French Door vs. Side by Side Fridge

French door and side by side refrigerators are popular alternatives to traditional top freezer models. Even though they might look similar at first glance, their storage layouts and everyday conveniences are quite different.

French door refrigerators are popular options for modern kitchens, thanks to their spacious layouts and convenient access to fresh food. Like French doors in a home, a French door refrigerator has two upper doors that open at the middle to reveal wide shelving inside, usually with a freezer drawer that slides out underneath. Some of the higher end options contain built-in water and ice dispensers, and others (like Samsung styles) offer options with touch screens and even smart hubs.

French door refrigerators are an extremely attractive option for the kitchen, and for good reason. Here are just a few of the benefits of a French door refrigerator:

• Their modern design—often with a stainless steel finish—offers a sleek, elegant look to any kitchen.
• The wider dimensions allow for storage of larger food items, like sizable storage containers and large serving trays. If you often host dinner guests, this could be a major benefit for you.
• The open shelving design allows you to easily see what's in your fridge, helping to eliminate food waste and forgotten items.
• Thoughtful storage solutions allow you to adjust the shelf height, as well as find creative places (like the doors) to keep beverages and/or condiments.
• With a design that keeps all of your fresh foods and produce at eye level, you won't have to bend as much to access what you need for food prep.

French door fridges are excellent options for people who often prepare meals for large groups, where serving trays and easy access to fresh produce are beneficial.

While French door refrigerators have many benefits, depending on your budget and how you use your refrigerator, there could be some drawbacks as well.

• French door fridges are often more expensive than comparable side by side models, especially when they include premium finishes and extra features.
• Door bins and interior space can be affected by ice and water dispensers, so check that your favorite beverages and containers will fit.
• If you frequently reach for frozen foods, the bottom freezer drawer might be less convenient. Items can also become stacked together, depending on the drawer and basket layout.

A side by side refrigerator has top to bottom shelving on both sides, with one side serving as a freezer space and the other as the refrigerator. Generally, the refrigerator side is larger than the freezer side. Whirlpool and other kitchen appliance brands offer options that include ice and water dispensers.

Side by side fridges are another popular choice for both traditional and modern kitchens due to their familiar, practical layout. Here are some common reasons people opt for this style:

• Their narrower doors need less clearance to swing open, making them convenient for kitchens with tight walkways.
• The full-height freezer offers shelves from top to bottom, making frozen foods easier to organize and access. Actual freezer capacity varies by model.
• Shelving on both sides means that items can generally be accessed without needing to bend deeply or dig through stacked containers to find what you're looking for.
• Many models offer door bins for drinks and condiments, although larger containers may not fit in every model.

Side by side fridges are well-suited for kitchens with tight door clearance and for people who prefer having some fresh and frozen foods at eye level. Be sure to compare the overall width of individual models, since a narrow door does not always mean a narrower refrigerator.

While the side by side fridge is a popular option, depending on your needs, they could have some deal-breaking disadvantages.

• The slim design of a side by side fridge is great for those looking for a space saving option, but could be difficult for storage if you prepare food in wide containers and large volumes.
• The narrow refrigerator compartment can make it harder to fit wide platters or large food containers, even when the overall capacity is generous.

While side by side fridges and French door fridges are both attractive options for a kitchen upgrade, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose a French door model if wide fresh-food shelves and eye-level access matter most. Consider a side by side if you prefer organized, full-height freezer shelves or have a tight walkway. Before buying, compare each model's dimensions, usable storage, energy use and door clearance to find what works best for your kitchen.

Keep in mind that capacity and energy efficiency depend on the individual refrigerator, not just its door style. Built-in ice makers, water dispensers and other features can affect the space available inside. Measure the height, width and depth of your refrigerator opening, including room for ventilation, doors and drawers, before making your decision.

Still deciding which refrigerator is right for your kitchen? Here are answers to some common questions about French door and side by side models.

Is a French door refrigerator better than a side by side?

Which refrigerator style has more freezer space?

Are French door refrigerators more expensive than side by side refrigerators?

Which refrigerator is better for a small kitchen?

Are French door refrigerators more energy efficient?

What should I measure before buying a new refrigerator?