The best fridge freezer side-by-side combo offers a perfect blend of ample refrigerator and freezer space, ideal for families and those who entertain frequently. When selecting one, consider crucial factors like energy efficiency, noise levels, and shelf configuration, as a suboptimal choice can lead to spoiled food and increased utility bills. The variety in features, from ice dispensers to smart capabilities, means a mismatch can significantly impact daily convenience and long-term satisfaction.
To help you navigate the market and find the ideal unit for your home, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best fridge freezer side-by-side combos available.
The best fridge freezer side by side combo balances capacity with configuration, often featuring spacious storage solutions. For instance, the Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu.
ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side refrigerator offers a 14.3 cu ft fresh food compartment and an 8 cu ft freezer, highlighting the importance of distinct, organized dual-compartment volumes for efficient kitchen use.
Best Fridge Freezer Side by Side Combo: At a Glance
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | Frigidaire, 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer Combo, 7.5 cu ft, Best for: Apartment dwellers | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo & Trim FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF Best for: Professional kitchens | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Frigidaire -5.4 Cu. Ft. – Side by Side 2-Door – Best for: Compact living | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer for Bedroom Best for: Bedroom chilling | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Frigidaire Retro Apartment Size Refrigerator with Top Freezer – 2 Best for: Retro kitchens | Check Price |
How We Picked
We prioritized build quality, real-world performance during testing, safety features, and long-term durability when selecting the best fridge freezer side by side combo. Models like the Frigidaire Professional 36-inch with its ample counter-depth capacity and Energy Star certification stood out. We ruled out smaller, less robust units like the Midea 3.1 cu.
ft. mini-fridge due to their limited functionality and perceived lower build standards.
Standout features, such as adjustable thermostats and organized storage solutions found in various Frigidaire 7.5 cu. ft. models, were also key differentiators.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Accessing Essentials: Fridge vs. Freezer Reach
A key advantage of side-by-side models is the equal placement of refrigerator and freezer compartments. This means items in both sections are typically at waist or chest height, making both fresh and frozen foods easily accessible without excessive bending or reaching. This contrasts with top or bottom freezer designs where one compartment often requires more effort.
Consider the Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu.
ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side for its balanced layout, offering 14.3 cu ft fresh food and 8 cu ft freezer.
Column vs. Integrated Units: Major Size Matters
When considering larger side-by-side configurations, you’ll encounter column units designed for custom installations, like the PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo (FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF). These offer massive capacity (18.6 cu. ft.
per unit) and are ideal for large households or dedicated entertaining spaces. Contrast this with more compact, all-in-one units such as the Frigidaire 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer Combo (7.5 cu.
ft.), which blend both functions into a single, more space-conscious footprint.
1. Frigidaire, 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer Combo, 7.5 cu ft,
Best for: Apartment kitchens and small spaces.
A 7.5 cu. ft. capacity on this Frigidaire refrigerator means you can store a week’s worth of groceries without issue, keeping essentials within easy reach in its platinum finish.
Featuring three glass shelves, a transparent crisper drawer for produce, and a single door bin, this compact unit offers organized storage. Its upright, freezer-on-top configuration with a total of three shelves and one door bin maximizes usable space.
Pros
- 7.5 cu. ft. total capacity
- Removable glass shelves
- Transparent crisper drawer
- Reversible door orientation
Cons
- Manual defrost system requires periodic emptying and wiping
This Frigidaire model is ideal for apartment dwellers or those needing a secondary fridge for overflow. Its manageable size and capacity suit single individuals or couples aiming for organized food storage.
2. PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo & Trim FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF
Best for: High-capacity custom kitchen builds.
Each 33-inch column in this PROFESSIONAL set offers a substantial 18.6 cu. ft. capacity, providing ample room for both refrigerator and freezer needs with digital temperature control.
The refrigerator column boasts an internal water dispenser, while the freezer includes an internal ice maker. Side-by-side installation is facilitated by a required twin pairing kit and a 79-inch louvered trim kit, creating a seamless look.
Pros
- 18.6 cu. ft. capacity per column
- Internal ice maker
- Internal water dispenser
- Digital temperature control
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of a twin pairing kit for side-by-side setup
This professional-grade setup is suited for custom kitchens or large homes where high-capacity, integrated refrigeration is desired. It offers significant storage volume and convenient features for frequent users.
3. Frigidaire -5.4 Cu. Ft. – Side by Side 2-Door –
Best for: Compact living and dorm rooms.
A total 5.4 Cu. Ft. capacity is split between refrigerator and freezer sections in this side-by-side unit, with the refrigerator providing 3.3 Cu. Ft. for fresh items.
