At a Glance
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Fridge
What are French Door Refrigerators?
Best-Rated French Door Refrigerators
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
You might be surprised at how your refrigerator style affects your daily life. If your refrigerator layout doesn’t make sense based on your needs, you might feel uncomfortable accessing your groceries or reaching in to grab a snack.
Two of the most popular layouts right now are French-door and side-by-side refrigerators. Both refrigerators have their pros and cons depending on who is using them. You don’t have to be an expert in French-door vs. side-by-side refrigerators – that’s what we’re here for.
Learn more about each refrigerator style to make the best choice for your home.
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French Door & Side-by-Side RefrigeratorsKey Considerations for Choosing the Right Fridge
Buying a refrigerator involves more than choosing between side-by-side or French-door models. Evaluate these factors to ensure the appliance meets your needs.
Capacity
- Standard Size: Typically 20-23 cubic feet.
- Large Size: Over 27 cubic feet for large households.
- Storage: Both types offer ample storage, but French-door models often have longer shelves, ideal for pizza boxes and party platters.
Smart Integration
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows smartphone management for temperature control and troubleshooting.
- Built-in Cameras: Some models let you check contents remotely, handy for grocery shopping.
Easy Access
- French-Door Models: It is easier for kids to access snacks from lower shelves or bonus drawers.
- Side-by-Side Models: These are preferred by taller individuals or those with disabilities because they allow easy access to both the fridge and freezer sections. They are also ideal for small kitchens because the doors do not protrude as much.
Family Needs
- Kids’ Accessibility: French-door refrigerators are more kid-friendly for snack access.
- Unreachable Top Shelves: Side-by-side models can keep treats out of children’s reach.
Produce Storage
- Preservation Technology: Both styles feature advanced air circulation, temperature control, and bacteria removal systems to reduce food waste.
Evaluate these criteria to choose the best refrigerator for your home, ensuring it meets your capacity, technology, accessibility, and family needs.
What are French Door Refrigerators?
French-door refrigerators have two key elements: the two top doors of the refrigerator section that open out and the bottom freezer that usually pulls out. The French doors are vertical, allowing you to keep half of your refrigerator closed simultaneously.
This style is preferred for people who use the refrigerator section more than the freezer. The freezer's pull-out design is also ergonomically more accessible for some people because reaching down into the compartment is easier.
Pros and Cons: French Door Refrigerators
If you want a new fridge, French-door appliances can’t be beaten. However, these refrigerators have some drawbacks. Here are their pros and cons.
✅ Pros
- Wide Shelves: Perfect for holding party platters and pizza boxes, offering more versatile storage.
- Energy Efficiency: You can close one door, minimizing cold air loss when accessing groceries.
- Home Value: Their popularity can boost the perceived value of your home.
❎ Cons
- Freezer Access: You must bend down to reach the freezer, which may be inconvenient.
- Cost: These refrigerators can be pricier compared to some side-by-side options.
French-door refrigerators offer excellent storage and efficiency, although they have a higher price tag and less convenient freezer access.
Best-Rated French Door Refrigerators
It’s hard to identify the best-rated French-door refrigerator because there are so many high-quality contenders in the market. However, here are three top French-door refrigerators to consider.
Frigidaire 36 in. 27.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop Frigidaire 27.8 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
This is an ideal refrigerator option for families that need a lot of storage capacity. It has plenty of room for your groceries, and the French-door layout makes everything easy to find.
This model is efficient because of the French-door design and the external water and ice dispenser. You can enjoy a cool drink without opening the doors. Consider adding this Frigidaire French-door refrigerator to your home.
LG 21.9 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Black Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop LG 21.9 Cu. Ft. Black French Door Refrigerator
This LG French-door refrigerator is a great choice for tech enthusiasts. The InstaView™ window allows you to check your groceries without opening the door.
This is perfect for making a shopping list or planning your dinner. LG also designed this refrigerator with a Door-in-Door® layout to maximize storage. Finally, the whole appliance can be managed through the ThinQ® app.
Café 22.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop Café 22.3 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
If you love the idea of a perfectly organized fridge, this Café French door refrigerator is for you. It comes with a bonus drawer with customizable temperature settings.
You can store healthy snacks for your kids at their level or chill wine ahead of a girls' night. Another cool feature is the hand-free water and ice dispenser, which will automatically fill your glass without causing spills.
⭐Featured Café #CXE22DP2PS1 Review:
"The backlighting is a very cool feature that makes it look futuristic and helps illuminate everything. Everything opens and shuts confidently and after almost two years, this thing looks just as new as when we first had it delivered. Superior fridge."
What is a Side-by-Side Fridge?
A side-by-side refrigerator is vertically split into two compartments, with the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. Even though it looks like the divide is down the middle, the refrigerator section usually has more room.
With this design style, both sections have space at eye level and lower shelves that homeowners need to reach down to access. The divide is more equal.
Pros and Cons: Side by Side Refrigerator
There are also pros and cons to choosing side-by-side refrigerators. Here’s what you need to know about these models.
✅ Pros
- Easy Access: No need to bend down to reach either section.
- Space-Saving Doors: Shorter doors are ideal for small spaces.
- Organizational Shelves: Numerous smaller shelves for easier organization.
❎ Cons
- Narrow Shelves: Limited space for large platters.
- Freezer Emphasis: Less ideal if you don't consume much frozen food.
Top Rated Side by Side Refrigerators
There are also plenty of appliances to find the best-rated side-by-side refrigerator. Different refrigerators meet the needs of specific customers. Here are a few popular side-by-side options to consider.
Frigidaire 22.2 Cu. Ft. Black Standard Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop Frigidaire 22.2 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
If efficiency is your main concern, the Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator is ideal. This Energy Star-certified appliance is engineered to lower electricity use.
The EvenTemp™ cooling system effectively cools your groceries, promoting air circulation and reducing food waste. The final touch is the external water and ice dispenser, supported by the PurePour™ water filter. Enjoy fresh, filtered water without ever opening the refrigerator door.
LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Craft Ice
Shop LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
You can purchase an LG refrigerator with a smart window regardless of whether you choose a French door or a side-by-side model.
One of the coolest features of this appliance is the Craft Ice™ maker, which produces round balls perfect for cocktails. You can also enjoy standard cubed ice or crushed ice if you prefer. This is a large-capacity appliance designed to support large families.
⭐Featured LG #LRSOS2706S Review:
"I love this refrigerator! Lots of organized space, a glass front so I can see inside, and my favorite feature: craft ice balls. These are wonderful for a good whiskey or just to make the kids' drinks fun."
Café 21.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator
Shop Café 21.9 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator
This Café side-by-side refrigerator has spillproof glass shelves that prevent leaks from tipping over the edges.
This is ideal if you have messy kids or little ones still working on their motor skills. The LED lighting makes it easy to see your groceries, so leftovers aren’t forgotten. The side-by-side design helps people find refrigerator and freezer items without bending down.
Explore Your Options: French-Door vs. Side-by-Side Refrigerators
There’s no definitive winner in the debate between French-door and side-by-side refrigerators. Each style caters to different needs and preferences. When it’s time to replace your old refrigerator, consider both options—you might be surprised by which one you prefer.
Visit your nearest East Coast Appliance location to explore various refrigerators. Browse the brands in this guide and discover other quality options to suit your needs.
Our team is here to help you choose between a French door and a side-by-side refrigerator, ensuring you get the best deal. Stop by today and let us assist you in finding the perfect appliance for your home.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our refurbished ones. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model —bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect, and you'll receive your price match.
Shop French Door or Side by Side Refrigerators at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop refrigerators online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the best French door or side by side refrigerators , whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!