A side-by-side fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in separate vertical compartments, making both easier to see and reach. The right choice depends on your available space, storage needs, and preferred features. Our picks range from a compact Avanti for small rooms to full-size options from Kenmore, Element, Midea, and Upstreman. Compare capacity and dimensions carefully: a mini fridge is not a substitute for a family-size kitchen refrigerator.
| Product | Capacity | Standout features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 5.5 cu. ft. | Dual doors, adjustable glass shelves, Energy Star certification | Dorms, offices, and other small spaces |
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 29 cu. ft. | External ice and water dispenser, quick-cooling features | Large households and frequent grocery shoppers |
| Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 21.4 cu. ft. | Frost-free operation, glass shelves, LED lighting | Shoppers who want straightforward organization |
| Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 24.5 cu. ft. | AutoFill water pitcher, ice maker, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel | Kitchens where a counter-depth profile matters |
| Upstreman 18.8 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 18.8 cu. ft. | Counter-depth design, inverter compressor, digital controls | Smaller kitchens seeking a full-size layout |
Our Picks: Best Fridge Freezer Side By Side Combo reviews
Avanti Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Best for Small Spaces
The Avanti is a compact two-door refrigerator with 5.5 cu. ft. of total capacity. Its layout separates 3.3 cu. ft. of fresh-food space from a 2.2 cu. ft. freezer, giving you distinct places for everyday groceries and frozen items.
Adjustable glass shelves, door racks, and a crisper drawer help organize the fresh-food compartment. The freezer has fixed shelves, so its layout is less flexible. A flush-back cabinet and compact footprint are designed for tighter spaces such as an office, dorm, or small apartment.
This is a mini-fridge choice, not a replacement for a full-size family refrigerator. Its modest capacity is best for light grocery storage, drinks, and frozen basics. The product description also lists compressor cooling, Energy Star certification, and a one-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Separate refrigerator and freezer compartments behind dual doors
- Compact design for rooms with limited space
- Adjustable glass shelves and a crisper drawer
- Energy Star certified, according to the product description
Cons:
- Its 5.5 cu. ft. capacity is limited for household grocery storage
- Fixed freezer shelves offer less flexibility than adjustable shelves
Verdict: Choose the Avanti if you need a compact fridge with a separate freezer; choose a full-size model if you shop for several people or need substantial freezer space.
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Large Grocery Loads
With 29 cu. ft. of capacity and a stated 36-inch width, the Kenmore is the largest model in this group. Its side-by-side layout divides fresh and frozen storage vertically, while adjustable shelves and clear door bins help sort groceries by type.
The external dispenser provides filtered water and ice, and the ice maker is placed in the freezer door to leave more room on freezer shelves. The product description says the system can make up to 3 pounds of ice per day. Accela Chill, Accela Freeze, and Multi-Flow Air are listed as features for cooling recently added groceries and circulating cold air.
Its generous capacity may suit a busy household, but the stated 36-inch width makes measuring the opening, delivery path, and surrounding space important. It is also a much larger appliance than the compact Avanti or the lower-capacity Upstreman. The listing describes a fingerprint-resistant finish and an inverter compressor.
Pros:
- Largest stated capacity in this comparison at 29 cu. ft.
- External filtered water and ice dispenser
- Adjustable shelves, gallon-size door bins, and crisper drawers
- Cooling features designed to circulate air and chill new groceries
Cons:
- The 36-inch width may not fit every kitchen opening
- Its large capacity may be more than a smaller household needs
Verdict: The Kenmore is the strongest fit here if you need a high-capacity side-by-side with a built-in water and ice dispenser and have room for its stated width.
Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Simple Organization
The Element offers 21.4 cu. ft. of storage, placing it between the smaller Upstreman and the larger Kenmore by stated capacity. Its vertical compartments keep fresh and frozen foods separate, and adjustable tempered-glass shelves and door bins provide several ways to arrange groceries.
A crisper drawer gives produce a dedicated place, while LED lighting helps illuminate the interior. The listing also specifies automatic defrost, which prevents frost buildup without the need for manual defrosting. Its stainless exterior and logoless design are intended to blend with different kitchen styles.
The supplied feature details focus on storage and basic convenience rather than a water dispenser or advanced controls. That makes this a practical option to consider if you want a conventional side-by-side layout and do not need the Kenmore’s listed dispenser features. Check the product listing and measure your space before deciding, since dimensions are not provided in the supplied specifications.
Pros:
- 21.4 cu. ft. of fresh and frozen storage
- Adjustable tempered-glass shelves and spacious door bins
- Automatic defrost reduces the need for manual defrosting
- LED interior lighting and a dedicated crisper drawer
Cons:
- The supplied specifications do not list a water or ice dispenser
- Dimensions are not included in the supplied product details
Verdict: Consider the Element if you want a mid-capacity side-by-side with frost-free operation and flexible shelf organization, and confirm its fit before ordering.
Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side: Best for a Streamlined Fit
The Midea combines a side-by-side layout with a counter-depth design and a stated 24.5 cu. ft. capacity. Counter-depth models are intended to sit closer to the line of surrounding counters, but you should check the exact dimensions and installation clearances in the product listing before purchase.
The supplied description highlights an AutoFill water pitcher and an ice maker. It also lists a fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish. These features may appeal if you want chilled water and ice while keeping the exterior looking cleaner between wipe-downs.
The product information provided here is limited, so details such as shelf arrangement, exact dimensions, and dispenser placement should be verified on the listing. Compared with the Kenmore, the Midea has a smaller stated capacity and a counter-depth design; compared with the Element, it highlights an ice maker and AutoFill pitcher.
