You'll Never Guess This Lg Side By Side Fridge Freezer's Secrets
Side By Side Freezers Fridge
Side-by-side refrigerators offer plenty of space to store food items. Some, such as our top pick from Forno have counter-depth measurements that are flush with the cabinetry, giving it sleek, built-in style.
Other models also have freezer storage in different heights, which can be helpful for families with kids or for anyone who is struggling to reach shelves high up.
Size
As their name suggests, side-byside refrigerators come with two refrigerators and freezers on each side. They have a greater capacity than models with a top freezer and bottom-freezer. They are also slimmer and don't block your view like fridges with single doors, which is helpful for kitchens with smaller spaces.
Because they're larger than other refrigerator styles side-by-sides provide more storage space in the freezer, too. They usually have shelves and compartments that make organization easy, letting you keep frequently used items at eye level in the refrigerator section, and long-term foods on shelves that are higher and more difficult to reach in the freezer. They can include the option of ice and a water dispenser that lets you quickly access your drinks without having to open the freezer door.
The freezers in these refrigerators have separate cooling systems to guarantee the coldest, most even temperatures, which means food stays fresher for longer. Additionally, they have features to avoid loss and spoilage. These include an hydration station and air filters to eliminate odors, and crisper drawers that absorb ethylene gas to delay the over-ripening process of vegetables and fruits.
This type of refrigerator has an issue in that it is not as efficient as top-freezers or bottom-freezer units. They have a bigger vertical space that has to be chilled, which could drive up your utility bill. Plus, they're less effective in storing large items than other models and could not be suitable for people who suffer from mobility issues that make bending difficult.
Convenience
Side-by-side refrigerators have slimmer doors that require less space to open than other refrigerators. This makes them an ideal choice for kitchens with a limited space. Side-by-side fridges typically offer a larger capacity than French door refrigerators, too - usually 13 to 15 cubic feet for fresh food and 8 to 9 cubic feet for the freezer.
They can also be a great choice for small condos and homes where a larger refrigerator may make counter space. They aren't big enough to meet the storage needs of some families. Larger holiday dinners or other large containers might not be able to fit and even everyday kitchen utensils could not easily fit into the refrigerator. It is possible to rearrange shelves, but this can be a lengthy process and can reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator.
A side-by-side freezer's other limitation is that it allocates proportionally more room to the freezer than the refrigerator. This could be a problem when you are using a deep freezer frequently. The good thing is that a lot of models have a separate ice machine to provide the convenience of chilled drinks without relying on the cooling system of the refrigerator and there are solutions to avoid this possible drawback.
Make sure you choose a model with separate freezer and refrigerator sections. For example, the Preserve Food System by KitchenAid includes an air filter to keep odors in check and a system to absorb the ethylene to prevent it from overripening. It's an investment, but one that will save you money by keeping your food in good shape for longer.
Energy Efficiency
Overall, side-byside refrigerators use less energy than bottom freezer models. They also tend to cost less than French door refrigerators, and they can be more maintenance-friendly since their doors open just half as wide. However, you'll need to make sure your kitchen can accommodate the water and ice dispenser, which will require a plumbing connection that's sometimes more difficult to install in smaller kitchens. Furthermore, the larger apertures of a fridge that is side-by-side can make it difficult to store larger items.
Many manufacturers provide energy-saving features in their side-byside refrigerators, with adjustable shelves and LED lighting that keeps food visible even in darkest areas of the freezer. Some have separate cooling systems that monitor temperatures in the freezer and refrigerator sections, which can help prevent food waste by keeping popular items readily accessible and reducing the amount of frozen foods that you're not able to throw away because you forgot about them or they've spoiled.
You can also get refrigerators that have extra features like door-in-door access to snacks and drinks. This not only saves you time but also reduces energy consumption as the cold air is prevented from escaping the refrigerator. But, you can also buy a reliable side-by-side refrigerator without accessories for kitchens and budgets that like to keep things simple. Quincy Bulin, a Lowe's expert and writer covering everything from appliances for home improvement to latest appliances. She's always willing to assist you in finding the perfect products for your home. Ask her!
Storage
A majority of side-byside refrigerators feature water and ice dispensers that are built into the freezer. This is a great option to have easy access to cold drinks and snacks, as well as a convenient way to wash dishes or clean your glasses. But, it also reduces the capacity of your freezer. Make sure that your refrigerator is sufficient for your needs.
Contrary to bottom freezer refrigerators side-by-side fridges offer a larger storage capacity on the freezer side because of their vertical design. That means you can store things you frequently use on higher shelves while storing longer-term frozen goods lower down. The freezer has a variety of shelving options so you can arrange it to suit your needs.
The majority of modern side-by-side refrigerators have an elegant, premium design that improves the look of your kitchen. They also come with two doors, which create smaller footprints and less clutter than other configurations of refrigerators. Many models include cooler drawers and controls for humidity in addition to other features specific to each model.
Some fridges with side-by-side doors are Energy Star certified, meaning they'll cost less per day. If you're worried about your energy costs which is why they're an ideal option. However, the rigorous requirements required to earn this certification will add to the upfront price of a fridge with this label. This might not be a problem for some buyers, but it's worth thinking about when purchasing.