When we watch American films, attention is often attracted not only by the plot, but also by the interiors of the kitchens, where the central place is occupied by a huge double-door unit. American-type refrigerator has become a symbol of abundance and comfort, causing a desire to get the same sized equipment for your own home. However, simply buying a device is not enough, because its integration into our realities requires careful preparation and understanding of technical nuances.
Unlike the narrow European models we are used to, American giants offer a fundamentally different logic for storing food. Side-by-Side —that is the name of this format, where the freezer compartment is located vertically on the side of the refrigerator compartment. This solution allows you to significantly increase the usable volume, but at the same time poses a number of questions to the owner regarding dimensions, connection and energy consumption.
Before deciding to purchase, you need to soberly assess the capabilities of your kitchen space and electrical network. The standard width of an American refrigerator is from 90 to 120 cm, which is almost twice as wide as classic models. If you are ready to sacrifice part of the area for the sake of maximum comfort and spaciousness, then this article will help you understand all the details of choosing and using such equipment.
What is the American type of refrigerator and its features
The design American refrigerator is fundamentally different from the European tradition of dividing into upper and lower cameras. Here, the freezer and refrigerator compartment are located side by side, occupying the entire height of the device. This arrangement allows you to store large-sized products, for example, a whole bird carcass or a large baking sheet, without removing the shelf, which often becomes a problem in narrow models.
Many models are equipped with a system No Frost in both compartments, which eliminates the need for the user to defrost the unit manually. However, it is worth considering that the volume of the freezer compartment in such devices is often smaller than in models with a bottom freezer, despite the overall impressive dimensions. This is due to the need to accommodate a complex duct system and a larger compressor.
⚠️ Attention: American refrigerators often require a connection to the water supply for the ice maker to operate. Make sure that your kitchen has the ability to tap into the water supply system, or choose a model with manual filling of the tank.
Modern Side-by-Side refrigerators are not just storage cabinets, but multimedia centers. They have built-in displays, cameras for viewing content via a smartphone, and even air purification systems. All this makes operation convenient, but requires stable voltage in the network and careful handling of electronics.
Key advantages and disadvantages of Side-by-Side
When deciding to install large equipment, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. The main advantage, of course, is the huge capacity, which allows you to purchase products for a week or even two in advance. For large families, this becomes a real salvation, saving time on trips to the store.
However, there is a downside to the coin. Energy consumption such units are much more expensive than standard models. The compressor has to work harder to maintain the temperature in a large volume, especially if the refrigerator is opened frequently. In addition, the noise from the operating compressor and fans may be more noticeable in small kitchen-living rooms.
- ❄️ Huge storage area for a variety of products and utensils.
- 🚰 Built-in ice makers and water dispensers (most models).
- 📏 A height of up to 2 meters allows you to effectively use vertical space.
- 💸 The high cost of the equipment itself and spare parts in case of breakdown.
Another nuance is the width of the doors. Although the overall size is large, each individual door is narrower than a conventional refrigerator. This can create difficulties when washing interior shelves or placing very wide pots that would fit into a European refrigerator without problems.
Dimensions and requirements for installation in the kitchen
Place planning is the first and most critical stage. Standard opening for an American refrigerator must be wider than the device itself by at least 5-10 cm on each side for normal air circulation and door opening. If you build the unit into a niche without gaps, the compressor will quickly overheat and fail.
Particular attention should be paid to the doorway. When assembled, many models simply will not fit through a standard 80 cm wide door. Manufacturers often provide the ability to dismantle doors for transportation, but this requires care and the availability of tools. It is better to measure in advance all bottlenecks along the path of equipment to the kitchen.
A separate grounded socket may be required for connection. Power such refrigerators often exceed 400-500 W, and the starting currents of the compressor can be even higher. Old wiring in Soviet-built houses may not withstand such a load, especially if other powerful devices are operating simultaneously.
| Parameter | European standard | American standard (Side-by-Side) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 60 cm | 90–120 cm |
| Height | 180–200 cm | 170–210 cm |
| Depth | 60–65 cm | 70–85 cm |
| Total volume | 300–400 l | 500–700 l |
☑️ Checking the installation location
Popular brands and models on the market
The refrigeration market offers many options adapted for different regions. The leaders in the segment American refrigerators are traditionally considered to be the brands Liebherr, LG, Samsung i Bosch. These manufacturers produce models that combine American capacity and European energy efficiency standards.
Models from Samsung are often equipped with innovative doors Food ShowCasethat allow access to frequently used products without opening the main cameras. This reduces cold loss and saves energy. LG focuses on linear inverter compressors, which are quieter and last longer.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and availability of specific models may vary depending on supplies and region. Before purchasing, check the current technical parameters on the official website of the manufacturer or with the seller.
When choosing, you should pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the energy consumption class. Models marked A++ or A+++ will cost more, but in the long run they will pay off due to lower electricity bills. Cheap analogues can consume 30-40% more energy.
Hidden features of premium models
Expensive models include freshness zones with separate humidity control, air ionization systems to kill bacteria, and even built-in TVs or mirrors with the Smart Home function.
Energy efficiency and economical operation
The issue of energy saving is becoming increasingly relevant. Large refrigerator is a device that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even a small difference in annualized consumption can add up to a significant amount. Modern technologies make it possible to minimize these costs.
Inverter compressors, which are equipped with most modern ones Side-by-Side models do not turn off completely, but only reduce the speed. This avoids power surges and maintains a more stable temperature. In addition, they operate much quieter than traditional start-stop compressors.
It is also important to correctly position the products inside the chambers. A dense load acts as a cold accumulator: when you open the door, cold air is not so quickly replaced by warm air. An empty refrigerator spends more energy cooling the incoming warm air.
- 🌡️ Do not put hot food inside - this will cause the compressor to work harder.
- 🚪 Make sure the door seals are tight.
- 🧹 Clean the condenser regularly from dust at the back for better heat transfer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will an American refrigerator fit into a standard door opening?
When assembled, most likely not, since the width of the body often exceeds 90 cm. However, most manufacturers provide the possibility of removing the doors. In this case, the refrigerator can be carried through an opening 80 cm wide, but this will require help and tools.
Does the refrigerator need to be connected to the water supply?
It depends on the model. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker and water dispenser, a water connection is required. If the ice maker is mechanical (you need to manually pour water into the tank), then no connection is required.
Is it true that they consume a lot of electricity?
Modern models of energy efficiency class A++ or A+++ consume not much more than conventional refrigerators. The main consumption depends on the age of the equipment and the condition of the seals, and not just on the size.
Is it possible to build a Side-by-Side into a kitchen set?
There are built-in models of the American type, but they are rare and very expensive. Conventional free-standing refrigerators can be installed in a niche, but you must strictly observe the ventilation gaps specified in the instructions.