Side-by-side refrigerators

Iffy reliability for side-by-side fridges

Side-by-side refrigerators are the least reliable type of refrigerator. This is partly because nearly all models have a through-the-door ice and water dispenser, which is the single most problematic part of refrigerators. Owners like side-by-side refrigerators for narrow kitchens where door-swing clearance is an issue. This configuration also lets you place more commonly used refrigerator and freezer items at eye level. Side-by-side refrigerators are less expensive than French-door types, though they usually cost more than standard top-freezer refrigerators.

The Kenmore Elite 58962 (*est. $1,575) is a feature-packed 25.4-cubic-foot side-by-side refrigerator that does relatively well in tests, but draws mixed reactions from owners. It is fairly efficient, though it lost its Energy Star rating when the standards rose last year. Extras include a through-the-door water and ice dispenser, and a PUR II two-stage ice and water filtering system. There's also a "Fresh-n-Ready" bin for fruits and vegetables.

This is one of the most reviewed side-by-side refrigerators at Sears.com, and roughly two-thirds of buyers are happy -- which of course means one-third are not. Reported issues include excessive noise, flimsy plastic parts, ice maker problems and more. Interestingly, nearly all of those who gave this fridge poor reviews usually had a few things malfunction within a few weeks of installation. The Kenmore Elite 58962 comes in white. It is also available in "Ultra Satin" as the Kenmore Elite 58966 (*est. $1,650), stainless steel as the Kenmore Elite 58963 (*est. $1,825), black as the Kenmore Elite 58969 (*est. $1,600) and bisque as the Kenmore Elite 58964 (*est. $1,600).

If you prefer a more compact refrigerator (22 cubic feet), we saw some great feedback for the less expensive Hotpoint HSS22GFTWW (*Est. $1,000). This side-by-side refrigerator isn't loaded with bells and whistles, but the obligatory water and ice dispenser are present and accounted for. There are also external temperature controls (with a child lock), adjustable glass shelves, adjustable gallon door bins and a water filter. Best of all, tests say it's a solid performer. This refrigerator, which is made by GE, is only available in white. The Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW (*Est. $1,000) is largely identical but has a more generous 25-cubic-foot capacity. It's garnered good user reviews at HomeDepot.com and elsewhere. Other colors (the HSS25GFTWW is white) include black (HSS25GFTBB) and bisque (HSS25GFTCC). The refrigerator is available in silver metallic as the Hotpoint HSM25GFTSA (*Est. $1,100).

Samsung has earned some attention with its four-compartment side-by-side QuatroCooling refrigerators. These refrigerators are feature-packed, with such goodies as through-the-door water and ice dispensers and external temperature readouts and controls. But what really sets them apart is that each compartment can be individually selected to act as either a refrigerator or a freezer, and selections can be changed as needed. While these refrigerators are relatively energy-efficient, they lost their Energy Star-qualified label when the standards changed in April 2008. Professional reviews have been largely complimentary, but user reviews have been limited and mixed. Though Samsung shows several current QuatroCooling refrigerators on its website, we were only able to find one in stores, the Samsung RM257ACRS (*Est. $2,700), which comes in stainless steel, as well as in black as the Samsung RM257ACBP (*Est. $2500) and in stainless platinum as the Samsung RM257ACPN (*Est. $2,600).