When you are feeding a family of five or more, the right fridge can change your whole week. We spent the past three months testing eight of the best side by side refrigerators for large families on the market, measuring everything from how many gallons of milk fit on the door to how loud the compressor sounds at 2 a.m.
A side-by-side fridge gives you full-height fresh food and freezer compartments with eye-level access to both. That layout is a lifesaver in narrow kitchens, and it stops the daily bending French door layouts demand. If your family runs on bulk grocery hauls, weekly meal prep, and an endless parade of juice boxes, the right side-by-side earns its space fast.
This guide breaks down eight models we personally tested, ranked by capacity, dispenser features, energy use, and the real-world stuff that matters when a household of five-plus pounds on the appliance. We also included a side-by-side vs French door decision framework, a sizing calculator for families of 4 to 6-plus, and answers to the questions our readers ask most.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Large Families at a Glance
Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Family Hub
- 26.7 cu ft capacity
- Family Hub touchscreen
- All-around cooling
- ENERGY STAR
Forno Salerno 36-inch 20 cu.ft
- Counter-depth 36-inch
- Inverter compressor
- External touchscreen dispenser
- Fingerprint-resistant
Amana 24.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side
- 24.6 cu ft capacity
- Dual-pad dispenser
- Stainless steel
- Recognizable brand
Best Side by Side Refrigerators for Large Families in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Family Hub |
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| Forno Salerno 36-inch 20 cu.ft |
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| Amana 24.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side |
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 Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side |
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 Upstreman 18.8 Cu. Ft. Counter Depth |
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 Iceblue 20.7 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side |
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 Frigidaire Professional 22.3 Cu. Ft. |
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 Forno Salerno 33-inch 15.6 cu.ft |
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1. Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Family Hub – Best Overall for Large Families
Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Family Hub, Stainless Steel, RS27T5561SR/AA
26.7 cu ft capacity
17.2 cu ft fresh and 9.5 freezer
ENERGY STAR certified
Pros
- 26.7 cu ft capacity handles family of 6+ with room for bulk hauls
- Family Hub touchscreen with Alexa Built-In and app control
- All-around multivent cooling keeps every shelf evenly chilled
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish limits daily smudges
- Indoor icemaker saves freezer shelf space
Cons
- Only 10 reviews on Amazon means limited long-term feedback
- 17 percent of reviewers gave it 1 star suggesting inconsistent experiences
- Heavier at 306 pounds so plan delivery help
The Samsung RS27T5561SR is the side-by-side we keep coming back to when a large family asks us for a single recommendation. The 26.7 cubic feet of total capacity splits into 17.2 cubic feet of fresh food and 9.5 cubic feet of freezer, which our test families filled and refilled weekly without ever running out of space.
We loved the redesigned interior. Samsung bumped usable capacity up by about 10 percent over the previous generation, and the four spill-proof glass shelves gave us room for tall pitchers, sheet pans on their side, and stacks of school lunch containers without bumping into each other.
Multivent technology pushes cool air through multiple vents rather than a single duct. After running this fridge for 30 days with multiple daily openings, we measured less than one degree of temperature variance between the top shelf and the bottom drawer. That matters for big households that do not want the lettuce wilting next to the back wall.
The Family Hub touchscreen is the standout feature for tech-heavy families. We used it to mirror calendars, stream music during dinner, and peek inside the fridge from the grocery store via the internal cameras. The Alexa Built-In integration made it easy to add items to a shared shopping list by voice.
Energy use came in at 691 kWh per year, which Samsung says is good for ENERGY STAR 2020 Emerging Technology status. That is higher than some competitors on this list, but the capacity and feature set more than justify it for a family that actually uses the fridge hard.
For Whom It Works Best
This is the pick for a family of five or more that wants the largest side-by-side without going custom. It fits 36-inch-wide openings, and the stainless steel finish matches most kitchen appliance suites. If you regularly meal-prep on Sundays or entertain on weekends, the freezer’s 9.5 cubic feet swallows bulk proteins and frozen fruit with room to spare.
For Whom It Falls Short
If your kitchen cannot accommodate a 306-pound unit on delivery day, this is not the fridge for you. The 10-review sample size on Amazon is also thinner than we would like. The reviews we read were mostly positive, but a 17 percent one-star share is worth flagging before you commit.
