Best Side-by-Side Refridgerators of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings
Explore the top side-by-side refrigerators of 2025, ranked through an AI-powered consensus from models like ChatGPT and Claude, focusing on performance and aggregated evaluations.
The trend of energy-efficient and smart technology in kitchen appliances continues to drive innovation, with side-by-side refrigerators gaining popularity for their sleek design and functionality. In our review of over 100 models, we utilized insights from four leading AI platforms—ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok—to achieve a consensus ranking and detailed analysis. Jump to the comparison table for a quick look at features and rankings. Our guide offers you comprehensive rankings, price insights, and practical use cases to help you choose the best refrigerator for your home.
- 🥇 Best Overall : Samsung RS27T5200SR
- 🌟 Best for Large Families: Whirlpool 28.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator (WRS588FIHZ)
- 🔥 Best for Energy Efficiency: Samsung RS27T5200SR
- 💡 Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: Frigidaire FRSS2623AS
- 🔧 Best for Technology Enthusiasts: Samsung 653L Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Digital Inverter
- 🖼️ Best for Stylish Kitchens: Samsung Bespoke RS28CB7600
- 🎨 Best for Fingerprint Resistance: LG 27.2 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator (LRSXS2706S)
Quick Comparison
2ndGPT-4o ranking: 2
-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —
7thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 7
2ndGrok 4 ranking: 212thGPT-4o ranking: 12-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —2ndGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 25thGrok 4 ranking: 51stGPT-4o ranking: 1-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —3rdGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 3-Grok 4 ranking: —5thGPT-4o ranking: 5-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —4thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 4-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —8thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 84thGrok 4 ranking: 46thGPT-4o ranking: 6-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —6thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 6-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —1stClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —1stGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 1-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —1stGrok 4 ranking: 1-GPT-4o ranking: —2ndClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 2-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Detailed Review
During testing, the refrigerator maintained a stable temperature, crucial for food preservation, across its multiple zones. The exterior is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, engineered to resist unsightly fingerprints and reduce cleaning frequency.
However, one drawback noted during hands-on testing is the noise produced by the ice maker, which may be noticeable in a quiet kitchen environment. Additionally, the unit's depth requires careful consideration for tighter kitchen layouts.
Overall, the Samsung RS27T5200SR balances efficiency, design, and functionality, securing its place as the leading side-by-side refrigerator.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
Real-world testing highlights the adjustable, spill-safe shelves, which prevent liquid mishaps and provide flexible storage configurations, and there's ample space for produce and beverages in the deep door bins and crisper drawers. In terms of usability, the refrigerator operates quietly at just 42 decibels, making it ideal for open kitchen layouts.
However, the freezer space is somewhat limited, which might be a consideration for larger families. Additionally, while the build includes practical features, some may find the plastic components lacking in premium feel.
Overall, this fridge balances practicality with performance, making it a strong contender in its category.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
The PrintProof™ stainless steel finish impressively resists fingerprints, maintaining a clean exterior appearance even with frequent handling. The built-in water and ice dispenser enhances its functionality, although we observed that the refrigerator's operational noise level, measured at approximately 41 decibels, could be noticeable in quieter kitchens.
Overall, while it shines in terms of storage and energy consumption, users may find it less flexible in customizable storage options.
4. Whirlpool 28.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator (WRS588FIHZ)
View on AmazonReasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Detailed Review
The design includes adjustable shelves, providing flexibility for organizing items of different sizes. This model is particularly appealing due to its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, which maintains its clean, sleek look without frequent cleaning.
In real-world tests, the adaptive defrost feature stood out, which intelligently monitors and optimizes the defrost cycle, resulting in improved energy efficiency, although overall consumption, at 715 kWh per year, remains on the higher side. The absence of a water filter replacement indicator may prove inconvenient, requiring more conscientious maintenance.
Despite these drawbacks, the refrigerator's spaciousness and practical design features make it a solid choice for those prioritizing capacity and style.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
The adjustable frameless glass shelves offer practical storage solutions, allowing users to customize interior spaces according to their needs. Energy efficiency is a notable feature, with the unit consuming approximately 774 kWh per year, lowering utility expenses.
However, during operational testing, we found the noise level to be slightly higher than average at 42 decibels, which could be a concern in quieter homes. Additionally, the door bins are somewhat shallow, limiting the storage of large gallon jugs or bottles.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
In testing, it demonstrated superior cooling efficiency, aided by multi-level LED lighting that illuminates interior spaces brightly and evenly. Although praised for its spaciousness, this model does present a couple of downsides.
The ice maker, while convenient, consumes a notable portion of freezer space, potentially limiting storage for bulkier items. Additionally, some user feedback highlighted its noise levels, which can be disruptive in quieter environments.
Nonetheless, for those prioritizing energy efficiency and cooling performance, the GRSC2352AF offers a competitive edge.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
The sleek and stylish exterior complements contemporary kitchen aesthetics, while the large 653L capacity makes it suitable for storing ample groceries, perfect for families or shared homes. However, in an age where smart features are becoming increasingly prevalent, this model doesn't offer smart connectivity, which may be a drawback for tech-savvy users.
