There are plenty of reasons to consider a side-by-side refrigerator. They’re distinct for their dedicated tall and narrow compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Cost: Side-by-side refrigerators are usually less expensive than French-door models. From 2019 to 2024, members surveyed by CR paid a median price of $1,388 for side-by-sides with icemakers, less than the $2,069 for French-door refrigerators with icemakers.
Features: More and more side-by-sides are equipped with many of the premium features typically found in French-door refrigerators, such as door-in-door designs.
Size: The narrow doors of side-by-sides are easier to open in tight kitchens.
Maintenance: Side-by-sides often cost less to repair than French-doors, based on our 2024 member survey. Depending on the price of the fridge, median out-of-pocket repair costs range from $159 to $249 for side-by-sides compared with a range of $189 to $325 for French-door fridges. (Find out whether you should repair or replace your broken refrigerator.)
