The side-by-side refrigerator: gigantic & modern.
The side-by-side is the giant when it comes to refrigerators. Discover the best models in the test & lots of tips on installation and shape in the Mykitchens magazine.
reading time: approx. 3 minutes
The side by side refrigerator
It is the most modern way of cooling food. In the Side by Side Refrigerator, fruit, vegetables and meat are cooled efficiently. And in an incredible amount of space. The large fridge-freezer combination doesn't really take up much space. Of course, it is a bit bigger than simple refrigerators and has to be planned in a bit more detail in the kitchen because of the two doors. Nevertheless, a side by side device can be a lot more practical than a conventional refrigerator. What makes the models so special, what you should definitely pay attention to when installing them and which brands are currently particularly popular on the market - you can read all this and more here in the Mykitchens magazine. We have also summarized more information about refrigerators in the kitchen in "The refrigerator".
Simple refrigerator or side by side?
Compared to a simple refrigerator, a large side by side obviously offers a lot of space inside. However, it also requires more space on the outside. This means that the giant is less suitable for small kitchens. Nevertheless, a side by side combination is highly recommended. This is mainly because it allows food to be stored cool and clearly arranged and is easy to reach. There are also a lot of features that we list for you below.
XL refrigerator types
Side by side refrigerators are available in a wide variety of designs. There are basically three types of refrigerator: the American, the European and the French door. We will introduce you to the three types in more detail with examples and explain what the difference is.
American side-by-side refrigerator
Large appliances usually come from overseas. This is also the case with the side-by-side refrigerator. An American kitchen very, very often has this oversized model with two doors. Such an American refrigerator is a visual highlight. At the same time, it is a real storage space miracle. Not only fruit, meat and spreads can be stored in the refrigerator. The freezer also cools food at up to -18 degrees Celsius.
Special feature of many models: An American side-by-side refrigerator usually has a practical ice cube dispenser. You can get ice cubes and chilled water at the touch of a button. However, this requires a water connection. More on this further down on this page.
European side by side refrigerator
This is the biggest difference to the next side by side refrigerator. European refrigerators usually do not have an ice cube dispenser. Instead, they have smooth doors, like a conventional refrigerator. This makes them impressive with a clear and minimalist kitchen design.
With a European side by side, both cooling parts (refrigerator and freezer) can often be set up separately. The big advantage of this is that it opens up even more design options when planning the kitchen.
French Door Refrigerator
The last variant of the side by side is the French Door. It differs from its competitors mainly in size. At just 70 cm wide, it is the narrowest fridge-freezer combination among the giants. But it does not have to sacrifice capacity. Around 400 liters fit into a French Door side by side refrigerator, as Bauknecht, for example, proves with the French Door Compact.
Another difference to the other types of fridge-freezer combination is that the two cooling parts are not arranged next to each other, but one below the other. The refrigerator is therefore at the top of the device, the freezer below.
Purchase criteria for the side by side refrigerator
Regardless of the type, a side by side refrigerator has some special features. We clarify the most important facts, including dimensions & volume as well as useful tips for installation.
Special functions of the side-by-side refrigerator
Modern refrigerators also have the latest technology built in. That's why you can enjoy many practical functions with the side-by-side refrigerator that a simple device often doesn't have. Here are some examples.
Side by side with ice maker / water dispenser
Ice cubes straight from the fridge - that's what you get with the integrated water dispenser in the side by side. This is often built into the freezer door. All you have to do is press a button and you get ice, ice cubes and water directly from the device. However, this modern technology requires a permanent water connection or a fridge with a water tank. With the latter, the water must be constantly refilled manually.
Side by Side with NoFrost
Modern fridge-freezer combinations have an automatic defrosting function. Nofrost or Lowfrost are widely used. This ensures that no ice can form on walls or drawers. The refrigerator can work more efficiently and does not have to be defrosted manually. Nofrost technology therefore affects the cleaning and energy consumption of the side by side.
Smart side-by-side refrigerator
Of course, the modern refrigerator is also available as a side-by-side in a smart version with the Home Connect function. Smart refrigerators can then be conveniently controlled via smartphone. In addition, some devices have integrated cameras that reveal the contents even when you are on the move. All you need is an internet connection. You can find out more about this in "Home Connect - the future of home automation".
Bestseller: The best side by side refrigerator from our shop
Which side by side is the best? To answer this question, we present you the three top brands when it comes to big size refrigerators: Miele, Bosch and Liebherr.
The Miele Mastercool refrigerator
XL refrigerators from Miele are called Mastercool. They combine high-quality design with innovations such as Home Connect and super cooling.
Bosch Side by Side Refrigerator
Bosch Side by Side refrigerators are available as European and American refrigerators. They combine elegant design with the latest technology and practical functions. Gentle storage is possible with the help of the super cooling function, super freezing and VitaFresh, the 0° zone in Bosch refrigerators.