Joybuy Insights

Buying a side-by-side fridge-freezer: a guide for families and larger households

A side-by-side fridge-freezer offers plenty of storage space, separate fridge and freezer compartments and often a water and ice dispenser. For families and larger households, an American-style fridge-freezer can make it easier to organise your shopping. However, large dimensions, running costs and connection requirements are important considerations that often receive less attention in product advertising.

That’s why the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer focuses on clear, verifiable details such as usable capacity, energy rating, noise level, No Frost features and water supply type.

Common pitfalls when buying an American-style fridge-freezer

1. Don’t confuse usable capacity with external dimensions

A large exterior doesn’t automatically mean the interior space is easy to use. The key figures are the separately stated capacities in litres for the fridge and freezer compartments. Ice makers, water tanks and door shelves also take up space.

Before you buy, check:

  • Is the usable capacity right for your family’s shopping habits?
  • How much room do you need for frozen food, drinks and fresh produce?
  • Can you adjust the shelves and drawers to suit your groceries?

A large fridge-freezer for families should offer more than plenty of litres: it should also have a clear, practical interior layout.

2. Water and ice dispensers don’t all use the same connection

A fridge-freezer with an ice and water dispenser may use either a mains water connection or a built-in water tank. Models with a water tank are usually more flexible to position, but the tank needs to be filled and cleaned regularly.

With a mains water connection, check that:

  • there’s a suitable water pipe available,
  • the connection point works with your kitchen layout,
  • hoses and shut-off valves will remain accessible.

Also check whether the dispenser provides ice cubes only, crushed ice as well, or chilled water too.

3. The energy rating alone won’t tell you the annual running costs

The energy rating is a useful point of comparison, but actual consumption is shown in kilowatt-hours per year. To get a rough idea of the cost, multiply this figure by your current electricity tariff. An energy-efficient fridge-freezer may use less electricity per year than a similar-sized model with similar features, but the exact difference depends on the model and how you use it.

Frequent use of the ice maker, a high room temperature or leaving the doors open for long periods can also affect energy consumption.

Key technical points to check before you buy

No Frost, Multi Airflow and inverter compressors

A side-by-side fridge-freezer with No Frost circulates cold air and reduces ice build-up in the fridge and freezer compartments. This means suitable models don’t need to be manually defrosted. Even so, check whether No Frost is specified for both compartments.

A fridge-freezer with Multi Airflow sends cold air into the interior through several outlets. This can help distribute the temperature more evenly. However, the feature doesn’t replace good food storage habits: keep air vents clear and let hot food cool before putting it away.

A fridge-freezer with an inverter compressor adjusts the compressor’s output to suit demand. For a practical comparison, also check the stated noise level in decibels, annual energy consumption and warranty terms.

Dimensions and door clearance

Side-by-side models are often around 90 centimetres wide. Measure more than just the space where you plan to put it. Check:

  • doorways, stairwells and lifts,
  • the depth with the door open,
  • the clearance in front of the appliance,
  • the distance from walls and nearby furniture,
  • the position of the plug socket and water connection.

In a small kitchen, a French-door fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer may offer a different way to access your food. For example, wide fridge shelves make it easier to store platters and large containers, while side-by-side doors create narrower compartments on either side.

Noise level and interior layout

For open-plan kitchens, noise levels of around 35 to 40 dB are particularly worth considering. Decibel figures come from the relevant product information, so compare them model by model. Also check the number of glass shelves, door shelves, salad drawers and freezer drawers.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Exquisit 528 L side-by-side fridge-freezer

Exquisit 528 L Freestanding Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: It combines 528 litres of total usable capacity with a removable 4.5-litre water tank. According to the product information, it doesn’t need a mains water connection.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The water comes from a tank, so there’s no need to plan for a mains water connection. However, the tank needs to be filled and cleaned regularly.

Key benefits and features

528 litres, No Frost, Multi-Airflow, energy rating C and a stated noise level of 37 dB.

Ideal for: Buyers who expect high quality
Bauknecht SBS IW D90 Black side-by-side fridge-freezer

Bauknecht SBS IW D90 Black Side-by-Side Fridge-Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: Its 578-litre capacity, separate cooling circuits and inverter compressor will appeal if you value a wide range of features and well-organised storage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Dual Cool Total No Frost and a built-in water tank reduce the need for manual defrosting and a mains water connection.

Key benefits and features

578 litres, energy rating D, 37 dB, water and ice dispenser, plus a Fast-Freeze function according to the product information.

Ideal for: Specialist uses and frequent use
LG GSJC41EPPE side-by-side fridge-freezer

LG GSJC41EPPE side-by-side fridge-freezer

Why this product suits this profile: With a capacity of 641 litres and a 4-litre water tank, this model is suited to households with plenty to keep chilled or frozen and a regular need for chilled drinks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, the dispenser works without a mains water connection. This gives you more flexibility when positioning the appliance, although you’ll need to keep the tank topped up and clean it regularly.

Key benefits and features

641 litres, No Frost, Multi Air Flow, Smart Inverter Compressor, ice cube and crushed ice functions, plus a noise level of 36 dB.

Ideal for: Design-conscious households
Hisense RS3P558NEFD black American-style fridge-freezer

Hisense RS3P558NEFD American Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: This black fridge-freezer combines 544 litres of usable capacity with No Frost, Multi-Airflow and a stated noise level of 35 dB.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The technical specifications list separate fridge and freezer capacities, as well as annual energy consumption. This makes it easier to compare the size with your actual needs.

Key benefits and features

544 litres, energy rating D, annual energy consumption of 254 kWh according to the product information, and a 4-star freezer compartment.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Frequently asked questions about side-by-side fridge-freezers

How much space does a side-by-side fridge-freezer need?

Many models are around 90 to 92 centimetres wide and about 178 to 180 centimetres tall. Exact measurements, as well as the depth with the door open, vary by appliance. Be sure to measure the route into your home and the clearance in front of the fridge-freezer too.

Is a fridge-freezer with a water tank a good choice?

A fridge-freezer with a water tank is a good choice if you don’t have a mains water connection or want to keep your kitchen layout flexible. However, you’ll need to fill the tank regularly with drinking water and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the appliance won’t be used for a long time, don’t leave water sitting in the tank.

How long does a side-by-side fridge-freezer last?

Its lifespan depends on factors such as how it’s used, ventilation, cleaning and maintenance. There’s no single lifespan that applies to every model. Check the warranty terms, availability of spare parts and the manufacturer’s care instructions. Make sure the ventilation openings are clear, the appliance is stable and you use the water and ice dispensers correctly.