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Refrigerators: Side-by-Side vs French Door

Posted on February 28, 2023


Are you looking to update your home with a new refrigerator? It’s important to consider the different design options as they will impact the overall look, feel, and practicality of your kitchen. Side-by-side refrigerators and French door refrigerators are both known for their clean and modern look that adds a touch of luxury to any space.

Ultimately, both styles are extremely popular but you may be wondering which one is the right fit for you. They each offer distinct features that accommodate different lifestyles, your personal preferences and needs will help determine which style is a better fit for your kitchen. Let’s review the pros and cons of both refrigerator designs to help you make the right choice!

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Side-By-Side Refrigerators

Developed in 1949, side-by-side refrigerators were popularized through the era of modern conveniences and were considered one of the most popular refrigerator styles for over half a century thanks to their versatility.

Its clean and practical design is still trending today and allows the side-by-side refrigerator to offer nearly 20% more usable space compared to French door refrigerators. The style also offers a narrower profile which is ideal for smaller layouts, such as galley kitchens. Here are a few of the main pros and cons of side-by-side refrigerators.

Pros of Side-By-Side Refrigerators

• 20% more usable space than French door refrigerators

• Store freezer items at eye level for easier visibility and accessibility

• Shorter individuals or children can easily access items from both compartments

• Tend to be more budget-friendly than French door styles

• They take up less space in your kitchen

• Reduced door swing clearance

• Adjustable shelves

Cons of Side-By-Side Refrigerators

• Does not offer flexibility for larger items because it limits the width of each compartment

• Divides the freezer and refrigerator sections evenly in half, leaving less refrigeration room when compared to other styles

• Are not as energy efficient as French door models

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French Door Refrigerators

Developed in the late 1990s, French door refrigerators received their name due to the design’s resemblance to conspicuous French doors found in French architecture and decor. The main difference between a side-by-side and a French door model is the freezer drawer on the bottom and the larger two-door refrigeration compartment.

This design makes it perfect for stocking up on groceries and easily storing larger items such as pizza boxes. Here are a few of the main pros and cons of French door refrigerators.

Pros of French Door Refrigerators

• Ample storage space for large items

• Wide shelves and compartments

• Easy access to fresh ingredients

• Customizable interiors like adjustable shelves and compartments

• Reduced door swing clearance

Cons of French Door Refrigerators

• Smaller freezer space

• Less freezer organization

• They tend to be pricier than side-by-side refrigerators

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Counter Depth Refrigerators

Both of these trendy refrigerator styles are available as counter-depth models. Counter-depth refrigerators are built to only slightly stick out past your kitchen cabinetry and counters. Most styles typically do not stick out more than an inch or two and tend to be under 30 inches deep. People often choose to go for a counter-depth model when they are wanting to achieve a more streamlined and high-end look in their kitchen.

This design offers a similar look to built-in refrigerators at a more affordable price. If you are looking to add a touch of luxury to your space, consider shopping for counter-depth French door refrigerators or counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators.

French Door Vs Side-By-Side

The main difference between the two styles is the following. Side-by-side models offer more vertical storage and evenly divide the space for both freezer and refrigeration space. French door models offer more refrigeration storage with a smaller freezer drawer on the bottom. Both have sleek modern designs and the right one for you comes down to personal preference and lifestyle fit.

For instance, if you have a large family, like to host often, or bulk buy groceries, then a French door fridge would be a great fit. They offer the ample fresh food storage space you need and allow for easy refrigeration organization. If you live alone or with a partner, enjoy the convenience of having both fresh and frozen items at eye level, and are on a budget, then a side-by-side fridge is a good option to consider.

No matter which style you choose, both designs offer models with smart features, water filtration, water and ice dispensers, energy star certifications, adjustable shelves, and more!

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Best French Door Refrigerators

We offer a great variety of the best French door refrigerators from many top-performing kitchen appliance brands. There are two of our favorite French door models of the moment:

GE ENERGY STAR 27.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant French-Door Refrigerator

This GE refrigerator French door model is sure to upgrade your kitchen space in design and functionality. The large 27.7 Cu. Ft storage space makes it perfect for those with large families offering immense storage space with bins for easy organization. It also features two humidity-controlled drawers to keep your fruits and veggies fresh for longer.

Top Features:

• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel

• Space-saving ice maker

• Humidity controlled drawers

• Gallon door storage

• Spill-proof shelves

• Two-level freezer storage baskets

• Energy star certified

Bosch 800 Series French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator 36" Easy clean stainless steel

This Energy Star-certified Bosch French door refrigerator boasts a beautifully modern counter-depth design that will take your kitchen decor to the next level. With this model, storage space and organization for fresh food items will never be a problem. Keep your food in the perfect environment by remotely controlling temperature settings with the Home Connect app!

Top Features:

• Air circulation consistency with MultiAirFlow

• Farm fresh system

• Energy Star Certified

• Easy clean stainless steel

• Remotely control temperature settings

• Ice maker

The Best Side-By-Side Refrigerators

We offer a great variety of the best side-by-side refrigerators from many top-performing kitchen appliance brands. There are two of our favorite side-by-side door models of the moment:

Cafe 21.9 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator

The sleek counter-depth design will seamlessly integrate with your kitchen cabinetry while the overall design provides great organization for your frozen and fresh foods. Made a mess? Not to worry, adjustable glass spill-proof shelves easily slide out for easy cleanup. Bright LED lights showcase the refrigerator interior to make it easy to spot items no matter where they are stored.

Top Features:

• Humidity controlled drawers

• Adjustable spill-proof glass shelves

• Counter depth look

• LED lighting

• Clear-look door bins

KitchenAid 22.6 cu ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Exterior Ice and Water and PrintShield finish

Built to help prioritize space organization, this Kitchenaid side-by-side refrigerator has everything you will ever need. Enjoy the convenience and modern style this counter-depth refrigerator has to offer. From an in-door ice system, clear LED lighting, and a smudge-resistant print shield exterior finish, this model will have everyone turning their heads.

Top Features:

• Measured water fill

• Exterior ice and water dispenser

• In-door ice system

• LED lighting

• Preserva food care system

• Print shield finish

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Top Refrigerators For Sale Near You

If you are looking for the perfect refrigerator, Bray & Scarff can help. We offer a large inventory of the best French door, side-by-side, top mount, bottom freezer, built-in, and under-counter refrigerators. No matter what you are searching for, we have a great selection of fridges to match every budget, style, and need.

Stop by one of our store locations in Frederick, Alexandria, Bethesda, Springfield, Laurel, and more in Virginia and Maryland. Our kitchen appliance experts will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect appliance for your home from start to finish.

If you are looking to remodel your kitchen, our kitchen remodeling services can help you build the kitchen of your dreams. For all of your kitchen and appliance needs, visit Bray & Scarff, the best kitchen appliance store near you!

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