Which side by side refrigerator has the best ice maker

With one of the best side-by-side refrigerators, you’ll hit the sweet spot between food storage and style. These spacious additions to your kitchen are all about organization, and handily, the models in our round-up all provide a generous amount of fridge and freezer space with features such as adjustable bin doors and shelving. Whether it’s a nifty countertop model that you’d like to tuck out of the way or a high-capacity fridge with plenty of space for all your favorite sweet treats and go-to ingredients, you’ll be sorted with the side-by-side refrigerator in your kitchen.

If you fancy yourself a tech wiz, the very best side-by-side refrigerators also come with smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and app connectivity, meaning that you’ll be able to take charge from a distance. Door-in-door tech is by far the highest end feature up for grabs, letting you check in on your food without any cold air escaping the refrigerator. On the other end of the scale, more basic features that you should expect from the best side-by-side fridge could include ice and water dispensers or LED lighting to aid any late-night snacks.

The best side-by-side refrigerators often benefit from an Energy Star rating to push down running costs in the long-run. When you’re on a slightly tighter budget, you don’t necessarily need to compromise on space either. The Samsung model in our round-up has 29 cubic feet of space, but still at an affordable price tag for families who want a balance between price, space and features.

If you’re looking to browse all your options before making a final decision, our guides to the best French door refrigerators (opens in new tab) and the best freezers (opens in new tab) will also come in handy.

1. LG LSXS26366S: Best side-by-side refrigerator overall

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With door-in-door technology and high customer satisfaction, this fridge is our top pick

Specifications

Capacity : 26cu. ft.

Counter Depth?: No

Energy Star? : No

Reasons to buy

+

Door-in-door technology

Reasons to avoid

-

Not Energy Star certified  

This is the ultimate all-rounder of side-by-side fridges. We love door-in-door technology for convenience and energy efficiency, but it's hard to get this feature for a reasonable price. The LG LSXS26366S offers this along with a Slim SpacePlus ice maker, impressive 26cu. ft. storage and energy-efficient LED lighting, all for a mid-range price. LG gets the balance right between modern features and high performance at a somewhat affordable price in the LSXS26366S. Perfect for bigger families and boasting the J.D. Power Award for highest customer satisfaction in side-by-side fridges, this model also has an impressive five year sealed system warranty. The only hangup? It's not Energy Star certified. 

• Read our LG LSXS26366S side-by-side refrigerator review (opens in new tab)

2. Samsung RS25J500DSR/AA: Best budget side-by-side refrigerator

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It lacks some of the fancy elements of more expensive fridges, but the Samsung RS25J500DSR/AA delivers on value

Specifications

Capacity : 24.5cu. ft.

Counter Depth?: : No

Energy Star? : No

Reasons to buy

+

Power freeze and cooling

Reasons to avoid

-

Not Energy Star certified 

The Samsung RS25J500DSR/AA is a well-sized side-by-side refrigerator. It's one of the more affordable models in our comparison and boasts some nice features, like power freeze and cooling, LED lights and humidity-controlled crisper drawers to store fruits and vegetables at optimum conditions.

Some have complained that the ice and water dispenser has no lighting which makes it hard to operate, but with lower-priced side-by-side refrigerators you often get less of these convenient add-ons. There's a five year sealed system warranty and energy costs are estimated to be around $82 per year. It's not Energy Star certified despite its many energy-saving features. 

• Read our Samsung RS25J500DSR/AA side-by-side refrigerator review

3.  LG LRSES2706V: Best high-end side-by-side refrigerator

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This is the future of side-by-side refrigerators, but it doesn't come cheap

Specifications

Capacity : 26.8 cu. ft.

Counter Depth?: Yes

Energy Star? : Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Door-in-door and InstaView technology

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

If you want a stunning side-by-side refrigerator that also has a unique door-in-door feature then the LG LRSES2706V is ideal for you. The clean lines and anti-fingerprint steel finish look stunning while the glass front makes this a rare beauty indeed. It's also useful, allowing you to open the door-in-door to quickly access regular items without letting all the cold out of the rest of the fridge. That means this is more energy-efficient and will keep food fresher for longer than the competition. 

Of course all that means you pay a premium, but with all that storage at near 27 cubic feet, an auto ice maker, humidity controls, multi-air system and LED lighting, it certainly justifies the cost.

• Read our LG LRSES2706V side-by-side refrigerator review (opens in new tab)

4. Amana ASI2575GRS: Best value for money side-by-side refrigerator 

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This mid-size model is good for anyone looking for a well-designed, easy to organize refrigerator.

