French door vs side by side refrigerator: Which fits your lifestyle best? 

Choosing between a French door and a side by side refrigerator isn’t just about looks; it’s about how you live, cook, and store your food. French door models feature double doors on top and a bottom freezer, while side by side designs split the fridge and freezer vertically.

 

Each layout offers distinct advantages depending on your kitchen space, family size, and storage habits. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both options to help you decide which refrigerator truly fits your lifestyle.

 

What is a side-by-side refrigerator?

 

 

A side-by-side refrigerator features a vertical split layout, with the freezer compartment on one side and the refrigerator on the other. This design gives you full-height access to both fresh and frozen items, making it especially convenient if you reach for frozen food often.

 

One of its key advantages is the narrow door swing, which makes it a smart choice for kitchens with limited clearance. Many models also come equipped with through-the-door ice and water dispensers, adding everyday convenience.

 

Side-by-side refrigerators typically range from 30 to 36 inches wide, with a sleek, modern appearance that suits various kitchen styles. They’re ideal for households that want balanced access to both fresh and frozen storage, without sacrificing design or efficiency.

 

What is a French door refrigerator?

 

 

A French door refrigerator combines two side-by-side doors on the top for fresh food and a pull-out freezer drawer on the bottom. This layout gives you easy access to frequently used items while keeping frozen foods tucked neatly below.

 

One of its standout features is the wide, open shelving, which makes this multi-door refrigerator ideal for storing large platters, party trays, or oversized items. Many models also offer adjustable shelves and bins for flexible storage. Newer designs include four-door options or convertible compartments that switch between fridge and freezer settings.

 

Sleek and stylish, French door refrigerators bring a modern touch to any kitchen — making them especially popular in open-plan and contemporary spaces.

 

What are the differences between side by side and French door refrigerators?

 

Choosing between a French door vs side by side refrigerator can feel like deciding between style and structure — but in reality, it’s about what works best for your space, lifestyle, and how you organise your food.

 

Both refrigerator options offer excellent performance and modern features, here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help guide your decision.

 

Design configuration

 

A side-by-side refrigerator has two vertical compartments: fridge on the right, freezer on the left. This split design offers easy access to frozen items and a balanced layout. A French door refrigerator places the refrigerator section at the top with two outward-opening doors, and a freezer drawer below — giving it a modern, spacious feel.

 

Models from brands like Electrolux reflect a clean, minimalist Scandinavian design that complements a wide range of kitchen aesthetics.

 

Capacity

 

 

Both styles generally offer generous internal capacity. French door refrigerators often provide more usable space in the fridge section, ideal for wide dishes, large storage containers, or meal-prepped items. Side-by-side models may offer more freezer shelving and vertical space, which some households prefer for frozen food organisation.

 

In both cases, capacity is typically well-suited for medium to large households.

 

Dimensions/Sizing

 

French door refrigerators are typically wider overall, requiring more horizontal space but less clearance to fully open the doors. Side-by-side models are often narrower, making them a good fit for tighter kitchen layouts — though they may need more swing space in front.

 

It’s worth noting that internal space configuration can vary by brand and model, so checking dimensions and how doors operate in your kitchen layout is key.

 

For more insight on sizing options, see our guide on large capacity refrigerators.

 

Features

 

Across both styles, modern refrigerators include features that enhance food freshness and convenience. For example, models may include:

• Humidity-controlled crispers to extend produce life
• Multi-zone cooling to maintain consistent temperatures
• Odor control systems to keep the fridge smelling fresh

Some Electrolux refrigerators, whether French door or side-by-side, incorporate technology like TasteLock™ crispers, EvenTemp™ cooling, and QuickChill to support food longevity and reduce waste — helpful regardless of the door style you choose.

 

>>Read more:

• How to store meat in the fridge
• How to store vegetables and fruits in the fridge

 

Functionality

 

The layout affects how you interact with your fridge daily. French doors offer a wider fresh food section that’s easy to scan at a glance, while the bottom freezer drawer may require bending. Side-by-side units keep both fridge and freezer contents at eye level, though shelf width can be narrower.

 

Your decision may come down to what you store most — fresh produce or frozen items — and how often you access them.

 

Energy efficiency

 

Both styles are available in energy-efficient designs. Refrigerators today must meet stringent efficiency standards, and many models — including those from Electrolux — are designed to perform reliably while minimising energy consumption.

