Side-by-side refrigerators are a popular choice for many, with their impressive array of features such as soft freezing, automatic ice-making, external water dispensing, and energy-efficient inverter technology. They also come with antibacterial and deodorizing functions, keeping your food fresh and odor-free. Plus, the external electronic control panel allows for convenient water retrieval without having to open the fridge.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from this style of refrigerator. So, what’s behind this change? Here are four reasons why:
1. Inconvenient Storage Space
While the side-by-side fridge may look impressive and stand out from the traditional single or multi-door refrigerators, its design falls short when it comes to food storage. The fridge is typically divided into two sections: a freezer on the left and a refrigerator on the right. Despite appearances, each section is relatively small and struggles to accommodate larger items, especially during holidays when storing large quantities of meat is common.
This design also causes issues in day-to-day use. The upper section is more frequently used, while the lower section is underutilized due to the inconvenience of having to bend down to access it. This layout makes finding and retrieving food a cumbersome task.
Additionally, the lack of customizable compartments leads to a disorganized interior, with food items piled on top of each other in both the freezer and refrigerator sections. In summary, the biggest drawback of the side-by-side fridge is its inconvenient storage space, which has left many users dissatisfied.
2. Lack of Convertible Space
Most two-door refrigerators lack a convertible space, which makes the side-by-side fridge seem outdated compared to the evolving designs of modern refrigerators. For instance, T-shaped, French-style, cross-door, and Japanese-style refrigerators feature separate compartments that allow for flexible temperature control.
These convertible spaces can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of different food items, enhancing their preservation. However, with the side-by-side fridge’s dedicated freezer and refrigerator sections, creating a truly convertible space is not feasible.
3. Cumbersome Door Design
Recently, consumers have expressed disappointment with the door design of side-by-side refrigerators. While initially appealing for its aesthetics and modernity, the large and heavy doors prove inflexible, especially in smaller kitchen spaces. The dual-door mechanism makes accessing food more challenging, particularly in cramped kitchens or dining areas.
This design not only increases the overall size of the fridge but also makes furniture arrangement less convenient. As a result, many households, especially those in smaller apartments, have opted for alternative refrigerator styles.
4. Full-Opening Doors: A Drawback
One of the main practical issues with side-by-side refrigerators is the fact that their doors open and close fully. This design choice leads to increased energy consumption as the cold air escapes each time the doors are opened. While the duration of door openings may be brief, the temperature fluctuations can still impact the freshness of food in both the freezer and refrigerator sections.
If the fridge doors are opened multiple times throughout the day, it can affect the overall quality and longevity of the stored food.