The refrigerator compartment includes two removable glass shelves and a vegetable crisper with a glass cover for organized storage. Both doors feature bins for additional capacity, enhancing the utility of this compact appliance.
Pros
- 5.4 cu. ft. total capacity
- 3.3 cu. ft. refrigerator capacity
- Vegetable crisper with glass cover
- Two removable glass shelves
Cons
- Manual defrost requires attention
This compact side-by-side is designed for small living spaces like dorm rooms or small apartments. Its efficient use of space makes it suitable for individuals or couples needing basic refrigeration and freezing capabilities.
4. Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer for Bedroom
Best for: Dorm rooms and personal bars.
The Midea WHD-113FSS1, measuring 18.519.3732.95 inches, provides 3.1 cu. ft. of total capacity with a dedicated 0.92 cu. ft. freezer for small-footprint chilling needs.
This double-door mini fridge offers 2.16 cu. ft. for refrigeration and features mechanical adjustable thermostats for precise temperature control. Two wire shelves and one door bin are included for organization.
Pros
- 3.1 cu. ft. total capacity
- 0.92 cu. ft. dedicated freezer
- Mechanical adjustable thermostats
- Compact dimensions (18.5″ W x 19.37″ D x 32.95″ H)
Cons
- Manual defrost system requires regular attention
Ideal for dorm rooms, offices, or small apartments, this Midea mini fridge offers dual compartments. It’s perfect for chilling beverages and storing a small amount of fresh food in limited space.
5. Frigidaire Retro Apartment Size Refrigerator with Top Freezer – 2
Best for: Retro kitchens and apartment dwellers.
This 7.5 cu. ft. apartment size refrigerator with a top freezer offers a retro design and ample space for everyday essentials, ensuring convenience in a smaller footprint.
It features three removable glass shelves, a transparent crisper, and a full-width door bin for organized storage of fresh foods. The dedicated freezer compartment provides additional space for frozen items.
Pros
- 7.5 cu. ft. spacious storage
- Retro design aesthetic
- Removable glass shelves
- Transparent crisper drawer
Cons
- Manual defrost system needs manual clearing
Perfect for those who appreciate vintage style and need compact refrigeration, this Frigidaire model suits apartment kitchens and small households. It balances aesthetics with practical food storage needs.
6. Frigidaire Retro Compact Fridge Freezer Combo, 3.1 cu. ft. Capacity,
Best for: Small apartments and studio living.
A 3.1 cu. ft. capacity retro compact fridge from Frigidaire combines practical design with ample storage for favorite foods and beverages in a space-saving form factor.
This unit includes a full-width freezer shelf and door bin for organized frozen food storage, illuminated by bright incandescent lighting. Two glass shelves and one door bin in the refrigerator section offer further organization.
Pros
- 3.1 cu. ft. capacity
- Retro design
- Full-width freezer shelf
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Manual defrost system requires user intervention
This Frigidaire retro compact is a great choice for studio apartments or small kitchens where style and functionality are key. It offers sufficient capacity for essential food and drinks in a retro package.
7. Frigidaire Retro 9.2 Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer,
Best for: Homes needing accessible freezer.
This Frigidaire refrigerator features a 9.2 Cu. Ft. capacity with a bottom-mount freezer, providing comfortable access to frozen goods without bending as much.
The appliance boasts a sleek build that fits into minimal space, featuring three glass shelves and five door shelves for ample storage. Its upright, two-door configuration offers separation for fresh and frozen items.
Pros
- 9.2 cu. ft. large capacity
- Bottom mount freezer for easier access
- Sleek build for minimal space
- Five door shelves for storage
Cons
- Fixed door orientation limits placement options
This Frigidaire unit is ideal for individuals or families who prefer easier access to their freezer contents. Its large capacity and space-saving design make it suitable for various kitchens, including dorm rooms or offices.
8. Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side
Best for: Entertainers and large families.
The Frigidaire Professional 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator offers 22.3 cu. ft. of counter-depth capacity, with 14.3 cu. ft. dedicated to fresh food storage.
This model includes an external ice and water dispenser for convenient access to chilled filtered water and cube/crushed ice. The EvenTemp Cooling System ensures consistent temperatures throughout the unit.
Pros
- 22.3 cu. ft. counter-depth capacity
- External ice and water dispenser
- EvenTemp Cooling System
- ENERGY STAR Certified
Cons
- Adjustable temperature control is not specified
Designed for busy kitchens and households that entertain frequently, this professional-grade Frigidaire model provides ample, accessible storage. Its counter-depth design integrates seamlessly into modern cabinetry.
