The 3 Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators

After our old French door refrigerator finally gave up the ghost last winter, I went deep into researching a replacement. I was tired of digging through a bottom freezer drawer, so I decided to go back to a side-by-side model. It’s just easier to see everything you have in the freezer at a glance.

The best side by side fridge gives you great organization for both fresh and frozen food. Plus, the doors have a smaller swing radius, which was a big deal for our kitchen island layout. After looking at dozens of models and reading countless side by side fridge reviews, I’ve narrowed it down to the top three contenders for 2026.

Best Overall Side-by-Side

Samsung Bespoke RS28CB760012

This Samsung model runs around $1700, and it really feels like it belongs in a modern kitchen. The customizable door panels are a huge plus if you’re trying to match a specific design, but the real star is inside.

We’re a family that drinks a lot of water, and the built-in beverage center is fantastic. It has an auto-filling pitcher that’s always ready to go, so no more waiting on the dispenser. I also really like the auto-open door feature—just a light touch and it pops open, which is great when your hands are full. The temperature stays impressively consistent, even after we’ve loaded it up with groceries.

The Downside: While I love the features, I’ve seen some user reviews mention that the ice maker can be a bit finicky over time. It’s a common issue with a lot of modern fridges, but something to be aware of.

Best Value Side-by-Side

Frigidaire FRSS2623AS

At about $1100, this Frigidaire is the one I’d recommend to my friends who just want a solid, no-fuss refrigerator that works. It doesn’t have all the fancy tech, but it absolutely nails the basics. It’s a workhorse.

It keeps food cold, uses a surprisingly small amount of energy, and has plenty of room in the fridge section for a week’s worth of food. You still get the convenience of a through-the-door ice and water dispenser, which is a must-have for me. For the price, you really can’t beat the performance and reliability.

The Downside: The biggest drawback is how much freezer space the ice maker takes up. If you buy a lot of frozen food, you’ll notice the squeeze. It’s a trade-off for the convenience and low price point.

Best for Maximum Storage

Maytag MRSF6636RZ

This Maytag is priced around $2150, and you can tell it’s built to last and hold a ton of food. It feels incredibly sturdy, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel actually works. It’s a great pick for a big family that hits up warehouse stores.

The interior is just massive, and the PowerCold feature is perfect for chilling everything down fast after a big grocery trip. It blasts cold air to get new items to the right temperature quickly. I also have to admit, the “Arctic Blue” interior lighting looks really sharp and makes it easy to find things.

The Downside: For such a big fridge, there isn’t a lot of flexibility for rearranging the shelves. You’re pretty much stuck with the layout it comes with, which could be a problem if you often store oddly shaped or tall items.

What to Look For in a Side-by-Side Fridge

Choosing the right fridge really comes down to your own kitchen and family. The first thing I always check is the actual dimensions. Measure your space twice—height, width, and especially depth—to make sure it will fit and that you can open the doors all the way.

Think about how you use your freezer. The vertical layout of a side-by-side is amazing for organization because nothing gets buried. But, the compartments are narrower, so fitting in a giant frozen pizza or a huge turkey can sometimes be a challenge.

Finally, be honest about which features you’ll actually use. A fancy beverage center is great if you drink a lot of infused water, but if not, you might be paying for something you don’t need. Sometimes a simple, reliable model that just keeps your food cold is the best choice of all.