Side-by-side vs. French door refrigerators: Designers say this one wins

Where—and how—you store your food matters.

Key Points

• Choosing the right refrigerator style improves daily kitchen use, storage efficiency, and how smoothly your space functions.
• Side-by-side refrigerators work well in smaller kitchens, and have narrow doors, strong freezer organization, and a more affordable option.
• French door refrigerators favor fresh-food lovers, with wide shelving, eye-level access, and flexibility for families and entertaining.

If you’re about to embark on a kitchen renovation, then you know that there are a plethora of decisions to make—from the paint colors and backsplash design to the cabinet style and hardware. Large appliances also pose an issue. For example, if you’re replacing a refrigerator, then you’ll have to choose a style, such as a side-by-side or a French door model. 

Both refrigerator designs offer unique benefits in terms of design and functionality, but choosing the right one can be difficult. Below, we spoke with interior designers about what each of these fridges offer, their potential drawbacks, and how you can make the right decision for your kitchen.

Meet Our Expert

• Diana Viera, managing partner at Italkraft, a design firm specializing in kitchens, baths, and closets
• Miranda Cullen, an interior designer and founder of Inside Stories

Related: How to Clean Your Refrigerator From Top to Bottom

What Is a Side-by-Side Refrigerator?

A side-by-side model orients the fridge and freezer unit right next to each other. “[It] features two doors aligned vertically, with one side dedicated to the fridge space, while the other serves as the freezer,” says Diana Viera, managing partner at Italkraft. “Its narrower door swing makes it a great option for smaller layouts where space and flow are important.”

Pros

• Ideal for tighter spaces with a narrower door profile
• Full-height access for fresh and frozen foods
• More freezer shelving for easier organization
• Increased door storage on both sides for taller items
• Often more affordable than a French door fridge

Cons

• A narrow interior can mean limited storage space overall
• More dedicated freezer space reduces refrigerator capacity for fresh food
• Narrow shelves limit storing wide items like platters

What Is a French Door Refrigerator?

“French door refrigerators feature a full-width fridge with a pull-out freezer underneath that seamlessly blends form with function, as it's optimized for organization,” says Viera. The defining feature of these units is the fridge component, which is at eye level and provides a lot of depth. 

Miranda Cullen, interior designer and founder of Inside Stories, notes that French door models are particularly prized for their adaptability.

Pros

• Wide refrigerator shelving and compartments
• Easy access to fresh food at eye level
• Larger fridge capacity
• More customizable fridge interior

Cons

• Smaller freezer drawer capacity
• Fewer or no shelves in the freezer drawer, leading to a lack of organization
• Less visibility into the freezer, which may lead to items being buried and forgotten

Which Is Better?

“Designers tend to favor [French door refrigerators] because they support modern layouts, enhance workflow, and integrate seamlessly into contemporary kitchen designs,” Cullen says. That said, for each individual, there’s no right or wrong answer—choosing between a side-by-side and a French door fridge generally comes down to your own aesthetic and functional preference. The designers we spoke with offered a few considerations to guide your decision-making.

Kitchen Size and Layout

The size of your kitchen may dictate the type of fridge you ultimately choose. “Side-by-side fridges are better suited for kitchens with more limited space, since they tend to be narrower than a French door one,” says Viera. 

Lifestyle Needs

Families with young children might appreciate the easier viewpoint that a French door fridge offers little ones looking for their own snacks and drinks. “French door models suit families and home cooks who focus on fresh food and entertaining, while side-by-sides remain a smart choice for smaller spaces and freezer-heavy households,” says Cullen.

Overall Aesthetic

At the end of the day, you may just prefer how one type of fridge looks over another—and that’s perfectly ok. “From a style standpoint, side-by-side refrigerators are most commonly used in contemporary, minimalist kitchens where a slim, streamlined profile is key,” says Viera. “French door styles are more adaptable to different kitchen styles, from contemporary kitchens to modern farmhouse kitchens.”

Both designers did note that their own clients tend to gravitate towards the French door style—but your own decision shouldn’t be influenced by a certain look. “The best refrigerator choice isn’t about trends, but about how the kitchen is used, how the space flows, and how the appliance supports daily habits,” says Cullen.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart