When it comes to buying new household appliances for the kitchen, buyers are often lost in variety of terms. One of the most popular but questionable abbreviations is Side by Side. Literally from English this translates as “side by side”, and this is exactly what the internal structure of such units looks like. Unlike classic models, where the freezer is located at the bottom or top, here it occupies a vertical section on the side.
This design allows you to significantly increase the usable volume without making the device excessively tall. Side by Side often chosen for spacious kitchens, since their width is usually from 90 to 120 cm. This solution is ideal for large families who need to stock up on food. for future use and have access to frozen semi-finished products without having to bend over.
It is important to understand that this is not just a “wide refrigerator”. It is a complex system with separate cooling circuits and often additional features such as an ice maker or water dispenser. Before deciding to purchase, it is worth understanding the operating features in detail in order to avoid disappointments associated with dimensions or energy consumption.
Design features and device
The main difference of the model Side by Side lies in the vertical division of the internal space. The freezer occupies the left or right side (usually the left) and extends almost the entire height of the case. The remaining, wider part is reserved for the refrigeration compartment. This zoning allows you to place large items, such as baking sheets or tall pans, that would not fit into a standard compartment.
Inside the refrigerator compartment, the shelves are usually made of tempered glass and are often adjustable in height or folded in half. This provides flexibility in organizing space. The freezer section, in turn, can be equipped with drawers or grid shelves, which depends on the specific model and brand, be it Samsung, LG or Haier.
Technically, such devices are often equipped with a system No Frost in both chambers. This means you never have to manually defrost the unit. Cold air circulates through special channels, preventing the formation of ice on the walls and products. However, it is worth considering that such a system requires a more complex housing design and may be slightly noisier than static models.
⚠️ Attention: Side by Side dimensions require careful measurement of doorways. The width of the cabinet often exceeds 90 cm, and a standard kitchen door (80 cm) can become an obstacle to bringing in equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
When choosing between the classic and the “side-by-side” format, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The main advantage is, of course, ergonomics. You don't need to crouch to get frozen meat or dumplings, since all products are at eye and hand level. This is especially important for people with disabilities or back problems.
In addition, the wide body allows the installation of more powerful compressors and additional air filtration systems. Many models are equipped freshness zoneswhere optimal humidity and temperature are maintained for storing vegetables and meat without freezing. This extends the shelf life of products and preserves their vitamin composition.
However, there are also disadvantages. In addition to the already mentioned dimensions, such refrigerators consume more electricity due to the large volume of refrigerated space. Also, the price for them is usually higher than for standard two-chamber models of the same displacement. Noise may be above average if the ventilation of the No Frost system is not set up perfectly by the manufacturer.
- 🧊 Huge useful volume, allowing you to make supplies for a week or more.
- 👀 Convenient access to the contents of the freezer without tilting.
- ❄️ Uniform distribution cold and no need for defrosting.
- 🔌 Increased energy consumption compared to compact counterparts.
- 📏 Requires a lot of free space in the kitchen and wide doorways.
Comparison with other types of refrigerators
To To finally decide what it is Side by Side and whether you need it, we will conduct a comparative analysis. Classic models with a bottom freezer (combi) benefit from compactness and often energy efficiency. They are narrower and fit more easily into standard kitchen sets. However, their freezing part is limited by the height of the drawers, and it can be inconvenient to get food from the very bottom.
Models with a top freezer (“toptilotry”) are becoming a thing of the past, but are still popular due to their low price. Their main disadvantage is the need to constantly bend over for basic products from the refrigerator compartment and the limited volume of the freezer. Side by Side in this regard offers a compromise: large volume and ease of access, but at the expense of width.
There are also American models with dispensers built into the door. They are a subspecies of Side by Side, but require connection to a water supply. This adds functionality, but complicates installation and maintenance. If you don’t need an ice maker, there is no point in overpaying for this option.
A comparison table of the main characteristics will help to visualize the difference:
| Characteristics | Side by Side | Combi (low sea level) | Classic (top sea level) Mor.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer location | Side (vertical) | Bottom | Top |
| Typical width | 90–120 cm | 55–65 cm | 55–60 cm |
| Access to products | At eye level | Requires tilting | Requires tilting (cold.) |
| Volume (liters) | 500–700+ | 300–400 | 250–350 |
Selection criteria for your kitchen
When choosing a Side by Side unit, first of all pay attention to dimensions. Measure not only the place where it will stand, but also the passage paths. Make sure the unit's door can open 90 degrees or more to allow shelves to slide out. Some models require a gap between the side wall and the furniture for normal operation of the compressor ventilation.
