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Short answer: Current independent testing identifies the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2 as the best overall side-by-side refrigerator, the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0 as the best mid-range choice, and the GE GSS25GYPFS0 as the best budget option. The Better Homes & Gardens attribution in the supplied title could not be independently verified, so these are presented as RTINGS’ 2026 recommendations—not as BHG-tested picks. Your final choice should turn on fit, storage depth, temperature performance, dispenser maintenance, service access, and delivery logistics.
The three strongest side-by-side refrigerators right now
| Best for | Model identified by current independent testing | Why it stands out | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2 | Strong temperature uniformity, produce preservation, ice-making, parts availability, and noise results in RTINGS testing | Counter-depth storage is shallower, and the model is becoming difficult to find new |
| Best mid-range option | Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0 | More capacity than the KitchenAid, according to RTINGS’ comparison | The deeper cabinet projects farther into the room |
| Best budget option | GE GSS25GYPFS0 | Good temperature consistency and repairability for a less expensive class of refrigerator | Shallower storage and warmer door temperatures than the strongest performers in testing |
For most kitchen remodels, the practical choice is not simply the refrigerator with the highest capacity. Measure the opening and the delivery route first, then decide whether you value counter-depth appearance, full-size storage, dependable temperature control, a through-the-door dispenser, or easier long-term service. Side-by-side refrigerators make both compartments easy to see at eye level and generally need less door-swing space than some French-door layouts, but their narrow vertical compartments can make wide platters and frozen pizzas harder to store.
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1. KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2: best overall in current independent testing
RTINGS currently places the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2 at the top of its side-by-side refrigerator list. Its reported strengths include temperature uniformity, ice-making performance, produce preservation, noise, and the availability of parts. RTINGS also identifies a dual-evaporator design on this model.
That combination makes the KitchenAid the most compelling choice for buyers who care about food-storage performance more than maximum interior depth. A side-by-side refrigerator already divides its usable space into tall, narrow columns; a counter-depth cabinet reduces front-to-back storage further. The reward is a refrigerator that sits closer to surrounding cabinetry and can make a walkway feel less crowded.
#1 Best Overall
- Autofill Water Pitcher
- Icemaker
- Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
- Electronic Control Panel
What to check before buying it
- Confirm the exact model and finish. KRSC703HPS2 is a specific model suffix, and inventory can differ by finish, retailer, and region.
- Measure usable storage, not only the advertised exterior. Counter-depth refrigerators can look substantial while offering less depth for large containers.
- Check whether it is genuinely available new. RTINGS reports that this KitchenAid is increasingly difficult to find because it has been replaced by a similarly designed KitchenAid model that RTINGS had not yet tested.
- Verify service support locally. Parts availability is a positive testing point, but authorized service coverage still depends on geography.
Best fit: a kitchen where reduced cabinet projection and strong temperature performance matter more than the largest possible storage volume.
2. Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0: best mid-range choice according to RTINGS
RTINGS names the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0 its best mid-range side-by-side refrigerator. In the comparison, it offers more capacity than the counter-depth KitchenAid, but the deeper cabinet takes up more room. That is a useful trade-off rather than a flaw: standard-depth or deeper refrigerators are often the better choice when storage capacity is the priority and the kitchen can accommodate the projection.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDo not confuse the RTINGS-tested WRS588FIHZ0 with the separately documented Whirlpool WRS315SDHZ. They are different model families. The WRS315SDHZ is a legitimate Whirlpool alternative with published specifications, but its details should not be substituted for the WRS588FIHZ0’s test results.
A documented Whirlpool alternative: WRS315SDHZ
Whirlpool identifies the WRS315SDHZ as a 24-cubic-foot, 36-inch-wide side-by-side refrigerator. Its listed features include adjustable gallon door bins, exterior ice and water dispensing with EveryDrop filtration, electronic temperature controls, frameless glass shelves, LED interior lighting, hidden hinges, a factory-installed ice maker, adaptive defrost, a dispenser night-light, and humidity-controlled crispers.
The published dimensions are approximately 69.625 inches high, 35.875 inches wide, and 33.625 inches deep. Those measurements are useful for planning, but they are not a substitute for the manufacturer’s installation drawing: handles, door swing, hinge clearance, leveling space, and the required ventilation or utility clearances can affect the real fit. The official Whirlpool page showed temporary out-of-stock status when checked, so availability must be confirmed before a remodel schedule depends on this model.
