Quick verdict
Counter depth side-by-side refrigerators remain a practical choice for kitchens where door swing clearance is constrained or eye-level freezer access is a priority. The LG LRSXS2706V leads the category with the best combination of capacity, features, and reliability. For buyers comparing the side-by-side format against French door alternatives, see [best French door counter depth refrigerators](/articles/best-counter
Top 5 Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators of 2026
### LG LRSXS2706V - Best Counter Depth Side-by-Side Overall
Check price on Amazon →The best counter depth side-by-side refrigerators of 2026 reviewed for capacity, ice dispenser reliability, and flush-fit finish. These models bring the side-by-side format flush with cabinets.
Counter depth side-by-side refrigerators serve a specific need that French door models do not fully address: kitchens where narrow door swing is a functional requirement, or households where eye-level freezer access is a priority. The side-by-side format splits the cabinet vertically into a full-height refrigerator column and a full-height freezer column, giving equal standing access to both sections. These five picks cover the strongest counter depth side-by-side options from major brands in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| LG LRSXS2706V | Best overall side-by-side | 4.6/5 |
| Samsung RS27T5200SR | Best value side-by-side | 4.5/5 |
| GE GSS23GYPFS | Best budget side-by-side | 4.4/5 |
| Whirlpool WRS315SNHM | Best entry-level pick | 4.4/5 |
| KitchenAid KRSC503ESS | Best premium side-by-side | 4.6/5 |
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 5 Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators of 2026 | Check price |
The full reviews
Top 5 Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerators of 2026
### LG LRSXS2706V - Best Counter Depth Side-by-Side Overall
What matters most
What to consider
The most important measurement for side-by-side counter depth buyers is freezer compartment width. The vertical freezer column in a 36-inch side-by-side is typically 15 to 18 inches wide, which restricts what fits flat on the shelf. Measure any large frozen items you regularly store and compare against the model's internal freezer width specification. External ice and water dispenser reliability is the most reported maintenance concern across side-by-side models regardless of brand; check recent owner reviews for the specific model year before purchasing. Adjustable door bin depth is a feature worth prioritizing since it allows bottles and containers of different sizes to fit on the door.
Our take
Counter depth side-by-side refrigerators remain a practical choice for kitchens where door swing clearance is constrained or eye-level freezer access is a priority. The LG LRSXS2706V leads the category with the best combination of capacity, features, and reliability. For buyers comparing the side-by-side format against French door alternatives, see [best French door counter depth refrigerators](/articles/best-counter
Frequently asked
'Counter depth side-by-side refrigerators offer two main advantages over French door counter depth models: narrower door swing clearance on each side, since each door covers only half the fridge width, and easier access to both fresh and frozen items at eye level without bending. This makes side-by-side layouts practical in kitchens where the fridge is positioned adjacent to an island or wall that limits how far a door can swing open on one side.'
A counter depth side-by-side refrigerator typically allocates 7 to 10 cubic feet to the freezer compartment and 13 to 16 cubic feet to the refrigerator side, out of 20 to 25 cubic feet total. The vertical freezer column is more accessible for organization than a drawer-style bottom freezer but has narrower internal width, which limits fitting wide frozen items like large pizzas or full baking sheets flat. Buyers who freeze large format items should factor in the freezer compartment width when choosing between side-by-side and French door counter depth layouts.
Yes, counter depth side-by-side refrigerators are less common than counter depth French door models because the French door format has largely displaced side-by-side as the preferred premium configuration in the current appliance market. However, LG, Samsung, GE, and Whirlpool all offer counter depth side-by-side models in their current lineups, typically in 36-inch widths. The selection is narrower and the price per cubic foot is often higher than French door equivalents from the same brand.
