Best Refrigerator Stainless Steel Side By Side: Top Picks for Your Kitchen

Choosing a stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator takes more thought than picking the finish you like best. You need to think about how much food you buy at once, how much floor and cabinet space you have, and whether you want extras like an exterior ice and water dispenser or a slim counter-depth profile. This guide looks at five popular options from Amana, Forno, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Midea. Use it to match a model to your kitchen and your daily routine.

Quick Comparison of Top Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Our Picks: Best Refrigerator Stainless Steel Side By Side reviews

Amana 24.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator for Large Households

The Amana 24.6 cu. ft. side-by-side model is a practical choice for families who shop in bulk and want plenty of room in both sections. Its stainless steel finish gives it a clean, traditional look that fits well with most kitchen styles, from modern to transitional. The model number, ASI2575GRS, identifies this specific version in the stainless finish.

The standout feature is the dual PAD external ice and water dispenser. Mounting the dispenser on the outside of the door means you can grab a glass of water or a scoop of ice without opening the refrigerator and letting cold air escape. For busy kitchens, that small convenience adds up over a week of daily use.

Because this is a large unit, you need to plan your space carefully. The listing does not describe this model as counter-depth, so expect it to stick out past your standard cabinets. Measure the opening, the door swing, and the clearance around the sides and back before you commit. Some owners of large side-by-side models mention that the extra depth is the first thing they notice when moving a unit into a tight kitchen, so this is worth checking early.

Compared with the more compact options in this list, Amana trades a smaller footprint for maximum storage. If you feed a crowd or buy in bulk, that trade-off often makes sense. If you live alone or have a narrow kitchen, a counter-depth model is likely a better fit.

Pros:

• Generous 24.6 cu. ft. capacity suits large grocery runs and family meals.
• The external dual PAD ice and water dispenser keeps the door closed during everyday use.
• The stainless steel finish gives the unit a polished, traditional look.
• A straightforward, no-frills design makes it easy to use for most households.

Cons:

• The large footprint and standard depth may not work in smaller or built-in spaces.
• The supplied product data does not include full dimensions, so you will need to measure before buying.

Verdict: The Amana 24.6 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator is a strong choice for large families who want lots of storage and an external dispenser. Measure your opening first. If you have the room, it delivers plenty of space for the money you spend.

Forno Salerno 33-Inch Counter-Depth Refrigerator for Smaller Kitchens

The Forno Salerno is a compact side-by-side refrigerator with 15.6 cu. ft. of total capacity. It splits that space into a 9.54 cu. ft. fresh food section and a 6.08 cu. ft. freezer. It is built to suit kitchens where a full-size unit would crowd the room, such as apartments, condos, and smaller homes.

The counter-depth design is the main appeal here. The listed dimensions are 32.9 inches wide, 27.42 inches deep, and 70.14 inches tall, designed to fit standard 33.9 by 24.42 by 71.14-inch kitchen cutouts. That tight fit gives the refrigerator a more built-in appearance, with less protrusion into your walkway.

Fast Cool and Fast Freeze functions are a useful feature for people who restock in large batches. The electronic multi-air flow system is controlled by an LED touch panel on the door, and it quickly brings temperatures down after you add new groceries. Many owners appreciate that the unit includes Sabbath and vacation modes, which add flexibility for households with specific needs.

The stainless steel VCM finish and embossed galvanized steel cabinet give the unit a sturdy feel. The tempered glass shelves have spill-proof borders, which make cleanup simpler after an accidental drip. The listed noise level is 37.54 dBA, which is typical for a refrigerator of this type, but it can be noticeable in a very quiet open-plan space.

Pros:

• Counter-depth design with a listed 33-inch width helps it blend into standard cabinetry.
• Fast Cool and Fast Freeze features help new groceries reach temperature quickly.
• A 2-year limited manufacturer warranty covers parts and labor.
• Spill-proof glass shelves and Sabbath and vacation modes add everyday convenience.

Cons:

• At 15.6 cu. ft., it offers far less storage than the larger models here, and the 6.08 cu. ft. freezer may feel tight for bulk shoppers.

Verdict: The Forno Salerno is the right pick for smaller kitchens or anyone who wants a counter-depth look without giving up the convenience of a side-by-side layout. If you rarely stock up in large amounts, its capacity is likely enough. If you cook for a family, look at the larger options instead.

Kenmore 29 Cu. Ft. 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Filtered Ice and Water

The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. model is one of the largest options in this lineup. Its traditional 36-inch width gives you room for big-batch cooking, meal prep, and weekly grocery hauls. It is a good match for busy households that want to shop less often without running out of space.

Kenmore pairs its size with several cooling features. Accela Chill and Accela Freeze push fan-forced cold air to newly added food, while the Multi-Flow Air System is designed to keep temperatures consistent across every shelf. Edge-to-edge glass shelves and four gallon-size clear door bins help you see and reach items quickly.

