Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW

The 25-cubic-foot Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW side-by-side refrigerator earns kudos for reliability and affordability. It isn't the most feature-rich refrigerator, lacking some basics such as spill-proof shelves, but there are some important extras such as a water filter, through-the-door ice and water dispenser and exterior temperature readout and controls. Users compliment the surprising roominess, saying that it can even accommodate a full-sized pizza box -- unusual for a side-by-side unit. The refrigerator is white, but black, bisque and silver-metallic versions are available. The 26-cubic-foot Samsung RF266ABWP (*Est. $1,600) is a costlier option, but this Samsung refrigerator receives excellent expert and owner recommendations. It's a French-door refrigerator with side-by-side doors atop a single pull-out freezer drawer. While the icemaker and water dispenser are located inside the unit rather than on the door, this configuration seems to be less likely to break down prematurely.

HomeDepot.com is the best place to read user reviews of the Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW side-by-side refrigerator. Though there isn't a ton of feedback, there's enough to see that nearly all buyers seem satisfied. ConsumerReports.org doesn't test the Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW in its most recent update, but it does test its smaller sibling, the Hotpoint HSS22GFTWW, and performance should be similar.