French door vs. side-by-side refrigerators: pros and cons
There are pros and cons to both French door and side-by-side refrigerators. In general, French door refrigerators offer more fresh food storage that is easy to customize to your needs, while side-by-side refrigerators provide more freezer space and door storage at a lower price point.
This article will guide you through some of the most important considerations as you compare side-by-side vs. French door refrigerators. Learn more about the configurations, features and advantages of each and gain confidence in finding the right fit for your home.
What is a French door refrigerator?
French door refrigerators vary in size and configuration, but always include a top refrigerator compartment with double doors that open outward, are split down the middle and can be opened independently or together for easy access to all refrigerated items. The freezer is located below the double doors in a large pull-out drawer.
Browse Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerators to learn more about what to expect from French door configurations.
What is a side-by-side refrigerator?
Side-by-side refrigerators feature two tall, narrow compartments that span the full height of the unit, with one side dedicated to the refrigerator and the other to the freezer. The top-to-bottom design can also include advanced features like in-door ice and water dispensers.
Browse Whirlpool® Side-by-Side Refrigerators to learn more about what to expect from side-by-side configurations.
1. Configuration
While the exterior configuration of a side-by-side refrigerator consistently features a contoured, two-door design, French door configurations can vary and might occasionally include an exterior drawer or 4-door configuration. Both configurations typically feature adjustable bins and shelving for flexible storage solutions, but French door models often utilize the increased width to incorporate advanced customization options.
2. Size
Refrigerator dimensions vary based on type and capacity, but standard measurements exist for each configuration. On average, French door refrigerator dimensions can run slightly larger than a typical side-by-side configuration, however, Whirlpool brand offers both in 30, 33 and 36-inch widths. Both are available as freestanding or built-in units and come in standard or counter depth.
If you’d like to track down the dimensions best suited to your kitchen, take a look at this refrigerator measurement guide, which will walk you through finding the perfect fit.
3. Capacity
French door refrigerators are well known for their spacious capacity and open layout, but side-by-side configurations often offer a similar capacity range. Most often, French door refrigerator capacity ranges from 20 cu. ft. to 28 cu. ft., with the majority of their capacity allocated to the refrigeration compartment. Side-by-sides also range from 20 cu ft. to 28 cu. ft., but capacity is spread more evenly between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
Some units offer features that let you “rearrange” capacity to better suit your groceries, like Whirlpool® Refrigerators with the Infinity Slide Shelf.
4. Features
French door and side-by-side models both come with practical features, especially when compared to other common refrigerator configurations. Though they vary by brand and model, French door models typically offer the most features, especially in the performance category. Those may include an in-door ice and water dispenser, adaptable shelving, crisper drawers with humidity controls, fast cooling and other model-specific features.
Side-by-side configurations may also feature in-door water and ice dispensers, as well as spill-proof shelves, specialized temperature zones and other model-specific features.
5. Style
Side-by-side refrigerators are generally among the most popular refrigerator styles found in modern kitchens due to more freezer capacity and narrow doors that can fit tight spaces.
When choosing a refrigerator, consider your lifestyle and food storage preferences. French door refrigerators keep refrigerated food at eye level and freezer items below, while side-by-side refrigerators offer eye-level access to both refrigerator and freezer items.
6. Price
Pricing for both side-by-side and French door refrigerators vary by finish, features and capacity. Side-by-side refrigerators typically start at a lower price point than French door configurations. Higher prices on French door configurations are often a result of base models that have more features and capacity than their side-by-side base model counterparts.
What are the pros and cons of French door vs. side-by-side refrigerators?
The strengths and weaknesses of each configuration largely depend on your kitchen’s unique needs, and the choice ultimately comes down to preference. Use the list below as your guide to determine which features win out for your kitchen.
French door refrigerator pros
- Wider shelving and compartments: The full-width layout makes it easier to store large platters and serving trays.
- More customizable interior: A larger and wider refrigerator cavity often comes with more wiggle room for unique storage solutions and customization.
- Easy access to fresh items: An eye-level line of sight to all fresh ingredients makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, and may reduce waste, as you might be more likely to spot forgotten items.
- Larger refrigerator capacity: Increased capacity in the refrigerator generally lets you fit more fresh foods than a side-by-side configuration.
French door refrigerator cons
- Less flexible freezer organization: A pull-out freezer drawer may mean reduced shelving and bin options for organizing your freezer.
- Reduced freezer capacity: A focus on fresh items may leave slightly less space for frozen foods, which can be problematic for those who prefer making and freezing meals ahead of time.
- Higher price point: French door configurations are available for a variety of budgets, but often enter the market at a slightly higher price point than side-by-side units.
- Less door storage: If your refrigerator is a sea of condiments and beverages, you may find it frustrating to take up main shelving with items better suited to door bins.
Explore Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerators
With features on select models like Prep & Store Bins and the Infinity Slide Shelf, Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerators are ready to meet all your food storage needs. Enjoy more capacity and quick access to both fresh and frozen items.
Side-by-side refrigerator pros
- More freezer space and visibility: With capacity spread more evenly between both compartments, you can often store more in the freezer and spot all of your most-used ingredients at eye level.
- Easier freezer organization: More shelving in the freezer means more ways to store and organize frozen goods.
- Increased door storage: Find more suitable space for tall condiments, beverages and other small items with top-to-bottom door bins.
- Lower price point: You may be able to enjoy similar features and capacity as a French door refrigerator with a slightly lower entry price point.
- Ideal for tight spaces: Two narrow doors opening outward make it easier to open and close the refrigerator in snug spaces.
Side-by-side refrigerator cons
- Harder to access fresh items: The top-to-bottom compartment design may limit the items you can easily view and access compared to a French door design. Review this guide on how to organize your side-by-side refrigerator to help combat this issue.
- Less refrigerator capacity: More dedicated freezer space reduces the capacity of the refrigeration cavity, making it harder to store more fresh foods.
- Narrow shelving: You may find it more difficult to fit large or wide platters within the narrow shelves.
Explore Whirlpool® Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Whirlpool® Side-by-Side Refrigerators deliver higher capacity with features on select models like Adjustable Gallon Door Bins and In-Door Ice® Storage. Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, these appliances seamlessly integrate into any kitchen design.
Is a French door or side-by-side fridge better for my kitchen?
The best fit for your home ultimately takes budget, size, storage, features and your family’s unique needs into account. An affinity for fresh foods and larger gatherings may have you leaning toward a French door configuration, while a preference for increased capacity for, and access to, frozen goods may make a side-by-side refrigerator more appealing.
Learn more about how to buy the best refrigerator for your home with this buying guide, then narrow down the ideal Whirlpool® Refrigerator for your kitchen by visiting the Appliance Finder.
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Whirlpool® Refrigerators offer innovative features that help keep you and your family’s day moving. Features on select models such as the Humidity-Controlled Crisper Drawer and the FreshFlow™ Produce Preserver help keep fruits and vegetables fresh, while the Flexi-Slide™ Bin and Adjustable Gallon Door Bins provide flexible storage. Shop top-rated refrigerators from Whirlpool brand today.
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