If you’re looking for the best side-by-side refrigerator and freezer set, start by checking what “side-by-side” means for each model: the options here are single appliances with fresh-food and freezer compartments next to each other, not separate matching refrigerator and freezer units. The Kenmore offers the most listed storage and an external ice-and-water dispenser, the Element keeps things simpler, and the compact Avanti is made for smaller spaces. Compare capacity and dimensions with your kitchen before choosing, and check each listing for current availability.
| Product | Capacity | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 29 cu. ft. | External filtered ice and water dispenser | Households that need generous storage |
| Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 21.4 cu. ft. | Frost-free operation and adjustable glass shelves | Everyday kitchen storage with a simple layout |
| Avanti Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 5.5 cu. ft. | Compact footprint with separate freezer compartment | Dorms, offices, and other small spaces |
Our Picks: Best Side By Side Refrigerator And Freezer Set reviews
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Best for Larger Households
The Kenmore is the largest option in this group, with 29 cu. ft. of storage in a 36-inch-wide side-by-side design. Its tall, divided layout keeps fresh food and frozen items in separate sections, while adjustable shelves and clear gallon-size door bins give you ways to organize groceries.
Convenience features include an external filtered ice-and-water dispenser and an ice maker located in the freezer door. Kenmore says the ice maker can produce up to 3 pounds of ice per day. Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are designed to boost airflow after you add groceries, while the Multi-Flow Air System circulates air across the shelves. The listing also describes an inverter compressor and fingerprint-resistant finish.
The layout and capacity make this the strongest fit for a busy household that buys groceries in larger batches or wants chilled water and ice at the door. The dispenser is convenient, but it also means you’ll need to account for the refrigerator’s water connection and filter needs. Its 36-inch width may not fit every kitchen, so measure the opening and surrounding space before ordering. Compared with the Element, it provides more listed capacity and more dispenser features; compared with the Avanti, it is intended for a full-size kitchen rather than a compact room.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity in this comparison at 29 cu. ft.
- External filtered water and ice dispenser
- Adjustable shelves and four gallon-size door bins
- Enhanced LED lighting and fingerprint-resistant finish
Cons:
- The 36-inch width requires careful kitchen measurements.
- Dispenser and filtration features add upkeep compared with simpler models.
Verdict: Choose the Kenmore if you want the most storage here along with an external ice-and-water dispenser, and your kitchen can accommodate its full-size footprint.
Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Best for Straightforward Storage
The Element is a full-size side-by-side refrigerator with 21.4 cu. ft. of total storage. Its two vertical compartments keep fresh and frozen foods separate, and adjustable tempered-glass shelves and door bins help you arrange everyday groceries. A crisper drawer provides a designated place for fruits and vegetables.
This model keeps the feature list relatively simple. It has bright interior LED lighting and automatic defrost, which helps prevent frost buildup without requiring manual defrosting. Its stainless exterior and logoless design are intended to blend with different kitchen styles and nearby appliances.
The Element is worth considering if you want a conventional side-by-side layout without the Kenmore’s listed dispenser features. Its 21.4 cu. ft. capacity is less than the Kenmore’s, so it may be a tighter fit for households that stock up or need extra room for large items. The listing does not specify an ice-and-water dispenser, so don’t choose it on the assumption that it has one. Compared with the Avanti, it offers much more total storage but needs a full-size kitchen space.
Pros:
- 21.4 cu. ft. of storage for everyday food and frozen items
- Adjustable tempered-glass shelves and spacious door bins
- Automatic defrost helps avoid manual defrosting
- LED lighting and a clean stainless exterior
Cons:
- Less listed storage than the Kenmore.
- The supplied description does not list an external ice-and-water dispenser.
Verdict: Pick the Element if you want a full-size side-by-side refrigerator with practical organization and frost-free operation, but don’t need the Kenmore’s stated dispenser features.
Avanti 5.5 cu. ft. Compact Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Best for Small Rooms
The Avanti is a compact two-door refrigerator for places where a full-size model would take up too much room. It has 5.5 cu. ft. of total capacity, split between 3.3 cu. ft. for fresh food and 2.2 cu. ft. for frozen food. That makes it a small-space option rather than a main refrigerator for a household that needs to store a large weekly shop.
Inside, the refrigerator has adjustable glass shelves, door racks, and a crisper drawer. The freezer has fixed shelves. The listing also describes compressor cooling, a flush-back cabinet, Energy Star certification, and a one-year limited warranty. The separate doors and compartments can help keep drinks, basic groceries, and frozen items organized without using a lot of floor space.
