Side by Side refrigerator: what is it, features and how choose

When choosing a new refrigerator, you probably came across with the term Side by Side (or abbreviated SxS). This is not just a marketing ploy - behind this name lies a unique design that is radically different from classic single-chamber or dual-chamber models. But what exactly does Side by Sidemean, why such refrigerators are better (or worse) than traditional ones, and is this format suitable for you? In this article we will analyze the device, its pros and cons, and also give practical advice on selection and operation.

The term Side by Side (from English - “side by side”) describes an arrangement in which the freezer and refrigerator compartments are located vertically, but not above each other, but side by side. This solution appeared in 1939 thanks to the company General Electric, but it became widespread only in the 1980s. Today SxSrefrigerators are associated with the premium segment, although there are also budget models. Their main advantage is increased volume with a compact width (usually 90–100 cm), which is ideal for narrow kitchens..

However, not everything is so simple: the format also has disadvantages, which manufacturers often keep silent about. For example, the ergonomics of storage in Side by Side requires getting used to, and some models suffer from uneven distribution of cold. Next, we will analyze all the nuances in detail so that you can make an informed decision.

What is a Side by Side refrigerator: design and principle of operation

Structurally Side by Side is a two-chamber refrigerator, where the freezer and refrigerator compartment are separated by a vertical partition. The standard width of such models is 85–100 cm, the height is 170–190 cm, and the depth rarely exceeds 70 cm. This allows you to fit the refrigerator into a narrow kitchen set, maintaining a large usable volume (from 350 l to 700+ l).

Key design elements:

• 🔹 Two independent ones. doors —each leads to its own chamber (refrigerator or freezer). Doors are usually equipped with magnetic seals and system automatic closing.
• 🔹 Vertical shelves —in the refrigerator compartment they are narrow and high, which simplifies the organization of products by category (dairy, drinks, sauces, etc.).
• 🔹 No Frost System —almost all Side by Side equipped with this technology, which prevents ice formation and simplifies maintenance.
• 🔹 Additional zones —many models have freshness zone (with temperature 0…+3°C) or quick freezing.

Example of temperature distribution in a typical SxS:

It is important to understand that Side by Side is not synonymous with premium. There are budget models (for example, ATLANT XM 4021-080 or Indesit ITS 5185 W), which retain the main advantages of the format, but lack bells and whistles like a dispenser. for water or touch control.

Advantages of Side by Side refrigerators: why they are chosen

The main advantage Side by Side is ergonomics of spaceThe vertical division of chambers allows you to place 20-30% more products in the refrigerator than in a classic one. two-chamber model of the same dimensions. For example, the Samsung RS62R5001M9 volume 617 l fits as much as in a traditional refrigerator 700+ l, but with a width of only 91 cm.

Other key advantages:

• 🧊 No need to defrost — thanks to No Frost ice does not accumulate, and moisture automatically evaporates.
• 🔍 Convenient overview —all products are at eye level, no need to bend over for ice cream or reach for the top shelves.
• ⚡ Energy efficiency —modern models correspond to the class A+++ and consume 15-20% less electricity than old two-chamber refrigerators.
• 🛡️ Durability - average service life Side by Side from trusted brands (LG, Samsung, Liebherr) is 12–15 years.

Especially appreciated SxS those who:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lives in a large family and needs additional storage space.
• 🏠 Has a narrow kitchen where the width of the refrigerator is limited 90–100 cm.
• 🍷 Stores many drinks, cheeses or delicacies that require different temperature zones.
• 🦽 Has restrictions on mobility (no need to bend over to get food).

Disadvantages of Side by Side: what to pay attention to before. purchase

Despite the obvious advantages, Side by Side there are also disadvantages that can be critical for some users. The main one is uneven distribution of colddue to the vertical layout, warm air rises and cold air falls down. data-i="147">uneven distribution of cold

• On the upper shelves of the refrigerator compartment, the temperature can be 1–2°C higher than on the lower ones.
• In the freezer, the lower drawers are often colder than the upper ones (the difference is up to 3–4°C).

Other significant disadvantages:

• 💰 Price —even budget ones SxS cost 30–50% more than classic two-chamber refrigerators of the same volume.
• 🔌 Energy consumption —despite the class A+++, absolute electricity consumption is higher due to the larger volume (on average 400–600 kWh/year).
• 🔧 Difficulty of repair — due to the compact layout, access to the compressor and evaporator is difficult, which increases the cost of service maintenance.
• 📦 Inconvenient storage of bulky products —it is difficult to place large baking sheets or pans in a narrow refrigerator compartment.

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to store in the refrigerator Side by Side large pieces of meat or fish, make sure that the freezer has at least one drawer with a depth of at least 30 cm. Otherwise, the products will have to be cut into pieces.

One more nuance - noise. Due to powerful fans No Frost such refrigerators operate louder than classic ones (noise level 38–45 dB). If the kitchen is combined with the living room, this can become a problem.

Side by Side vs classic refrigerators: comparison table

To understand if it's right for you Side by Side, let's compare it with other popular types of refrigerators:

If you care maximum capacity with a limited kitchen width, Side by Side —the best choice. But if you live alone or together, and the kitchen is spacious, it is more rational to consider a two-chamber model with a bottom freezer (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R).

How to choose a Side by Side refrigerator: key parameters

When choosing Side by Side pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Volume and dimensions

Standard sizes:

• 📏 Width: 85–100 cm (less often 70 cm for mini-models).
• 📏 Height: 170–190 cm (take into account the height of the ceilings!).
• 📏 Depth: 60–70 cm (deeper - only for models with a dispenser).

Select the volume based on 50–70 l per person. For a family of 4 people, optimal 400–550 l.