The second important parameter is the energy consumption class. Since the refrigerator operates around the clock and has a large volume, the difference between class A+ and G in terms of a year can be a significant amount. Look for models with an inverter compressor: they are quieter and more economical, smoothly regulating power.
The third aspect is climate class. It indicates at what ambient temperature the equipment operates effectively. For Russian conditions, especially if the refrigerator is in an unheated room (which is rare, but happens in private homes), a wide range, for example, SN-T, is important. A narrow range can lead to compressor failure in winter or summer.
Installation and operation rules
Installation of large-sized equipment requires compliance with a number of rules. After delivery, especially if the refrigerator was lying during transportation, it needs to “settle” before turning on. The oil in the compressor must drain into the crankcase, otherwise water hammer may occur. Typically, manufacturers recommend waiting from 2 to 4 hours, and if the device was transported at sub-zero temperatures, up to 24 hours.
It is important to ensure proper ventilation. The back wall and side ends (if they are not built into a niche with gaps) must have free access to air. Heating of the case in the area of the partition between the chambers is a normal phenomenon for many models, since tubes with refrigerant pass there, preventing the formation of condensation.
Do not place the refrigerator close to a gas stove or radiators. The thermal effect disrupts the thermal balance, causing the compressor to wear out. The distance must be at least 50 cm, or a heat-insulating screen must be installed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not connect the refrigerator to the network via an extension cord or tee. The compressor's powerful inrush current can melt the contacts of a cheap extension cord and cause a fire. Use only a fixed outlet with grounding.
☑️ Check before turning on
Care and maintenance
Despite the No Frost system, the Side by Side refrigerator requires regular maintenance. It is recommended to wash the interior shelves and drawers every six months with warm water and a mild detergent. Pay special attention to the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment (if there is one) - cleaning it will prevent the appearance of puddles of water at the bottom.
Door seals must be wiped from dust and grease, and their tightness must also be checked. If the elastic band has lost its elasticity or is torn, the seal will be broken, and ice will begin to build up on the walls, and the compressor will work without stopping. You can replace the seal yourself by ordering an original spare part according to the model.
The rear condenser grille (usually the black grille at the back) should be vacuumed or gently brushed once a year. A layer of dust several millimeters thick can reduce heat transfer by 20-30%, which directly affects energy consumption and the service life of the motor.
What to do if an unpleasant odor appears?
If a persistent odor appears in the refrigerator, use activated carbon or special odor absorbers. Do not store food without packaging and check expiration dates regularly. Sometimes the smell can come from new plastic - in this case, airing the empty refrigerator for a day will help.
Frequent malfunctions and their causes
Even the most reliable equipment sometimes breaks down. In Side by Side refrigerators, problems most often occur with the water drainage system. If you notice water on the floor in front of your refrigerator, the drain pipe in your freezer is likely clogged. The ice plug prevents melt water from entering the evaporator, and it overflows.
Another common problem is the failure of the defrost sensor or heating element of the evaporator. In this case, the refrigerator stops freezing in one of the chambers, although the compressor is humming. The diagnostic system often displays an error code on the display, which makes troubleshooting easier. Self-repair of complex components is not recommended, as the system must be evacuated and refilled with refrigerant.
Noisy operation of fans can also bother owners. Over time, the blower fan bearings wear out or freeze, causing a hum. Replacing the fan is a simple procedure, but it requires disassembling the internal panel of the freezer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Side by Side refrigerator get hot on the sides?
This is a normal design feature. Condenser tubes are often hidden in the side walls of modern models. They give off heat to the environment, so the sides may be warm or even hot to the touch, especially in the first days of operation or in the summer.
Is it necessary to defrost a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Technically, defrosting is not required, since moisture is removed automatically. However, once every year or two it is recommended to turn off the device for a day to carry out general cleaning, wash hard-to-reach places and check the operation of the system. This will also help eliminate odors.
Can a regular Side by Side be built into a kitchen set?
No, regular models are not designed to be built in. They do not have a facade ventilation system, and covering the sides with furniture will cause the compressor to overheat and break down. To install, you need to buy special built-in models, which are more expensive and have different dimensions.
How much electricity does such a refrigerator consume per month?
Consumption depends on the volume and energy efficiency class. On average, a large Side by Side class A+ consumes about 40-50 kWh per month. Models of the old class G can consume up to 80-90 kWh or more.
What does the climate class marking mean?
It indicates the temperature range in the room where operation is permitted. N (normal) - from +10 to +32°C. SN (subnormal) - from +10 to +32°C. T (tropical) - up to +43°C. Use outside these limits leads to incorrect operation.