Joybuy Insights

Side-by-Side Refrigerators with Ice Dispensers: Buyer’s Guide

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, July 20, 2026

A large household places significant demands on food storage. When it's time for the weekly grocery run for the whole family, refrigerator space can quickly run out. A side-by-side refrigerator with an ice dispenser offers a solution that combines generous storage space with modern convenience. These appliances, often called American-style refrigerators, are more than just cooling units; they are centrepieces in a modern kitchen.

This article serves as your guide. It highlights key criteria to consider when making your selection and presents a curated list of models with their specific features. The goal is to provide you with an informed basis for your purchasing decision.

What to Look For When Buying

Choosing the right model depends on several factors that go beyond just design. The following points will help you match the appliance's functionality to your specific needs.

Connection Type: Plumbed-in or Water Tank?

One of the most fundamental decisions concerns the integrated water and ice dispenser.

  • Plumbed-in Connection: The appliance is connected directly to your home's water line. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of water and ice without the need to manually refill a tank. The installation is more involved, and the refrigerator's location is tied to the proximity of a water connection.
  • Integrated Water Tank: A side-by-side with a water tank offers maximum flexibility for placement in your kitchen, as no plumbing is required. The tank must be manually refilled and cleaned regularly. This option is ideal for rental properties or kitchens where retrofitting a water line is not possible or desired.

Capacity and Dimensions

A large refrigerator for the family should be adequately sized. The usable capacity is specified in litres and indicates the available volume in the fridge and freezer compartments. As a rule of thumb, households with four or more people often require appliances with a total capacity of over 500 litres.

Before purchasing, measure the intended space precisely. Consider not only the width and height but also the depth of the appliance, as well as the necessary clearance from the wall for adequate ventilation. Also, be mindful of the space needed to fully open the doors.

Energy Efficiency and Technical Features

Modern fridge-freezers offer a range of technologies that simplify daily life and optimise energy consumption.

  • Energy Efficiency Class: The EU energy label provides information on annual electricity consumption. Although larger appliances tend to use more energy, modern technologies like the inverter compressor ensure efficient and quiet operation.
  • No-Frost Technology: A No Frost side-by-side refrigerator is largely standard today. This feature prevents ice build-up in the freezer compartment, eliminating the need for manual defrosting and ensuring consistent cooling performance.
  • Separate Cooling Circuits: Systems with two cooling circuits ensure that no air is exchanged between the fridge and freezer sections. This prevents odour transfer and maintains optimal humidity levels in each compartment.

Our Side-by-Side Refrigerator Picks

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of models that stand out for their specific properties and technical features.

Bauknecht SBS IW D90 Black Fridge-Freezer

Bauknecht SBS IW D90 Black Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Why it stands out: This Bauknecht side-by-side model combines flexible installation options, thanks to its integrated water tank, with advanced freshness technologies. The ElegantFit design allows for a flush-to-wall installation with no side clearance needed.

Advantages:

  • Water and Ice Dispenser with Water Tank: Provides chilled water, ice cubes, and crushed ice without requiring a plumbed-in connection.
  • Dual Cool Total NoFrost: Two separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer compartments prevent odour transfer and ensure optimal humidity.
  • FreshShield Technology: According to the manufacturer, it keeps the temperature and humidity in the crisper drawer stable to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables for longer.
  • Large Capacity: With a total volume of 578 litres (375 L fridge, 203 L freezer), the appliance offers plenty of space.
  • Inverter Compressor: Operates in an energy-efficient, quiet (37 dB), and durable manner.

Who is it for? For households that want the convenience of a water and ice dispenser but need or prefer to avoid a plumbed-in connection. Its elegant black design and flush installation capability make it an excellent choice for modern, fitted kitchens.

LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator

LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Why it stands out: The LG InstaView refrigerator is distinguished by its innovative Door-in-Door technology and the special Craft Ice feature. Knocking twice on the glass panel illuminates the interior without having to open the door, which reduces cold air loss.

Advantages:

  • InstaView Door-in-Door: Allows for a quick view and access to frequently used items without opening the main door.
  • Craft Ice Maker: Produces slow-melting spherical ice, in addition to conventional ice cubes and crushed ice.
  • UVnano Technology: According to LG, it automatically reduces bacteria at the dispenser's water outlet using UV light.
  • Extra-Large Volume: Offers an exceptional 628 litres of storage space (407 L fridge, 221 L freezer).
  • Smart Control: The refrigerator can be remotely controlled and monitored via Wi-Fi using the LG ThinQ App.
  • Quiet Operation: With a noise level of just 35 dB, it is one of the quieter models in its class.

Who is it for? For tech-savvy users and large families who value innovative features, smart design, and maximum convenience. This freestanding black refrigerator is a statement piece in any open-plan kitchen.

Haier HSW79F18DIPT SBS SERIES 7 Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Haier HSW79F18DIPT SBS SERIES 7 Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Why it stands out: This model from Haier focuses on a very large capacity and even cooling. With 601 litres of usable capacity, it is designed for storing large quantities of food.

Advantages:

  • Total No Frost: Reliably prevents the formation of ice and frost throughout the entire appliance.
  • Multi Air Flow System: Ensures an even distribution of cold air on all levels to keep food fresh for longer.
  • Water and Ice Dispenser: Provides chilled water and ice at the touch of a button (plumbed-in connection required).
  • Smart Connectivity: Can be controlled via Wi-Fi using the hOn App to adjust temperature settings or receive notifications.
  • 90° Auto-Stop Door: The doors automatically stop at a 90-degree opening angle to prevent collisions with adjacent kitchen furniture.

Who is it for? Ideal for very large families or households that do regular bulk shopping and require maximum, well-organised storage space. The smart features and thoughtful door design offer additional practical benefits for daily use.

Looking for a Different Configuration?

If a side-by-side fridge-freezer doesn't offer the right layout for your kitchen, there are alternatives. Models with the freezer on top can also be equipped with a water dispenser and offer a different use of space that may be more advantageous for some kitchen layouts.

Explore our selection of top-freezer refrigerators with water dispensers to compare more options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does every refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser need a plumbed-in connection?

No. There are two types: models with a direct water line connection that are plumbed into your water supply, and models with an integrated water tank. The latter offer more flexibility in placement as no plumbing is necessary. The Bauknecht model featured here is an example of such a solution.

How much electricity does a side-by-side fridge-freezer consume?

Power consumption depends on the energy efficiency class, size, usage, and ambient conditions. The models presented here, with an energy efficiency class of D, have a stated annual consumption of between approx. 268 and 276 kWh. You can always find precise details on the EU energy label of the respective appliance.

What is the difference between a side-by-side and a French door refrigerator?

The main difference lies in the door arrangement. A side-by-side refrigerator has two full-length, vertical doors—one for the fridge compartment and one for the freezer. A French door model has two narrower doors for the fridge section on top, with one or more pull-out drawers for the freezer below.