When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

So if you’re still undecided, find out which is better: French door vs. side-by-side refrigerators.

What is a French door refrigerator?

fridge French door vs side-by-side doors

French door refrigerator in kitchen

These appliances have two doors for the freezer that open outward just like the refrigerator compartment.

For a sleek and practical design and a solid performance, this LG French door model is best.

The water and ice dispenser is contained inside the appliance which has generous storage.

French door refrigerator in kitchen

French door refrigerator in kitchen

It is also Energy Star Certified.

What is a side-by-side refrigerator?

One side is dedicated for your fridge space, while the other serves as your freezer.

LG LRFLC2706S

Samsungs RS27T5200SR side-by-side refrigerator is our top pick of this style.

It’s got a spacious capacity of 27.4 cubic feet and its fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking pristine.

Its available in stainless steel and black stainless steel colorways that will suit most modern kitchens.

Refrigerator with ice maker in modern kitchen

French door vs side-by-side refrigerators: which is better?

French door models often allow for more customization options with shelving and food storage.

If you want to store platters or wide trays you might want to rethink getting a side-by-side refrigerator.

Samsung RS27T5200SR

Whereas French door models will provide more fresh-food storage.

Even fitting frozen pizzas in a narrow freezer space could be tricky.

Even fitting frozen pizzas in a narrow freezer space could be tricky.

A woman unpacking groceries into her Frigidaire fridge

People seem to prefer the sleek, modern style that a French door refrigerator can offer.

French door models tend to be the style of choice, Hood says.

The introduction of the newer style four-door side-by-side models is helping to bridge the gap, she explains.

Organized vegetables in freezer drawer

Its worth noting that a French door models sleeker design often comes at an added cost.

French door models, though newer, have also proven to be reliable.

Whereas today’s more modern smart appliances can last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance.

Stainless steel refrigerator with ice maker in a luxury kitchen

Side-by-side refrigerators may be a bigger pain to clean and maintain due to the lower shelves.

If you have a bad back, a French door model could be the best option.

The bottom line is the more people use the refrigerator the more often it should be cleaned.

Where should a refrigerator go in the kitchen

In many cases, deciding between the two will come down to the importance of fridge or freezer space.

More from Tom’s Guide

Woman with freezer compartment door open

SAMSUNG RS27T5200SR 27.4…

P.C. Richard & Son

LG LRFLC2706S

Ikea dark kichen cabinetry design in showroom

Refrigerator sales

Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator with Enhanced AI Vision

best clothes dryers

Induction hob IKEA

Joanna Gaines

Patio in foreground of garden with bench and table and chairs to the side

Ring Wall Light Solar turned on at night.

Sustainability Week

The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical unboxed and on a table

A man and his son gardening

The LG C5 (on left) faces off against the Samsung S95F (on right).

HDMI input

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

google pixel 9a and google pixel 8a in white and black side by side

The image shows the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology pillow on the left and the Coop Cool+ pillow on the right in a side by side comparison

A woman with curly hair napping on a yellow sofa with a long haired labrador listening to binaural beats