Specifications

Capacity: 24.6

Counter depth?: No

Energy Star?: No

Reasons to buy

+

A range of finishes 

Reasons to avoid

-

Lacks in energy efficiency  

The Amana ASI2575GRS is a good choice if you need a side-by-side refrigerator with a sizable capacity, that’s also good value for money. It won’t break the bank to add this appliance in your home, and once it’s there, it should be easy to use and organize as you like. That’s thanks to the adjustable bin doors and shelves, so you can position the inside of your fridge to suit the groceries you buy. After all, there’s nothing more annoying than trying to jam that last object into your fridge.

There’s also a built-in ice and water dispenser for a family to make use of, with different types of ice available too. The downside to this model is that it’s not too energy-efficient, and as it isn’t smart-enabled, you can’t control it from your phone. If you can overlook these things, then the Amana ASI2575GRS is an excellent family-friendly choice. 

• Read our Amana ASI2575GRS (opens in new tab) side-by-side refrigerator review. 

5. Samsung RS27T5561SR: Best smart side-by-side refrigerators  

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This refrigerator does a lot more than keep your food cool, and will soon become the center of your home.

Specifications

Capacity: 26.7 cubic feet

Counter depth: No

Energy Star?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

FamilyHub has a vast array of apps to use within the refrigerator 

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive  

The Samsung RS27T5561SR will be sure to become the favorite appliance of your whole family, with technology more befitting of a smartphone than a side-by-side refrigerator. With Samsung’s ‘Family Hub’ technology, you can download apps to do anything from streaming your favorite songs and TV shows to linking up to your smart doorbell and seeing who’s on the porch. And perhaps the most impressive feature that you can access from the 27.5 inch touchscreen is the built-in camera inside the fridge which can update your shopping list to tell you what you need to stock up on. 

Aside from all the snazziness, the Samsung RS27T5561SR is also an excellent choice due to its hefty capacity, excellent organization features, and Energy Star certification. It’s also got a five-year warranty to back it up. As you might have guessed, getting this refrigerator of the future doesn’t come cheap, however, but would make a solid investment given all of its tricks. 

6. KitchenAid KBSD608ESS: Best side by side refrigerator with a large capacity 

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The huge KitchenAid KBSD608ESS is brimming with excellent features but comes at an eye-watering price.

Specifications

Capacity: 29.5 cubic feet

Counter depth: No

Energy Star: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

High tech features  

Reasons to avoid

-

Too big for many kitchens 

The KitchenAid KBSD608ESS is the perfect side-by-side refrigerator for anyone who needs a lot of space and has a lot of money to spend on getting it. Its main draw is its unfathomably large capacity, which can safely tuck away a whole stash of groceries and have room left over for more. It’s the largest of its kind we’ve seen, with 29.5 cubic feet to organize to your heart’s content. 

And to handle all of that space, this refrigerator also has some pretty neat features, including a system to keep the perfect level of coolness throughout all of its different zones. This works alongside the Produce Preserver, which is a system designed to absorb ethylene gas and prevent your fruit and veggies from going bad before you’ve had a chance to tuck in. 

This refrigerator would undoubtedly make a good addition to your home on the aesthetic front as well, with a fingerprint-resistant exterior and extensive LED lighting inside. All of the grandeur of this appliance does come at a hefty price, however, with a price tag a million miles away from affordable.

• Read our KitchenAid KBSD608ESS review (opens in new tab). 

7. Frigidaire FGSC2335TF: Best counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator 

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The perfect model if you need something to sit flush with your kitchen cabinets.

Specifications

Capacity: 22.1 cu. Ft

Counter depth: Yes

Energy Star?: No

Reasons to buy

+

Perfect size for sitting alongside countertops 

Reasons to avoid

-

No in-door technology

The Frigidaire FGSC2335TF is the perfect appliance for you if you’re short on space, and need your new side-by-side refrigerator to fit seamlessly into your home. Or if you want dedicated space to store your favorite beverages, as this appliance also has a wine rack and extra shelves for cans and other drinks. 

There are air and water filters built-in with this model, so you will have only the freshest water and ice being dispensed from the front of the appliance. The Frigidaire FGSC2335TF also has a fingerprint-resistant exterior, so you don’t have to worry about any mucky marks on your shiny new refrigerator. Its 22.1 cubic feet capacity means that you won’t have to spend an age rustling around for snacks either, as it has a shallower design than most models. The one-year warranty is less impressive, however, and may not be enough to impress those who want a little more peace of mind. 

8. Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ: Best side-by-side refrigerator with organizational features  

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Get excellent organizational features built-in with this mid-range fridge.

