What is the Difference Between a Side-by-Side and a Built-In Refrigerator?
Published: 22 Sep 2025
Are you thinking about what is the difference between a side-by-side and a built-in refrigerator? Choosing the right fridge can feel tricky, but don’t worry, we’ll make it easy for you!
In this article, we’ll talk about the size, storage, and design of these two fridge types. This will help you decide which one is best for your home.
Let’s get started and learn more!
What is a Side-by-Side Refrigerator?
A side-by-side refrigerator has two doors placed next to each other. One side is the freezer, and the other is the fridge. This design makes accessing fresh and frozen food easy without bending down. You’ll find plenty of space to organize your items, especially if you have a big family or need extra storage.
Now that we’ve discussed the side-by-side refrigerator, let’s move on to the built-in refrigerator in the next section!
What is a Built-In Refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator is designed to fit perfectly into your kitchen cabinets, giving it a seamless and stylish look. These refrigerators are taller but not as deep as regular fridges, saving floor space while providing good storage. Built-in fridges often come with advanced features and add a modern touch to your kitchen.
Now that we’ve learned about built-in refrigerators, let’s move on to the comparison section in the next part and see how these two refrigerators differ!
3. Comparison Between a Side-by-Side and a Built-In Refrigerator
Let’s compare a side-by-side refrigerator with a built-in refrigerator to see how they are different. This will help you understand which one is better for your kitchen and needs.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Built-In Refrigerator |
| Size | Wider and deeper | Taller but less deep |
| Storage | Large capacity for fresh and frozen food | Spacious but fits into cabinets |
| Style | Traditional and functional | Modern and sleek |
| Ease of Access | Easy to reach both sections | May require bending for lower sections |
| Installation | Freestanding | Integrated into the kitchen |
| Cost | More affordable | Expensive |
Let’s discuss all the points discussed in the table in detail, one by one.
Size
The size of a refrigerator shows how much space it takes up in your kitchen and how much food it can hold.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This fridge is wide and needs more floor space. It has lots of room for fresh food and frozen items, so it is good for families or people who store a lot of groceries.
- Built-In Refrigerator: This fridge is taller and fits directly into kitchen cabinets. It doesn’t take up much floor space, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or tighter areas.
Storage
Storage shows how much food a refrigerator can hold and how easy it is to organize.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This fridge has large compartments on both sides, so you can store lots of fresh food and frozen items. It is good for families or anyone who buys many groceries at once.
- Built-In Refrigerator: This fridge has shelves and compartments built into a smaller space. It may hold slightly less food than a side-by-side, but it is still good for storing meals, drinks, and everyday items.
Style
The style of a refrigerator shows how it looks in your kitchen and how it fits with your design.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This fridge has a traditional and practical design. It looks simple and works well in most kitchens, but it is more about function than style.
- Built-In Refrigerator: This fridge blends into your kitchen cabinets and gives a modern, high-end look. It looks very sleek and makes your kitchen feel stylish and organized.
Ease of Access
Ease of access shows how simple it is to reach your food quickly.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerator: You can easily get both fresh food and frozen items because the fridge and freezer are side by side. You don’t need to bend much, which makes it very convenient for daily use.
- Built-In Refrigerator: You may need to bend down to reach the lower shelves or freezer compartments. It works well for most foods, but accessing items at the bottom can take a little more effort.
Installation
Installation tells you how easy or hard it is to set up a refrigerator in your kitchen.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This fridge is freestanding, so you can put it anywhere in your kitchen. You just need a plug and some space around it, and it’s ready to use.
- Built-In Refrigerator: This fridge needs to be built into your cabinets, so you usually need a professional to install it. It fits perfectly and looks very neat, but setting it up takes more time and planning.
Cost
The cost shows how much money you need to buy a refrigerator.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This fridge is usually less expensive. It is bigger than some fridges but has a simpler design, so it costs less than built-in models.
- Built-In Refrigerator: This fridge costs more because it has a modern, high-end design. It fits into your cabinets perfectly and often has extra features, which makes it pricier.
Now that we’ve looked at the main differences, we’re ready to explore some common questions in the next section and help you find answers to the most frequently asked questions about these refrigerators!
Common Questions About Side-by-Side and Built-In Refrigerators
When choosing between a side-by-side refrigerator and a built-in refrigerator, you might have a few questions. Let’s answer these questions one by one to help you make a better decision for your kitchen and needs.
Side-by-side refrigerators are easier to repair because they are freestanding and the parts are easier to reach. You can move them slightly if needed to fix something. Built-in refrigerators are harder to repair because they are installed inside cabinets. You often need a professional to fix built-in fridges since moving them is tricky.
Both fridges keep food cold well, but side-by-side fridges may lose more cold air if both doors are opened at the same time. Built-in refrigerators usually hold cold better because the doors fit tightly and the fridge is part of the cabinet space. For regular home use, both keep food fresh, but careful use helps keep food colder longer.
Yes, built-in refrigerators can be customized to match your kitchen cabinets. You can add panels, choose colors, and make it blend in perfectly. Side-by-side fridges usually come in standard finishes and cannot be fully customized. Customization makes built-in fridges look very neat and stylish.
Side-by-side refrigerators can be a little noisy because of the larger compressors and two doors opening. Built-in refrigerators are often quieter since they are designed to blend into cabinets and reduce vibrations. Still, both types make some normal sounds when cooling.
Side-by-side refrigerators usually come with water and ice dispensers on the door. This makes them convenient for daily use. Built-in refrigerators may also have these features, but adding them can increase the price. Side-by-side models are generally easier to get with extra options.
Yes, built-in refrigerators are harder to move because they are installed in cabinets. You usually need a professional to move them safely. Side-by-side refrigerators are freestanding and easier to relocate if needed. They can be moved around the kitchen more easily.
Side-by-side refrigerators can last about 10–15 years if well taken care of. Built-in refrigerators also last 10–15 years, but high-end models may last even longer with proper maintenance. Regular cleaning and checking the seals help both types last a long time.
Now that we’ve answered the common questions, let’s move to the final result—the conclusion of this article.
Conclusion
Your and our journey is almost coming to an end! In this article, we’ve compared what is the difference between a side-by-side and a built-in refrigerator, explored their features, and answered common questions. Now you know which one is best for your space, style, and needs.
If you’re curious about the difference between a built-in and a drawer refrigerator, be sure to check out this guide for more insights.
We have many helpful articles about refrigerators on this website. Take a look to learn more. Have any questions or thoughts? Share them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you! Keep exploring and happy fridge shopping!
