The best Side-by-Side refrigerators: how to choose the right one + rating of TOP-12 models

The excitement for large household appliances for the kitchen, including high-quality and reliable refrigeration units, never subsides. Requests of ordinary users are becoming more complicated, so manufacturers use new technologies, engineering, expand functionality - in general, they do everything to satisfy demand.

Side-by-Side refrigerator is a symbol of progress, which embodies all the best qualities of classic models.

In this material we will give a rating of the best Side by Side refrigerators, as well as talk about the features of their choice.

Side-by-Side Form Factor Features

A side-by-side type refrigerator, translated into Russian, means side by side. It differs from other modifications in the vertical arrangement of the chambers, while the refrigerating and freezing chambers are arranged parallel to each other.

Two- and three-chamber refrigeration units, structurally classified as side-by-side, are rightfully considered premium equipment. The point is not only in the increased usable space, but also in the arrangement, and in the technical equipment

This invention belongs to American engineers, so the alternative name for the model is the American standard.

The parameters of such units vary significantly - they are produced in various configurations. As an exception, European options are used, where the standard depth is 600 mm.

The dimensions of the side-by-side refrigerator are much wider and deeper in comparison with the classic models. Such large-sized appliances can only be placed in a spacious kitchen

An important feature of the swing models of the American standard is the unusual placement of the heat exchanger.

Unlike form factors such as Top-mount or Bottom-mount, the heat exchange unit is not located on the rear panel, but under the bottom of the refrigerator.This priority technological technique allows you to embed appliances in kitchen furniture or move them close to the wall.

In addition, the heat-exchange element in the side-by-side model is equipped with a special device that repels dust. Thus, process engineers once and for all solved the everyday problem of cleaning hard-to-reach parts.

Depending on the model of side-by-side refrigeration equipment, the number of doors can vary from two to four

The disadvantage of such a compressor location is the prohibition of installing refrigerant on floors with a heating system. And as you know, if the operating conditions are not observed, the equipment is not subject to warranty repair.

The benefits of American-style refrigerators

The main reason why consumers opt for Side-by-Side modifications is the impressive size of the equipment.

They are ideal helpers not only in a large family, but also for those who are used to stocking up a grocery set for future use, because up to 800 liters are provided for use. useful volume, which is almost three times higher than the standard options.

The large dimensions of side by side units provide good opportunities for an orderly arrangement of products not only in the refrigerator compartment, but also in a full-size freezer, due to which unfinished semi-finished products can be placed there

The delimited space of the refrigerator and freezer compartments allows you to conveniently place products. The versatile hinged doors open up enough visibility for a full view of the cameras. Due to the impressive volume, the unit can be upgraded with various functions.

Transportation is also not difficult. Since most of the side-by-side technology is represented by two independent products, each of them can be delivered separately. With monolithic options it will be a little more complicated and you will have to make measurements of openings.

Absolutely all models are equipped with two independent electronic controllers, through which the temperature in each chamber is adjusted.

Only one of the blocks can be used as needed. The cooling system can be represented by one or two compressors.

Due to the use of Twin Tech Frost Free technology (independent circuit cooling) in independent units of the refrigerating and freezing compartments during food storage, odors are not mixed in the chambers

Using a forced circulation system of refrigerant circulation in a confined space, the formation of frost and frost is eliminated.

It also provides automatic defrosting and antibacterial function embodied in the infrared system. Through such irradiation, the shelf life of the products is significantly extended.

An inherent advantage are the various temperature zones with controlled climate.

These include:

1. Freshness zone, which for some manufacturers may be called the zone of living air. This is a compartment with a temperature of 0 ° C or +1 ° C. It stores products that are to be consumed in the near future and do not require freezing: fish, meat, etc. Cooling is carried out by blowing from the freezer compartment. In this case, the chamber is tight and the refrigerant does not penetrate inside.
2. Humidity chamber. It houses vegetables, fruits and herbs. If necessary, the dry air supply is switched on.
3. Department for cooling drinks. In this unit, the temperature is 2-3 ° C lower than in the main compartment.

It should be noted that different climatic ranges are present only in units of this type. For the most part, it is the large dimensions that make it possible to efficiently distribute the internal space.