Pros:
- 24.5 cu. ft. of stated storage capacity
- Counter-depth design for a more streamlined kitchen profile
- AutoFill water pitcher and ice maker are listed features
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel exterior
Cons:
- The supplied details do not specify dimensions or interior organization
- Its counter-depth capacity is lower than the Kenmore’s stated 29 cu. ft.
Verdict: The Midea is worth considering if counter depth and an AutoFill water pitcher are priorities, but verify its measurements and interior details before choosing it.
Upstreman 18.8 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for a Smaller Kitchen
The Upstreman has 18.8 cu. ft. of capacity and a counter-depth profile. Its listed dimensions are 35.8 inches wide, 26.4 inches deep, and 69.7 inches high. That information makes it easier to check against your kitchen opening, though you should also account for the installation clearances specified by the manufacturer.
Inside, adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins support flexible storage. Digital controls let you adjust fridge and freezer settings, and the listing describes frost-free operation with an inverter compressor. The black stainless-steel exterior gives it a darker look than the stainless finishes on several other picks.
At 18.8 cu. ft., it offers less stated capacity than the Element, Midea, or Kenmore, but more than the compact Avanti. Its listed energy use is 496 kWh per year, and the product description gives a noise level of 45 dB. Consider those figures alongside your household’s storage needs and the appliance’s fit.
Pros:
- Counter-depth design with dimensions provided in the product description
- Adjustable shelving, crisper drawers, and versatile door bins
- Digital controls and frost-free operation
- Inverter compressor and listed annual energy use of 496 kWh
Cons:
- 18.8 cu. ft. is less capacity than the larger full-size options here
- The black stainless-steel finish may not match every kitchen
Verdict: The Upstreman is a sensible option if its listed dimensions suit your kitchen and you want counter depth, digital controls, and flexible storage without choosing the largest model.
How to Choose a Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer
Measure the Opening and Delivery Path
Measure the height, width, and depth of the space where the refrigerator will sit. Also check the route into your home, including doorways and hallways. Counter-depth models such as the Midea and Upstreman are designed for a different kitchen profile than a standard-depth refrigerator, but the label alone does not confirm that a particular model will fit your cabinets. Check the full product dimensions and required clearances before ordering.
Match Capacity to Your Household
Think about how much fresh and frozen food you store between grocery trips. The Avanti’s 5.5 cu. ft. capacity is intended for compact spaces and lighter storage needs, while the Kenmore’s 29 cu. ft. offers the most stated capacity in this group. The Element, Midea, and Upstreman fall between those choices. Capacity is only one part of the decision: consider how much usable room you need in each compartment, too.
Consider How the Shelves and Bins Work for You
Adjustable shelves make it easier to fit taller containers, while door bins can keep frequently used items within reach. Crisper drawers provide a separate place for produce. Check whether the freezer shelves are adjustable or fixed, since that can affect how easily you store larger packages. The Avanti, for example, has adjustable glass shelves in the fresh-food section and fixed freezer shelves.
Decide Whether You Need Water and Ice
A water or ice feature can be useful if you use it often, but it is not a must-have for every kitchen. The Kenmore lists an external filtered water and ice dispenser, while the Midea lists an AutoFill water pitcher and ice maker. The other product descriptions do not list these features, so check the complete listing if a dispenser is important to you.
Compare Energy and Cooling Details
Look for specific information rather than relying on broad claims. The Avanti is listed as Energy Star certified. The Upstreman listing gives annual energy use and describes an inverter compressor; the Kenmore also lists an inverter compressor. These details can help you compare options, but check the product listing for the information that matters most to your household.
Choose Features You Will Actually Use
Extra controls and dispensers can make everyday use more convenient, but they should fit your needs and budget. A household that wants straightforward storage may prefer the Element’s listed glass shelves, crisper drawer, and frost-free operation. If you want a specific water feature or need more capacity, compare the Kenmore and Midea closely. Confirm any feature not clearly described before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a side-by-side fridge freezer?
It has two vertical compartments next to each other: one for fresh food and one for frozen food. This layout keeps both sections accessible without stacking the freezer below or above the refrigerator.
Which option in this comparison has the most capacity?
The Kenmore has the largest stated capacity at 29 cu. ft. The Avanti is the smallest at 5.5 cu. ft. and is designed for compact settings rather than a full household’s main refrigerator.
Which model is best for a small space?
The Avanti is the most compact choice for settings such as an office or dorm. For a kitchen that needs a full-size refrigerator with a counter-depth profile, consider the Upstreman or Midea, then compare the listed dimensions with your space.
Do all of these refrigerators include an ice maker?
No. The Kenmore description lists an ice maker and external water dispenser, while the Midea description lists an ice maker and AutoFill water pitcher. The supplied details for the Avanti, Element, and Upstreman do not list an ice maker.
What does counter depth mean?
A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to sit closer to the depth of surrounding counters than many standard-depth models. It can create a more streamlined appearance, but capacity and exact fit vary. Always check the appliance dimensions and installation requirements.
Is the Avanti suitable as a main refrigerator?
Its 5.5 cu. ft. capacity is much smaller than the full-size options in this comparison. It may work for light storage or a small living space, but households that keep a larger supply of fresh and frozen food should compare the larger models.
Final Recommendation
For a large household that needs substantial storage and a listed external water and ice dispenser, the Kenmore is the most feature-rich option in this group. The Midea is a strong model to consider if counter depth and an AutoFill pitcher matter, while the Upstreman offers a smaller counter-depth alternative with dimensions and digital controls listed. Choose the Element for straightforward frost-free storage, or the Avanti when a compact refrigerator with a separate freezer is the real need.