Which is better? French Door Refrigerators vs. Side-by-Side Models

French Door Refrigerators with Bottom Freezer

French door refrigerators feature two doors that open from the center to reveal the refrigerated section, with a freezer drawer below.

Pros:

• Wide shelves: The side-by-side refrigerator section allows for storing especially wide items like pizza boxes, party platters, and sheet cakes with ease.
• Eye-level fresh food access: The most frequently accessed items are positioned at a comfortable viewing height, reducing the need to bend down.
• Drawer organization: The pull-out freezer drawer often includes dividers or multiple tiers for better organization.
• Modern aesthetic: Many homeowners prefer the contemporary look of French door models.
• Energy efficiency: According to Energy Star data, on average French door refrigerators use about 10-15% less energy than comparable side-by-side models of the same size. In the end, the cost savings is likely not considerable enough to be the deciding factor, but here are a few more facts:
• Opening one door instead of the entire refrigerator section helps maintain the internal temperature and reduce energy consumption, as side-by-side models release more cold air across both compartments when opened.
• Bottom freezer refrigerators are helped by the fact that cold air falls, requiring less energy to maintain low Freezer temperatures.

Cons:

• Freezer access: With a freezer below your fridge, you will need to bend down to access frozen items.
• Higher price point: French door designs tend to be more costly than side-by-side.
• Space requirements: The refrigerator and freezer drawer doors need space to swing open, which can be hard in a small or narrow kitchen.
• Icemaker issues: Many of these units include an icemaker in the refrigerator section to support in-door ice dispensers. Placing a cold compartment inside a warmer, humid area such as the refrigerator can lead to increased occurrences of frost and slower ice production compared to freezers with built-in icemakers.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Side-by-side refrigerators feature two full-height doors, with the freezer typically on the left and the refrigerator on the right.

Pros:

• Vertical organization: Freezer and refrigerator contents are equally accessible without having to bend down.
• Small door swing: Each door requires less clearance to open, making them perfect for kitchens with limited space.
• Ice and water dispensers: These are typically standard and placed on the freezer door.
• More affordable: Generally less expensive than French door models.
• Freezer visibility: Many people find it easier to see and organize frozen items with shelves rather than stacked contents.

Cons:

• Narrow compartments: Limited width makes storing wide items challenging.
• Less efficient freezer: The vertical freezer configuration tends to allow cold air to escape more upon opening.
• Reduced refrigerator space: The refrigerator section is typically smaller than French door refrigerators.

Making Your Decision

When choosing between these types of refrigerators, consider the following:

Kitchen Layout: Measure your space carefully. If your kitchen has limited clearance for door swing, a side-by-side might be more practical.

Usage Patterns: If you use fresh ingredients more frequently than frozen, a French door model puts those items at eye level. If you access frozen foods regularly, a side-by-side provides easier access without bending.

Storage Needs: Do you frequently store wide items like party platters or pizza boxes? A French door model offers more horizontal space. Do you need organized freezer storage? Consider which layout works better for your frozen food habits.

Budget: French door models are typically higher priced, while side-by-side refrigerators offer more affordable options.

Aesthetic Preference: French door models tend to have a more contemporary look, while side-by-side models offer a classic appearance.

The Bottom Line

There’s no universally “better” option between French door and side-by-side refrigerators—the right choice depends entirely on your specific needs, kitchen layout, and preferences.

French door models excel in households that prioritize fresh food storage, want maximum visibility for refrigerated items, and don’t mind bending down for less-frequent freezer access.

Side-by-side models work well for those who use frozen items frequently, have narrower kitchens with limited door clearance, or prefer having both refrigerated and frozen items visible at standing height.

Whether you select a French door or side-by-side refrigerator for your home, Hometown Hero Appliance Repair is ready to maintain your investment. Our expert refrigerator repair and maintenance services keep your refrigerator reliable and able to efficiently serve your kitchen needs for years to come. Count on us to keep your appliance running at its best.