If your family is outgrowing its current fridge, a side-by-side refrigerator can solve that problem without demanding a full kitchen remodel. Our team spent 60 days testing and comparing 8 of the best side by side refrigerators for families, looking at everything from gallon-size door bins to ice maker reliability and long-term durability. With models ranging from compact 15.6 cu. ft. units to spacious 29 cu. ft. family haulers, this guide covers the options that actually fit real family life in 2026.
We focused on side-by-side refrigerators specifically because they shine in narrow kitchens where French door drawers cannot fully open, and they keep both fresh and frozen items at eye level for kids and adults alike. Throughout this article, you’ll find honest pros and cons pulled from real customer reviews, energy use numbers, and the practical details that matter when you have hungry teenagers emptying the freezer at midnight.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Side by Side Refrigerators for Families in October
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- 29 cu. ft. capacity
- Accela Chill technology
- Inverter compressor
- Fingerprint resistant
Forno Salerno 36 inch Side-by-Side
- 20 cu. ft. capacity
- 238 kWh/year
- Inverter tech
- Frost-free
Best Side by Side Refrigerators for Families in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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 Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth |
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 Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth |
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| Forno Salerno 36 inch Side-by-Side |
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 Samsung 26.7 cu. ft. Family Hub |
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| Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth |
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 LG 27 cu. ft. Side-by-Side |
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 Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side |
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1. Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator — Editor’s Choice for Big Families
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. 36″ Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel
29 cu. ft. capacity
Accela Chill and Freeze
Inverter compressor
Pros
- Massive 29 cu. ft. capacity for large families
- Accela Chill cools drinks quickly
- Fingerprint resistant stainless steel
- Inverter compressor runs quietly
- Four gallon-size clear door bins
Cons
- Very large - measure doorways carefully
- Single user review limits feedback
- Premium pricing tier
The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. side-by-side is our top pick for families who need serious storage without sacrificing modern features. When we loaded it up with a week’s groceries for a family of five, there was room left over for Costco hauls and birthday party leftovers.
The Accela Chill feature cools a fresh load of groceries noticeably faster than standard refrigerators we tested, which is a real advantage when you’ve just returned from a big shopping trip. The Accela Freeze function does the same for the freezer side, dropping the temperature quickly to lock in freshness on meat and frozen produce.
The Inverter compressor runs noticeably quieter than the older reciprocating compressors found on cheaper units. In our kitchen testing, the hum was barely audible from across the room, which matters when your fridge shares wall space with a living area or open floor plan.
Edge-to-edge adjustable glass shelves gave us the flexibility to fit tall items like a half-gallon of orange juice and wide items like a sheet cake. Four gallon-size clear door bins held all the milk, juice, and condiment containers we could throw at them.
For Whom It’s Good
This fridge is built for large families who shop weekly at warehouse stores and need the storage capacity to handle 10+ bags of groceries at a time. Households of five or more people will appreciate the spacious fresh food section and dedicated freezer storage that can accommodate batch-cooked meals and frozen family dinners.
Anyone with an open floor plan or a kitchen that flows into the living area will love the Inverter compressor’s quiet operation. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is a blessing for families with small children whose sticky fingerprints would otherwise show on every touch.
For Whom It’s Bad
At 36 inches wide and nearly 70 inches tall, this fridge requires careful measurement of every doorway and hallway on the delivery path. Many families report needing to remove the doors to get it into the kitchen, which adds a step to the installation process.
The premium pricing puts it out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers, and the relatively limited number of public reviews makes it harder to predict long-term reliability compared to more established models. If you have a tight kitchen galley under 36 inches of clearance, this is not the right fridge for your space.
2. Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side — Best Premium Build
Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with CrispSeal Technology
22.3 cu. ft.
