When you first come across the abbreviation Side by Side in the catalog of household appliances, a question may arise about the real meaning of this term. The literal translation from English is “side by side,” and this most accurately describes the concept of the device. Unlike traditional models, where the freezer is located below or above, here two full-fledged vertical sections stand next to each other for the entire height of the body.
This arrangement radically changes the ergonomics of use and requires a special approach to placement in the kitchen. Many buyers confuse these units with French Door models, but the design differences between them are significant. Understanding what is Side by Side in practice will help you avoid disappointment after the purchase and correctly calculate the space.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of side-by-side systems, their real advantages over the classics and hidden nuances that are kept silent in stores. You will learn why the width of the doorway can be a critical factor and how to properly organize food storage in wide sections.
Design features and system design
The main difference is the vertical division of the internal volume. The left side is usually reserved for the freezer, and the right side is occupied by the refrigerator compartment. The width of each section is usually about 45 centimeters, which in total gives a standard cabinet width of 90 to 100 centimeters.
Inside the refrigerator compartment, a system is often used No Frostthat completely eliminates the need for manual defrosting. Air circulates through special channels, uniformly cooling products on all shelves. The freezer is also equipped with powerful evaporators for quick freezing of large volumes.
⚠️ Attention: In some budget models, the freezer may be equipped with a static cooling system, which will require periodic defrosting. Always check the type of cooling in the technical documentation before purchasing.
The doors of such refrigerators open independently of each other. This means you can open just the freezer without blowing warm air into the main compartment, or vice versa. This independence has a positive effect on the energy efficiency of the device.
To ensure tightness, reinforced magnetic seals are used along the entire perimeter of the doors. The hinges are often equipped with closers that allow you to close the doors with a slight push, which is especially convenient when your hands are busy with bags of groceries.
Key advantages of the side-by-side format
The main advantage of the design is the huge usable volume, which can reach 600 liters or more. This allows you to purchase food for a week in advance for a large family. The wide shelves of the refrigerator compartment are ideal for storing large items: watermelons, large pots or baking sheets.
The ergonomics of use are also excellent. All food in the freezer is at eye and hand level. You do not need to squat or bend over to get a bag of frozen berries, as happens in models with a bottom freezer.
- 🧊 Visibility: the contents of the freezer are always in sight, nothing will get lost in the depths of the drawers.
- 📏 Capacity: the ability to store large products on door shelves and main shelving.
- ❄️ Climate control: Modern models are equipped with freshness zones and separate temperature settings.
It is especially worth noting the presence of a water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door in many models. This eliminates the need to open the refrigerator to pour a glass of cold water. The system connects directly to the water supply or uses a built-in reservoir.
Disadvantages and limitations of operation
Despite the obvious advantages, the Side by Side system also has significant disadvantages. The first and most important thing is the dimensions. A width of 90+ centimeters requires a spacious kitchen. In a typical Khrushchev apartment, such a giant can completely block the passage or not fit into a niche.
The second nuance is the width of the door. Even if the refrigerator itself fits into the designated space, an open door may block the passage to the kitchen or rest against furniture. This is a critical moment when planning the placement of equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Be sure to measure not only the width of the niche, but also the radius of the door opening. The minimum distance from the side wall to the obstacle should be at least 55-60 cm to fully open the sash 90 degrees.
It is also worth considering the price. The cost of Side by Side models is usually higher than that of classic two-chamber refrigerators of the same volume. Repair and replacement of components for such large devices can also be more expensive.
Hidden problems with delivery
When ordering, pay attention to the weight of the device. Some models weigh more than 120 kg, and a standard elevator in older buildings may simply not lift them. Check the assembled dimensions in advance - sometimes the refrigerator has to be brought in without doors, which requires disassembly, which is not possible in all models.
Comparison with French Doors
Often buyers hesitate between Side by Side and French Door. Outwardly they are similar, but there is internal logic. The French Door is a refrigerator with an upper refrigerator compartment, divided into two parts (like French windows), and a lower pull-out freezer.
