaller Forno and the larger Kenmore. Its side-by-side layout keeps fresh and frozen food in separate vertical compartments, so both sections are easy to see without moving items from one side to the other.
Adjustable tempered-glass shelves, door bins, and a crisper drawer provide the core organization features for regular grocery storage. Automatic defrost helps prevent frost buildup, and LED interior lighting makes it easier to see what is on the shelves. The stainless finish and logoless design are intended to blend with a range of kitchen styles.
The supplied details do not list the refrigerator’s width, depth, energy use, or an ice-and-water dispenser. If those features matter to you, check the full listing before comparing it with the Kenmore or Electactic. This model stands out more for its capacity and basic storage setup than for added convenience features.
Pros:
- 21.4 cu. ft. capacity for everyday groceries and frozen food
- Adjustable tempered-glass shelves and dedicated crisper drawer
- Frost-free operation reduces the need for manual defrosting
- LED lighting and a simple stainless exterior
Cons:
- Dispenser and ice-maker features are not listed in the supplied details
- Dimensions and energy-use information are not provided here
Verdict: The Element is a practical option if you want midrange capacity and basic frost-free storage, provided its dimensions and feature set match your needs.
Upstreman 18.8 cu. ft.: Counter-Depth Style with Digital Controls
The Upstreman offers 18.8 cubic feet of capacity in a 35.8-inch-wide cabinet. Its listed dimensions are 35.8 by 26.4 by 69.7 inches. The counter-depth description and relatively shallow listed depth may appeal if you prefer a less protruding profile, but compare the full dimensions with your cabinet opening and allow for installation clearances.
Adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, and flexible door bins help make use of the interior. A touch display lets you set the refrigerator and freezer temperatures, and the black stainless steel exterior gives it a darker look than the other stainless-finish options. The inverter compressor is listed at 45 dB, with annual power use of 496 kWh.
This model has less stated capacity than the Element and Kenmore, and the supplied feature list does not mention an ice-and-water dispenser. Its appeal is more about its counter-depth design, finish, and digital controls than extra-large storage or dispensing convenience.
Pros:
- Counter-depth design with listed dimensions for fit planning
- 18.8 cu. ft. capacity and flexible interior storage
- Touch controls for refrigerator and freezer settings
- Inverter compressor with stated annual energy use of 496 kWh
Cons:
- Capacity is lower than the Element and Kenmore options
- An ice-and-water dispenser is not listed in the supplied specifications
Verdict: Pick the Upstreman if you value a counter-depth profile and digital temperature controls, and its 18.8-cubic-foot capacity is enough for your household.
Electactic 18.1 cu. ft.: Built-In Ice and Water Dispensing
The Electactic has 18.1 cubic feet of storage, split between a 12.1-cubic-foot refrigerator and a 6-cubic-foot freezer. Its stainless steel look finish gives it a modern appearance, while the side-by-side layout keeps frozen items separate from fresh groceries.
The built-in dispenser is its main draw. It is listed as providing chilled water along with cubed and crushed ice. Inside, adjustable slide-out shelves and LED lighting support everyday organization. Total No Frost operation is designed to prevent ice buildup, while the inverter compressor is listed at 45 dB.
Safety and convenience extras include a child lock and a door-open alarm that sounds after 60 seconds. The supplied specifications do not include exterior dimensions or an annual energy-use figure, so verify those details before comparing it with the Upstreman. Its capacity is also modest compared with the Element and Kenmore.
Pros:
- Dispenser provides water, cubed ice, and crushed ice
- 18.1 cu. ft. capacity is divided into stated refrigerator and freezer sections
- Total No Frost operation and adjustable slide-out shelves
- Child lock and door-open alarm add useful safeguards
Cons:
- Less capacity than the Element and Kenmore models
- Dimensions and annual energy use are not included in the supplied details
Verdict: Choose the Electactic if a built-in dispenser is a priority and its capacity suits your household, after checking the full listing for fit and energy information.
How to Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Measure the Opening, Not Just the Appliance
Measure the available width, height, and depth, then check the refrigerator’s listed dimensions against your kitchen plan. Leave room for required ventilation, door opening, and delivery access according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A model described as counter-depth may still extend beyond the cabinet line, so compare its actual depth rather than relying on the label alone.
Match Capacity to Your Household
A larger capacity can help if you shop in bulk, prepare meals ahead, or store food for a bigger household. But extra space is not always a better deal if you will not use it or your kitchen cannot fit the appliance. The models here range from 15.6 to 29 cubic feet, so think about how much fresh and frozen food you typically keep on hand.
Decide Whether a Dispenser Is Worth It
An external ice-and-water dispenser can make cold drinks more convenient, but it is not a must-have for every kitchen. The Kenmore and Electactic list dispenser features; the supplied descriptions for the other models do not. Compare the feature you will use against the refrigerator’s capacity, fit, and overall purchase cost.
Check How the Interior Is Organized
Look for adjustable shelves, door bins, and drawers that fit the foods you buy. Gallon-size bins can help with larger containers, while crisper drawers give produce a dedicated place. Side-by-side models offer vertical access to both compartments, but shelf spacing and drawer layout still affect how easily your usual groceries fit.
Compare Energy and Noise Information
Annual energy-use figures can help you estimate a refrigerator’s operating needs, while noise information may matter if your kitchen is near living or sleeping areas. The supplied specifications include annual energy use for the Forno and Upstreman and noise levels for the Forno, Upstreman, and Electactic. Check the product listing for any missing figures before making a final comparison.
Compare the Full Cost, Not Just the Listed Price
Prices and availability can change, and a low purchase price does not tell the whole story. Compare delivery terms, installation needs, warranty coverage, and any features you would otherwise buy separately. Check the live listing for the current price and whether delivery is available to your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side-by-side refrigerator in this roundup has the most capacity?
The Kenmore has the largest stated capacity at 29 cubic feet. It is also 36 inches wide, so check that your kitchen has room for it before choosing based on capacity alone.
Which models list an ice-and-water dispenser?
The Kenmore lists an external filtered water and ice dispenser, and the Electactic lists chilled water plus cubed and crushed ice. Confirm the exact dispenser setup on the product page before ordering.
Which refrigerator is the narrowest?
The Forno has the narrowest listed width at 32.9 inches. Its stated depth is 27.42 inches, so check the complete installation dimensions and clearances rather than judging fit by width alone.
Is counter-depth the same as built-in?
No. Counter-depth describes a refrigerator’s profile relative to nearby cabinets, but it does not necessarily mean the appliance is fully flush or designed for built-in installation. Check the manufacturer’s dimensions and installation instructions for the exact fit.
Do all five models include a frost-free feature?
Frost-free or automatic defrost operation is listed for the Forno, Element, and Electactic. The supplied details for the Kenmore and Upstreman do not specify a frost-free feature, so check their full listings if that matters to you.
How can I tell which refrigerator is the best deal?
Compare the current price with the capacity, dimensions, features, energy information, warranty, and delivery terms. The best value depends on which features you will use and whether the model fits your kitchen—not only on its upfront price.
Final Recommendation
For the largest stated capacity and a built-in dispenser, the Kenmore is the strongest fit if you have room for its 36-inch width. The Forno may suit kitchens that need a narrower appliance, while the Upstreman is worth considering for its counter-depth design and touch controls. If dispenser convenience matters most in a smaller-capacity model, compare the Electactic. Before choosing any of them, verify the current listing, full dimensions, delivery terms, and final cost.