Best fit: a buyer who wants a conventional full-size side-by-side layout, useful door-bin capacity, exterior ice and water, and a documented 36-inch installation width.
3. GE GSS25GYPFS0: best budget performer in current testing
RTINGS identifies the GE GSS25GYPFS0 as its budget pick. Its reported advantages are good temperature consistency and repairability. RTINGS also notes two limitations: storage is shallower, and the door temperatures run warmer than on the better-performing models it compared.
Those findings make the GE a sensible value choice, especially when the purchase budget is tight or when straightforward servicing matters. They also show why a low price should not be treated as a complete performance verdict. A refrigerator’s doors are opened frequently, and door temperature behavior can matter to how you organize items and how closely you follow the manufacturer’s storage guidance.
GE model numbers require careful checking
GE’s official product information identifies the GSS25GGPBB as a 25.30-cubic-foot side-by-side refrigerator. ENERGY STAR lists the related GSE25GGP family as a U.S.-market, non-counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator with automatic defrost, a through-the-door dispenser, an ice maker, 25.3 cubic feet of capacity, and reported annual energy use of 646 kWh. GE also describes the GSE25GYPFS as an ENERGY STAR 25.3-cubic-foot side-by-side refrigerator.
These model numbers are close enough to cause shopping mistakes, but they should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the complete SKU, finish, dimensions, dispenser configuration, and retailer listing. For shoppers comparing a full-size option, a GE 25.3-cubic-foot side-by-side refrigerator is a reasonable product path to investigate; verify whether the listing is the GSS25GGPBB, GSE25GYPFS, GSS25GYPFS0, or another exact variant before ordering.
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What side-by-side refrigerators do well—and where they do not
Advantages
- Eye-level access to both compartments: frequently used frozen food is easier to see than in a bottom-freezer layout, where items can be buried in a drawer.
- Less door-swing intrusion: two narrower doors can be easier to use beside an island, walkway, or adjacent cabinet than one wide refrigerator door.
- Convenient dispenser access: models with through-the-door ice and water let users fill a glass without opening the refrigerator.
- Vertical organization: shelves, door bins, and crispers make it possible to separate food by type and height.
Limitations
- Narrow shelves: wide serving dishes, sheet pans, large pizza boxes, and some beverage containers may not fit comfortably.
- Less usable depth in counter-depth models: the shallower cabinet improves the built-in appearance but limits front-to-back storage.
- More components in dispenser models: an ice maker, water valve, dispenser mechanism, and filter system add convenience but also add parts that may eventually require service. There is not enough model-specific evidence here to claim that one dispenser design is more reliable than another.
- Large exterior footprint: “side-by-side” describes the door arrangement, not a small appliance. Width, height, depth, and delivery clearance remain first-order concerns.
Standard-depth or counter-depth?
Choose counter-depth when the refrigerator’s projection into the room is a major design concern, the surrounding cabinets are already shallow, or you prefer a more integrated appearance. The KitchenAid’s current testing position illustrates the benefit: strong performance in a less-protruding format.
Rank #2
- Designed for Busy Households: This 29.cu. ft. extra‑large capacity and traditional 36" width refrigerator provides ample room and smart organization for family favorites, meal‑prep ingredients, and big‑batch groceries so you can shop less and have more on hand
- Fast, Even Cooling for Freshness: Accela Chill and Accela Freeze boost fan-forced cold air to quickly cool or freeze newly added groceries, while the Multi-Flow Air System circulates air across every shelf for consistent temperatures and long-lasting freshness
- Filtered Ice & Water, More Freezer Space: A space-saving ice maker tucked into the freezer door frees up shelf space while producing up to 3 lbs. of ice per day, and the NSF-certified filtration system delivers great-tasting, filtered ice and water from the convenient external dispenser
- Maximize Your Storage Space: Edge-to-edge glass shelves, adjustable shelving, and 4 gallon-size clear door bins keep groceries visible and within reach, while crisper drawers preserve fruits and veggies and the freezer’s shelves, basket, and door bins keep frozen foods neatly organized
- Convenient Features for Everyday Use: Enhanced LED lighting on the ceiling and sides illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; and the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
Choose standard-depth or deeper storage when capacity is more important than a flush appearance. RTINGS’ comparison of the KitchenAid and Whirlpool highlights the central trade-off: the Whirlpool offers more capacity, while the KitchenAid’s counter-depth design limits storage depth.