The temperature of the freezer in American standard refrigerators reaches -23 (-24) ° C, while it only works with the No Frost system

Despite the extensive list of positive characteristics, side by side models of the form factor also have disadvantages.First of all, it is worth mentioning the large dimensions - this technique is not suitable for a small kitchen.

In second place is the price category, which is the highest among refrigeration equipment. And in last place - increased energy consumption, at least twice that of standard models.

What to rely on when choosing a refrigerator?

Undoubtedly, the side-by-side technique itself is a modified model and the embodiment of the latest technologies.

The name of the category already indicates high quality, because the production of such equipment is possible only at large-scale enterprises. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to figure out which functions are worth overpaying, and which ones will not be involved in the operation.

Side by side refrigeration technology fits perfectly into the modernized and discreet high-tech kitchen interior

We outline a range of important characteristics that affect the choice of a specific model of a new refrigeration device:

• necessary dimensions, optimal for placement in the catering unit;
• the working volume of the chambers for the full storage of the necessary quantity of the food set and semi-finished products
• zoning of camera space;
• the number and size of boxes in the freezer;
• complete set with clamps and limiters;
• functionality.

Let us dwell on the most necessary parameters and consider what the manufacturer can offer us. At the same time, we take into account exclusive models related to the premium class, which can be purchased only on order.

Determine the required dimensions

Since the main distinguishing characteristic of Side-By-Side technology is the size, it is worthwhile to carefully measure the intended location.

Manufacturers offer this range of parameters: height ranges from 170 cm to 220 cm, depth - from 63 cm to 95 cm.

If the kitchen is being repaired and furniture will be ordered for appliances, in this case the dimensions do not play a significant role. However, if the old refrigeration unit is being replaced, measurements will be required.

Width measurements may vary depending on the model range.

For the correct placement of large-sized equipment, it is necessary to first measure the following indicators:

• the platform where the product will be placed;
• a niche in the kitchen, if a built-in type of installation is supposed;
• doorways and a landing through which transportation will be carried out.

Due to the compressor arrangement, unusual for refrigeration units, one can count on their tight fit to the wall.

Useful working volume

The American standard is produced with impressive indicators of the useful internal volume of the cameras - from 300 liters to 800 liters.

Here, each customer defines an individual indicator. However, space is measured not only by a digital value, but also by the convenience of zonal distribution.

Electrolux refrigerators are distinguished not only by excellent capacity indicators, but also by convenient zoning for comfortable storage of food supplies

Not all manufacturers can boast of a rational distinction, especially for narrow models. Due to the two wings, an illusion of a large internal space is visually created in them, when in practice even a couple of small pots are not placed on the shelf.

A similar problem is present in the freezer, where all blanks should be small in size.

The presence of climatic zones

Of course, a large equipment should provide the same vast opportunities for storing various categories of products and this must be used.

The large space of the refrigerator with swing doors is excellently divided into zones with varying microclimate. It has several compartments with the temperature and humidity necessary for storing a certain type of product

So, what zones does the manufacturer offer us to use:

1. Natural fresh - retractable containers for storing provisions requiring low climatic conditions from +1 to 0 ° C. The zero chamber can be divided into two compartments: dry and wet freshness. In one - a high coefficient of humidity, in the other - low.
2. Fresh Zone - a department for short-term placement of perishable products: all types of meat, fish, dairy products. Here, the temperature is kept lower than the refrigeration unit.
3. Super drawer - The temperature-controlled zone is suitable for fruits and vegetables. Capacious sliding boxes on runners with convenient partitions for separating fruits allow you to achieve maximum comfort when extending containers.
4. Mini bar - equipped with special shelves for bottle drinks.

In addition to the above characteristics, in all these zones it is possible to adjust the climatic conditions, which makes it possible to more accurately adhere to recommendations for maintaining a favorable climate for each category of products.

The Liebherr SBSes 7165 refrigerator is designed for people who know a lot about wine. The device is equipped with two two-section departments with independent climatic conditions. They are designed to store wine

However, do not forget that unnecessary functionality not only occupies part of the usable space, but also affects the total cost of the product. Some examples of technology suggest the presence of all the listed climatic sections.

