When it comes to modernizing a kitchen, one of the first things that comes to mind is the question of replacing old, humming appliances with a modern and spacious model. It is at this moment that many buyers first encounter the term Side by Sidewhich often sounds like a marketing name for the premium segment.
Literally from English this phrase translates as “side by side”, and this is not just a beautiful phrase, but an accurate description of the design feature of the device.
Unlike traditional European models, where the freezer compartment located below or above the main compartment, here both compartments are at the same height and are separated by a vertical partition.
This arrangement allows you to significantly increase the useful volume, while maintaining the standard height for wide models, which makes them ideal for large families or those who like to stock up on food for a long time.
Let's figure out why Side by Side becomes the number one choice for spacious kitchens and what are their hidden advantages over classic two-chamber units.
Design features and device
The main difference between the design is the vertical division of the internal space. On the left, as a rule, there is a narrower freezer compartment, and on the right is the main refrigeration compartment of a much larger width.
This geometry allows you to place large items inside that are physically impossible to place in a standard refrigerator: for example, a whole fish, a large cake on a tray or a wide pot of soup.
The inside of the freezer part is often implemented a system of several independent drawers or pull-out shelves, which simplifies the sorting of frozen products into categories.
Modern models are equipped with a complex air circulation system, known as No Frost, which eliminates the need for manual defrosting and the formation of ice on the walls.
It is important to note that the width of the body of such units is usually from 90 to 120 cm, so they require more space not only in width, but also in depth, since they often have increased dimensions to accommodate a powerful compressor and ice maker.
⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, be sure to measure not only the width of the kitchen doorway, but also the diagonal of the passage into the apartment. The dimensions of the package may not allow you to carry the refrigerator assembled; the doors will need to be dismantled.
The internal filling often includes telescopic guides for the shelves, allowing them to be pulled out completely along with the contents, which is extremely convenient when cooking.
Fresh preservation technologies
In modern Side by Side models separate freshness zones with zero temperature or controlled humidity are used. This allows you to store meat and fish without freezing for up to 3-4 days, preserving their structure and color, while vegetables remain crisp thanks to a separate air circulation mode.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
When choosing between the classic and “side by side”, you need to weigh all the arguments, since this type of technology has both obvious advantages and specific ones disadvantages that you should know about in advance.
The key advantage is the huge useful volume, which can reach 600 liters or more, which allows you to purchase products in bulk and visit the store less often.
Many models are equipped with a built-in ice maker dispenser for supplying chilled water directly through the door, which eliminates the need to open the chamber and let out cold air.
However, a wide door requires more free space to open, which can be critical for kitchens with narrow aisles or island layouts.
- 🧊 Huge freezer capacity, allowing you to store large pieces of meat or whole poultry carcasses.
- 💧 Availability of a dispenser for water and ice without the need to open the door (in premium models).
- 📉 Uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire volume due to the vertical circulation of air flows.
- 🔇 As a rule, quieter operation of the compressor due to its distance from living area (often installed at the back and below).
Do not forget about increased energy consumption: a large volume of air requires more powerful and frequent cooling, especially in the hot season.
Comparison with traditional refrigerators
For clarity, let’s compare the key characteristics of Side by Side and classic two-chamber European-type models to understand the difference in operation.
All products are at eye level
Bottom chamber requires tilt
High
Medium / Available
| Parameter | Side by Side | European type (Top/Bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Location cameras | Vertical (left-right) | Horizontal (top-bottom) |
| Case width | 90–120 cm | 55–65 cm |
| Total volume | 500–700 liters | 250–350 liters |
| Ergonomics of access | ||
| Price |
The European type often wins in compactness and the ability to fit equipment into a narrow niche, while Side by Side is a choice in favor of maximum comfort and capacity.
In side-by-side models, all shelves are at a comfortable height, you do not need to squat to get frozen berries, or stand on tiptoes for milk.
However, if your kitchen is less than 10-12 square meters, installing such a giant can visually “eat up” the space and make the room cramped.
Installation rules and ventilation requirements
Installing a Side by Side refrigerator is not just “plugging it into an outlet.” Due to the large dimensions and powerful heat exchanger, it is critical to ensure proper ventilation.
Warm air should freely exit the rear of the device, so the distance to the back wall should not be less than 5-7 cm, and on the sides - about 2-3 cm on each side.
If you plan to install the unit in a niche of a kitchen unit, make sure that the top of the cabinet has ventilation holes or a grille for hot air to escape.
The floor must be perfectly flat and withstand a significant load: a fully loaded refrigerator can weigh more than 150 kg.
Checking the level:Use a building level.
Adjustment is made with the front legs.
The door should close on its own when opened 45 degrees.
Incorrect installation can lead to overheating of the compressor, increased noise and reduced service life of the equipment.
☑️ Check before installation
Energy efficiency and equipment care
Despite the large volume, modern models often have an energy consumption class A+ or A++, which is achieved through improved insulation and inverter compressors.
Inverter technology allows the motor to operate not at full power constantly, but to smoothly regulate speed, maintaining the set temperature with minimal electricity consumption.
Caring for a Side by Side refrigerator also has its own characteristics: due to the large area of the internal surfaces, they need to be wiped more often, to avoid the appearance of foreign odors.
The system No Frost requires regular cleaning of the drainage hole, which can become clogged with crumbs or particles of packaging, which will lead to the accumulation of water at the bottom.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use abrasive powders or aggressive chemicals to clean internal plastic surfaces. This can damage the antibacterial coating and lead to the appearance of microcracks.
Air purification filters, if provided by design (for example, carbon or with silver ions), require replacement every 6-12 months to maintain efficiency.
What to look for when purchasing
When choosing a specific model In the store, first of all, pay attention to the type of compressor: inverter options are quieter and last longer.
Check the possibility of rearranging the shelves: in wide refrigerators this gives flexibility in placing tall bottles or baking trays.
If there are children in the family, a useful function would be to lock the control panel or the “Vacation” mode, which switches the refrigerator to an economical operating mode.
- 🔍 Compressor type (inverter is preferable).
- ❄️ Availability of a “Zero Freshness” zone for meat and fish.
- 🔊 Noise level (optimally up to 38-40 dB).
- 💡 Internal quality lighting (LED lighting on the sides or back).
It is also worth checking whether there is a warranty on the compressor, since in some brands it can reach 10 years, which indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the reliability of the unit.
Do I need to defrost a Side by Side refrigerator?
Most modern models are equipped with a No Frost system, which eliminates the need for manual defrosting to remove ice. However, experts recommend turning off the device at least once a year for general cleaning, washing shelves and drying internal ventilation ducts.
Why does the Side by Side refrigerator get very hot on the sides?
Heating of the side walls is a normal process of heat transfer. In modern models, the condenser (radiator) is often built into the side walls of the case, rather than located at the back in the form of a grill. If the walls are hot, but do not burn, there is nothing to worry about.
Is it possible to transport a Side by Side refrigerator lying down?
It is strictly not recommended to transport such large models lying down. Due to the large weight of the compressor and the fragility of the internal structure, there is a high risk of tubes tearing off or the motor being displaced. Transportation is only possible in a vertical position.
What is the service life of Side by Side refrigerators?
If you follow the operating rules and regular maintenance, the average service life of high-quality models is 10-15 years. The key factor for durability is a stable voltage in the electrical network and the cleanliness of the capacitor.