In French Door models, the freezer compartment is usually made in the form of deep drawer-baskets. This is convenient for storing small packages, but less convenient for long products that do not fit in height. In Side by Side, the freezer is a full-fledged cabinet with shelves.
| Characteristics | Side by Side | French Door |
|---|---|---|
| Location of the freezer | Left, vertical | Bottom, horizontal |
| Access to products | You need to bend over | |
| Shelf width | Narrow (45 cm) | Wide (full width) |
| Model height | Often above 180 cm | Standard or high |
The choice between these two formats depends on your habits. If you often cook large meals and store them in wide containers, the French Door may be more convenient. If the priority is quick access to freezing and storage of tall bottles or cakes, Side by Side wins.
Installation rules and ventilation requirements
Installation of a large refrigerator requires compliance with strict ventilation rules. The compressor and condenser generate heat during operation, which must be effectively removed. If you leave the gaps minimal, the equipment will work for wear.
The gaps on the sides are usually 5-10 cm, and on top - at least 10 cm. Built-in models require special ventilation grilles in the base and top of the kitchen cabinet. Ignoring these standards leads to overheating and shortened service life.
☑️ Checking the installation location
It is also important to ensure a level installation. The floor must be perfectly horizontal, otherwise the doors may open spontaneously or not fit tightly. Adjusting the legs allows you to compensate for small unevenness, but within reason.
Tips for organizing the internal space
Wide shelves of the Side by Side refrigerator are great, but they dictate their own storage rules. To prevent food from spoiling or getting lost, use organizers and containers. This will prevent small items from “spreading” over the entire shelf.
In the freezer, it is better to use transparent containers or labeled bags. Because the section is narrow but deep, it is important to line up the products in rows so you can see the contents in the background. Freeze food in flat briquettes - they are easier to stack.
- 🥩 Zoning: Dedicate separate shelves for meat, fish and ready meals to avoid cross-contamination.
- 🥤 Doors: Use them only for sauces, drinks and foods that are not afraid of temperature changes.
- 🧊 Ice: If you don’t have an ice maker, buy ice trays that stack vertically.
Do not overcrowd the refrigerator. For normal circulation of cold air, there must be space between products. This is especially true for systems No Frostwhere fans must freely circulate air masses.
Final summary: who is this model suitable for?
The Side by Side refrigerator is a choice for large families, those who like to make wholesale purchases and those who value the comfort of access to products. This is premium-class equipment that requires appropriate operating conditions.
If your kitchen allows you to place a device 90-100 cm wide and provide the necessary ventilation gaps, you will receive an indispensable assistant. However, for singles or couples who are rarely at home, this volume may be excessive.
When purchasing, pay attention to the noise level, since powerful compressors of large refrigerators can hum more noticeably than compact ones analogues. Modern inverter models operate almost silently, but checking in the store will not hurt.
Is it possible to install a Side by Side refrigerator in a niche of a kitchen unit?
Yes, but only if it is a specially designed niche with the correct ventilation system. An ordinary kitchen cabinet without ventilation grilles at the top and bottom cannot be used - the refrigerator will overheat and break.
Why do food freeze faster in the Side by Side freezer?
This is due to the design. A narrow vertical chamber allows cold air to quickly cover the entire volume. In addition, when such a door is opened, cold air (which is heavier than warm air) flows out less, maintaining a low temperature inside.
Is it necessary to defrost a Side by Side refrigerator?
Most modern models are equipped with a No Frost or Total No Frost system, which eliminates the need for manual defrosting. However, it is recommended to carry out preventive washing and defrosting once a year for hygiene and maintaining efficiency.
What to do if the refrigerator does not fit through the doorway?
For many models, doors and handles can be removed, which reduces the depth of the device. Also, some manufacturers allow you to remove the compressor group (service only!), but this is a complicated procedure. It is better to measure all passages in the apartment in advance.