Nevertheless, an unresolved problem remains - how much they are needed. If, for example, the freshness zone and the zero chamber have almost identical indicators.

The same issue with the minibar - this section takes a significant part of the freezer compartment. While true wine gourmets will appreciate a section with climate and humidity similar to a cellar.

Department of the freezer

Various models can represent freezing compartments, occupying from 1/3 to 1/5 of the total volume of equipment.

Volume freezers are best chosen when there is a need to freeze a large amount of raw materials. In the standard version in this section, the temperature reaches -18 ° C, which allows for long-term storage of provisions.

The freezer compartment of side by side aggregates is capable of freezing about 10 kg of products per day. At the same time, in some devices there is a special system of deep freezing

Having decided on the required volume, it is worth paying attention to the width and depth of the containers, so that after purchase you do not have to crush large products each time before placing. The best option is a full-size freezer.

Availability of hardware accessories

If the equipment belongs to the highest technological class in all respects, then the equipment should be at the appropriate level.

Since the opening radius of the refrigerator leaves is 120 degrees, and the installation of such equipment is often done close to the kitchen furniture, a full swing open of the door can lead to damage to the surfaces.

Closers are an actual adaptation for refrigerators of any modification. Such a system allows silently closing doors without human intervention

Therefore, the manufacturer is obliged to foresee such a situation and equip the product with locks and restraints, ensuring a safe mode of opening doors, while maintaining their external characteristics. Closers and double-sided canopies are also mandatory fittings.

Overpayable Options

Each manufacturer, advertising its products, is trying to impose not only necessary, but completely useless functionality.

For example, various cooling systems with a difference of 1-2 ° C with almost identical properties - the Shopping, Party Bar system and much more. They do not represent any benefit, and their use will not be more often than several times a year.

Now you need to think about it, because each system is reproduced by a special device, and accordingly, this mechanism either increases the dimensions of the unit itself or takes up useful space, moreover, it may even make noise.

A mandatory function in side dy side is the presence of a thermostatic system, through which the specified temperature ranges are maintained in the departments

To begin, consider such popular mechanisms - an ice maker and a dispenser. Useful devices that are built directly into the door space of the freezer.

There is one caveat here - it is necessary to be prepared for additional installation costs, since it will be necessary to embed this system into a common water supply unit.

In addition, the filter element must be changed once a year in the dispenser.Here the decision is made individually - the function is good, but is accompanied by difficulties when connecting.

An ice generator is capable of forming up to 4 kg of ice per day. Chilled water from the dispenser is pre-treated with a special filter

Among the proposed functions that can be used in everyday life and bring more comfort during operation, the following:

1. Quiet ZoneTM - A system that reduces noise. It’s not bad at all if the overall unit operates silently. For multi-storey buildings, such a mechanism is impractical, because often the unit is located on the lower floor, and rest rooms on the upper. But for the apartment will come in handy.
2. Vacation Mode. The option is required to disable one of the cameras during the departure period. Thus, it will be possible to preserve the frozen provisions and reduce electricity consumption.
3. Anti finger print - protection against bacteria and fingerprints. The actual problem in Side By Side units is touch marks. The only company offering this option is Electrolux.

Having dealt with the useful and necessary capabilities of the models, you will have to get to know better the representatives of this kind of technology with the best characteristics.

The side-by-side models are for the most part equipped with a system that transfers the unit to the economical operating mode “Vacation” in case of a long absence of owners

Well-known companies like Liebherr, Shivaki, Electrolux, Gorenje represent the latest developments in the segment of cooling equipment. There are many newcomers whose products deserve no less trust, for example, Neff and AEG.

Despite the popularity of brands, we will conduct an independent review of the best American Standard refrigerators.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Once again on how to choose the right refrigerator for your needs in the video:

Dreaming about buying a megawaterproof refrigerator and paying attention to units like Side-by-Side, you need to get to know their functionality more closely.

Indeed, in addition to the main ones - cooling and freezing - such devices are equipped with a considerable number of unique options that are simply not available in standard models. However, this affects the final cost of the refrigerator. Therefore, you should carefully select the model so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions.

Please share your own experience in choosing a refrigerator for the home, tell us which models were preferred and why. Write comments, participate in the discussion, ask questions under this article.