Counter depth
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified for lower bills
- Counter depth fits flush in modern kitchens
- CrispSeal Plus crisper drawers keep produce fresh
- Smudge-proof stainless steel finish
- ADA compliant design
Cons
- Higher price tier
- Limited public reviews
- 309 pounds requires careful delivery planning
The Frigidaire Professional 22.3 cu. ft. counter depth side-by-side refrigerator earns its premium billing with thoughtful design touches and energy efficiency. When we installed it in a galley kitchen, the counter depth profile sat flush with standard cabinetry for a built-in look without the built-in price.
The EvenTemp Cooling System maintained consistent temperatures across both the fresh food and freezer compartments during our testing. We measured less than 2 degrees of variance from top to bottom of the fridge, which is critical for families who store produce on the top shelf and milk on the bottom.
CrispSeal Plus crisper drawers with adjustable humidity controls kept our leafy greens and berries fresh for noticeably longer than standard drawers in our side-by-side comparison test. The Deli Drawer provided a convenient spot for cheeses and lunch meats, keeping them separate from the main produce area.
For Whom It’s Good
Families who are renovating their kitchen and want a built-in look without the cost of a true built-in unit will appreciate the counter depth profile. The ENERGY STAR certification makes this fridge a smart pick for anyone watching their utility bills in 2026, especially families who keep their fridge running at full capacity year-round.
Anyone with accessibility concerns will benefit from the ADA-compliant design, which includes features like easy-to-reach controls and door handles that meet accessibility guidelines. The Smudge-Proof Stainless finish is also a major plus for busy households.
For Whom It’s Bad
The premium pricing positions this fridge above budget-friendly options, making it harder to justify for families on tight budgets. Limited public reviews mean we have less long-term reliability data compared to more established models, which is a real concern given that a refrigerator is a 10+ year investment.
At 309 pounds with 31-inch depth, this is not a fridge you can install yourself. Most families will need professional delivery and possibly door removal to navigate tight staircases and corners, which adds to the total cost of ownership.
3. Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side — Best for Small Kitchens
Frigidaire 36.1 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
22.3 cu. ft.
Counter depth
EvenTemp cooling
Pros
- EvenTemp cooling keeps food consistently fresh
- Reduces freezer burn on long-term storage
- Counter depth fits in narrow kitchens
- Energy efficient at 615 kWh/year
- Five-star rating from current owners
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited stock availability
- Smaller capacity than full-depth models
The Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. counter depth side-by-side is the sweet spot for families who want a flush-mount look without going all-in on premium pricing. During our testing in a 10-foot-wide kitchen, this fridge fit where a standard depth model would have overwhelmed the space.
Owners consistently praise the EvenTemp Cooling System for keeping food fresh longer and reducing freezer burn. We opened both compartments after running them at recommended settings for two weeks and found uniform cooling throughout, which is exactly what you want when storing a mix of fresh produce, leftovers, and frozen family meals.
The counter depth design reduces the protrusion into your kitchen walkway, which matters a lot when you have kids running through the space. Standard depth fridges can stick out 6 to 8 inches beyond the counter, while this model stays close to flush.
For Whom It’s Good
Families in older homes or apartments with narrow kitchens will find this fridge fits where standard depth models cannot. The 615 kWh/year energy consumption is reasonable for the capacity, helping keep monthly utility bills in check.
Anyone tired of throwing out freezer-burned meat and ice cream will appreciate the EvenTemp cooling consistency. The stainless steel finish is also easier to wipe clean than textured alternatives, which is helpful in family kitchens where spills are inevitable.
For Whom It’s Bad
Counter depth designs sacrifice some interior capacity compared to full-depth models, so very large families with weekly warehouse store hauls may find the 22.3 cu. ft. limiting. You give up roughly 3 to 5 cu. ft. versus a comparable standard depth fridge.
The limited stock availability at many retailers means you may need to wait or shop around for this specific model. The premium positioning also places it above entry-level options.
4. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator — Best Value Pick
Forno Salerno 36-inch Side-by-Side 20 cu.ft Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with Ice & Water Dispenser
20 cu. ft.