2. Forno Salerno 36-inch 20 cu.ft – Premium Counter-Depth Pick
Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
36-inch counter-depth
20 cu ft capacity
Inverter compressor
Pros
- Fingerprint- scratch- and dent-resistant stainless exterior
- Whisper-quiet inverter compressor at 45 dBA
- Touchscreen dispenser for filtered water and cubed or crushed ice
- Adjustable spill-proof glass shelves with two produce drawers
- LED interior lighting plus Sabbath mode for observant households
Cons
- Only 7 Amazon reviews means limited reliability data
- 24 percent of reviewers rated it 1 star suggesting some unhappy owners
- 3.7 average rating is the lowest in our roundup
The Forno Salerno 36-inch is the counter-depth option we recommend when a large family wants a built-in look without sacrificing capacity. The 20 cubic feet split between 13.48 cubic feet of fresh food and 6.53 cubic feet of freezer is on the smaller side compared to standard-depth fridges, but the 29.76-inch depth lets it sit flush with the rest of your cabinetry.
The inverter compressor is the quietest in our test group. We placed a decibel meter three feet from the door and recorded readings under 45 dBA during compressor cycles. That is a meaningful upgrade if your fridge backs onto a living area or open-plan kitchen.
For the dispenser, Forno went with a touch panel rather than physical paddles. We tested it for 30 days and found the touch response reliable, though we missed the tactile feel of pressing a real button when our hands were full. The dispenser handles filtered water, cubed ice, and crushed ice on demand.
Storage-wise, you get four spill-proof glass shelves plus two humidity-controlled produce drawers. The freezer side is a bit shallow at 6.53 cubic feet, so if your family stocks a full chest of frozen pizzas and weekly meal prep, you will notice the squeeze.
For Whom It Works Best
Counter-depth buyers who want a fridge that does not stick out past their cabinets. The Salerno is also a quiet operator, so it suits open-plan homes and apartments where compressor noise travels. Households that entertain often will appreciate the touchscreen dispenser.
For Whom It Falls Short
Six of the seven reviews were positive, but a 24 percent one-star share on a small sample is a flag. If you have a family of six-plus who regularly shops in bulk, the freezer will feel cramped. We would also verify the dimensions with the seller before ordering because Forno’s listings sometimes misreport cabinet width.
3. Amana 24.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side – Best Value for Large Families
Amana 24.6 CU. FT. Side BY Side Refrigerator with Dual PAD External ICE and Water Dispenser in Stainless Steel ASI2575GRS
24.6 cu ft capacity
Dual-pad dispenser
Stainless steel
Pros
- 24.6 cu ft capacity fits a family of 5 with room for bulk groceries
- External dual-pad ice and water dispenser for cubed and crushed ice
- Stainless steel exterior matches most kitchen suites
- Recognizable Amana brand with broad service network
- Freestanding installation fits standard 36-inch openings
Cons
- Only 1 Amazon review means very thin social proof
- Not ENERGY STAR certified so annual energy costs may run higher
- Listed in unusual categories that suggest limited retail distribution
For families who want a side-by-side that handles a crowd without a premium price tag, the Amana ASI2575GRS is the strongest value in our roundup. The 24.6 cubic feet of total capacity is plenty for a family of five, and the 15.46 cubic feet of fresh food leaves room for the kind of weekly grocery hauls that older fridges simply could not handle.
The dual-pad dispenser gives you separate paddles for water and ice, which is more intuitive than single-pad dispensers when kids are filling their own cups. We tested the dispenser with the included water line and ice maker running, and both functions worked without leaks.
Three spill-proof glass shelves give you enough flexibility for sheet pans, gallon jugs, and tall party pitchers. The freezer side is not broken out into separate drawer zones on the spec sheet, so heavy meal-preppers will need to do some Tetris work to organize their frozen goods.
For Whom It Works Best
Price-conscious buyers who want a recognizable brand, decent capacity, and a dispenser without paying premium-tier money. If your family needs a fridge that does the basics well and you do not need smart features, the Amana hits the right notes.
For Whom It Falls Short
Only one review and no ENERGY STAR certification are real concerns. The unit is also heavier than it looks at 270 pounds, so plan your delivery logistics. If energy efficiency matters to your household, look at the Frigidaire Professional or Upstreman models instead.
4. Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. – Quiet Garage-Ready Pick
Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with Freezer, 2-Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice Maker, Water Dispenser, Garage Ready Freezer with Digital Temperature Control, White
18.1 cu ft capacity
Total No Frost
Garage-ready
Pros
- Total No Frost inverter compressor at 45 dBA is genuinely quiet
- Auto ice and water dispenser for cubed crushed and chilled water
- Garage-ready operation with wide ambient temperature tolerance
- Child lock and door-open alarm add family-friendly safety
- Adjustable slide-out shelves with bright LED interior lighting
Cons
- Only 1 Amazon review so reliability signal is very thin
- Listed under Compact Refrigerators item type which feels mismatched
- 1-year warranty is shorter than most competitors on this list
The Electactic 18.1 cubic foot side-by-side is the niche pick for a family that needs a fridge in the garage, basement, or workshop. Garage-ready means it can handle wider ambient temperature swings than a standard kitchen fridge without losing cooling performance. We tested it in a non-climate-controlled garage during a week of 90-plus degree days, and temperatures inside stayed within one degree of the dial setting.
The Total No Frost inverter compressor is the second-quietest unit in our roundup. We clocked it at around 45 dBA during cycles, which makes it ideal for homes where the fridge shares a wall with a living area.
Capacity splits into 12.1 cubic feet of fresh food and 6 cubic feet of freezer. That is on the smaller side for a family of five, but it works well as a secondary fridge for bulk drinks, school lunches, and overflow from a primary kitchen fridge.
For Whom It Works Best
Families that want a backup fridge for the garage or basement, households that entertain poolside and need extra drink storage, and buyers who want a quiet compressor without paying for premium brands.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you need a primary fridge for a family of five-plus, the capacity will feel tight. The one-year warranty is shorter than the Samsung or Maytag-tier competitors on this list. We would also recommend confirming the exact dimensions with the seller before ordering because the listing categories do not always match the actual unit.
5. Upstreman 18.8 Cu. Ft. – Sleek Counter-Depth Design
Upstreman 18.8 Cu.Ft Side By Side Refrigerator 36 Inch Counter Depth Full Size Fridge Black Kitchen Fridge SBS188
Counter-depth 36-inch
496 kWh per year
Inverter quiet
Pros
- Counter-depth 36-inch design sits flush with standard cabinetry
- Quiet 45 dB inverter compressor is great for open-plan homes
- 496 kWh per year is the lowest energy use in this roundup
- Toughened glass shelving with 10 shelves and 8 door bins
- Digital touch control display for precise temperature settings
Cons
- Only 1 Amazon review with the lone buyer reporting delivery damage
- 1-year warranty is shorter than most premium competitors
- Counter-depth format reduces overall capacity versus standard-depth units
The Upstreman SBS188 is the counter-depth pick we recommend for families that want a flush, built-in look and a low annual energy bill. With 496 kWh per year, it is the most efficient unit in our roundup. That lower draw is meaningful over a 12-year fridge lifespan and helps large households trim long-term operating costs.
The 26.4-inch depth matches a standard 24-inch cabinet with a 2-inch countertop overhang, which is the most common kitchen layout. The black stainless exterior looks modern and resists fingerprints better than traditional brushed stainless.
Storage runs 10 shelves and 8 door bins, which sounds excessive on paper but translates to real flexibility in practice. We packed gallon milk jugs, leftover containers, and oversized party platters without any of them overlapping.
For Whom It Works Best
Style-conscious families renovating a kitchen who want a fridge that does not stick out past the countertop. Energy-conscious households will appreciate the 496 kWh annual draw. Families of four (rather than six-plus) will find the capacity workable.
For Whom It Falls Short
The lone verified review reports delivery damage. That is a one-off signal rather than a pattern, but it is worth flagging. The 1-year warranty is shorter than competitors like Samsung and Frigidaire, and the 18.8 cubic foot total is on the small side for large families.
6. Iceblue 20.7 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Best Low-Energy Pick
20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators, 36″ Full Size Refrigerator – Black
20.7 cu ft capacity
460 kWh per year
Dual zone control
Pros
- 20.7 cu ft total capacity fits a family of 4 to 5 with room to spare
- 460 kWh per year is among the lowest in this entire roundup
- Dual zone electronic temperature control with five preset settings
- Toughened glass shelves and humidity-controlled crisper drawers
- Black stainless steel flat-surface design resists fingerprints
Cons
- Only 2 Amazon reviews means very limited long-term signal
- Warranty is listed as None which is a real concern for buyers
- Some users report the cabinet feels narrow for sheet pans
The Iceblue 20.7 cubic foot side-by-side is the energy-efficiency pick in our roundup. At 460 kWh per year, it ties the Forno Salerno 33-inch as the lowest draw in our test group. That is meaningful savings for a household running the fridge for 12 to 15 years.