9. Frigidaire Platinum Fridge Freezer Combo, 7.5 cu. ft. Capacity Apartment
Best for: Apartment dwellers seeking efficiency.
With a 7.5 cu. ft. platinum capacity, this Frigidaire refrigerator provides a separate freezer compartment and ample storage for apartment essentials, keeping everything organized.
This unit features spill-proof glass shelves, a transparent crisper, and extensive door storage, including a dispense-a-can feature for easy beverage access. Adjustable leveling legs ensure stable placement.
Pros
- 7.5 cu. ft. capacity
- Separate freezer compartment
- Spill-proof glass shelves
- Dispense-a-can storage
Cons
- Manual defrost system requires regular maintenance
This Frigidaire platinum model is perfect for apartment dwellers needing organized storage and a dedicated freezer. Its efficient design and features like spill-proof shelves cater to practical, everyday use.
10. Frigidaire, 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator with Freezer, 7.5 cu
Best for: Small kitchens and studio apartments.
This 7.5 cu. ft. Frigidaire refrigerator, designed for apartments, offers a distinct compartment for frozen goods and easily accessible storage for all your food items.
It includes four door shelves for added bottle and item storage, alongside three slide-out glass shelves and a transparent crisper for fresh produce. The adjustable thermostat allows for temperature customization.
Pros
- 7.5 cu. ft. total capacity
- Four door shelves
- Slide-out glass shelves
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Manual defrost system necessitates periodic emptying and cleaning
This Frigidaire is an excellent option for smaller living spaces, offering a good balance of refrigerator and freezer capacity. Its numerous door bins and shelves make it easy to keep frequently used items readily available.
Capacity Dictates Practicality for Side-by-Sides
When selecting a best fridge freezer side by side combo, the primary determinant of suitability is not brand prestige or a laundry list of marginal features, but sheer volumetric capacity. For households exceeding two adults or those who entertain frequently, anything less than 20 cubic feet becomes a logistical nightmare, forcing constant inventory management and strategic meal planning that few have the time or inclination for. The Frigidaire Professional 36 in.
22.3 cu. ft.
Counter Depth Side-by-Side, with its substantial 14.3 cu ft fresh food and 8 cu ft freezer allocation, offers the scale necessary for true convenience, allowing for larger grocery runs and bulk meal preparation without compromise. This is not about having ample space; it’s about creating the freedom to store, preserve, and access foods as needed. Conversely, the smaller units, like the Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer for Bedroom at 3.1 cu.ft.
or the Frigidaire -5.4 Cu. Ft.
– Side by Side 2-Door, are fundamentally different appliances designed for distinct use cases. These compact options, including various 7.5 cu. ft.
models from Frigidaire such as the 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer Combo and the Retro Apartment Size Refrigerator with Top Freezer, are best suited for single individuals, dorm rooms, or as secondary refrigeration. Their utility is severely limited for primary household storage, where the sheer volume of perishables and frozen goods quickly overwhelms their capacity.
The fundamental mistake buyers make is treating these smaller units as scaled-down versions of full-size appliances, expecting a similar level of storage utility when the reality is a vastly different functional profile. The distinction between the capacious PROFESSIONAL Stainless Steel Refrigerator Freezer Combo & Trim FPRU19F8WF FPFU19F8WF, offering 18.6 Cu. Ft.
per column, and the aforementioned smaller Frigidaire variants highlights this critical trade-off. While the PROFESSIONAL unit is designed for serious food storage needs, providing substantial room for both fresh and frozen items, the smaller Frigidaire models are optimized for space efficiency, not volume.
A buyer prioritizing ease of access over extensive storage might find themselves satisfied with a 7.5 cu. ft. model, but even then, understanding its limitations compared to larger units is paramount.
The specification of Apartment Size or Mini is not merely descriptive; it’s a functional boundary that dictates how the appliance can realistically be used. Ultimately, the decision hinges on an unflinching assessment of your actual food storage requirements.
For households that regularly require significant storage, the Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft.
Counter Depth Side-by-Side represents a category of appliance where practical capacity is the defining feature.
What to Look For in a Fridge Freezer Side by Side Combo
Capacity and storage space
When selecting your ideal side-by-side fridge freezer, prioritize total capacity, aiming for 25-30 cubic feet for a family of four. Evaluate the freezer-to-refrigerator ratio; if you freeze more items, a 50/50 split is optimal, whereas a 60/40 refrigerator-dominant split suits fresh food enthusiasts. Look for refrigerators with at least four adjustable shelves and a minimum of four door bins for flexible organization.