Specifications

Capacity: 25 cubic feet

Counter depth: No

Energy Star?: No

Reasons to buy

+

Great for maximizing space 

Reasons to avoid

-

Only one-year warranty 

This Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ takes organizing to the next level, with adjustable gallon bin doors, a can caddy and a deli drawer, plus frameless glass shelves to help keep track of everything perfectly. It’s also got hidden door hinges to help with blending seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen units, which is a bonus. The freezer element is also generous, with four shelves to fill up with your favorite frozen fancies. 

It may not have all the glamorous features of more expensive models, but this refrigerator does excel where it matters: with space and storage. However, it does fall down when it comes to its warranty, which is only one year long. 

9. KitchenAid KRSF705HPS: Most reliable side-by-side refrigerator

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If you're after a reliable refrigerator with a great warranty, this is the one for you

Specifications

Capacity : 25cu. ft.

Counter Depth?: No

Energy Star? : Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Impressive ten year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-

An expensive model

This is an expensive side-by-side refrigerator, but it's definitely a trustworthy investment which may save you in the long-term. The KitchenAid KRSF705HPS  doesn't come with the fancy extras we've seen in the some of LG's top-of-the-range models, but it's a reliable and well-made fridge for families who want a decent-sized fridge with a long warranty. 

The KitchenAid KRSF705HPS is one of the most expensive fridge-freezers we've seen. However, it comes with the high-quality and 25cu. ft. capacity you'd expect for this price. Thoughtfully designed with adjustable shelving and a wine rack placed out of kids' reach, this fridge prioritizes reliability and keeping your food fresh. Preserva dual temperature management, humidity-controlled drawers and FreshFlow air filter will keep your food and fridge fresh and minimize cleaning and spills. 

With Energy Star certification to keep energy costs low and a ten year warranty on the sealed system, the KitchenAid KRSF705HPS is a the side-by-side refrigerator for those looking to make an investment.

• Read our KitchenAid KRSF705HPS side-by-side refrigerator review (opens in new tab)

10. Samsung RS27T5200SR: Best counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator

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A stylish and large capacity refrigerator

Specifications

Capacity : 27.4cu. ft.

Counter Depth?: Yes

Energy Star? : Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Lots of storage at 27.4 cu.ft

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

The Samsung RS27T5200SR somehow manages to remain counter depth in size yet offers a whopping 27.4 cubic feet of storage capacity. This is 10% bigger than the last model without changing the outer size. It also looks stunning, with that anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish and touch controls on the large space dispenser which offers chilled water, ice cubes or crushed ice at a touch.

Inside is an auto ice maker, lots of shelves, and large two-gallon capacity door bins, all lit with LED lighting. This is an expensive refrigerator but running costs are relatively low at $87 per year and the warranty is a year for labor and parts with up to 10 years for the compressor cover. All that means this comes with peace of mind as standard.

• Read our Samsung RS27T5200SR side-by-side refrigerator review (opens in new tab)

11. GE GSS25GSHSS: Best side-by-side refrigerator for families 

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A good no-nonsense model with a large capacity at a reasonable price

Specifications

Capacity : 25cu. ft.

Counter Depth?: No :

Energy Star? : No

Reasons to buy

+

Large 25 cu. ft. capacity at a mid-price 

Reasons to avoid

-

Not Energy Star certified 

The GE Electronics GSS25GSHSS covers all the bases for side-by-side refrigerators and is a great family-friendly model. There's adjustable interior features to maximise the already-generous 25cu. ft. of space and an above-average size freezer, making easy weekday dinners accessible. 

This side-by-side fridge has a child-lockable ice and water dispenser and sturdy spillproof shelving to avoid mishaps and mess. The GE Electronics GSS25GSHSS's large capacity is perfect for a big family on a mid-to-low budget. This is a reasonably priced side-by-side refrigerator. However, some have found that the design and appearance reflects this, with a few customers complaining that the interior is surprisingly bulky. It doesn't have an Energy Star certification, which is to be expected from a refrigerator of this size, but LED lighting helps lower electricity usage and an annual estimated electricity cost of $85 is about standard for a refrigerator of this size. 

• Read our GE GSS25GSHSS side-by-side refrigerator review (opens in new tab)

12. Maytag MSS25N4MKZ: Best side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker  

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The Maytag MSS25N4MKZ is a great value option if you’re not fussed about having an ice maker.