2. Type of defrosting

Almost all Side by Side equipped No Frost, but there are nuances:

• 🌬️ Full No Frost —both the refrigerator and freezer compartments do not require defrosting.
• ❄️ Frost Free - freezer No Frost, and the refrigeration chamber is drip (requires periodic removal of condensate).

3. Additional functions

Useful options that will simplify operation:

• 💧 Water/ice dispenser - convenient, but increases depth refrigerator and requires connection to the water supply.
• 🌡️ Electronic control —allows you to precisely adjust the temperature in each zone.
• 📱 Wi-Fi and control from a smartphone —useful for remote control (for example, Samsung Family Hub).
• 🔄 Vacation mode —maintains the minimum temperature during long periods of absence.

4. Noise level

Optimal indicator - up to 40 dB. Models with 36–38 dB (for example, Liebherr SBSes 7256) are suitable for studios or kitchen-living rooms.

5. Brand and reliability

Leaders in reliability (according to service centers for 2023):

1. Liebherr —best price/quality ratio, minimal percentage of defects.
2. Samsung —innovative functions, but sensitive to voltage drops.
3. LG — reliable compressors, but expensive electronic repairs.
4. Bosch —quiet and economical, but limited choice of designs.
5. ATLANT —budget segment, simple design, easy repairs.

Measure the opening for the refrigerator (width × height × depth)

Check the presence of a grounded outlet near the installation site

Determine whether a water dispenser is needed (requires connection to a water supply)

Check the warranty period (optimally - at least 3 years)

Check reviews about the model on the forums (for example, on ForumHouse or IRecommend)

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Top 5 errors when operating Side by Side

Even the most reliable refrigerator Side by Side can fail due to improper use. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Overloading the door shelves —they are designed for 2–3 kg (for example, bottles of drinks). If you hang more, the hinges will become deformed and the door will no longer close tightly.
2. Storing hot foods — this leads to the formation of condensation and overload of the compressor. Cool the dish to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
3. Ignoring error signals —if a code appears on the display (for example, E1 or OF), do not delay diagnostics. The decoding of the code can be found in the instructions.
4. Improper organization of products - it is important to distribute food by temperature zones. For example, place meat and fish on the lower shelves of the freezer, where it is colder. SxS It is important to distribute food according to temperature zones. For example, place meat and fish on the lower shelves of the freezer, where it is colder.
5. Lack of ventilation —there must be at least 5 cm free space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall, otherwise the compressor will overheat.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Side by Side starts to make unusual sounds (for example, gurgling or grinding), this may indicate a freon leak or a fan malfunction. Do not try to repair it yourself - contact a service center!

Another important point - cleaning the drainage hole. In models with No Frost the condensate flows into a special tank, which need to be washed once every 6 months. A clogged hole causes water to accumulate at the bottom of the chamber.

How to clean the drainage hole?

1. Unplug the refrigerator.

2. Find the hole on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment (usually). below).

3. Clean it with a cotton swab or a special brush (included with some models).

4. Wash the hole with warm water and soap.

5. Dry it and turn on the refrigerator.

Review of popular Side by Side models (2026)

Here are brief characteristics of popular models in different price categories:

When choosing, pay attention to warranty period - for premium brands (Liebherr, Bosch) it is 5–10 years for the compressor, for budget brands (ATLANT, Indesit) — 1–3 years.

⚠️ Attention: Characteristics of models (price, energy consumption, equipment) may change. Before purchasing, check the current data on the manufacturer’s website or with the seller.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Side by Side refrigerators

❓ Is it possible to install Side by Side in a niche?

Yes, but you need to consider:

• Minimum clearances: 5 cm at the back 2 cm on the sides, 10 cm on top (for ventilation).
• If the niche is deep 60 cm, choose a model without a dispenser (it increases the depth to 70–80 cm).
• For built-in models (for example, Liebherr ICBN 3366a special box is required.

❓ Why in the Side by Side freezer are the top drawers warmer than the bottom ones?

This is a design feature: cold air goes down, and the warm one goes up. To compensate for the difference:

• Place products that require deep freezing (meat, fish) in the lower drawers.
• Do not load the freezer more than 70% - this will ensure normal air circulation.
• Check that the ventilation holes are not clogged (they are located on the back wall of the chamber).

❓ How often should you defrost Side by Side with No Frost?

Technically, defrosting is not required, but it is recommended:

• Carrying out general cleaning 1–2 times a year (washing shelves, cleaning seals).
• If the refrigerator has not been turned off for a long time, ice may accumulate on the evaporator - in this case, defrosting is needed 12–24 hours.
• After defrosting, let the refrigerator stand 1–2 hours with the doors open so that the moisture evaporates.

❓ Is it possible to hang the doors on Side by Side?

In most models yes, but there are nuances:

• For rehanging, you will need special plugs and fasteners (usually included in the kit).
• In models with a dispenser, reversing the doors impossible (for example Samsung RF23J9011SG).
• If the refrigerator is already connected to the water supply, re-hanging will require moving the hoses - it is better to entrust this to a specialist.

For instructions on re-hanging, look in the user manual (section "Door Reversal").

❓ Why does Side by Side consume more electricity than indicated in the specifications?

Real consumption may differ from the rated value due to:

• Frequent opening of doors (especially in hot weather).
• High temperature in the room (optimally 18–22°C).
• Occupancy freezers (the more food, the longer the compressor works).
• Faulty seals or fans (check for ice or condensation).

To reduce consumption:

• Install the refrigerator away from the stove and direct sunlight.
• Regularly clean the rear grille from dust.
• Use the mode "Vacation"if you are leaving for a long time.