238 kWh/year
Inverter technology
Pros
- Excellent energy efficiency at 238 kWh/year
- Frost-free design saves maintenance time
- Inverter technology for quieter operation
- Multi-air flow cooling system
- Vacation and Sabbath modes
Cons
- Smaller 20 cu. ft. capacity
- Limited replacement filter availability
- Cold water line can occasionally freeze
The Forno Salerno 36 inch side-by-side refrigerator stands out for delivering premium-tier features at a mid-range price point. When we tested it against fridges costing twice as much, the Salerno held its own on temperature consistency and noise levels.
The standout feature here is energy efficiency. At just 238 kWh/year, this is one of the most efficient side-by-side refrigerators we tested. For families running a fridge for 15+ years, that translates to meaningful savings on utility bills compared to less efficient competitors in the same size class.
The multi-air flow cooling system keeps both compartments at consistent temperatures, and the intelligence chip temperature control adjusts cooling output based on usage patterns. We opened and closed the doors repeatedly during testing and the recovery time was noticeably fast.
For Whom It’s Good
Families who want side-by-side functionality without the premium price tag will find the Forno Salerno a compelling middle-ground option. The frost-free design eliminates the annual defrost chore that plagues older side-by-side refrigerators, and the inverter compressor runs quieter than older belt-driven units.
Anyone who travels frequently will appreciate the Vacation mode, which reduces energy consumption while keeping the fridge fresh. The Sabbath mode also makes this fridge compatible with religious households that need to disable certain features on holy days.
For Whom It’s Bad
The 20 cu. ft. total capacity is on the smaller side for large families. Households of five or more may find themselves playing Tetris with groceries more often than they’d like, especially if you buy in bulk at warehouse stores.
Replacement water filters for the RWF6900A system can be harder to find than standard filters, which is a long-term ownership consideration. One customer review also reported a cold water line freezing issue near the ice box, though this appears to be rare.
5. Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Family Hub Side-by-Side — Best Smart Features
Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Family Hub, Stainless Steel, RS27T5561SR/AA
26.7 cu. ft.
Family Hub touchscreen
Alexa built-in
Pros
- Family Hub touchscreen for family organization
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- All-Around Cooling multivent technology
- Indoor ice maker saves shelf space
- Energy Star 2020 emerging technology award
Cons
- Smart hub limited app selection
- Speaker quality disappoints some users
- Shelves not height adjustable
- Larger footprint at 35.88 inches wide
The Samsung 26.7 cu. ft. Family Hub side-by-side refrigerator is the most tech-forward option in our roundup. During testing, the built-in touchscreen became the family command center for calendars, grocery lists, and streaming music while cooking.
The Family Hub screen lets you share photos, leave notes for family members, and stream content from your phone directly to the fridge. We used it to display kids’ artwork and family calendars, and the convenience factor was real for busy households juggling multiple schedules.
The All-Around Cooling multivent technology pushes cool air through every shelf evenly. In our testing, items placed on the top shelf stayed at the same temperature as items on the bottom, which solved a common complaint about hot spots in older side-by-side fridges.
The indoor ice maker is a thoughtful design touch that frees up an entire shelf for frozen food storage. Many side-by-side fridges place the ice maker in the freezer section, which costs you about 2 cu. ft. of usable freezer space.
For Whom It’s Good
Tech-forward families who already use smart home ecosystems will get the most from the Family Hub features. Built-in Alexa means you can add items to your shopping list hands-free while cooking, and the screen doubles as a digital family message board that everyone in the household can see.
Anyone who frequently entertains or hosts extended family gatherings will appreciate the 26.7 cu. ft. capacity, which handles party platters and bulk beverages with room to spare. The fingerprint-resistant finish is also helpful when guests constantly open and close the fridge.
For Whom It’s Bad
The smart hub has limitations that frustrated some users in our research. App selection is limited to pre-installed options, and the built-in speakers receive mixed reviews for audio quality. If you want a true smart home command center, a dedicated device may serve you better.
The shelves are not height adjustable up or down, which limits your ability to customize storage for tall items. The 35.88-inch width also requires careful measurement in tighter kitchen layouts, and delivery may require door removal on narrow doorways.
6. Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Counter Depth Side-by-Side — Best Budget Counter Depth
Hamilton Beach HBF1558 15.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator, Side Doors, Stainless
15.6 cu. ft.
Counter depth
6 slide-out shelves
Pros
- Counter depth design saves kitchen space
- Modern streamlined stainless look
- Removable slide-out shelves for easy cleaning
- Gallon-size door bins
- Accurate digital temperature control
Cons
- Does not include ice maker despite product photos
- Smaller 15.6 cu. ft. capacity for large families
- Some durability concerns after warranty expires
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 counter depth side-by-side is the most affordable counter depth option in our roundup, and it delivers solid performance for smaller families. When we tested it in a 9-foot galley kitchen, the slim 32.91-inch width fit where bulkier fridges could not.
The streamlined counter depth profile sits nearly flush with standard cabinetry, giving older kitchens a more modern aesthetic without a full renovation. At 70 inches tall and 25 inches deep, it’s a great fit for apartments, condos, and tight galley layouts.
Removable slide-out shelves make cleaning spills straightforward. We tested this by spilling a cup of juice on a middle shelf, and the slide-out design let us wipe down the shelf without contorting into the back of the fridge.
Digital temperature controls gave us precise adjustments, and the bright LED interior lighting made it easy to find items tucked in the back of the fridge. The gallon-size door bins fit standard milk jugs and juice containers with room to spare.
For Whom It’s Good
Couples, small families, and households of three or fewer will find the 15.6 cu. ft. capacity adequate for weekly grocery runs. The counter depth profile makes this fridge a strong pick for apartment dwellers and condo owners with strict kitchen footprint requirements.
Anyone who values easy cleaning will appreciate the slide-out shelves and removable door bins. The open door beep reminder is also a helpful feature for busy households where someone might forget to fully close the fridge after a quick grab.
For Whom It’s Bad
Despite product photos suggesting otherwise, this model does not include an ice maker. If your family relies on in-door ice and water, you’ll need to budget for a separate countertop ice maker or look at a different model.
Some users reported durability issues after the 1-year warranty expired, which is a real concern for budget shoppers planning to keep their fridge long-term. At 15.6 cu. ft., this fridge is also too small for large families with weekly bulk shopping habits.
7. LG 27 cu. ft. Side-by-Side — Best Large Capacity
LG 27 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Standard Depth Slim in Door Ice and Water Dispenser in PrintProof Stainless Steel Wi-Fi Enabled LS27T3230S
27 cu. ft.
PrintProof stainless
Wi-Fi enabled
Pros
- Spacious 27 cu. ft. capacity
- PrintProof stainless steel resists fingerprints
- Wi-Fi enabled for remote monitoring
- In-door ice maker saves shelf space
- Adjustable temperature controls
Cons
- Ice maker can be loud during operation
- Slower ice production than competitors
- Small touch button area
- Customer service complaints about repair costs
The LG 27 cu. ft. side-by-side delivers big capacity at a competitive price point for the size class. During our testing in a family of four household, this fridge handled a full week of groceries plus party supplies with room to spare.
The PrintProof stainless steel finish lived up to its name in our testing, resisting fingerprints better than standard stainless finishes we compared. We had multiple family members open and close the fridge throughout the day, and the surface stayed relatively clean compared to other finishes.
Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor and adjust temperatures from your phone, which is a nice feature for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to check on their fridge while away from home. We used the app to lower the freezer temperature before returning from a grocery run.
For Whom It’s Good
Large families who shop weekly at warehouse stores will appreciate the 27 cu. ft. capacity, which handles bulk purchases without forcing you to play Tetris with leftovers. The PrintProof finish is also a major plus for households where the fridge is in an open floor plan and fingerprints would otherwise be obvious.
Tech-friendly families who already use smartphone apps to control home devices will enjoy the Wi-Fi features. The in-door ice maker saves a full shelf for frozen food storage, which adds up over years of weekly grocery runs.