Specifications

Capacity: 25 cubic feet

Counter Depth?: No

Energy Star: No

Reasons to buy

+

10-year warranty on the compressor 

Reasons to avoid

-

No ice dispenser 

Offering great value for money, the Maytag MSS25N4MKZ is a solid choice for those that need plenty of storage space. It doesn’t have an ice dispenser but that actually means you’re gaining freezer capacity. A stylish finish is completed with a fingerprint-resistant coating and this long door handles - which can be removed if you need to squeeze it through a tight space to fit it. 

This Maytag’s freezer has auto-defrost and the fridge compartment also has a crisper drawer for keeping your vegetables in the best condition possible. There are also wheels on the front of this refrigerator to make installation easier, and for added peace of mind, there’s an impressive 10-year warranty on the compressor. 

While it’s not Energy Star certified, this refrigerator works quietly and is also fitted with efficient LED light bulbs. 

• Read our Maytag MSS25N4MKZ review (opens in new tab)  

Why trust us?

Since we started reviewing side-by-side refrigerators in 2011, we have done a lot of research to find the best units available. We know that buying a fridge is one of the most important purchases you can make, so we've poured hours into research to give you informed advice. We evaluated refrigerators with a variety of features, capacities and price points to make sure those with a variety of needs and budgets will find out reviews useful. We conducted extensive online research, comparing product pages and looking for specific standout features in different models.

More expensive models often have some extra features, like door-in-door access that lets you quickly access snacks and save energy by limiting the amount of cold air that escapes. Smart features, which allow you do things like check the temperature from your smartphone, are also understandably more common on those more expensive models. Whilst this technology is nifty, it's not needed to get a great side-by-side refrigerator - especially if you're on a budget or have specific measurement and capacity needs. We also reviewed some more no-frills side-by-side fridge freezers for people who'd rather spend their money on reliable and carefully crafted models without fancy extras.

How long should a refrigerator last?

We asked experts this question, namely Vaughn Johnson, brand manager for Maytag, and Elise Barsch, social media manager and copywriter for iFixit. Johnson didn’t give a specific number of years, but said the expected life of a refrigerator will depend on usage, environmental conditions and other factors. Johnson suggested people should always check and follow your appliance and product use and care instructions.

Barsch cited Wirecutter and other sources in estimating that refrigerators should generally last 10 to 15 years. “Research done in Europe suggests that refrigerator lifespan has decreased over the past couple decades  – down from an average lifespan of 20 years in 2000,” Barsch said. She said that while refrigerators don’t last as long as they used to, they are more energy efficient. “Fortunately, legislators in Europe are working to make sure refrigerators are not only more energy efficient while in use, but also more repairable over the course of their entire lifespan,” Barsch added.

What are the most important things consider when buying a side-by-side refrigerator? 

Certain less crucial items might seem like a luxury to one person but could be a deal-breaker for another. In our reviews we took into account energy efficiency and whether or not refrigerators were Energy Star certified. We also considered dimensions - some people prefer a counter-depth model whilst others prioritize size. 

The best side-by-side fridge-freezers will set you back between $1000 and $2500, but in our reviews we took price into account alongside other features to see if pricing was justified. It can make sense to splash out on a sturdy refrigerator if it's meant to last you 10+ years, but we also considered warranties for peace-of-mind when buying. 

Refrigerators come in a variety of capacities, but side-by-side refrigerators are some of the larger units you can buy. That being said, they do have to account for frozen and fresh produce, so we took the spread of capacities into account when reviewing. 

How much do side-by-side refrigerators cost?

This really depends on your budget, the size of your family and how much electricity costs matter to you. The best side-by-side refrigerators will cost you anything between $1000 and $2500. However, it's hard to get a good side-by-side for less than $1000. 

Energy Star certified refrigerators will, on average, cost less to run on an annual basis. However, the engineering and strict specifications required to gain this certification means you will often paying significantly more for a refrigerator with this rating. 

We took into account estimated annual electricity use and energy costs in our reviews so you can weigh up your options. After all, paying $1000 more for an Energy Star certified refrigerator if it only saves you $10 annually might not make sense for you. The environmentally-conscious will want to consider that, regardless of expense, these models are better for the environment by not wasting electricity needlessly. After all, refrigerators are typically switched on all year round.

What is the best size for a side-by-side refrigerator?

This really depends what your needs are. Side-by-side refrigerators typically come between 20 and 28 cubic feet (cu. ft.) in capacity. You'll roughly be able to fit one bag of groceries per cubic foot (depending on how skilled you are at fridge tetris), which sounds like a lot, but can really add up when you consider frozen goods and essentials which you keep stocked up on year-round. 

