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.
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:
A large fridge-freezer for families should offer more than plenty of litres: it should also have a clear, practical interior layout.
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:
Also check whether the dispenser provides ice cubes only, crushed ice as well, or chilled water too.
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.
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.
Side-by-side models are often around 90 centimetres wide. Measure more than just the space where you plan to put it. Check:
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.
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.
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.
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.
528 litres, No Frost, Multi-Airflow, energy rating C and a stated noise level of 37 dB.
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.
Dual Cool Total No Frost and a built-in water tank reduce the need for manual defrosting and a mains water connection.
578 litres, energy rating D, 37 dB, water and ice dispenser, plus a Fast-Freeze function according to the product information.
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.
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.
641 litres, No Frost, Multi Air Flow, Smart Inverter Compressor, ice cube and crushed ice functions, plus a noise level of 36 dB.
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.
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.
544 litres, energy rating D, annual energy consumption of 254 kWh according to the product information, and a 4-star freezer compartment.
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.
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.
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.
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.