This model is suited to a dorm, home office, or apartment where compact size matters more than total capacity. Its smaller freezer and fixed freezer shelves offer less flexibility than the larger models, and the 5.5 cu. ft. total capacity is limited for everyday use by multiple people. Compared with the Kenmore and Element, it is far easier to consider for a small room, but it is not a like-for-like substitute for a full-size kitchen refrigerator.
Pros:
- Compact design for dorms, offices, and small living spaces
- Separate fresh-food and freezer compartments
- Adjustable glass shelves and a crisper drawer
- Energy Star certification is listed in the product description
Cons:
- Only 5.5 cu. ft. of total storage.
- Freezer shelves are fixed, limiting storage adjustment.
Verdict: Choose the Avanti for a compact room that needs both fresh and frozen storage; skip it if you need a full-size refrigerator for regular household shopping.
How to Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer
Confirm whether you need one appliance or a separate set
A side-by-side refrigerator usually means a single appliance with the refrigerator and freezer compartments positioned next to each other. The models in this comparison follow that design. If you’re looking for two separate matching appliances, make sure the listing clearly identifies both units; none of these product descriptions specifies a separate refrigerator-and-freezer pair.
Match capacity to your shopping habits
Capacity is one of the biggest differences among these choices. The Kenmore lists 29 cu. ft., the Element lists 21.4 cu. ft., and the Avanti lists 5.5 cu. ft. Think about how much fresh food and frozen food you keep on hand, how often you shop, and whether you regularly store large items. A compact model may suit snacks and basic groceries, while larger households may need more room.
Measure the installation space
Measure the height, width, and depth of the available space, and check the path from the entrance to the kitchen. The Kenmore is listed as 36 inches wide, while the supplied descriptions do not give the overall dimensions for the other models. Check each listing and installation instructions for exact measurements and any required clearance before you buy.
Choose features you will actually use
An external ice-and-water dispenser can be convenient if you use it often, but it adds features to consider, including the water connection and filter. The Kenmore lists this dispenser. The Element description highlights adjustable shelves, LED lighting, and automatic defrost, while the Avanti focuses on compact storage. Compare the listed features with your daily routine instead of paying for functions you may not need.
Look closely at shelf and door storage
Adjustable shelves help you make room for items of different heights, while door bins can keep commonly used groceries easy to reach. The Kenmore lists adjustable shelving and four gallon-size door bins; the Element lists adjustable tempered-glass shelves and spacious door bins; and the Avanti includes adjustable refrigerator shelves, door racks, and fixed freezer shelves. Check how the freezer is arranged if you store bulky frozen food.
Check finish, lighting, and upkeep details
Interior lighting can make it easier to see items on shelves, and the Kenmore and Element descriptions both mention LED lighting. The Kenmore also lists a fingerprint-resistant finish. For upkeep, consider whether you want automatic defrost, as listed for the Element, and whether you’re comfortable maintaining a dispenser filter if you select the Kenmore. Verify the care and warranty details on the product listing before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these separate refrigerator and freezer units sold as a set?
No. The products listed here are individual refrigerators with fresh-food and freezer compartments in a side-by-side layout. Their descriptions do not identify them as separate matching refrigerator and freezer appliances.
Which model has the most storage?
The Kenmore has the most listed capacity at 29 cu. ft. The Element lists 21.4 cu. ft., and the compact Avanti lists 5.5 cu. ft.
Which option is best for a dorm or home office?
The Avanti is the compact choice and is specifically described for small spaces such as dorms and offices. Its limited capacity makes it better suited to basic groceries than to serving as the main refrigerator for a larger household.
Which refrigerator includes an ice-and-water dispenser?
The Kenmore description lists an external filtered ice-and-water dispenser and an ice maker in the freezer door. The supplied descriptions for the Element and Avanti do not list an external dispenser.
Does the Element require manual defrosting?
The Element is described as frost-free with automatic defrost, which helps prevent frost buildup and removes the need for manual defrosting.
What should I measure before ordering?
Measure the opening’s height, width, and depth, and consider the route into your home. Check the product listing for the refrigerator’s exact dimensions and any clearance requirements. The Kenmore is listed as 36 inches wide.
Are the listed products available to order?
Availability can change. Check the linked product listing for its current status and delivery details before making a purchase.
Final Recommendation
For a full-size side-by-side refrigerator with the most listed capacity and an external ice-and-water dispenser, the Kenmore is the strongest match in this group. The Element is a simpler full-size alternative with frost-free operation and adjustable shelves, while the Avanti is the practical choice when room is limited. First confirm that the appliance type, capacity, dimensions, and listing availability fit your needs.