How to Buy a Side-By-Side Refrigerator

Do you or a loved one need a fridge that is ADA compliant? Or is it too hard to reach the back of high freezer shelves? Are you simply curious what is a side-by-side refrigerator? This is your lucky day. Unlike older top-and-bottom refrigerators, a side-by-side refrigerator has a freezer that goes from top to bottom on the left side, and a fridge that does the same on the right side. Now you can put what you want at any height you need. Your kids will love having popsicles in easy access freezer door storage down where they can reach.

We offer you great Sam's Club members-only prices on modern choices like Samsung and LG refrigerators compared to what you'll find on Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag, Kitchenaid, Electrolux and GE appliances.

How are side-by-side refrigerators different from other types?

There are four main types of refrigerators: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side and French door. Top- and bottom-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators have two doors and one compartment for both the freezer and main refrigerator storage positioned based on their names. French door refrigerators have three doors but still just two compartments, where the freezer is on the bottom, and the fridge is on top with two doors.

How long do side-by-side refrigerators last?

Side-by-side refrigerators have an average lifespan of 14 years.

How much do side-by-side refrigerators cost?

Side-by-side refrigerators average around $2,000. Some are cheaper and some are more expensive, depending on the size, finish and options. Some newer refrigerators with Wi-Fi enabled smart functionality can cost over $5,000.

Side-by-side refrigerators are usually more expensive than simple top- or bottom-freezer refrigerators, but side-by-side are cheaper than a French door refrigerator with comparable features.

Are side-by-side refrigerators worth it?

Side-by-side are an absolutely worthwhile option for a household both young and old. Everyone can have items positioned where they can reach, and they're more affordable than most French Door designs.

Which is better: French door or side-by-side refrigerator?

French doors provide a more luxurious food showcase, but for practicality, they're not necessarily better than a side-by-side refrigerator.

What Size is a Side-by-Side Refrigerator?

Here are the common capacities for a side-by-side refrigerator in cubic feet (cu. ft.):

• Side Counter-Depth: 22 cu. ft.
• Standard Depth: 25 cu. ft.
• Large Capacity: 28 cu. ft.

If you're not sure what we mean by cubic feet, cubic feet is calculated by multiplying the length, width and depth of the internal storage compartment.

For example, 1 cu. ft. = 1' x 1' x 1', while 8 cu. ft. = 2' x 2' x 2'.

What dimensions are side-by-side refrigerators?

The standard width and height for all refrigerators is 36 inches x 70 inches (3' x 5'10").

Refrigerators may vary by up to an inch from the standard width and height, but their dimensions mostly vary on depth. A refrigerator can be anywhere from 24 inches to 40 inches in depth, depending on the installation depth, internal capacity and door features.

What does counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator mean?

Many standard depth refrigerators extend beyond the common 30-inch depth of kitchen countertops. A counter depth refrigerator is usually 29 inches deep, so that it falls in line with the counters after you leave a gap in the back for water and electrical lines behind the appliance.

What to Look For in a Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Side-by-side refrigerators are reliable and come in all of the looks, sizes and options you want.

Size

• Standard depth refrigerator
• Side counter-depth refrigerator
• Large Capacity refrigerators

Finishes

• Smudge resistant stainless steel
• Smudge resistant black stainless steel
• Monochromatic stainless steel

Features

• Ice makers
• Door ice dispensers
• Water filters
• Door water dispensers
• Ice and water dispensers
• Crisper drawers
• Deli drawers
• Glass shelves that slide out for easy cleaning
• Gallon door bins for gallon door storage
• LED lighting
• Intuitive LED displays
• Digital temperature controls
• Cold-saving panels for easy access without opening
• Wi-Fi enabled controls and notifications
• Energy Star certified

Brands of Side-by-Side Refrigerators at Sam's Club

• Samsung
• LG

FAQ - Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Can a stove and refrigerator be set next to each other?

We don't recommend placing a stove and refrigerator next to each other. If you need to, you should be aware of certain problems. First, you need to insulate the area in between the two appliances. Do not have them touching. Try to keep 12 inches between the stove and fridge. If they are going to be closer, place an insulator, like insulating foam, between them. Second, if the refrigerator door obstructs the stove or oven door when open, that is a hazard.

Can you lay a side-by-side refrigerator down?

If you have to lay down a refrigerator for some reason, perhaps to change locations with it, don't plug it in immediately after you set it back upright. There is oil in the fridge compressor that will flow the wrong way when tilted, and can get sucked into the machinery if turned on while out of place. You need to wait 3 hours after you set it back upright, before plugging it in, so that the oil has time to settle back into its proper position.

At what temperature should a side-by-side fridge be set?

For each compartment to properly refrigerate or freeze food, you should use the following settings:

• Refrigerator: 38 F
• Freezer: -2 F

If the temperature controls are not responding, or if you're not able to lower the temperatures down to these targets, contact the manufacturer. Most refrigerators come with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, and a 5-year warranty on the compressor.

Do side-by-side refrigerators have freezers?

Yes. One side of a side-by-side refrigerator is a freezer. It is commonly the left side when facing the doors of the appliance.

How many watts does a side-by-side refrigerator use?

Most side-by-side refrigerators continuously use about 800 watts of electricity. However, when the compressor is operating at full strength, your refrigerator can briefly use up to 2,000 watts of electricity. This is likely to happen when you have just plugged in your refrigerator, after a power outage, after an extended period with the doors open, or when you make a change in the temperature settings to make the chambers colder.

How do I remove the doors from my side-by-side refrigerator?

First, different manufacturers and models have different steps, so manufacturers recommend using professional maintenance technicians before just grabbing a screwdriver. But, if you need to get the doors off yourself, search online for the latest help guides from your appliance manufacturer. Basic steps should include:

1. Power off and unplug the appliance.
2. Remove the hinge covers.
3. Disconnect any wires running into the doors.
4. Remove any water lines running into the doors.
5. Remove the hinge bolts.
6. With the support of a partner, lift the door up from the base.

Always be careful when lifting a refrigerator door. They are heavy. They can easily scratch floors. Many are filled with electronics and components that can be damaged when dropped.

Does Sam's Club deliver and install side-by-side refrigerators?

Yes. We care about our members, and we don't want you to hurt yourselves, or need to rent additional vehicles, delivery or labor services to set up something that you have bought from us.

Sam's Club is partnering with LG and Innovel Solutions to offer our members delivery and installation on premium major kitchen appliances. Not all zip codes are serviced.