Small kitchens are a nightmare. You've probably felt that specific brand of frustration when you're trying to wedge a week's worth of groceries into a space designed for a bachelor’s six-pack and a single lemon. Honestly, the standard solution is usually a tall, towering fridge that eats up half your floor plan. But there’s this niche category that everyone seems to overlook until they’re knee-deep in a renovation: the under counter side by side fridge freezer.
It sounds like a mouthful. It kinda is.
But it’s basically the "secret weapon" for anyone living in a city apartment or trying to build a high-end kitchen island that doesn't look like an appliance showroom. Most people think they have to choose between a tiny fridge or a massive one. They’re wrong. You can actually get that high-end, dual-zone feel without sacrificing your entire countertop.
The Reality of the Under Counter Side by Side Fridge Freezer
Let’s get real about the "side by side" part. When we talk about full-sized units, side-by-side means a vertical split. In the under-counter world, things get a bit more interesting. You aren't usually looking at one single box with two skinny doors—though those exist, and they’re often cramped. Often, the best way to achieve an under counter side by side fridge freezer setup is through modularity.
I’ve seen designers at firms like Stosa Cucine or Poggenpohl lean heavily into this. They don't just shove a cheap unit under a desk. They use two separate 60cm units—one fridge, one freezer—placed right next to each other. It gives you a massive 120cm of width. That’s more horizontal storage than some "pro" refrigerators offer.
Why does this matter? Because of the "work triangle." If your fridge is three steps too far from your prep area, your kitchen flow is broken. By using an under counter side by side fridge freezer configuration, you keep your refrigeration exactly where the chopping happens. It’s a game-changer for ergonomics.
Why the "Cheap" Options Usually Fail
Price is a massive trap here. You’ll go on a big-box retailer's site and see a generic unit for $400. You buy it. Three months later, your ice cream is soft and your lettuce is a frozen block of green ice.
Cheap units use single-compressor systems. This is the "dirty secret" of the appliance world. One compressor has to work overtime to cool both the fridge and the freezer. Because the freezer needs to be much colder, the fridge often gets collateral damage—meaning it fluctuates wildly in temperature.
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If you're serious about an under counter side by side fridge freezer, you want something with independent cooling circuits. Brands like Liebherr and Sub-Zero are the gold standard for a reason. They use dual compressors or sophisticated solenoids to ensure the air in the freezer stays dry and freezing, while the air in the fridge stays humid and cool. Your spinach shouldn't have to suffer just because you want your vodka cold.
The Ventilation Headache
You have to breathe. So does your fridge.
Most people buy a freestanding unit and slide it into a tight cabinet gap. Huge mistake. Massive. If the heat can’t escape from the back or the bottom, the compressor will burn out in two years. Top-tier under-counter models are "front-breathing." They have a kickplate at the bottom that sucks in cool air and spits out the heat. If you don't see a vent at the bottom of the unit you're looking at, it’s not meant to be built-in. Period.
Integration vs. Stainless Steel
Do you want to see the fridge, or do you want it to disappear?
- Integrated (Panel Ready): This is where you attach a cabinet door to the front of the appliance. It’s the ultimate "stealth" kitchen look.
- Stainless Steel: It’s classic. It’s industrial. But it shows every single fingerprint your kids or your dog leave behind.
I personally think the integrated under counter side by side fridge freezer is the way to go if you're doing a modern renovation. It makes a small room feel twice as large because the visual "weight" of the appliances is gone. But keep in mind, panel-ready units usually cost about 20% more. Then you have to pay the cabinet maker. It adds up fast.
Capacity: Is it Actually Enough for a Family?
Probably not as your only fridge. Let's be honest.
If you’re a family of four, an under counter side by side fridge freezer is usually a secondary unit. It’s for the island. It’s for the drinks, the snacks, and the stuff you need while cooking.
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However, for a couple or someone living solo in a studio, it’s plenty. You just have to change how you shop. You can't buy the "family size" 2-gallon milk jug. You buy what you need for three days. It’s a European way of living. It’s more efficient, and you end up with less food waste.
A typical 60cm wide under-counter fridge has about 130 to 150 liters of space. Combine that with a matching freezer, and you've got roughly 250-300 liters of total capacity. For context, a standard tall fridge-freezer is usually around 350-400 liters. You’re losing some space, but not as much as you’d think.
The Noise Factor
Nobody talks about the hum.
In an open-plan living space, a loud fridge is the absolute worst. Since an under counter side by side fridge freezer is literally at waist height—closer to your ears when you're sitting on the sofa—the decibel (dB) rating is critical.
Look for anything under 38dB. If it’s 42dB or higher, you’re going to hear it every time the compressor kicks on. It’ll drive you crazy during a quiet movie. High-end brands like Miele invest a lot in "SuperQuiet" technology. It’s not just marketing fluff; they use better insulation and dampened mounts for the motors. It’s worth the extra couple hundred bucks.
Surprising Features You Actually Want
We get distracted by "smart" screens and Wi-Fi connectivity. Honestly? You don't need your fridge to tweet.
What you actually need in an under counter side by side fridge freezer are:
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- Soft-close hinges: Because slamming a small door makes everything inside rattle.
- Telescopic rails: These allow the drawers to slide out fully so you can actually see the jar of mustard at the very back.
- Auto-defrost: Because chipping ice out of a tiny freezer with a butter knife is a 1980s nightmare we should all leave behind.
Technical Considerations for Installation
You need to check your floor. Sounds weird, right? But many older homes have floors that aren't level. If your under counter side by side fridge freezer isn't perfectly level, the doors won't seal properly. A bad seal leads to frost buildup and wasted energy.
Also, check your depth. Standard kitchen counters are 600mm deep. Some "under counter" units are actually deeper than that once you account for the plug and the pipes at the back. You don't want your fridge sticking out 2 inches past your cabinets. It looks tacky. Look for "shallow depth" or "cabinet depth" models if you’re tight on space.
Actionable Steps for Your Kitchen Project
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on an under counter side by side fridge freezer, don't just click "buy" on the first shiny thing you see.
First, measure your opening three times. Take the height at the left, the center, and the right. Floors sag.
Second, decide on your power source. Running two separate units (a fridge and a freezer) means you might need two separate outlets. Most standard kitchen circuits can handle it, but it’s worth asking an electrician if you’re worried about tripping a breaker when the microwave and the fridges all kick on at once.
Third, think about the "swing." If your side-by-side units are in a corner, will the doors hit the wall? You might need units with "zero-clearance" hinges that allow the door to open 90 degrees without needing extra width.
Finally, look at the energy labels. Since these units are smaller, they have to work harder to stay cold. A "D" or "E" rating (on the new European scale) might seem low, but for under-counter units, that’s actually pretty standard. Just avoid the bottom-tier energy guzzlers; they’ll cost you more in electricity than you saved on the sticker price within three years.
Pick your units based on your actual lifestyle, not the "dream kitchen" photos you see on Pinterest. If you drink a lot of wine, maybe one half of your "side by side" should be a wine cooler instead of a freezer. If you meal prep like a pro, you’ll want the largest freezer drawers you can find. Customization is the whole point of going under-counter. Use it.