Side by Side Refrigerators That Fit Family Kitchens
The Samsung RS27T5200SR offers the most balanced capacity and dispenser setup for most households. Shoppers who want to skip the dispenser and save money can look at the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ, while kitchens that need a flush counter depth fit are better served by the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS.
The Samsung RS27T5200SR fits most households that want an even split between fridge and freezer space plus a working external dispenser. It does not offer a counter depth profile, so kitchens that need a flush fit should look toward the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS instead.
Side by side models vary in capacity split, dispenser mechanics and whether they fit a standard 36 inch cutout or require a counter depth cabinet. We compared published capacity figures, dispenser type, depth and width before ranking these seven.
The best picks, ranked
Samsung RS27T5200SR
Samsung’s RS27T5200SR splits storage close to evenly between the fresh food and freezer sides, which suits households that use both equally. The external dispenser handles ice and filtered water without opening the door. Adjustable shelving and door bins accommodate taller bottles and gallon containers.
Pros
- Even split between fridge and freezer space
- External dispenser reduces door openings
- Fingerprint resistant finish stays cleaner looking
Cons
- No dedicated smart features beyond the dispenser
- Door bins can feel tight with very large containers
LG LRSXS2706V
LG shapes the SpacePlus dispenser to take up less interior depth than older designs, leaving more usable shelf space directly behind it. Multi level LED lighting makes items at the back of each shelf easier to see. A slide out freezer basket keeps frozen goods visible without digging to the bottom.
Pros
- Dispenser design claims back less interior shelf depth
- LED lighting covers multiple shelf levels
- Slide out freezer basket keeps items visible
Cons
- No in door ice maker, uses a conventional external dispenser
- Freezer side runs narrower than some competing models
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ
Whirlpool skips the external dispenser on the WRS325SDHZ to keep the price down while still delivering a full size side by side layout. Spill guard shelf edges contain minor spills before they reach lower shelves. Two humidity controlled crispers target separate produce types that need different moisture levels.
Pros
- Lower cost than dispenser equipped competitors
- Spill guard shelves limit cleanup from minor spills
- Separate humidity control for two crisper drawers
Cons
- No external ice or water dispenser
- Fewer interior lighting points than premium models
GE GSS25GYPFS
GE sizes the GSS25GYPFS to fit a standard 36 inch cutout, which matters in kitchens where the refrigerator space was not recently remodeled. It still includes an external dispenser despite the more compact footprint. Spill proof shelves use a raised edge to contain minor drips before they spread.
Pros
- Fits a standard width opening without custom cabinetry
- Keeps a dispenser despite the smaller footprint
- Spill proof shelf edges limit cleanup
Cons
- Total capacity trails larger 27 cubic foot models
- Freezer basket space is tighter for bulk frozen storage
Frigidaire FRSS2623AS
Frigidaire covers the core side by side layout without a dispenser or smart features on the FRSS2623AS, which keeps the price near the bottom of the category. Store More bins add flexible door storage for taller items like juice bottles. A clear crisper drawer helps spot produce at a glance.
Pros
- Priced lower than most dispenser equipped side by side models
- Store More door bins hold taller bottles
- Straightforward layout with little to learn
Cons
- No external ice or water access
- Interior lighting is more basic than premium tiers
KitchenAid KRSC703HPS
KitchenAid builds the KRSC703HPS to sit flush with standard counters rather than protrude into the kitchen walkway. The tradeoff is less total capacity than a standard depth 27 cubic foot model. Preserva technology targets specific shelf zones aimed at slowing produce spoilage.
Pros
- Flush counter depth fit looks built in
- Preserva shelf zones aim to extend produce freshness
- External dispenser despite the shallower cabinet
Cons
- Capacity is notably lower than standard depth competitors
- Costs more per cubic foot than standard depth models
Kenmore 51833
Kenmore keeps the feature list short on the 51833: no dispenser, no smart connectivity, just a full width side by side layout. Gallon sized door bins hold large containers on either door. The freezer side includes a fixed shelf plus door bins for organizing frozen goods.