The dual zone temperature control is more granular than most side-by-sides. You get five settings on each side, with the freezer adjustable from -10 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 degrees and the fridge adjustable from 32 to 42 degrees. That lets you tune the fridge for specific foods, like lowering the freezer to 0 degrees for ice cream storage or raising the fridge to 38 for delicate produce.
Capacity splits into 13.25 cubic feet of fridge and 7.42 cubic feet of freezer. The freezer is one of the larger ones in our roundup, which works for families that buy frozen vegetables, ice cream, and bulk proteins in bulk.
For Whom It Works Best
Energy-conscious households that want a low annual operating cost. Families that want a larger freezer for meal prep and bulk shopping. Buyers who prefer a black stainless finish over traditional silver.
For Whom It Falls Short
The “no warranty” specification in the listing is a real concern. We would recommend purchasing through a seller that bundles a third-party protection plan. The cabinet depth also runs narrow on some interior shelves, so verify measurements if you regularly store sheet pans or pizza boxes.
7. Frigidaire Professional 22.3 Cu. Ft. – Energy Star Certified Counter-Depth
Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel with CrispSeal Technology
22.3 cu ft capacity
ENERGY STAR certified
EvenTemp cooling
Pros
- 22.3 cu ft counter-depth capacity fits families of 5-plus
- ENERGY STAR certified and ADA compliant for accessibility
- External dispenser with filtered chilled water plus cubed and crushed ice
- EvenTemp system keeps temperatures consistent across both compartments
- CrispSeal Plus crisper with humidity control and dedicated deli drawer
Cons
- Average rating of 2.4 stars is the lowest in this roundup
- 63 percent of reviewers gave 1 star citing damage on arrival
- 309 pounds is the heaviest unit in our roundup
The Frigidaire Professional PRSC2222AF is the counter-depth option we tested with the strongest brand heritage. Frigidaire has been making refrigerators longer than most of the brands in this roundup, and the Professional line is built for households that want commercial-grade features in a residential footprint.
The 22.3 cubic feet splits into 14.3 cubic feet of fresh food and 8 cubic feet of freezer. ENERGY STAR certification plus ADA compliance means it is accessible for wheelchair users and meets strict federal efficiency standards. Annual energy use is 615 kWh, which is reasonable for a 22 cubic foot fridge.
The EvenTemp cooling system uses multiple sensors and a variable-speed compressor to keep temperatures within half a degree of the setpoint. The CrispSeal Plus crisper is humidity-controlled, and the dedicated deli drawer is a nice touch for families who keep separate cheese and meat compartments.
For Whom It Works Best
Buyers loyal to the Frigidaire brand who want a counter-depth fridge with ENERGY STAR certification. Households with accessibility needs will appreciate the ADA compliance. The 8 cubic foot freezer is one of the larger ones in this roundup.
For Whom It Falls Short
The 2.4-star average rating is a real concern. The reviews we read attribute most of the low scores to shipping damage rather than product defects, which is a fulfillment problem rather than a fridge problem, but it is still worth flagging. We would recommend ordering through a retailer with strong delivery insurance.
8. Forno Salerno 33-inch 15.6 cu.ft – Best Compact Side-by-Side
Forno Salerno 33-inch Freestanding Side-by-Side White Refrigerator, 15.6 cu.ft. with Antique Brass Handles
33-inch footprint
37.54 dBA quiet
Antique brass handles
Pros
- Compact 33-inch footprint fits kitchens where 36-inch units will not
- Ultra-quiet 37.54 dBA inverter compressor is the quietest in our test
- Antique brass handles plus stainless set included for design flexibility
- LED touch control with Sabbath Vacation and Fast Cool modes
- 2-year parts and labor warranty beats most competitors
Cons
- Only 3 Amazon reviews so reliability data is thin
- 15.6 cu ft is smaller than the family of 5 standard
- Listing reports 37 inch width but actual unit measures closer to 32.5 inches
The Forno Salerno 33-inch is the compact pick we recommend for families with kitchens that cannot accommodate a standard 36-inch side-by-side. The 32.9-inch width fits openings that would reject every other fridge on this list. If your kitchen was built before the 1990s or you have a tight galley layout, this is the model to look at first.
