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Purchasing a new side-by-side refrigerator is a significant investment for any household. These appliances, often called American-style refrigerators, offer ample storage space and modern features. However, the market is filled with marketing claims that don't always deliver. Before you make a decision, it's crucial to understand the most common pitfalls that can lead to dissatisfaction and unnecessary costs.
To avoid a bad purchase, you should base your decision on objective technical parameters. Three criteria are of central importance.
A large family refrigerator should be adequately sized. As a rule of thumb, plan for about 100 litres of usable capacity per person in the household. A family of four, therefore, needs an appliance with at least 400 litres of total usable capacity.
Always pay attention to the net usable capacity in the manufacturer's specifications. Before buying, precisely measure the intended installation space. Consider not only the height, width, and depth of the appliance but also the necessary clearance from the wall for adequate ventilation (usually 5–10 cm on the sides and back) and the space needed to fully open the doors.
A refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making its running costs a crucial factor. The EU energy label, valid since 2021 with classes from A (very efficient) to G (less efficient), provides clear guidance.
The decisive value is the annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh/year), which is stated on the label. An energy-efficientinverter compressor significantly contributes to reducing consumption. It continuously adjusts its performance to the cooling demand, which leads to fewer temperature fluctuations and protects the motor.
For open-plan kitchens, a quiet fridge-freezer is essential. Appliances with a noise emission of under 40 dB are considered quiet. Models around 35 dB are barely perceptible.
Modern convenience features significantly enhance everyday usability:
Here are some models that are suitable for different needs and households based on their technical specifications.
Why this model is a great fit: Ideal for families who need a very large storage capacity but are looking for a balanced price-to-performance ratio. With 592 litres of net capacity, it offers plenty of space for bulk shopping trips.
The appliance features a Total No Frost system, which prevents ice build-up throughout the interior and makes manual defrosting unnecessary. The inverter compressor ensures quiet operation (35 dB).
Very high capacity of 592 litres and quiet operation at 35 dB. The Multi-Air-Flow system ensures even cooling.
Why this model is a great fit: For discerning users who value top energy efficiency, quiet operation, and advanced features. Its elegant design blends seamlessly into modern kitchens.
At just 32 dB(A), this appliance is extremely quiet and ideal for open-plan kitchens. The Energy Efficiency Class B and a consumption of 175 kWh/year minimise running costs and avoid the trap of high electricity bills.
Very high energy efficiency (Class B), extremely quiet operation, and a water/ice dispenser with UVnano technology to reduce bacteria at the water outlet.
Why this model is a great fit: A great choice for households with open-plan living concepts where quiet operation and a modern, flush-fit design are a priority.
With an operating noise of just 35 dB, the appliance is very quiet and won't disturb the living atmosphere. The PureFlat design ensures an elegant, integrated look with no protruding parts.
Very quiet operation, Total No Frost, and a Multi-Airflow system. The Metal-Tech-Cooling back panel ensures stable temperature distribution.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and German safety regulations.
In addition to the appliance's dimensions (typically around 180 cm high, 91 cm wide, 70 cm deep), you must plan for extra space for ventilation. Keep at least 5 cm of clearance from the wall on the sides and at the back to prevent the compressor from overheating. Also, plan for enough room in front of the appliance to allow the doors to open completely.
"Total No Frost" is a circulated air cooling system that reduces and removes humidity from the entire appliance—both the fridge and freezer sections. This prevents the formation of ice and frost from the outset. You will never have to manually defrost the appliance again, which saves time and ensures consistently high energy efficiency.
The costs depend on the energy efficiency class, the specific consumption of the model, and your electricity rate. A Class D appliance with a consumption of approx. 270 kWh/year will incur annual costs of about €95 at an electricity price of 35 cents/kWh. In comparison, a very efficient Class B model with 175 kWh/year would only cost around €61. Investing in a higher efficiency class can pay off over the lifespan of the appliance.