Pros
- Simple layout with fewer parts that can fail
- Gallon door bins fit large containers
- Competitive capacity for its category
Cons
- No ice or water dispenser
- Fewer adjustable shelf positions than premium models
How they compare
| # | Model | Capacity | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung RS27T5200SR | 27 cubic feet | Best overall | 9.3 | Check price |
| 2 | LG LRSXS2706V | 27 cubic feet | Best dispenser design | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ | 25 cubic feet | Best value | 8.7 | Check price |
| 4 | GE GSS25GYPFS | 25.3 cubic feet | Best for smaller kitchens | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Frigidaire FRSS2623AS | 25.6 cubic feet | Best budget | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | KitchenAid KRSC703HPS | 23 cubic feet | Best counter depth | 8.9 | Check price |
| 7 | Kenmore 51833 | 24.7 cubic feet | Best basic, no frills | 8.3 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
What to look for in a side by side refrigerator Start with how capacity splits between the fridge and freezer sides, since some models lean heavily toward one. Decide whether a dispenser is worth the added price, then check depth, since standard depth models protrude past the counter while counter depth versions sit flush. Finish and shelf layout matter less than these core factors but still affect day to day use.
Dispenser and interior storage features An external dispenser saves door openings but takes up some interior depth behind it, which varies by brand and design. Door bin size determines whether tall bottles or gallon containers fit without crowding other items. Shelf lighting, while a smaller detail, makes a real difference when reaching for something at the back of a deep shelf.
Fitting a counter depth or standard width opening Measure the existing cutout before assuming any 36 inch wide model will fit, since door swing and side clearance both matter. A counter depth model like the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS sits flush but sacrifices some capacity compared to a standard depth unit of similar width. Standard depth models generally offer more cubic feet for a similar footprint.
Energy efficiency and everyday capacity needs Side by side models vary in energy use partly based on compressor type and insulation, so checking the ENERGY STAR rating on the specific model is worth the extra minute. Capacity needs scale with household size, with 25 to 27 cubic feet covering most families comfortably. A smaller household may do fine with a lower capacity model and save on both purchase price and running cost.
Common questions
How much capacity does a side by side refrigerator usually have?
Most models in this category range from about 23 to 27 cubic feet, with larger standard depth units like the Samsung RS27T5200SR sitting at the higher end.
Are side by side refrigerators more energy efficient than french door models?
Efficiency depends more on the specific model’s compressor and insulation than the door style alone, so checking the ENERGY STAR rating on each listing gives a more accurate picture than door layout.
What is the difference between standard depth and counter depth refrigerators?
Standard depth models like the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ protrude a few inches past standard counters, while counter depth models such as the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS sit flush but hold less capacity.
Do all side by side refrigerators have an ice and water dispenser?
No. Budget focused models like the Frigidaire FRSS2623AS and Kenmore 51833 skip the dispenser entirely to keep the price lower.
What size opening does a 36 inch side by side refrigerator need?
A standard 36 inch wide model generally needs a slightly larger cutout once door swing and side clearance are added, so measuring the actual opening beats relying on the listed width alone.
How long do side by side refrigerators typically last?
Most well maintained side by side refrigerators run for roughly 12 to 15 years before major components need replacement, though actual lifespan varies by usage and maintenance.
Can a side by side refrigerator fit through a standard doorway?
Most models fit through a standard 32 inch doorway, but very wide 36 inch units can be tight through narrower hallway turns, so measuring the delivery path matters as much as the final spot.
Is more capacity always better for a side by side refrigerator?
Not necessarily. A larger unit costs more to run and takes up more kitchen space, so matching capacity to actual household size avoids paying for unused room.
The verdict
The Samsung RS27T5200SR is the strongest overall pick for most households that want balanced capacity and a working external dispenser. Shoppers who do not need a dispenser and want to save money should choose the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ instead. Kitchens that require a flush, built in look are better matched with the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS, even though it holds less total capacity.
Dana Whitfield
Dana spent eight years buying and merchandising for a regional kitchenware retailer before moving into editorial work. She has handled thousands of SKUs across cookware, small appliances and kitchen organization, and focuses on the practical differences that matter once a product is actually in daily use.
