A modern kitchen is not just a place for cooking, but the center of the home, where design is intertwined with functionality. When choosing new technology, consumers are often faced with incomprehensible terms, and one of the most popular queries in search engines is the question side-by-side refrigerators what does it mean. This term, which comes from the English language (Side by Side - “side by side”), describes not just the appearance, but a fundamentally different design of the freezer and refrigerator compartment.
Unlike classic models, where the freezer is located at the bottom or top, here it is located vertically along one of the sides of the case. This solution radically changes the ergonomics of food storage and requires a special approach to the placement of equipment in the kitchen. Many buyers mistakenly believe that this is just a wide model, but in fact it is a complex engineering system that has its own unique advantages and hidden disadvantages that you need to know about before purchasing.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of such units, compare them with traditional solutions and help you decide whether this particular configuration is suitable for your lifestyle and apartment layout.
Design features and system design
The main difference between the type model Side by Side is the vertical division of the internal space. If in a standard refrigerator the zones are divided horizontally, here they are divided by a vertical partition. Typically, the freezer compartment occupies the left side (about 1/3 of the volume), and the refrigerator compartment occupies the right side. This allows you to organize the storage of products on the principle of “full access” without the need to bend over or stand on tiptoes.
Inside such devices, technology is often used No Frost for both compartments, which eliminates the need for manual defrosting. The air circulation system here is more complex, since it is necessary to maintain different temperature conditions in two isolated vertical zones. The compressor can be one (inverter, to reduce noise) or two independent, which allows more precise control of the climate in each chamber.
⚠️ Attention: The dimensions of such models often exceed standard ones. The width can reach 90-120 cm, and the height - 170-190 cm. Before purchasing, be sure to measure the doorways, since when assembled the unit may not fit into a standard door 80 cm wide.
The doors of such refrigerators are equipped with reinforced hinges that can withstand the significant weight of shelves and products. Often there is a design French Doorwhere the refrigerator compartment is divided into two hinged doors, and the freezer is a drawer from below, but the classic one Side by Side implies two vertical doors the full height of the case.
Comparison of Side by Side and classic models
To understand what does side by side mean in practical application, it is necessary to compare this design with conventional two-chamber refrigerators. The main advantage is ergonomics. All shelves in the refrigerator compartment are at eye level, which makes for an ideal overview of the contents. You don't need to remove food from the lower shelves to get to those at the back.
However, the freezer has its own characteristics. In classic models with a bottom freezer, the drawers are deeper and more spacious for large pieces of meat or fish. In a vertical freezer Side by Side the space is divided into narrow compartments or grid shelves, which is convenient for freezing semi-finished products, but may be inconvenient for storing large carcasses or pizza in the original packaging.
Let's look at the main differences in the table:
| Parameter | Classic (Bottom freezer) | Side by Side |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer location | Bottom (horizontal) | Side (vertical) |
| Refrigerator compartment overview | Average (lower shelves are hidden) | Excellent (everything is visible) |
| Model width | Standard (60 cm) | Increased (90-120 cm) |
| Storage of large items | Convenient in the freezer | Difficult in the freezer |
| Energy consumption | Often lower (class A+) | Often higher due to volume |
It is important to note that the width of the door opening is Side by Side less than that of classic models due to the vertical division. This can make it difficult to place wide pots or baking trays on the side shelves of the door. However, the central zone of the refrigerator compartment is usually very wide and allows you to place large dishes without problems.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Choosing a side-by-side refrigerator, you get a number of undeniable advantages. First of all, this is a huge useful volume, which can reach 600 liters or more. This is an ideal option for large families where food purchases are made rarely, but in large quantities. It is also worth noting the modern design: such models often look like an element of premium technology and are equipped with displays on the door.
Among the advantages are:
- 🧊 Uniform distribution of cold thanks to vertical air circulation.
- 👁️ Perfect overview of products in the refrigerator compartment without the need bend over.
- 🍷 Possibility of installing built-in water filtration systems and ice machines.
- 🔇 Modern inverter compressors are quieter than older models.
However, this technology is not without its drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the dimensions. Not every kitchen, especially in typical apartments of old construction, will accommodate such a wide unit. In addition, if the defrost system or compressor fails, repairs may be more expensive due to the complexity of the design and the cost of spare parts.
Another nuance is electricity consumption. A large volume means a large heat exchange area, so even with a high energy efficiency class, the absolute consumption of kilowatt-hours per year will be higher than that of a narrow 60-centimeter counterpart.