The best side-by-side refrigerators for big families will be around 25+ cu. ft. in capacity, with models around the 25cu. ft. mark comfortably fitting food for a family of four. The best side-by-side fridges for single people or couples will be smaller, with a capacity of between 20 and 25cu. ft. giving plenty of space for smaller shops and less fresh produce.

Consider the shelving in your fridge of choice when thinking about refrigerator size. Adjustable shelving will enable a greater capacity and create more room for bigger items, whereas even larger fridges may not have the best space-saving designs to make the most of your fridge capacity.

What features can I get in a side-by-side refrigerator?

Not so long ago, it was rare to find side-by-side refrigerators with thru-the-door ice and water refrigerators. But nowadays, these features seem to come as standard, even in more affordable models. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a fridge without them. All the refrigerators we reviewed had this ice and water dispensing function, but if that isn't essential to you we suggest getting a compact ice-maker to make the most of your freezer space. 

Adjustable shelving is increasingly common in side-by-side refrigerators; these allow you to cater your fridge to your specific groceries, and fit in bulky items that might be otherwise awkward to slot in. LED lighting is another standard feature of side-by-side refrigerators, and is essential for allowing you to see into all the corners of your appliance, as well as reducing the energy used. This type of lighting can also cut down on heat produced within the bulk of the refrigerator itself. 

Modern developments have seen the rise of in-door, food showcase, and InstaView functions, which allows you to see and access a subsection of your appliance without losing heat from the main refrigerator itself. There are other smart touches on the market, including some Wi-Fi enabled models you can control from your phone and some even allow you to stream your favorite TV shows and music!

What is a counter-depth refrigerator? 

Counter-depth refrigerators are between 25 and 30 inches in depth, meaning they sit at the same depth as your kitchen counters for a sleek and built-in feel. However, this shallower depth inevitably compromises on fridge space, so if you're looking for a large capacity you might need to pick substance over style. The best side-by-side counter-depth refrigerators will come in at about 22cu.ft, whereas larger standard-depth models will go up to around 28cu. ft., but will stick out from the counter. 

Door-in-door refrigerators minimize energy-loss by letting out less cold from your refrigerator each time you want to access your fresh-food staples. These smaller, easy-access fridge compartments let you store essentials like milk and butter in a separate compartment, which means less rummaging each time you want to find a commonly-used item and less temperature fluctuation to your regular refrigerator compartment, where you can store larger or less-used items such as meat and vegetables.

Newest developments in side-by-side fridges introduce the 'InstaView' panel to these door-in-door compartments, meaning you can simply knock on the fridge door to see the contents of your door-in-door illuminated. No need to open your refrigerator to see how much milk is left, which means yet more energy-saving solutions for the tech-savvy and environmentally-conscious.

What's the best warranty for a side-by-side refrigerator? 

The best side-by-side fridge-freezers will have a good warranty for peace of mind.  All manufacturers offer a warranty on their appliances, but not all warranties are created equal. The bare minimum in warranties covers parts and labor for one year. Many manufacturers offer an additional warranty on the sealed system, including the compressor. Five- to seven-year warranties are common, and a teb-year warranty on the sealed system is excellent. The only model we reviewed with had this warranty was the KichenAid, which is partly why it came out as our pick for reliability.

Refrigerators are not generally appliances you need much help with, but it is good to know that the manufacturer offers support when you need it. Online access to a user guide and knowledgebase or FAQs page is helpful when you have questions. Every company has a telephone or email option so you can contact customer service, and some have live text chat.

Which side-by-side refrigerators are the quietest? 

A highly-sought after feature when purchasing a new side-by-side refrigerator, or any household appliance at all, is quiet running. After all, the last thing you want when you’re kicking back and relaxing is being able to hear your noisy refrigerator churning away in the background. 

Luckily, there is a good selection of machines in this round-up that are known for their quietness. Samsung is a brand that has worked hard to engineer their latest products to be as quiet as possible and the RS27T5561SR Family Hub (opens in new tab) is no exception. Dozens of user reviews comment on how quiet it is, including when it’s working away in the background making and dispensing ice. 

The Maytag MSS25N4MKZ (opens in new tab) is also well-loved according to users thanks to its ability to not cause disturbances, with reviewers praising its super quietness. The Frigidaire FGSC2335T (opens in new tab) model has the same quality, but may also be a more affordable option for those on a budget.

Sophie is Home Editor at Top Ten Reviews. Starting off her career in print journalism, Sophie then moved to digital and now specializes in lifestyle, home interiors and social media. While she has scooped awards for her journalism, Sophie likes to whip up a storm in the kitchen when she's not writing.