Before selecting either type, compare the manufacturer’s stated cabinet depth with the total depth including doors and handles. Also confirm that the doors can open far enough for drawers and crispers to pull out. A refrigerator can fit inside the opening and still be unusable if a wall or island blocks the doors.
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How to measure for a refrigerator before delivery
- Measure the opening at several points. Record the narrowest width, the floor-to-cabinet height, and the available depth. Uneven floors and out-of-square cabinetry can reduce the usable opening.
- Record the refrigerator’s complete dimensions. Use the exact model’s specification sheet, including door and handle depth. Do not use a generic “36-inch refrigerator” assumption.
- Check the doors and surrounding walls. Confirm the hinge side, door-swing requirement, drawer clearance, and whether the doors can open enough to remove shelves or bins for cleaning.
- Trace the delivery route. Measure the entrance, hallways, stair turns, elevator, and the tightest corner. Include trim, railings, low ceilings, and doors that cannot be removed.
- Locate utilities. Identify the grounded electrical outlet, water connection if the dispenser or ice maker requires one, and the shutoff valve. Have the installation instructions available before the appliance arrives.
- Plan removal of the old unit. Ask the retailer or installer in advance whether old-appliance haul-away is offered and what preparation is required. Do not assume it is included.
- Protect finished surfaces. A refrigerator can damage flooring, baseboards, drywall, and cabinet edges during installation. Use a suitable moving path and confirm who is responsible for protection and repairs.
Large-appliance logistics are part of the buying decision, not an afterthought. If you need outside help, compare refrigerator delivery and installation arrangements before purchase, including whether the service connects the water line, levels the appliance, removes packaging, tests the dispenser, and takes away the old refrigerator. Availability and pricing vary by retailer and location.
Features worth paying attention to
Temperature control and preservation
Independent testing is most useful here. RTINGS evaluates temperature uniformity and produce preservation rather than simply repeating manufacturer feature language. The KitchenAid’s strong results in those categories distinguish it from a refrigerator that merely advertises electronic controls. The GE’s good temperature consistency is a meaningful budget advantage, while its warmer door temperatures are a reason to organize door storage thoughtfully.
Ice and water dispensing
Through-the-door dispensing is convenient for frequently filled glasses and pitchers. It can also consume door space, require a compatible replacement filter, and add mechanical and plumbing components. Treat the dispenser as a convenience feature—not proof of superior reliability—unless model-specific service or testing evidence supports that conclusion.
Storage flexibility
Look for adjustable gallon door bins, shelf positions that accommodate tall containers, humidity-controlled crispers, and lighting that reaches the back of the compartment. The Whirlpool WRS315SDHZ specifically documents adjustable gallon bins, frameless glass shelves, LED lighting, and humidity-controlled crispers. Those are specifications, not independent performance test results.
Ice-making and noise
RTINGS reports strong ice-making and noise results for the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2. For other models, avoid assuming equivalent performance from the presence of an ice maker alone. Ask whether the ice maker is factory-installed, where the ice bin is located, and whether the manufacturer provides service documentation for the dispenser and ice system.
Energy use
Energy use depends on the exact model, configuration, certification, and local electricity rate. ENERGY STAR lists 646 kWh per year for the related GE GSE25GGP family. That figure is more useful than a vague claim that a refrigerator is “efficient,” but it should not be applied automatically to every GE model with a similar name. Compare the yellow EnergyGuide label and ENERGY STAR listing for the exact SKU before estimating operating cost.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Filters, maintenance, and repairability
A refrigerator with a water dispenser is an ongoing ownership commitment. GE’s support materials include troubleshooting, installation information, parts, accessories, and water-filter replacement guidance. GE also lists water-filter replacement as a recommended side-by-side-refrigerator maintenance task. Whirlpool documents EveryDrop filtration on the WRS315SDHZ.