The space-saving ice maker sits in the freezer door, which leaves more shelf room inside. The listing states it produces up to 3 lbs. of ice per day. The NSF-certified filtration system supplies filtered ice and water through the external dispenser. Some buyers say the filtered water tastes noticeably better than tap water, though taste is always personal. The inverter compressor and enhanced LED lighting add to the overall polish, and the fingerprint-resistant finish helps keep the front looking tidy between cleanings.

Kenmore’s main trade-off is size. At 36 inches wide and without a counter-depth designation in the listing, this model needs a generous opening and room for airflow. It also currently shows as unavailable, so check the listing before you plan a purchase around it.

Pros:

• The 29 cu. ft. capacity is among the largest in this comparison.
• The freezer-door ice maker keeps shelf space open for food.
• NSF-certified filtration provides filtered ice and water from the external dispenser.
• Accela Chill and Accela Freeze help new groceries cool or freeze quickly.

Cons:

• Its wide, standard-depth build requires more floor and cabinet space than counter-depth alternatives.
• The listing currently shows as unavailable, which may limit your buying timeline.

Verdict: The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. refrigerator is an excellent choice for large families and anyone who wants filtered ice and water with plenty of storage. Confirm your space and check availability before you buy, since this is a big appliance with a big footprint.

Frigidaire 22.3 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Refrigerator with EvenTemp Cooling

The Frigidaire 36.1-inch model offers 22.3 cu. ft. of total capacity, split into 14.3 cu. ft. of fresh food space and 8 cu. ft. of freezer space. That balance suits families who want a generous fridge section and a freezer large enough for frozen vegetables, meat, and bulk purchases. It sits between the compact Forno and the large Amana and Kenmore models in both size and storage.

The EvenTemp Cooling System is the feature Frigidaire emphasizes most. According to the listing, it responds quickly to temperature changes and circulates cold air through both compartments. The stated goal is to keep food fresh and reduce freezer burn. In everyday use, steady temperatures are what most owners care about, since they affect how long produce and frozen goods stay in good condition.

The counter-depth design is a clear strength. The listing says it fits nearly flush with surrounding cabinets, which creates a built-in look without the expense of custom installation. For many kitchens, that alignment matters as much as capacity.

The listing is shorter on extras than some competitors. It does not mention an exterior water dispenser or an ice maker, so this model fits best if you do not need those features. It is also currently listed as unavailable, so you may need to watch for stock.

Pros:

• The 14.3 cu. ft. fresh food section and 8 cu. ft. freezer offer a practical split.
• EvenTemp cooling is designed to maintain steady temperatures and limit freezer burn.
• The counter-depth design fits nearly flush with cabinetry for a built-in appearance.
• The 22.3 cu. ft. capacity fits most mid-sized families without a huge footprint.

Cons:

• The listing does not mention an ice maker or exterior water dispenser, so it may not suit buyers who want those features.

Verdict: The Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. counter-depth refrigerator is a balanced choice for families who want a built-in look, solid storage, and steady cooling. Skip it if you need a dispenser, but it is a sensible pick for everything else.

Midea 24.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Refrigerator with AutoFill Water Pitcher

The Midea MRS25I7BST is a 24.5 cu. ft. stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator with a counter-depth profile. It offers a large amount of storage without the bulk of a standard-depth unit, which makes it appealing for kitchens where you want more capacity but still need a streamlined look.

Midea highlights two features in its listing. The first is an AutoFill water pitcher, which is a handy extra for anyone who likes cold filtered water on hand. The second is an icemaker. Together, these features make the unit more convenient for everyday drinking and entertaining. The electronic control panel gives you a straightforward way to adjust settings.

The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is a practical touch. Stainless surfaces show smudges easily, and a finish designed to resist fingerprints can save you time on cleaning. Keep in mind that even resistant finishes need occasional wiping to look their best.

The supplied listing data is brief. It does not include full dimensions, noise levels, or detailed energy information, so you will want to check the manufacturer’s full specifications before buying. The unit is also currently listed as unavailable, which may affect your timing.

Pros:

• The 24.5 cu. ft. capacity offers strong storage in a counter-depth body.
• The AutoFill water pitcher adds convenience for daily drinking water.
• An icemaker is included for everyday ice needs.
• The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish helps keep the front looking cleaner.

Cons:

• The available product data is limited, so buyers should confirm dimensions and detailed specifications before purchasing.

Verdict: The Midea 24.5 cu. ft. counter-depth refrigerator is a good choice for buyers who want large capacity, a built-in look, and useful water and ice extras. Confirm the details and availability first, then decide if it fits your kitchen.

How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Measure Your Space Before You Shop

Measurements matter more with side-by-side refrigerators than with almost any other kitchen appliance. Start by measuring the width, height, and depth of the opening where the unit will sit. Add room for door swing, ventilation, and the handles, which can protrude beyond the cabinet face. Many shoppers forget that a standard-depth refrigerator can stick out well past the counter, which changes how the kitchen feels and how easily you can walk past it. If you plan to use a counter-depth model, compare its listed dimensions with the cutout you have, and leave a little space for air to circulate behind the unit.