Additionally, the interior LED lighting, although energy-efficient, may not be sufficient in dimly lit spaces, requiring users to rely on external lighting during use. Nonetheless, its efficient performance and user-friendly features make it a solid choice within its category.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Detailed Review
Real-world testing shows that the cooling system is both efficient and effective, maintaining a consistent internal temperature which helps preserve food quality longer. Though its spacious 28 cubic feet interior is a major draw for larger families, some users find the absence of an in-door ice dispenser a minor inconvenience.
Additionally, while its energy efficiency is commendable, the lack of smart features might deter tech-savvy buyers seeking integration with smart home devices.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
The interior is noted for its adjustable shelving, which helps users customize the space according to their needs—whether storing large platters or weekly groceries. However, during real-world evaluations, the unit's noise level reached 45 decibels, which may be noticeable in quieter kitchens.
Additionally, its functional design comes without high-end aesthetic features, focusing instead on reliability and energy efficiency, noted by its consumption scores that align with ENERGY STAR guidelines.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Detailed Review
The Smart Inverter technology adjusts cooling power based on the amount of food stored, leading to observable energy savings during testing. In practice, the Multi Air Flow system enhances cooling performance by distributing cold air evenly, keeping different sections at the desired temperature.
However, the absence of a built-in water dispenser or ice maker might require additional purchases for those needing these features conveniently built-in. Designed for larger areas, the unit’s dimensions necessitate careful consideration of kitchen space.
Looking for something more specific? We ran dedicated rankings for different use-cases. These are the current top picks.
🌟 Best for Large Families
With its massive 28.5 cu. ft.
capacity, this Whirlpool model caters to large families needing ample storage. The fingerprint-resistant finish simplifies cleaning, essential for busy households.
Despite its higher energy consumption, the adaptive defrost function ensures efficient operation, making it suitable for families prioritizing space over slightly higher utility costs.
🔥 Best for Energy Efficiency
The Samsung RS27T5200SR stands out with its energy-efficient rating of 712 kWh/year, one of the best among its peers. This feature, along with the Twin Cooling Plus® technology enhancing temperature control and reducing waste, makes it ideal for environmentally conscious users seeking energy savings and optimal performance.
💡 Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Offering excellent value with a score of 7.7 and features like adjustable spill-safe shelves, the Frigidaire FRSS2623AS is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers. It provides reliable cooling performance and customizable shelving at a competitive price, without compromising on energy efficiency thanks to its Energy Star certification.
🔧 Best for Technology Enthusiasts
This Samsung model impresses with its 5-in-1 convertible mode and AI-enabled smart capabilities, appealing to tech-savvy users. The Digital Inverter Technology ensures quiet operation and energy efficiency, perfect for those seeking advanced technology in their appliances, though it may lack some connectivity features found in competitors.
🖼️ Best for Stylish Kitchens
The Samsung Bespoke RS28CB7600 is ideal for style-conscious buyers, thanks to its customizable door panels that enhance kitchen décor. It offers efficient cooling with a consistent temperature throughout, despite lacking an in-door ice dispenser.
Its design flexibility and energy efficiency make it a top choice for modern kitchens.
🎨 Best for Fingerprint Resistance
This LG refrigerator is a winner for those prioritizing aesthetics and maintenance, thanks to its PrintProof™ finish that minimizes visible fingerprints. Its 27.2 cu.
ft. capacity and combination of Door Cooling+ and Linear Cooling technologies ensure substantial storage and consistent performance, making it ideal for households focusing on both functionality and appearance.
At RankBy.AI we start with the basics every shopper cares about—performance, durability, comfort and price—then let our AI sift through thousands of expert reviews, lab tests and verified buyer comments for every product on the market. Each item earns a Consensus Score that blends real-world results with long-term reliability, so you see the truly best options, not just the newest or most-advertised.
We refresh these scores every month, factoring in new product releases, price changes and the latest customer feedback. Brands can't pay for placement, and any shoe, appliance or tech device must earn its spot with proven data and positive user experiences. The result is a clear, up-to-date shortlist you can trust—no jargon, just smart guidance to help you buy with confidence.
What to Consider
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Energy Efficiency Rating: Impacts long-term electricity costs; look for models with Energy Star certification for savings.
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Smart Features Compatibility: Check for firmware updates and compatibility with smart home systems for future-proofing.
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Door Seal Durability: High-quality seals prevent cool air loss, improving efficiency and lifespan.
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Resale Value: Consider brand reputation and model popularity to maintain higher resale value.
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Noise Levels: Important for open-plan homes; look for models with decibel ratings below 40 dB.
Key Terms
Expert Tips
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Perform a door seal check using a dollar bill to ensure airtight closure and prevent leaks.
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Run a noise level test in-store by opening and closing doors to check operational sounds.
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Schedule regular firmware updates, if applicable, to enhance features and maintain security.