Open both doors. In a side-by-side refrigerator, more food is at eye level, so it's less likely that anything will get lost.
That said, side-by-sides often have issues with fluctuating temperatures. To preempt any food safety issues, make sure the temperature in the refrigerator side comes in at 40° or below, and the freezer temperature is around 0°.
How do you know? Check your trusty refrigerator thermometer. A side-by-side fridge pretty much requires that you use one. But it’s a small effort to make to keep your family’s food safe.
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When we tested the 36-inch wide Whirlpool WRS315SDHW (available at Lowe's for $899.00) in our labs, we discovered that the fridge side stayed consistently chilly. Be careful, though: On the factory settings, the freezer temperature jumped into too-warm territory.
Design and Features
The WRS315SDHW we tested was classic white, but it also comes in fingerprint resistant stainless steel (possibly easier to find), monochromatic stainless, black, and even biscuit to match older appliances. A basic fridge like this could work well for families that keep an extra fridge in the basement or garage to hold snacks and sodas.
The although you can't tell by looking, the buttons on the control panel are mechanical, so you feel a satisfying click when you press them. They dispense water, and crushed or cubed ice. Temperature adjustments happen inside the fridge—more about that in a minute.
The control panel is mechanical. Choose water, ice cubes, or crushed ice.
Don't count on storing produce for a long time in this refrigerator. These crispers don't really keep moisture in, so you lose the crispness in your fruits and greens. Eat the produce quickly, before it goes soft and droopy.
There are two crisper drawers on the fridge side, though neither does a great job of trapping humidity. Store only as many fruits and vegetables as your family can eat in a short time, and they'll work fine.
Performance
During its week of testing, WRS315SDHW kept the temperature in the fridge consistently chilly, but in the freezer things weren't as cool as they should have been. It sometimes hit 6°, and that’s definitely too warm.
You'll find the temperature adjustment for the freezer on the left side of the refrigerator compartment. Flip the switch toward "coldest" to ensure that your freezer is cold enough to keep frozen foods safely.
No worries—there's a simple adjustment. Open the refrigerator door, and reach around the side of the temperature control box to flip the switch toward the coldest freezer setting. After a day or so, get eyes on your thermometer to make sure it's cold enough in there.
Efficient and relatively inexpensive to run, we estimate that this refrigerator will cost you about $37 a year for energy, a little less than average.
Warranty
Whirlpool offers a one-year limited warranty on this refrigerator.
What owners have to say
Most owners are satisfied with this refrigerator, giving it 4.3 out of 5 stars. A few reviews mentioned issues with the ice dispenser.
The bottom line
If you need an extra refrigerator for a basement or garage, or a fridge that will fit in with an older-style kitchen, you could pick up a basic side-by-side like the this model. Remember to adjust the freezer temperature down, and you should be okay.
Want something to compare it to? We've also tested the Whirlpool WRS975SIDM, which is another side-by-side. It scored extremely well, and sells for only a little bit more.
Meet the testers
Cindy Bailen loves writing about major appliances and home design and has spent over 15 years immersed in that. In her spare time, Cindy hosts pledge programs for WGBH-TV in Boston and other public television stations.
Kyle Hamilton
Product Tester
Kyle Hamilton is a product tester at Reviewed, specializing in home appliances and technology.
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