Many families looking for a new refrigerator will have to decide between a side by side and full width refrigerator. If you are choosing between a side by side and a full width model it is definitely worth thinking about their differences to determine which may be better for you.

First it is worth clarifying which refrigerators classify as side by side and which classify as full width models. Side by side models have their refrigerator and freezer sections located side by side while full width models have their freezer and refrigerator sections on top of one another. In terms of classification full width models include include bottom freezers, top freezers and French door models. Side by sides are a category of their own.

There are several differences between the two build types that you should consider before purchase.

The very nature of a side by side means that you are only ever going to get half the width to store items on shelves in both your refrigerator and freezer sections of you would get in a full width refrigerator. This may present a problem when trying to store extra wide items such as baking trays or large pizza boxes. Keep this in mind before purchasing a side by side, especially if this is the type of item you may want to store.

In a traditional full width refrigerator, whether it is a bottom freezer or French door, the freezer will always require stooping down to get to which is uncomfortable for most and physically challenging to some. With a side by side refrigerator there is always the option to store some items, in both the freezer and refrigerator sections, at eye level for those who have difficulties with bending down. This can be a highly relevant factor if someone in your household is having mobility challenges and would like to use your refrigerator.

With a side by side refrigerator the contents of both, refrigerator and freezer are spread across the full height of the unit. Some people preffer this type of visibility vs having refrigerator and freezer stacked on top of one another.

Our surveys show that side by side models are considered somewhat more stylish than full width models. The reason for this seems to be that the two doors of side by side models provide symmetry and feel more elegant than a typical two level model. If you are in the camp who believes side by sides are considerably more attractive you may want to consider a side by side over a full width model.

Finally, what you choose really depends on your aesthetic preferences as well as your practical requirements. If accessibility, overlook-ability and your style preferences lean towards a side by side this may be the best for you. However, if you habitually store wide items then a traditional full width model is probably a better match.