Rank #3
- LARGE CAPACITY: Side by side doors 15.6 CuFt Capacity, perfect for all the family members
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Our gallon-size bins are designed to store more, so you can fit a variety of beverages
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easily adjust your refrigerator and freezer settings from the digital display control panel conveniently mounted on the inside of the refrigerator door
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Allows you to organize and store your fresh and frozen foods to easily find what you need
- _Easily adjust the feet Height and remove or interchange your shelves for a personalized experience
Buy the replacement filter specified for the exact refrigerator model, not merely a filter that looks similar or fits a broad brand category. Before ordering, check the model number inside the refrigerator or on its product label, then confirm the filter part number in the owner’s manual or manufacturer support page. Keep a record of the replacement date and follow the model’s instructions for flushing and resetting the filter indicator.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Routine ownership also includes cleaning the door seals, clearing blocked vents, cleaning or inspecting the ice system as directed, and keeping the condenser area accessible if the manual calls for it. For a refrigerator that develops a temperature, water, or ice problem, consult the model-specific troubleshooting guide before replacing parts. Repairability is a useful comparison factor, but local authorized service coverage and parts availability should still be checked before purchase.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2 if you want the strongest reported all-around test performance and accept counter-depth storage and potentially difficult availability.
- Choose the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0 if you prioritize the greater capacity reported by RTINGS and have enough room for a deeper cabinet.
- Choose the GE GSS25GYPFS0 if price, temperature consistency, and repairability are more important than the deepest storage or the coolest door temperatures.
- Consider the Whirlpool WRS315SDHZ when its documented 24-cubic-foot capacity, 36-inch width, adjustable gallon bins, EveryDrop filtration, and other listed features match your kitchen and current availability.
Final buying checklist
- Exact model number and finish confirmed
- Opening measured at its narrowest points
- Complete depth, including doors and handles, checked
- Door swing and drawer removal clearance confirmed
- Delivery path measured from the curb or loading area to the kitchen
- Electrical outlet and water connection checked against installation requirements
- Counter-depth versus standard-depth trade-off understood
- Dispenser, ice maker, and filter replacement costs considered
- Local service coverage and parts availability checked
- Current stock, replacement status, price, and retailer terms rechecked immediately before ordering
Sources and evidence: RTINGS supplies the independent comparison and test findings for the KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2, Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0, and GE GSS25GYPFS0. GE, Whirlpool, and ENERGY STAR supply manufacturer or certification information about specifications, features, dimensions, energy use, support, and maintenance. Because refrigerator model numbers, finishes, prices, inventory, and replacement models change, verify the exact listing and installation documentation before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did BHG test the three refrigerators in this guide?
The exact BHG article naming these three refrigerators could not be independently recovered. The three models in this guide—KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2, Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0, and GE GSS25GYPFS0—are the current 2026 side-by-side recommendations reported by RTINGS, not verified BHG selections.
Are counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators better than standard-depth models?
Choose counter-depth when minimizing cabinet projection and preserving walkway space matters most. Choose standard-depth or deeper storage when capacity matters more and your kitchen can accommodate the extra projection. Always compare the exact model’s total depth, including doors and handles.
Which side-by-side refrigerator is best for most people?
The KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2 is the strongest overall independent-test choice in the current comparison, but it is counter-depth and becoming harder to find new. The GE GSS25GYPFS0 is the better budget-oriented choice, while the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0 favors capacity.
Do side-by-side refrigerators all have ice and water dispensers?
No. Through-the-door ice and water are available only on models configured with those systems. They add convenience but also add filters, plumbing, and mechanical components. Confirm the exact model’s feature list and the cost and availability of its compatible filter.
How do I choose the correct replacement water filter?
Use the exact model number from the refrigerator label or owner’s manual, then match the replacement filter through the manufacturer’s documentation. Do not rely only on brand or capacity because similar model families can use different parts.
Why do refrigerator listings show several similar model numbers?
Yes, but model suffixes matter. For example, the RTINGS comparison names Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0, while Whirlpool’s separately documented WRS315SDHZ is a different model family. GE’s GSS25GYPFS0, GSS25GGPBB, and GSE25GYPFS also should not be treated as identical without checking the full listing and specifications.
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Bottom line: The KitchenAid KRSC703HPS2 is the strongest current independent-test choice if you can accept counter-depth storage and find new inventory. The Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ0 is the better capacity-oriented mid-range option, while the GE GSS25GYPFS0 is the practical budget pick. None should be called a BHG-tested selection until the original BHG article is recovered and verified. Measure the opening and delivery route, confirm the exact SKU, and check filter and service requirements before ordering.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
