Question 1

What is the difference between a side-by-side and an American-style fridge-freezer?

Accepted Answer

They're the same thing — 'American-style' and 'side-by-side' are interchangeable terms used by UK retailers to describe the same configuration: fridge and freezer compartments positioned vertically next to each other. Some listings add 'French door' to describe a variant where the lower freezer section uses a pull-out drawer rather than a full-height door, but the core side-by-side layout is identical.

Question 2

Do I need a plumber to install a side-by-side fridge-freezer with a water dispenser?

Accepted Answer

Only if you choose a plumbed model — and many buyers don't need to. Plumbed dispensers connect directly to your cold water supply and require a feed pipe near the appliance; if you don't already have one, a plumber visit is necessary. Non-plumbed models (like several Samsung Series 7 options) use a manual-fill reservoir and can be installed by anyone without any pipework. For most households, non-plumbed is the simpler and more flexible choice.

Question 3

Are side-by-side fridge-freezers more expensive to run than standard combis?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes, because they're larger. A typical side-by-side in this catalogue consumes between 300–420kWh annually, compared to 150–250kWh for a standard combi fridge-freezer. At current UK electricity rates, that difference is real over a year. However, models with inverter compressors and better insulation can close the gap significantly — always check the actual kWh figure in the spec sheet rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone.

Question 4

Which brands offer the best reliability for side-by-side fridge-freezers?

Accepted Answer

LG and Samsung have strong reliability records in the UK market and both offer extended compressor warranties (LG's linear inverter compressor carries a 10-year guarantee). Bosch and Liebherr consistently score well in Which? testing for long-term durability. Hisense has improved markedly in recent years and represents good value, though its long-term track record is shorter than the established brands. We'd be more cautious about lesser-known own-label models at the budget end.

Question 5

What size side-by-side fridge-freezer do I need for a family of four?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 500L total capacity is the practical threshold for a family of four doing a weekly shop. Most standard models in this category sit at 530–580L, which is comfortable. If you batch-cook, entertain regularly, or shop fortnightly, look at 600L+ models — Samsung's 634L SpaceMax range and the Hisense 579L are popular choices at that size. Bear in mind that gross capacity figures are always higher than usable net capacity once shelving is accounted for.

Question 6

Should I avoid side-by-side fridge-freezers with an E energy rating?

Accepted Answer

No — an E rating is standard for large-capacity side-by-sides under the current EU energy labelling scale, which was recalibrated in 2021 to be significantly stricter. An E-rated side-by-side today is broadly equivalent to what was previously rated A+ or A++. The rating letter matters less than the actual annual kWh consumption figure: two E-rated models can differ by 150kWh per year, which adds up considerably over the appliance's lifetime.

Question 7

What are the most common mistakes people make when buying a side-by-side fridge-freezer?

Accepted Answer

The three most frequent errors are: not measuring the kitchen opening carefully enough (side-by-sides need 85–95cm width plus door swing clearance), choosing a plumbed dispenser without checking whether a water feed is accessible, and underestimating running costs by focusing on the purchase price alone. A fourth mistake worth flagging: buying on capacity alone without checking the fridge-to-freezer ratio — a 600L model with a 50/50 split gives you far less fridge space than a 560L model with a 65/35 split.

Side-By-Side Fridge-Freezers Price Comparison

Smeg Universal FQ60NDE Black

Bosch KFF96PIEP side-by-side refrigerator Freestanding 573 L E Stainless steel

Hisense RF815N4SESE side-by-side refrigerator Freestanding 634 L E Stainless steel

Samsung RS57DG400EM9/EU side-by-side refrigerator Freestanding E Black

Bosch Serie 4 KFN96VPEAG side-by-side refrigerator Freestanding 605 L E Stainless steel

Bosch Serie 6 KFD96APEA side-by-side refrigerator Freestanding 574 L E Stainless steel

Samsung RF24BB620EB1 side-by-side refrigerator Freestanding E Black

Samsung Series 7 RF50C532EB1/EU French Style Fridge Freezer with Non-Plumbed Water Dispenser - Black

Side-By-Side Fridge-Freezers Price Comparison