Two crisper drawers and a dedicated deli compartment are essential for preserving produce and meats. Choose models offering these features for superior food management.
Dimensions and installation requirements
Proper dimensions and installation clearances are paramount for side-by-side refrigerators. Standard widths range from 30 to 36 inches, fitting most kitchen openings; select 36 inches for maximum internal space. Counter-depth models offer a flush, built-in look, while standard-depth units provide greater storage.
Ensure at least 1-2 inches of ventilation space at the back and top, and 0.5 inches on the sides. Always measure your doorway and the path to the kitchen to confirm door swing clearance, typically around 30-40 inches for full access.
Opt for the dimension that precisely matches your kitchen’s constraints.
Energy efficiency and features
Energy efficiency and advanced features enhance the usability of your side-by-side fridge freezer. Insist on ENERGY STAR certification to guarantee lower electricity consumption and reduced utility bills; this is a non-negotiable for cost-conscious buyers. A noise level below 45 decibels ensures a quieter kitchen environment.
Bright, energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates the interior clearly. For convenience, choose models with an integrated ice maker and water dispenser; internal dispensers maintain a sleeker exterior, while external ones offer immediate access.
Select an ENERGY STAR certified model with under 45 dB noise for optimal performance and comfort.
Finish and design aesthetics
The finish and design of your side-by-side refrigerator should complement your kitchen’s aesthetic. Stainless steel remains a popular, durable choice, while black stainless steel offers a modern, sophisticated look. White provides a classic, budget-friendly option.
For busy households, a fingerprint-resistant finish is a clear advantage, significantly reducing cleaning time. Handle design also matters; integrated or recessed handles create a streamlined appearance, whereas traditional bar handles offer a more utilitarian feel.
Choose a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel or black stainless steel model with integrated handles for a stylish and low-maintenance kitchen centerpiece.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you have limited kitchen space and minimal storage needs, choose a compact 3.1 cu. ft. or 5.4 cu. ft. model.
- If you need ample storage for a family and want easy access to both fresh and frozen items, choose a larger 7.5 cu. ft. or 22.3 cu. ft. side-by-side model.
- If you desire a high-end, integrated look and have significant storage requirements, opt for professional column refrigerator and freezer units with substantial capacity.
Quick Best Fridge Freezer Side By Side Combo Buying Checklist
- Measure Your Space Accurately: Ensure the height, width, and depth fit your kitchen.
- Check Door Swing Clearance: Confirm doors can open fully without obstruction.
- Evaluate Capacity Needs: Match the total volume and compartment split to your household’s usage.
- Prioritize Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR certified models to save on utility bills.
- Consider Noise Levels: Select a model with a decibel rating suitable for your living space.
- Verify Finish and Style: Choose a design that complements your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Typical Capacity Range For A Fridge Freezer Side By Side Combo?
Fridge freezer side by side combos generally offer substantial storage, typically ranging from 20 to 30 cubic feet in total volume. This capacity split between the refrigerator and freezer sections can vary, with common configurations like 50/50 or 60/40, catering to different user needs.
How Much Space Is Needed For Ventilation Around A Side By Side Fridge?
Adequate ventilation is crucial for efficient operation, requiring specific clearance. Manufacturers usually recommend at least 1-2 inches of space at the back and top, and often a small gap on the sides to allow for proper air circulation.
What Are The Benefits Of Energy Star Certification For A Fridge Freezer Side By Side Combo?
ENERGY STAR certified models are designed for superior energy efficiency, consuming less electricity than non-certified appliances. This leads to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact over the appliance’s lifespan.
Are Counter-Depth Side By Side Refrigerators A Good Option?
Counter-depth side by side refrigerators offer a more integrated, built-in look by aligning with standard cabinet depth. While they may have slightly less internal capacity than standard-depth models, they provide a sleeker aesthetic without compromising core functionality.
What Is The Difference Between Internal And External Ice Makers In Side By Side Models?
External ice makers are integrated into the dispenser on the door, offering convenient access to ice and chilled water. Internal ice makers are located within the freezer compartment, which can sometimes free up more shelf space in the freezer.
Final Words
Choosing the best fridge freezer side by side combo can significantly elevate your kitchen’s functionality and organization. These versatile appliances offer convenient access to both fresh and frozen foods, optimizing your storage and daily routines. Invest wisely in a model that suits your space and needs to enjoy an efficient and stylish kitchen upgrade.