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Is a side-by-side or bottom freezer better?
For most households, a bottom-freezer refrigerator is “better” for fresh-food convenience because the refrigerator section sits at eye level; a side-by-side like KitchenAid model KSRB22QDBL01 is “better” when you want narrow door swing and easy access to frozen foods at mid-height.
- Choose bottom freezer if you use fresh foods most and want less bending for daily items.
- Choose side-by-side if your kitchen is tight and you want freezer items within easy reach.
- Choose based on door clearance, storage style, and ice and water features.
| Feature | Side-by-side (like KSRB22QDBL01) | Bottom freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Good, but shelves are narrower | Best, most-used items are higher |
| Freezer access | Very convenient, mid-height | More bending for freezer drawers |
| Door swing clearance | Typically better in tight spaces | Often needs more swing room |
| Wide items (pizza boxes, platters) | Can be harder to fit | Often easier to fit |
- Ergonomics: Bottom freezer wins if you are in the refrigerator section many times a day.
- Organization: Side-by-side wins if you like vertical bins and want frozen foods visible.
- Space planning: Side-by-side often fits better when an island or wall limits door swing.
- Ice and water use: Many side-by-sides are chosen specifically for frequent dispensing.
The “best” style is the one that matches how you cook and how your kitchen is laid out. A refrigerator that fits your door clearance and storage habits stays colder more consistently because it is opened less and reorganized less.
If you are comparing styles because you rely heavily on filtered water and ice, use how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator to understand typical filter access and maintenance.
Last updated: January 2026
What is a standard size side-by-side refrigerator?
Most standard side-by-side refrigerators, including many KitchenAid models like KSRB22QDBL01, are about 30 to 36 inches wide, 67 to 70 inches tall, and 29 to 35 inches deep. Exact dimensions vary by model and door/handle style.
Most side-by-side units fall into these common ranges:
- Width: 30 to 36 inches
- Height: 67 to 70 inches (to the top of the cabinet or hinge cover)
- Depth: 29 to 35 inches (depth can change a lot with handles)
- Capacity (common range): about 20 to 28 cubic feet
To size a replacement or confirm your cutout, we recommend measuring these points:
- Width of the cabinet opening (left to right)
- Height to the lowest overhead obstruction (cabinet, soffit, trim)
- Depth to the wall (and whether the water line forces the unit forward)
- Door swing clearance (space to fully open doors and pull drawers)
- Ventilation clearance (space above/behind as required for airflow)
Depth is the dimension that most often surprises people.
| Measurement type | What it includes | Why it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet depth | Box only (no handles) | Usually the smallest number |
| Overall depth | Cabinet plus doors/handles | Handles can add several inches |
| Depth with doors open | Door swing into the room | Impacts aisle clearance |
A side-by-side refrigerator that is even 1 inch too wide or too deep can prevent proper door swing, reduce airflow around the compressor area, or keep the unit from sliding fully into place.
If you are also planning water/ice hookups during a replacement, use our guide: how to install an inline refrigerator water filter.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best side-by-side refrigerator brand?
There is no single “best” side-by-side refrigerator brand for everyone; the best choice depends on your priorities (reliability, repairability, features, and budget). For a KitchenAid side-by-side like model KSRB22QDBL01, we typically recommend comparing brands by service history, parts availability, and the features you will actually use.
- Reliability first: Look for consistent cooling performance and fewer service calls over time.
- Parts availability: A brand is a better long-term value when common parts are easy to get.
- Repair friendliness: Standard components (fans, thermostats, defrost parts) usually mean simpler repairs.
- Feature fit: Ice and water systems add convenience but also add parts that can wear.
- Total cost: Consider purchase price plus likely maintenance (filters, door gaskets, ice maker parts).
| What you prioritize | Brands that often fit well | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term value and straightforward ownership | Whirlpool, Frigidaire | Typically strong parts support and practical designs |
| Broad service network and wide model selection | GE | Easier to find service and comparable replacements |
| Premium look and feel | KitchenAid | Higher-end styling and features, often at a higher cost |
| Smart features and modern tech | LG, Samsung | More connectivity and feature depth, more complexity |
Side-by-sides commonly rely on an evaporator fan, defrost system, and ice maker to keep temperatures stable and ice production consistent. When those systems are supported by readily available replacement parts, the refrigerator is usually cheaper to keep running.
- Ice maker components (ice production and dispensing)
- Defrost components (frost control and airflow)
- Door gaskets (temperature stability and energy use)
- Fan and motor components (air circulation)
If you are comparing brands based on ice and water performance, our guide on how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems helps you understand what typically fails and how to reduce repeat issues.
Last updated: January 2026