Choose the Right Capacity for Your Household

Total capacity is the first number most shoppers look at, but the split between fresh food and freezer space is just as important. A single person or couple who shops weekly may be happy with about 15 to 20 cubic feet. Larger families, or people who buy meat and frozen produce in bulk, often do better with 22 cubic feet or more. Look at how the fresh food and freezer sections are divided. A generous freezer is helpful if you cook in batches, while a roomy fresh food section suits people who buy lots of produce and dairy.

Counter-Depth or Standard Depth

Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to sit closer to the cabinet line for a more built-in appearance. They usually hold less food than standard-depth models of similar width, so you give up some storage for a cleaner look. Standard-depth units offer more room inside and often cost less per cubic foot, but they stand out more in the kitchen. Decide which trade-off matters more to you. If your kitchen is open to a dining area, the look may be worth the smaller interior. If you mainly want maximum storage, standard depth is usually the better choice.

Ice and Water Features

Exterior ice and water dispensers are convenient, especially if you have children, pets, or guests who want quick access to cold drinks. They also let you get water without opening the door, which helps the interior stay cold. Some models have internal ice makers, while others have dispensers or pitcher systems. Think about how often you would actually use these features. If you rarely drink ice or filtered water at home, you may be paying for an extra you will not need. If you use them daily, a dispenser or built-in ice maker can be one of the most satisfying features in the kitchen.

Cooling Performance and Noise

Cooling performance affects food safety, freshness, and energy use. Look for features such as fast cooling modes, multi-zone airflow, or systems designed to keep temperatures steady after you open the door. These features matter most if you restock often or live in a warm climate. Noise is also worth considering. Refrigerators hum and cycle on and off, and the sound can be more noticeable in open-concept homes or small apartments. Check the listed noise rating when it is available, and if possible, compare models in person or in a showroom before you buy.

Stainless Steel Finish and Cleaning

Stainless steel looks sharp, but it does show fingerprints and smudges. Some finishes are made to resist fingerprints, which can make everyday cleaning easier. A soft microfiber cloth and a stainless-safe cleaner usually work well. Avoid harsh abrasives, which can leave scratches. Also check whether the finish matches your other appliances. A slight difference in tone between brands can stand out in a kitchen with a lot of stainless surfaces.

Warranty and Customer Support

A refrigerator is a long-term purchase, so the warranty deserves attention. Read what parts and labor are covered, how long coverage lasts, and whether the manufacturer offers support in your area. Some models in this list list a 2-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. Always confirm the exact terms with the seller or manufacturer before you buy, since coverage can differ by model and region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator a good choice for a small kitchen?

It can be, but size is the deciding factor. A counter-depth model such as the Forno Salerno or the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. unit will look more built-in and protrude less into the room. Measure carefully, including door clearance and the space needed for airflow, before you choose.

Do counter-depth refrigerators hold less food?

In most cases, yes. Counter-depth designs trade some interior depth for a flush look, so they often offer less capacity than standard-depth units of similar width. If storage is your top priority, compare total cubic feet and the fresh food and freezer split before deciding.

Are external ice and water dispensers worth paying extra for?

That depends on your habits. If you often serve cold drinks or filtered water, an external dispenser is convenient and keeps the door closed longer. If you rarely use ice or water from the fridge, the feature may not add much day-to-day value.

Why do stainless steel refrigerators show fingerprints?

Stainless steel has a reflective surface that shows oils from hands and light smudges. Fingerprint-resistant finishes reduce this effect, but they do not eliminate it completely. Wiping the surface with a soft cloth every few days keeps it looking clean.

How much space should I leave around a side-by-side refrigerator?

Check the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the exact clearance, since requirements vary by model. As a general rule, leave room for door swing, handle clearance, and airflow at the back and sides. Failing to allow enough space can affect cooling efficiency and make the unit harder to use.

Which model is best for a large family?

The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. and Amana 24.6 cu. ft. models offer the most room among the options here. The Kenmore also includes filtered ice and water through an external dispenser, which can be helpful in busy households. Confirm your space, since both are large units.

Should I buy a model that is currently unavailable?

Some models in this list show as unavailable at the time you read this. Stock can change, so check the listing directly. If you have a specific model in mind, consider signing up for alerts or comparing a similar alternative so you do not delay a needed purchase.

Final Recommendation

For most shoppers, the best choice depends on your kitchen and your storage needs. If you want maximum room and an external dispenser, the Amana 24.6 cu. ft. model is a strong pick, provided you have the space. If you want the most storage with filtered ice and water, the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. model stands out, though it needs a larger opening. For a counter-depth look with balanced storage, the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. model is a dependable choice, and the Midea 24.5 cu. ft. unit adds a pitcher and icemaker to a similar build. If your kitchen is small, the Forno Salerno offers the most compact footprint. Measure your space, decide what features you will use every day, and choose the model that fits both.