A side-by-side refrigerator pairs a full-height fresh food compartment beside a full-height freezer, split by two vertical doors.
A side-by-side refrigerator arranges the fresh food and frozen food storage in two tall, vertical columns instead of stacking them. It’s a layout that puts frozen meals at eye level and fits narrower spaces where a French-door swing would feel cramped. Current U.S. models range from roughly 22 to 26 cubic feet, as measured across popular LG and Frigidaire listings.
The Side-by-Side Layout, Defined
What makes a side-by-side distinct is the vertical split. A French-door refrigerator uses a full-width upper refrigerator with one or two doors and a pull-out freezer drawer at the bottom.
The format usually includes full-height doors, optional ice and water dispensers on the exterior, and interior shelving arranged in narrow columns.
Real-World Examples: What Current Models Offer
The distinctions become concrete when you compare actual listings. LG’s LSXC22386D, labeled a “22 cu.ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator,” is a counter-depth design with a total capacity of 21.70 cubic feet. LG’s spec sheet lists four shelves, nine door bins in the fresh food section, three freezer shelves, and two drawers. Its installation clearances are tight—sides at 1/8″, top at 1″, and back at 2″.
Frigidaire’s FRSS2623AS is the larger end of the spectrum. Listed as a 26 Cu. Ft. model, its total capacity comes to 25.6 cubic feet. Frigidaire’s product page notes an annual energy use of 647 kWh, refrigerant type R-600A, and a one-year warranty on both parts and labor. Another Frigidaire spec sheet example shows a 22.3-cubic-foot total, split into 14.3 cubic feet of fresh food space and 8 cubic feet of freezer space, with 15-amp circuit requirements.
| Specification | LG LSXC22386D | Frigidaire FRSS2623AS |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity | 21.70 cu. ft. | 25.6 cu. ft. |
| Width | 35 7/8″ | 36 1/8″ |
| Annual energy | Not listed | 647 kWh |
| Configuration | Counter-depth | Standard-depth |
| Refrigerant | Not listed | R-600A |
These two models illustrate the range. Standard-depth units like the Frigidaire sit flush with surrounding cabinets only if the cabinets are extra deep; counter-depth units like the LG tuck closer to the front edge of standard counters but give up some interior volume. When you compare options for your own kitchen, the exact spec sheet on the manufacturer’s site is the only reliable source for depth, width, and clearance.
Planning Installation: Clearances, Power, and Water
The right clearances determine whether your doors fully open and drawers slide out.
Electrical and plumbing requirements vary by model family. LG’s manual for side-by-side models specifies 115 V, 60 Hz electrical service and a water pressure range of 20–120 psi. Electrolux’s sheet recommends a dedicated 120V circuit and a cold-water supply at 30–100 psi. The manual also emphasizes grounding the appliance, keeping the front grille unobstructed, and avoiding installation beside heat sources like a range or dishwasher. Those ranges demonstrate why you must check your specific model’s documentation rather than assume one set of numbers applies universally.
Once you’ve confirmed dimensions and hookups, the practical question becomes which configuration fits your home’s layout and your family’s habits. If your priority is a streamlined fit into a standard-depth opening without giving up too much freezer access, a counter-depth side-by-side answers that need. For a thorough comparison of the leading 2-door models worth considering, see our tested roundup of the best 2-door side-by-side refrigerators, which breaks down capacity, layout, and value across today’s top picks.
Common Mistakes and Buying Caveats
Confusing a side-by-side with a French-door model is the most frequent error. If the freezer is a pull-out drawer at the bottom, you’re looking at a French-door unit, not a side-by-side. Check the hinge direction before you measure—a side-by-side’s doors need swing room for handles and bins, and depth can vary by several inches depending on whether the model is counter-depth or standard.
Efficiency ratings are not uniform. Some current side-by-side models carry ENERGY STAR certification while others, like the second Frigidaire example above, explicitly do not. Water pressure, voltage, and amp requirements also differ across manufacturer lines, so confirm your home’s supply matches the manual before the delivery crew arrives.
Choosing a side-by-side comes down to one honest trade: you gain upright freezer visibility and narrower door swing, but you lose the wide refrigerator shelves a French-door’s upper compartment provides. For many households folding bulky platters sideways feels like a chore; for others, the freezer-at-chest-height layout is the reason they buy one. Both configurations have their place—only you know which limitation your kitchen routines can tolerate.
FAQs
Are side-by-side refrigerators more expensive to run than French-door models?
Not inherently. Annual energy use varies more by model than by door configuration. The Frigidaire FRSS2623AS side-by-side uses roughly 647 kWh per year, while other models in the same category exceed that figure. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label on any specific unit, and verify whether it carries ENERGY STAR certification, since efficiency claims can’t be assumed from the door style alone.
Do side-by-side refrigerators need a dedicated circuit?
The correct answer comes from the manual for your exact model. LG’s documentation for side-by-side units specifies 115 V, 60 Hz service, while Electrolux’s sheet recommends a dedicated 120V circuit. Both manufacturers stress that the appliance must be grounded. Before installation, have an electrician confirm your outlet meets the requirements printed on the model’s data plate.
What water pressure is required for the ice maker?
It depends entirely on the model family. LG’s owner’s manual lists a range of 20 to 120 psi for its side-by-side units, while Electrolux’s documentation specifies 30–100 psi for its cold-water connection. If your home’s water pressure falls outside these bounds, an inline pressure regulator may be necessary. Consult your model’s installation guide before connecting the supply line.
References & Sources
- LG Electronics. “LSXC22386D Spec Sheet.” Provides capacity, clearance, and interior configuration details.
- Frigidaire. “FRSS2623AS Product Page.” Details capacity, energy use, refrigerant type, and warranty terms.
- Electrolux. Side-by-Side Refrigerator Specification Sheet. Explains clearance recommendations and electrical/plumbing guidance.
- Whirlpool. “French Door vs. Side-By-Side Refrigerator.” Clarifies the structural distinction between the two configurations.