⚠️ Attention: In some models with a vertical freezer, the “quick freezing” zone may be less efficient due to the characteristics of the air flows. Check the availability of a separate Super Freeze zone before purchasing.
Installation and installation nuances
Installation of a refrigerator type Side by Side requires careful preparation of the site. As mentioned earlier, width is a critical parameter. But depth and height are no less important. Since such models are often deeper than standard ones (up to 70-80 cm excluding handles), they can protrude greatly forward from the line of the kitchen unit, which violates the aesthetic integrity.
To ensure proper operation of the compressor and system No Frost it is necessary to leave ventilation gaps. Usually a minimum of 5-10 cm is required at the back and sides, as well as at the top. If you build such a refrigerator into a niche without gaps, it will overheat, which will lead to increased energy consumption and reduced service life.
☑️ Checking the installation location
It is also worth considering the weight of the device. Filled with products Side by Side can weigh more than 150 kg. The floor at the installation site must be level and able to withstand such a load. If the floor is covered with soft linoleum or low-grade laminate, it is better to place special anti-vibration mats or a hard substrate under the legs of the refrigerator.
Care, maintenance and defrosting
Despite marketing statements that the system No Frost does not require defrosting, maintenance is completely ignored unacceptable. Yes, an ice coat does not form on the walls, but dust, bacteria and odors do not go away. It is recommended to carry out general cleaning and defrosting (unplugging) at least once a year.
The care process includes:
- 🧼 Washing the interior shelves and drawers with warm water and a mild detergent.
- 💨 Blowing out or cleaning the drainage hole (often located on the back wall).
- 🌬️ Cleaning the condenser (grid at the back) from dust with a vacuum cleaner to improve heat transfer.
- 👃 Checking and replacing the carbon filter (if your model has one) for eliminating odors.
Particular attention should be paid to door seals. In wide models Side by Side the length of the seals is long, and they come into contact with food or dishes more often, which is why they can get dirty faster. A dirty seal does not provide a tight seal, which leads to ice freezing and loss of cold.
Why does a new refrigerator smell?
A new refrigerator may smell like plastic or technical grease. This is fine. Wipe the internal surfaces with a solution of water and vinegar (1:1) and leave the doors open for 12-24 hours. If the smell persists longer, the problem may be in low-quality plastic.
Popular brands and models
The refrigerator market Side by Side is represented by many manufacturers. Leaders in this segment are traditionally considered to be South Korean companies Samsung i LG, which were the first to introduce many modern functions, such as transparent panels (InstaView) or freshness zones with humidity control. Their equipment is famous for its reliable inverter compressors.
European brands, such as Bosch, Siemens i Electrolux, rely on the quality of internal coating materials, noiselessness and environmental friendliness of refrigerants. Their models often have a more strict, classic design and thoughtful ergonomics of the drawers.
Chinese manufacturers (Haier, Hisense) have provided serious competition in recent years, offering rich functionality and stylish design at a more affordable price. They often copy successful solutions of market leaders, adapting them for the mass consumer.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, pay attention to the climate class. If the refrigerator will be placed in an unheated room (for example, in a country house or in a hallway), make sure that it is designed to operate at low temperatures (class SN or SN-T).
When choosing a specific model, be guided not only by the brand, but also by the noise level. For an open kitchen-living room, this parameter is critical. The optimal value is considered to be a level of up to 40 dB. Models with a noise level above 42-43 dB can create discomfort in a small room.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it true that Side by Side refrigerators consume a lot of electricity?
Not necessarily. Although they have a larger volume, modern models are equipped with inverter compressors and high-quality insulation, which allows them to have an energy consumption class of A+ or even A++. Absolute consumption may be higher than that of a small refrigerator, but specific consumption (per 1 liter of volume) is often comparable.
Is it possible to build a side-by-side refrigerator into a kitchen set?
There are built-in models, but they are rare and cost much more than free-standing ones. Conventional Side by Side cannot be built into a cabinet niche due to ventilation requirements and dimensions. It can only be installed in a prepared niche, leaving gaps.
How to transport such a refrigerator if it does not fit into the elevator?
Transportation is possible only in a vertical position. It can be tilted no more than 40 degrees and only in the direction opposite to the outlet of the compressor tubes (this is usually indicated on the nameplate on the back). After delivery, be sure to let the refrigerator sit for 4-6 hours before turning it on so that the oil flows into the compressor.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
Check if anything is blocking the seal (packaging, shelf edge, food). Make sure the refrigerator is level (the legs are adjustable). If the seal is deformed upon delivery, you can straighten it with a hairdryer (heating with a warm stream of air), but do not overheat the plastic.