On the modern household appliances market The abbreviation Side by Side is becoming more common, but for many buyers it still remains a mystery. Literal translation in English “side by side” accurately describes the design feature of such units. Unlike classic models, where the freezer compartment is located below or above, here it is located vertically, occupying one of the halves of the body.
This arrangement allows you to significantly increase the useful volume of the refrigerator compartment, which is critical for large families. Side by Side - this is not just a refrigerator, but a complex climate complex, often equipped with ice generation systems, displays and freshness zones. Understanding the operating principles of this technology will help you avoid mistakes when choosing and using it.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design, advantages and disadvantages of the American layout. You will find out why dimensions play a decisive role during installation, and whether it is worth overpaying for additional functions that may never be useful in everyday life.
Design features and device
The main difference between the model type Side by Side is the vertical division of the internal space. The left side is usually allocated to the freezer compartment, and the right side to the refrigerator compartment. This symmetry allows you to organize food storage at eye level, eliminating the need to bend over or stand on tiptoes to access the contents.
Inside the refrigeration section there is often a system No Frostthat prevents the formation of ice. Air circulates through special channels, uniformly cooling all shelves. This eliminates the need for the user to carry out manual defrosting, but requires compliance with the rules for packaging food to avoid drying out.
⚠️ Attention: In some budget models, the No Frost system can only be implemented in the freezer compartment, while the drip defrosting system is used in the refrigerator compartment. Be sure to check this parameter with a consultant before purchasing.
The doors of such units are equipped with reinforced hinges, since the weight of the door with shelves and products can be significant. Often there is a function Door Alarmthat signals with a sound that the closure is not tightly closed. This is an important element of energy efficiency that prevents the compressor from overheating.
Hidden thermal insulation
Expensive models use a vacuum insulation panel (VIP), which, with the same wall thickness, provides better thermal insulation than conventional polyurethane foam. This allows you to increase the internal volume without changing the external dimensions.
Dimensions and installation requirements
The main barrier to purchasing a refrigerator Side by Side is its size. The standard width of such models varies from 90 to 120 cm, which is almost twice the parameters of conventional refrigerators. The height often reaches 180 cm or more, and the depth can be 70-80 cm including doors and handles.
When planning space in the kitchen, it is necessary to take into account not only the physical dimensions of the body, but also technological gaps. For normal operation of the compressor cooling and ventilation system, a distance from walls and furniture is required. Typically, the manufacturer recommends leaving 5-10 cm at the back and sides.
The size of the doorway through which equipment will be brought in is also critically important. If the refrigerator does not fit into the opening, it is sometimes necessary to bring it in without doors, but even then the width of the cabinet can be an obstacle. Measure in advance all bottlenecks along the route of the unit to the kitchen.
☑️ Checking the installation location
Functional capabilities and zoning
American-type models are often flagships of manufacturers’ lines, so they are the first to receive the latest technological solutions. One of the most popular functions is Ice Maker an automatic ice maker. It can produce cubes, crushed ice or even crushed ice for cocktails.
The zoning of the interior space is also more carefully thought out. There are special compartments for vegetables with adjustable humidity dampers, rapid cooling zones Super Cool and shock freezers Super Freeze. Some models have a separate sealed chamber for storing meat or fish at a temperature of about 0°C.
All these functions are controlled through an electronic module, which is often located on the outer panel of the door. The display can display the current temperature, operating modes and indicate malfunctions with error codes. Modern models support Wi-Fi connection for remote control via a smartphone.
| Function | Description | User benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Multi Air Flow | Multi-threaded cooling | Same temperature for all shelves |
| Door Cooling+ | Cooling from the door | Quick temperature recovery after opening |
| Fresh Zone | Zero zone | Long-term storage of meat and fish without freezing |
| Smart Diagnosis | Smart diagnostics | Quick troubleshooting via smartphone |
Energy consumption and noise level
The large volume of internal space requires a more powerful compressor, which should theoretically increase energy consumption. However, modern models of the A++ or A+++ class are equipped with inverter motors that operate quietly and economically. They do not turn off completely, but only reduce the speed, maintaining the set temperature.
Noise level is another important parameter. Since the compressor is often located at the bottom of the housing, and the unit itself has a large area of resonating surfaces, vibrations can be transmitted to the floor. High-quality models are equipped with effective sound insulation and anti-vibration supports.
Nevertheless, when installing a refrigerator Side by Side in a kitchen-living room or studio apartment, you should pay attention to this indicator. Noise levels above 40 dB can become an irritant at night or while resting.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications such as noise level and power consumption may vary depending on the specific version and year of manufacture of the model. Always check the current information on the energy efficiency sticker located on the body of the device.
Comparison with other types layout
To understand whether you need it specifically Side by Side, it is worth comparing it with traditional two-chamber refrigerators. The main advantage of the American type is ergonomics. You don't have to crouch to get frozen food from the bottom drawer, since the freezer is at eye or chest level. On the other hand, the width of the freezer compartment in the Side by Side is often narrower than in classic models with a bottom freezer. This can be inconvenient when storing large frozen items, such as a whole bird or a large baking sheet. In classic models, drawers are often wider.
On the other hand, the width of the freezer compartment is Side by Side is often narrower than classic models with a bottom freezer. This can be inconvenient when storing large frozen items, such as a whole bird or a large baking sheet. In classic models, drawers are often wider.
It is also worth noting the cost. The price of American-style refrigerators is usually higher due to the complexity of the design, the presence of additional air circulation systems and electronics. Repair of such units can also be more expensive if specific components fail.
Care and maintenance rules
Despite the presence of the No Frost system, maintenance of the refrigerator Side by Side is necessary. Once every six months, it is recommended to carry out general cleaning with disconnection from the network. This is to clean the interior shelves, remove dust from the condenser (often located at the back or bottom), and check the drainage holes.
Particular attention should be paid to door sealing rubber bands. Due to the large area of the doors and their weight, the rubber bands experience increased stress. Wipe them regularly with a soft cloth and check their tightness. If the door does not close tightly, the compressor will work hard, trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
Replacing water and air filters is another procedure specific to models with dispensers. The filter life is usually 6 months, after which it must be changed to prevent the growth of bacteria and deterioration of the taste of water. A replacement indicator is often built into the control panel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a Side by Side refrigerator be built into a kitchen set?
It is almost impossible to fully integrate such a model, as is done with conventional refrigerators (when the refrigerator door is hidden by the facade of the furniture), due to their huge dimensions and door design. However, there are models designed for installation in a niche (built-in look), which have a decorative panel on the front, but they require a very accurate calculation of the dimensions of the niche.
Why does a Side by Side refrigerator get very hot on the sides?
In many modern models, condensation grilles (heat exchangers) are built into the side walls of the case, and not located at the back. Therefore, heating the side surfaces to 40-50°C in the first days of operation or when actively loading food is the norm, and not a malfunction.
How to transport a Side by Side refrigerator if it does not fit through the door?
Most models provide the ability to remove the doors. To do this, you need to carefully unscrew the hinges (often a hexagon or Torx wrench is required), remove the doors and carry the housing separately. It is also sometimes possible to remove the top cover and handles. It is not recommended to transport the refrigerator lying on its side without securing the compressor.
How long does the compressor last in such refrigerators?
The service life of the compressor depends on the brand and operating conditions. Modern inverter compressors are designed for 10-15 years or more active work. However, the presence of electronics and additional components (fans, sensors) increases the likelihood of failure of other elements before the compressor itself fails.