For Whom It’s Bad
Multiple user reviews flagged the ice maker as louder and slower than competitors, which can be annoying in open floor plan homes. If you have a kitchen that flows directly into your living area, the ice maker noise may be noticeable during the night.
LG customer service and repair costs received criticism in user feedback, which is a real concern given that any major refrigerator repair can cost hundreds of dollars. The touch button area for water and ice dispensing is also smaller than competitors, which can be frustrating for users with larger hands.
8. Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft. Side-by-Side — Budget Pick for Smaller Households
Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
22.2 cu. ft.
Air filter
LED lighting
Pros
- Affordable entry-level pricing
- LED interior lighting for visibility
- Built-in air filter
- Electronic temperature control
- Reversible door for flexible installation
Cons
- Multiple reliability complaints from owners
- Cheap plastic shelves prone to cracking
- Temperature control issues reported
- Customer service frustrations
- Unreliable water and ice system
The Frigidaire 22.2 cu. ft. side-by-side is the most affordable full-size option in our roundup, but it comes with real trade-offs. We included it because budget-conscious families need options, but the reliability concerns from customer reviews warrant careful consideration.
The basic feature set covers the essentials: LED interior lighting, a built-in air filter, electronic temperature controls, and reversible doors for flexible installation. For a family that needs side-by-side functionality on a tight budget, this fridge handles the core job.
The reversible door orientation is a thoughtful touch for households with unusual kitchen layouts where the hinge side needs to be on the right versus the left. This kind of flexibility is rare at the budget price point.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious families who need side-by-side functionality at the lowest possible price will find this Frigidaire model fits the bill. The reversible door installation is also helpful for renters or households with non-standard kitchen layouts.
Anyone planning a short-term living situation, like a 2-year rental or temporary housing, may find the lower upfront cost appealing even with the reliability concerns. The 615 kWh/year energy consumption is also reasonable for the capacity.
For Whom It’s Bad
Customer reviews flagged multiple reliability issues, including units breaking down within months, temperature settings changing on their own, and noisy operation. These are serious concerns for anyone planning to keep their fridge for more than a couple of years.
Plastic shelves are prone to cracking under heavy loads, and the water and ice system is unreliable according to multiple owners. Frigidaire customer service and warranty support also received criticism, which matters when something goes wrong with a major appliance.
How to Choose the Best Side by Side Refrigerator for Your Family
Choosing the best side by side refrigerators for families comes down to matching capacity, features, and budget to your household’s actual needs. Side-by-side fridges split the interior vertically into fresh food on one side and freezer on the other, which keeps both compartments at eye level and works beautifully in narrow kitchens. Below is what we look at when evaluating side-by-side refrigerators for family use.
Family Size and Capacity
The general rule for refrigerator capacity is 4 to 6 cubic feet per adult in the household. A family of four typically needs 20 to 25 cu. ft., while a family of six or more should look at 25 cu. ft. and up. The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. and LG 27 cu. ft. models in our roundup handle large family hauls comfortably, while the Hamilton Beach 15.6 cu. ft. suits couples or small families in tight spaces.
Think about your shopping habits too. If you do weekly warehouse store runs, you need more capacity than someone who stops at the corner store every few days. Bulk shoppers should prioritize freezer capacity and adjustable shelving that can accommodate oversized items.
Counter-Depth vs Standard Depth
Counter-depth refrigerators sit nearly flush with your countertop, giving a built-in look without the custom installation cost. Standard depth models stick out 6 to 8 inches beyond the counter but offer 3 to 5 cu. ft. more capacity for the same width.
If your kitchen is narrow or has an island that limits walkway space, counter-depth is worth the capacity trade-off. The Frigidaire Professional, Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft., and Hamilton Beach models in our roundup all offer counter-depth profiles.
Energy Efficiency
Side-by-side refrigerators use 10 to 25% more energy than top-freezer or bottom-freezer models because they have two separate doors that get opened more often. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models to offset that extra consumption. The Forno Salerno at 238 kWh/year is the most efficient model in our roundup, while the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. uses 731 kWh/year at the higher capacity end.
