Side by Side Fridges for Australian Homes
Side by side fridges feature the fridge and freezer in two full-height compartments next to each other, giving you easy, eye-level access to both sections simultaneously. They suit households that use the freezer as regularly as the fridge and want to avoid bending down to a bottom drawer. Browse our range at Everyday Home Living with fast delivery across Australia.
Who Side by Side Fridges Suit Best
Side by side models are the best choice for households with high freezer use, where a bottom-drawer freezer would require frequent bending and rummaging. Both sections are accessible at standing height, which makes it easy to see and retrieve items from either compartment. The full-height format also accommodates tall items like bottles and large containers in both the fridge and freezer sections without the width restriction of a drawer-based freezer. Side by side fridges are most popular in larger households, households that bulk buy and freeze, and kitchen layouts with sufficient horizontal space.
Key Considerations
Width and Kitchen Space
Side by side fridges are wider than other configurations, typically 90cm or more. Measure your available kitchen space carefully and ensure there is adequate door-swing clearance in front without being blocked by an island bench or cabinetry. The narrow individual door widths mean each door can be opened in tighter spaces than a single wide French door, which can be an advantage in some kitchen layouts.
Freezer Organisation
The full-height freezer section typically includes multiple shelves and door bins rather than a single drawer, making it much easier to organise frozen goods and see everything at a glance. This is one of the key practical advantages over bottom mount models for heavy freezer users.
Energy Efficiency
Side by side models are generally less energy-efficient than bottom mount configurations of similar total capacity due to the larger combined door seal area and more complex air circulation. Compare the Australian Energy Rating label between models when making a decision.
Water and Ice Dispensers
Many side by side fridges include in-door water and ice dispensers, which are convenient for households that use a lot of chilled water and ice. These require a plumbed water connection at the fridge location.
Related Collections
Browse our full fridges range, including French door fridges and bottom mount fridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are side by side fridges good for Australian kitchens?
Side by side fridges suit Australian kitchens with sufficient horizontal space and households that value easy access to both the fridge and freezer at standing height. They are less energy-efficient than bottom mount models and require more floor clearance than other configurations. For households that use the freezer very frequently and want full-height freezer organisation, a side by side model is the most practical choice. For households with primarily moderate freezer use, a bottom mount or French door model is generally the better all-round option.