 

What you’ll love (and maybe not) about each fridge style 

Trying to decide between a French door vs side by side refrigerator? It really comes down to how you use your fridge day to day. Maybe you’re constantly hosting and need wide storage for platters — or maybe you’re always reaching for frozen snacks.

 

To make the choice easier, here’s a breakdown of the strengths and trade-offs of each design so you can find the best fit for your space and habits.

 

 

French door refrigerator pros

 

• Wide shelf space: The full-width fridge cavity makes it easier to store large trays, pizza boxes, or bulkier items.
• Enhanced customisation and flexibility: Adjustable shelves and drawers give you more options to rearrange the interior to fit your grocery habits.
• Quick access to fresh foods: Since the fridge is on top, fresh items are placed at eye level — reducing waste by keeping them visible and easy to reach.
• Larger refrigerator capacity: With less space devoted to the freezer, you get more usable room for fresh food.
• Dual-door flexibility: Opening only one door at a time helps retain cold air and makes it easy to grab a quick item.

 

French door refrigerator cons

 

• Less freezer organisation: The pull-out drawer typically includes fewer compartments, making it harder to keep frozen foods sorted.
• Smaller freezer space: If you rely on frozen meals or meal prep, the reduced freezer volume may be limiting.
• Higher price point: French door models generally cost more, though there are models available across a range of budgets.

 

 

Side by side refrigerator pros

 

• Efficient freezer storage: With the freezer and fridge split vertically, side-by-side models offer dedicated and easily accessible freezer space. This layout works well for those who rely heavily on frozen foods or like to stock up in bulk.
• Better visibility and shelf organisation: Adjustable, multi-level shelves in both compartments make it easy to organise and find your groceries at a glance.
• Maximized door storage: Tall door bins run from top to bottom, giving you space to store condiments, beverages, and smaller items without cluttering shelves.
• Space-saving door swing: Narrower doors take up less space when opened — ideal for galley kitchens or tight floor plans.
• Budget-friendly: Side-by-side models tend to be more affordable than French door designs with similar capacity, though French door models often include additional premium features.

 

Side by side refrigerator cons

 

• Reduced refrigerator capacity: With the freezer taking up one full side, the fridge compartment may feel smaller and less flexible.
• Harder-to-reach fresh items: Frequently used items may be stored lower, requiring bending or stooping.
• Limited shelf width: Narrow shelves can make it difficult to store wide items like platters or large leftovers.

 

French Door vs side-by-side: Which is best for my kitchen?

 

 

Choosing between a french door vs side by side refrigerator depends on how your kitchen works for you — and what you expect from your fridge.

 

Kitchen size and layout

 

Have a compact kitchen or narrow walkways? A side-by-side refrigerator has slimmer doors that require less clearance. If you have a wider, open layout, a French door model fits comfortably and offers more generous interior space.

 

Family size and food habits

 

For larger families or those who buy a lot of fresh food, French door fridges offer better storage flexibility and wide shelving. If your household depends more on frozen meals or bulk storage, a side-by-side’s accessible freezer may suit you better.

 

Aesthetics and home design

 

French doors deliver a modern, upscale appearance that suits contemporary kitchens. Side-by-side models offer a more traditional look and often blend well into compact or practical spaces.

 

Budget and desired features

 

Side-by-side refrigerators tend to be more affordable while still offering features like ice and water dispensers. French door models generally cost more, but often come with premium features and finishes.

 

Need help narrowing it down? Explore our refrigerator buying guide or see what fits your kitchen using our refrigerator dimension guide.

 

Better refrigeration, better meals, less waste

 

No matter which style you prefer — french door or side-by-side — Electrolux refrigerators are designed to help you get the most from your groceries. With advanced features like TasteLock® crisper drawers, EvenTemp® cooling, and QuickChill, they help extend food freshness and reduce waste. As shown in this short video overview, these technologies are built to work together seamlessly to support a healthier, more efficient kitchen.

 

Customer refrigerator reviews consistently highlight the spacious interiors, intuitive storage options, and sleek design across Electrolux models — all while helping households keep food fresher for longer. Many users appreciate how these fridges not only preserve ingredients but simplify daily routines.

 

Looking to create a more sustainable kitchen? Explore other Electrolux appliances like ovens, hobs, and microwaves — all thoughtfully designed to help you cook smarter and minimise food waste at every stage.

 

For guidance on selecting the right appliances that fit your kitchen and lifestyle, check out our comprehensive guide on how to choose kitchen appliances with user reviews.