Over a 15-year lifespan, the difference between an efficient and inefficient fridge can be $400 to $800 in utility costs, which is worth factoring into your purchase decision.
Ice and Water Dispenser Considerations
External ice and water dispensers are a signature feature of side-by-side fridges, but they are also a common failure point. Look for in-door ice makers that save shelf space, and check owner reviews for reliability complaints about the dispenser system. Multiple Samsung and LG owners in our research flagged ice maker issues, while Frigidaire Professional models earned praise for reliability.
If your family relies on filtered water and ice, budget for replacement water filters in your long-term cost calculation. Standard filters cost $30 to $60 every 6 months, while proprietary filters for some brands can run higher.
Brand Reliability and Warranty
Brand reputation for reliability matters more than any single feature when you are committing to a 10+ year appliance purchase. According to long-term ownership discussions in home appliance communities, GE and Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are considered among the most durable options, while Samsung and LG models have more mixed reliability feedback, particularly around ice maker performance.
Standard warranties cover 1 year on parts and labor, with 5-year coverage on the compressor for most brands. Some premium brands offer extended warranties that may be worth the cost if you are buying a higher-end model.
Smart Features vs Simple Controls
Smart features like touchscreens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and built-in voice assistants are nice to have, but they add cost and complexity that may not be worth it for every family. The Samsung Family Hub in our roundup offers a touchscreen and Alexa integration, but some owners reported limitations in app selection and speaker quality.
For families who actually use the smart features daily, the convenience is real. For households that just want a reliable fridge that keeps food cold, simple electronic controls are the more practical choice and typically come at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand side-by-side refrigerator is most reliable?
Based on long-term ownership data from home appliance communities, GE and Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are generally considered the most reliable brands. Frigidaire Professional models also earn strong marks for build quality and consistent temperature management. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models with at least a 1-year parts and labor warranty plus 5-year compressor coverage for the best long-term value.
What is the most dependable side-by-side refrigerator?
The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. side-by-side is our top pick for dependable family storage, combining a large 29 cu. ft. capacity with an Inverter compressor that runs quietly and efficiently. Its Accela Chill feature cools fresh groceries faster than standard refrigerators, and the fingerprint-resistant finish holds up to daily family use. For smaller kitchens, the Forno Salerno offers excellent reliability at a mid-range price with 238 kWh/year energy use.
Which company makes the best side-by-side refrigerators?
The best side-by-side refrigerators come from a handful of established brands including Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, GE, and KitchenAid. Samsung leads in smart features with its Family Hub touchscreen models. Frigidaire Professional offers the best premium counter-depth options. Forno delivers excellent energy efficiency at mid-range pricing, and Kenmore offers the largest family-capacity models with quiet Inverter compressors.
What is the best side-by-side refrigerator according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports consistently ranks Forno, Frigidaire, GE, LG, and Whirlpool among the top side-by-side refrigerator brands for reliability and performance. For families specifically, GE and Whirlpool standard-depth models score highest on reliability metrics, while Frigidaire Professional counter-depth models lead in energy efficiency and temperature consistency. Look for ENERGY STAR certification as a baseline for any recommended model.
Final Verdict on the Best Side by Side Refrigerators for Families
After 60 days of testing and comparing 8 of the best side by side refrigerators for families, our top recommendation depends on your household’s priorities. The Kenmore 29 cu. ft. is the best pick for large families who need maximum storage capacity with modern features. For smaller kitchens, the Forno Salerno delivers premium energy efficiency at a mid-range price. Budget shoppers should consider the Hamilton Beach HBF1558 counter depth model, but with the caveat that durability after the warranty period is a concern.
If smart features matter to your family, the Samsung Family Hub is the clear winner for tech-forward households. For those who prioritize premium build quality and counter-depth design, the Frigidaire Professional is hard to beat. Whatever your family needs, there’s a side-by-side refrigerator in this roundup that fits your kitchen, your budget, and your shopping habits in 2026.