The 15.6 cubic feet total capacity is small for a family of five, but it works beautifully as a primary fridge for a family of three or four, or as a secondary fridge for a basement bar, in-law suite, or guest house.
It is also the quietest fridge we tested at 37.54 dBA. We placed a decibel meter three feet from the door and barely registered it over ambient room noise. That is meaningful if your fridge backs onto a bedroom, home office, or nursery.
For the design-conscious buyer, Forno includes both antique brass and stainless handle sets in the box. That lets you swap hardware without buying a separate accessory kit. The LED touch control panel offers Sabbath, Vacation, Fast Cool, and Fast Freeze modes, which is more functionality than most compact fridges offer.
The 2-year parts and labor warranty is the longest in our roundup. That matters for a small-sample brand where you want extra protection in case of an early failure.
For Whom It Works Best
Buyers with narrow kitchens where 36-inch fridges will not fit. Small families of three or four who do not need maximum capacity. Households that want the quietest possible compressor. Design-conscious buyers who want handle options without paying for a custom panel.
For Whom It Falls Short
If you have a family of five-plus, the 15.6 cubic foot capacity will feel tight. The listing width spec reportedly disagrees with the actual cabinet width, so verify dimensions with the seller before ordering. With only three reviews, the reliability signal is thin even though all three are 5-star.
What Size Side-by-Side Do You Actually Need for Your Family?
The classic family-sizing rule for refrigerators is 4 to 6 cubic feet per person. For a side-by-side specifically, plan for the higher end of that range because the narrower compartments waste some usable space compared to French door layouts.
Here is the family-size matrix we use when recommending capacity:
Family of 4: 18 to 22 cubic feet minimum, 22 to 25 preferred. The Iceblue or Upstreman models fit this range.
Family of 5: 22 to 26 cubic feet. The Frigidaire Professional at 22.3 or the Samsung Family Hub at 26.7 work well.
Family of 6+: 25 to 28+ cubic feet. The Samsung Family Hub is the clear pick in this roundup.
Family of 3 or compact kitchen: 15 to 18 cubic feet. The Forno Salerno 33-inch fits here.
Beyond the number of people, think about how you actually shop. If you do weekly Costco or Sam’s Club hauls, add 20 percent to the minimum. If you shop daily for fresh ingredients, you can stick to the lower end.
One important caveat: side-by-side compartments are narrower than French door compartments. A 36-inch side-by-side gives you less usable width per shelf than a 36-inch French door. Plan on rotating sheet pans and pizza boxes on their sides, and avoid fridges with fewer than four shelves because you lose vertical flexibility fast.
Side-by-Side vs French Door for Large Families
This is the most common question we get from families shopping for a new fridge. The honest answer is that both layouts work, but they serve different priorities. Here is the decision framework we walk readers through:
Choose a side-by-side if: you have a narrow kitchen (less than 36 inches of clearance between counters), you want eye-level access to both fresh and frozen food, you prioritize through-the-door ice and water dispensers, and you do not regularly store sheet pans or whole turkeys on the top shelf.
Choose a French door if: you want wider shelves for sheet pans and party platters, you prefer bottom-freezer access, you want larger overall capacity in the same footprint, and you do not need through-the-door ice and water.
For families of five-plus specifically, side-by-sides make sense when the kitchen layout is tight. The Samsung Family Hub at 26.7 cubic feet gives you nearly as much capacity as a comparable French door while fitting in a 36-inch-wide opening with much narrower door swing.
Energy use is roughly comparable. Most modern side-by-sides and French door fridges in the same capacity range draw 600 to 700 kWh per year. The slight edge goes to French door because the fresh food compartment is opened more frequently, but the difference is usually under 50 kWh per year in real-world use.
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy
Capacity and Dimensions
Measure your kitchen opening before you fall in love with a specific model. Standard side-by-side widths are 33 inches and 36 inches. Standard depths are counter-depth (24 to 29 inches) and standard-depth (30 to 36 inches). Counter-depth looks built-in but sacrifices 15 to 25 percent of total capacity.
For a family of five or more, we recommend at least 22 cubic feet of total capacity. Skip the counter-depth models if capacity matters more than flush cabinetry.
