Side by side vs traditional refrigerators

Refrigertors are an essential appliance for any typical American household.

Photo Credit: Sandra O’Claire
By John Russell

Refrigerators are the household appliances that consume the most energy in your home. Electricity can get expensive, especially when it comes to running all of the necessary appliances in your home. Selecting an energy efficient refrigerator can help cut the costs of your power bill and save your money. The newer models of refrigerators tend to be better when it comes for conserving energy in your home and your community. In order to keep your fridge energy-efficient you need to make sure it stays in working order. It needs to get the proper repairs including replacing coolant regularly plus cleaning and/or replacing coils when needed. Replacing old fridges with newer models can save you money in the long run by helping cut energy costs.

There are two common types of refrigerators on the market today. One is the side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, which tends to be slightly larger in size and provide more space and the other is the traditional refrigerator/freezer that is stacked with the freezer on top. There are advantages and disadvantages to each model.

Side-by-Side Refrigerator Advantages and Disadvantages

One advantage as mentioned before is space and capacity. The freezer tends to be bigger on the side-by-side model. They usually have a larger capacity in general. The side-by-side design might be more convenient for some since you can access both the fridge and freezer side at the same level. Also the side-by-side model has a more attractive appearance. They tend to have a reputation for being more convenient, reliable and attractive.

Some disadvantages for this model is that it requires more energy to operate, thus making your power bill more expensive. It can take up a lot of space in your kitchen making it less economical when it comes to space. They tend to be more expensive than the traditional stacked refrigerator. Sometimes they are more difficult and cost more to repair.

Traditional Stacked Refrigerator Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages for the traditional refrigerator are that they are more energy efficient so you save on energy costs. It takes up less space, which makes it more economical for most households. They tend to be less expensive than the side-by-side model. They offer more varieties as far as size, color and price. They have been around longer so most brands have worked out all of the technological kinks.

Some disadvantages for this model are, it doesn’t look as appealing to most people as the side-by-side and it usually doesn’t have as much storage space.

There are many aspects to take into consideration when purchasing a large appliance like a refrigerator for your home. You should research price, brand, model, and energy efficiency and appliance reputation. The popular well-known brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag and Amana have many choices when it comes to refrigerators, their prices and quality, but they all are definitely comparable. Whether you decide to purchase a side-by-side or traditional fridge you should make sure you are purchasing something that will be beneficial to you and your household. Shop at different retail locations and research your options in order to determine the best fit for your family.