French Door vs. Side by Side Refrigerators

When you're upgrading your kitchen or shopping for a new refrigerator, two of the most popular styles you'll encounter are French door and side-by-side refrigerators. While both offer modern design and flexible storage options, the best fit depends on how you cook, shop, and organize your food.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and help you decide whether a French door or side-by-side fridge is right for your kitchen.

What’s the Difference Between French Door and Side-by-Side Refrigerators?

What Is a French Door Refrigerator?

A French door refrigerator features two narrow doors that open to a full-width fresh food compartment, with a freezer drawer below. This design is popular in modern kitchens because of its wide shelving, eye-level fresh food access, and sleek appearance.

✅ Pros of French Door Refrigerators

• More space for fresh foods: You get a larger fridge compartment (typically 60–70% of total space).

• Wider shelves: Perfect for party platters, pizza boxes, and large containers.

• Flexible interiors: Adjustable shelves, pull-out drawers, and spacious bins.

• Narrow doors: Ideal for small kitchens or island layouts.

• Premium features: French door models often include dual evaporators, smart cooling systems, and external dispensers.

❌ Cons of French Door Refrigerators

• Smaller freezer compartments: May lack the organization of vertical freezer shelves.

• Heavier bottom drawer: Can be harder to access, especially when full.

• Higher price point: Typically more expensive than side-by-side models.

What Is a Side-by-Side Refrigerator?

A side-by-side refrigerator has two full-height compartments—fridge on one side, freezer on the other. This design provides equal vertical space for both fresh and frozen items, making it easier to access frozen foods frequently.

✅ Pros of Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• More freezer space: Ideal if you store lots of frozen items.

• Vertical organization: Keep frozen and fresh foods at eye level.

• In-door ice and water dispensers: Found on many models for easy access.

• Tight clearance needs: Great for narrow kitchens thanks to slim doors.

• Lower cost: Often more affordable than French door options.

❌ Cons of Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• Narrower compartments: Some large items may not fit easily.

• Less width in fridge: Can be limiting for baking trays or party platters.

• More bending for lower items: Fresh foods on the bottom shelf may be less accessible.

Which Has More Storage: French Door or Side-by-Side?

Capacities are comparable, but the layout affects how the space is used:

• French door fridges: More fridge space (typically up to 70%) and wider shelves.

• Side-by-side fridges: Offer more vertical freezer space, ideal for long-term frozen food storage.

Typical Capacities:

• French door: 20–28 cu. ft.

• Side-by-side: 21–28 cu. ft.

Installation & Fit: Which Works Best in Your Kitchen?

Both French door and side-by-side refrigerators are available in:

• Freestanding or built-in models

• Counter-depth or standard-depth options

Space Considerations:

• French door fridges often need more floor clearance to open the freezer drawer.

• Side-by-side fridges are slightly narrower, which may be better for galley-style or compact kitchens.

Price Comparison: French Door vs. Side-by-Side

Time to compare french door vs. side-by-side refrigerators! 

French Door Refrigerators

Typically start around $2,000 and go up with premium features.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Often start closer to $1,200, making them a more budget-friendly option.

👉 Want a premium look at a better value? Many side-by-side models come with sleek finishes and modern features like dual ice makers, door alarms, and smart home compatibility.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a French Door Refrigerator if:

• You prioritize fresh food storage

• You often store large platters, baking dishes, or wide containers

• You prefer a modern, upscale look

• You want more flexibility in how you arrange food

Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator if:

• You store a lot of frozen food

• You want both fridge and freezer at eye level

• You need a narrow footprint or have tight clearance

• You're looking for affordability with full functionality

Still Deciding? Here's a Quick Recap

Final Thoughts

Both French door and side-by-side refrigerators offer exceptional benefits. The right choice comes down to how you cook, what you store, and the layout of your kitchen.

Need help choosing the best refrigerator? Or explore more kitchen range buying guides to make the right decision for your space.