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 58022 (*Est. $1,360) is a feature-packed, 25.4-cubic-foot, side-by-side refrigerator that performs well in professional tests but draws mixed reactions from owners. It is Energy Star-rated, includes a through-the-door water and ice dispenser and a Pur Ultimate II ice and water filtering system. The crisper drawer is treated with Microban to reduce bacterial growth and odors. This refrigerator receives about a dozen reviews from users at Sears.com, only one-third of which are positive. Owners complain that the water dispenser drips and leaks, the freezer is too cold even on the warmest setting, the refrigerator is too warm even on the coldest setting, and small food items fall into gaps between the shelves and the back inner wall of the fridge. The Kenmore 58022 is white; it is also available in bisque as the Kenmore 58024, black as the Kenmore 58029, stainless steel as the Kenmore 58023 (*Est. $1,600) and "ultra satin" as the Kenmore 58026 (*Est. $1,450).

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 garners good user reviews at HomeDepot.com and elsewhere. Other colors (the HSS25GFTWW is white) include black (HSS25GFTBB) and bisque (HSS25GFTCC). The refrigerator is also 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. $2,700) and in stainless platinum as the Samsung RM257ACPN (*Est. $2,800).