The Best French Door Fridge Experts Are Doing 3 Things

french door fridge and freezer  by Side Refrigerators

It is important to think about the storage needs of your family when choosing an appliance. French door refrigerators feature double doors that open to a continuous refrigerator with a freezer compartment below.

Side by side refrigerators have fridge and freezer compartments that are positioned close to one another which can be useful in small spaces where a huge door swing could hinder access. They also have useful features like water and ice dispensers, adjustable shelves and crisper drawers with humidity controls.

Cost

Depending on brand, size and features, either refrigerator style can be affordable. French door refrigerators are generally more expensive than side-byside models.

The difference in price could be due to more storage space, a more streamlined and efficient design and the extra convenience and efficiency that some of these models offer. Certain models come with clever features including adjustable shelving, specialized temperature zones, and even in-door water or ice dispensers.

While side-by-side models can also include some of these convenient features, they typically have smaller freezer capacities and aren't suitable for storing large items such as pizza boxes or bulk food purchases. These limitations, along with the price difference, could make side-by-side fridges a better fit for people who are planning to buy more groceries over a short period of time or do not have lots of frozen food to store.

Both models are available in various sizes and finishes that will be matched to any kitchen style. While some buyers are attracted by the sleek, elegant look of a French door refrigerator, some customers might prefer the classic look of a side-by-side.

Certain French door fridges like our top picks and runners-up, offer an innovative freezer drawer that can be converted into a larger freezer or an additional refrigerator space for enhanced versatility. This lets you keep high-demand items, like drinks and snacks at eye level, and placing frozen food items that are long-term on the lower shelf for easy access.

If you're looking for a more energy-efficient option look into a french door refrigerator that has a built-in ice machine. They use less energy to cool because they only need to defrost and reheat one side the freezer at a time, when it is opened. This type of refrigerator is also more efficient in reducing food waste by reducing time in which food sits out on the counter.

There's a fridge to suit anyone, regardless of whether you're on a budget or simply need more space to store fresh and frozen foods. Examine the storage options, energy efficiency and capacities of both models before choosing the right one for you.

Space

Combining form and function, French door refrigerators boast double doors that open up to a spacious, user-friendly interior. With a full-width refrigerator on the top and a freezer below, there's plenty of space for fresh produce, beverages and much more. In addition to having a good space distribution the french door refrigerator is ideal for kitchens that are limited in space. The narrow double doors require less clearance and swing, which makes them a good option for smaller spaces.

The French door configuration offers various storage options like adjustable shelves and drawers for pantry. This allows you to customize your fridge to meet your specific needs. A French door refrigerator may have more refrigerator capacity than a side-by-side model, so you can store more food.

A side-by-side fridge also has advantages. Side-by-side refrigerators are easy to navigate due to their well-organized shelves and freezers that are at eye-level. They have more freezer space than a French door model.

Both models have their pros and cons, it boils down to your personal preference and the space in your kitchen available. If you prefer a lateral refrigerator, think about the model that has ENERGY STAR (r) certification which can help you to reduce your energy bills.

The French door refrigerator is a practical appliance but it can be more expensive than a side-by-side refrigerator. However, there are budget-friendly options on the market that provide the same features and capacity. And with the wide range of sizes available for both French door refrigerators as well as side-by-side refrigerators, you will be able to find a model that fits your space. Just make sure you check the dimensions of your cabinet and refrigerator to ensure a good fit. Also, if you choose to add an in-door water or ice dispenser, bear in mind that the freezer space will be trimmed. In the end, if you require an a smaller refrigerator, make sure to look for a slimline model that's designed to be smaller and efficient. This helps to reduce energy consumption while still retaining the same capacity.

Convenience

When you buy an appliance, it is important to think about the layout, energy efficiency, and storage space. There are a variety of refrigerators to choose from such as French-door refrigerators and side-by-sides. Each type has its own pros and cons. It's important to compare before purchasing.

In terms of convenience, French door refrigerators have an advantage over side by sides. French door refrigerators come with a freezer at the bottom, which makes it easy to access frozen food items without having to bend down. This can be helpful for anyone with back issues or is worried about bending down too much.

The freezer compartment of a French door refrigerator is more spacious than the freezer compartment in the side-by-side refrigerator. This is beneficial for those who must store large platters or larger quantities of frozen foods. The size of the freezer compartment allows children to reach their favorite foods and snacks, which can be an added benefit if you have young kids in your home.

The freezer compartment in the French-door fridge may fluctuate in temperature more due to the frequent openings. This could be a problem if you want to keep the temperature of your freezer at a constant level for perishables.

Additionally, some find that the freezer compartments in bins in the French door fridge is more difficult to organize and could require more bending than they like. This could cause back pain or cause discomfort even for those with any problems.

In general, French door refrigerators are more convenient than side-by-side options due to their smaller freezer and a more organized fresh food section. Side-by-side fridges also have their advantages, including having a crisper drawer at eye level that's easy to reach and see frequently used items. This can help you save money by reducing waste and making sure that you use your produce before it gets spoiled. Side-by-side fridges are less expensive than French door models, so they might be a good choice when you're on a tight budget.

Energy Efficiency

Regardless of your refrigerator style, it's important to find an Energy Star model that aligns with your family's requirements and budget. You can narrow down your choices by considering energy efficiency factors such as door storage, freezer design, and capacity inside.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Side-byside fridges have a top-to bottom design with two doors that separate the freezer from the refrigerator. This allows you store both fresh and frozen foods in one large area, with separate storage space for each. For added convenience you can choose models with integrated water and ice dispensers. Certain Maytag(r), selections come with BrightSeries LED lights that help you find what you are looking for quickly, while using less power.

While the side-by-side fridge design can provide ample space for refrigerated and frozen items, you'll usually have a smaller distribution of freezer space than French door configurations. This can lead to a freezer section that is warmer than the fridge, which can be an issue if you are storing perishables. Additionally, some side-by-side fridges may feature a freezer drawer that could be used as an additional fridge compartment. This feature is useful for those who want to store large platters or food to serve at a party. However, it will reduce the amount of freezer storage you have.

French door refrigerators offer larger fridge space and a large bottom freezer that is perfect for families that depend on frozen food items. Their unique design allows users to access food without opening freezer doors, which can help reduce energy usage by preventing cold air loss. There are also models with an upper drawer for the freezer, which allows you to organize your freezer more efficiently than the pull-out drawers found in side-by-side refrigerators.

However, you'll need to bend more frequently when accessing frozen foods in a French door refrigerator which is a problem for those suffering from back pain or injury concerns. The decision to choose between the French door refrigerator and a side-by-side one depends on your family's preferences and unique cooking habits.