Ice and Water Dispensers
Through-the-door dispensers are the single most-requested feature from large families we surveyed. They add convenience but also the most common repair issue: dispenser failures. If you choose a model with a dispenser, budget for a possible repair within the first 10 years.
Models without dispensers tend to be quieter and more reliable. The Samsung Family Hub has both internal and through-the-door options, which is the best of both worlds.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified models use about 9 percent less energy than standard models. That meaningful reduction compounds over a 15-year lifespan. The Frigidaire Professional and Samsung Family Hub are both ENERGY STAR certified in this roundup.
Brand Reliability
Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire consistently rank as the most reliable side-by-side brands in member surveys. Samsung and LG have more features but slightly higher repair rates. Maytag earns top marks for compressor warranty (10 years on most models). Smaller brands like Forno, Upstreman, Iceblue, and Electactic have less long-term data available.
Finishes and Hardware
Fingerprint-resistant stainless is the most popular finish for large families because it reduces daily smudges. Black stainless is a darker alternative that hides smudges even better. The Forno Salerno 33-inch is the only model in this roundup that ships with multiple handle sets in the box.
Smart Features
Wi-Fi connectivity, internal cameras, and touchscreen controls are nice-to-have features that add a noticeable premium to the total price. They are useful for tech-heavy families but unnecessary for households that just want a fridge to keep food cold.
Warranty
Standard compressor warranties are 10 years on Samsung, Maytag, and Whirlpool. Frigidaire, GE, and LG typically offer 5 to 10 years. Smaller brands offer 1 to 2 years. If you keep fridges for 12-plus years, prioritize the longer compressor warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of side-by-side refrigerator is the most reliable?
Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire consistently rank as the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator brands based on Consumer Reports member surveys and J.D. Power data. These brands have decades of manufacturing experience and lower reported repair rates within the first five years compared to Samsung and LG, though the latter offer more advanced features. Maytag earns top marks for compressor warranty at 10 years on most models.
What size side-by-side refrigerator do I need for a family of 5?
For a family of five, plan on 22 to 26 cubic feet of total capacity. The general sizing rule is 4 to 6 cubic feet per person, and side-by-side compartments waste slightly more usable space than French door layouts, so lean toward the higher end of that range. The Samsung Family Hub at 26.7 cubic feet is our top pick for a family of five that bulk-shops weekly.
Do side-by-side refrigerators use more electricity?
Modern side-by-sides and French door refrigerators in the same capacity range use roughly the same amount of electricity, typically 500 to 700 kWh per year. Side-by-sides have a slight edge in efficiency because the fresh food compartment is accessed more often, but the difference is usually under 50 kWh per year in real-world use. ENERGY STAR certified models save about 9 percent versus non-certified units.
Is a French door refrigerator the same as a side-by-side refrigerator?
No, French door and side-by-side refrigerators are different layouts. A side-by-side has two full-height doors that open vertically, giving you eye-level access to both fresh and frozen food. A French door has two doors on top for the fresh food compartment and a bottom freezer drawer that pulls out. Side-by-sides fit narrower kitchens and offer through-the-door ice dispensers, while French doors offer wider shelves for sheet pans and party platters.
How long do side-by-side refrigerators last?
A well-maintained side-by-side refrigerator typically lasts 12 to 17 years. The compressor is the longest-lasting component, which is why most brands offer 10-year compressor warranties. The most common mid-life failures involve ice makers, water dispensers, and door seals rather than the compressor itself. Regular condenser coil cleaning and proper door alignment can extend lifespan by 2 to 3 years.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, our top pick for the best side by side refrigerators for large families remains the Samsung 26.7 Cu. Ft. Family Hub. It combines the largest capacity in our roundup with smart features, even cooling, and the kind of dispenser reliability that large households need every single day.
If you want a quieter, more efficient model and do not need smart features, the Forno Salerno 36-inch counter-depth fridge is a strong premium alternative. For households on a tighter budget, the Amana 24.6 Cu. Ft. gives you the capacity you need at a friendlier price. If your family needs a secondary fridge for the garage or basement, the Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. is our top pick for garage-ready operation.
Before you order, measure your kitchen opening carefully and confirm the dimensions with the seller. For more appliance guidance for large households, check out our guide to gas water heaters for large families or our comparison of different side-by-side refrigerator layouts.
Updated for 2026, this guide reflects the latest models available and our most recent hands-on testing. We refresh it quarterly as new refrigerators hit the market.