Best Value: Top Mount vs. Side-By-Side

Most every routine in the kitchen starts at the refrigerator. In fact, it’s the main reason we even go into the kitchen. Getting out the eggs for breakfast, the sandwich meat for lunch, and of course the ice cream late at night. The refrigerator also happens to be the largest appliance in the kitchen which means it will cost more than its smaller counterparts, like a microwave or a dishwasher. If you’re a budget shopper, it makes sense that you would want to make sure you get the best value of the refrigerator you purchase.

When it comes to getting the best value from your refrigerator, it’s important to determine your needs. Start by figuring out your budget, then the amount of space you’ll need based on your family size, the features you would like to have, and finally the style and look of your refrigerator. Here we compare the differences of price, capacity, and features between a top mount refrigerator and side by side refrigerator to help you choose the best economical refrigerator for your home.

Top Mount Refrigerator Value

The top mount configuration places the freezer on top and the refrigerator section below, also known as the most basic layout since the 1940s. Starting at under $600, top mount refrigerators offer an affordable option for any budget. You can also get plenty of space out of these refrigerators, with the GE Appliances top mount refrigerators ranging between 17.5 and 21.1 cubic feet, about enough space for a family of four. While these refrigerators tend to focus on just the basics without all the bells and whistles, they are still quality refrigerators that get the job done at a good price. The Whirlpool 21 Cu Ft Top Freezer offers features like the Flexi-Slide™ Bin for convenient storage options, LED interior lighting, and quiet cooling to not interrupt family time. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice on style, either, as most of these top freezers are avilable in the beautiful finishes you love, such as GE’s Slate and Whirlpool’s Black Stainless Steel.

Side-By-Side Refrigerator Value

The side-by-side configuration splits the fridge down the middle, with the refrigerator on the right and the freezer on the left, usually allocating a little extra room space for the refrigerated side. Starting at around $1200, these refrigerators offer more modern styling than their cheaper counterparts, while remaining affordable for bargain homes. Ranging between 21 cubic feet up to a large 28 cubic feet, these refrigerators deliver a lot of space for larger families who need that extra storage space. Side-by-side refrigerators also tend to offer more features, like Whirlpool's StoreRight™ System with Dual Cooling to reduce freezer burn and keep foods fresher, and GE's Advanced Water Filtration to reduce pharmaceuticals from water and ice. They also come in more exclusive finishes, including GE Black Stainless Steel and Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze.

Check out our large selection of GE Appliances, Whirlpool, and more name brands of top mount and side-by-side to discover which refrigerator was best for you!