LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator Review

The LG Side-by-Side 26 Cu. Ft Refrigerator is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices when it comes to fridges in this category. This demand exists because it offers a lot of benefits in terms of features and capabilities. But what makes the LG 26 Cu. Ft Side-by-Side Refrigerator marvelous? Or are there drawbacks that the manufacturers do not mention? 

If these are some questions you’ve been wondering, you’re in the right place. Also, you’ll find that this review will help you understand refrigerators better too. We’ll take a look at the significant features and review them in the context of daily use. So, you can use this piece as a reference point for other side-by-side refrigerators in the market. 

The LG 26 Cu. Ft Side-by-Side Refrigerator

The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator comes with a host of good consumer reviews and a brand that enjoys a rapport with its customer base. So, there’s no doubt whether it’s a competitor in the market. But popularity does not always imply quality. The only way to truly understand how efficient or mediocre this refrigerator is will be an in-depth review. 

I’ve been using this refrigerator for over a year now. But before that, I’ve been involved in product testing for kitchen appliances in previous companies. Also, I’ve reached out to industry experts to get their first-hand experience of the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator. Today, I’ve combined all these experiences to share with you a grounded review of the product. It has taken considerable time and energy, but it’s worth the trouble if it helps you- our readers. 

The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator is an impressive machine, even at first glance. You get a whopping 26 Cu. Ft of storage, which makes it great for bigger households and families. It comes with standard side-by-side features like an ice dispenser and unique features like door-in-door storage. This Side-by-Side Refrigerator also rocks some of LG’s trademark tech like the ColdSaver and the Smart Diagnosis. 

All these attributes sound good on paper, but how do they work in real situations? We’ve put all the features to daily-use tests. And honestly, the results were impressive. Let me take you through some selected features that make the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator stand out. 

Features of the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Storage and Capacity

One of the main strengths of LG’s Side-by-Side Refrigerator is the sheer storage capacity it offers. You have enough space to store rations and food stock for a large family. I’ve categorized the storage into two sections for easier understanding – the refrigerator (main) and the freezer.

The main refrigerator has about 16.90 Cu. Ft. It has four shelves inside made of tempered glass. You’ll have two crisper bins at the lower level, and a premium LED on top, which lights up the interiors. The door has an additional nine shelves (which includes the door-in-door). 

The freezer comes with about 9.20 Cu. Ft. It has six shelves (inside and door combined). The freezer has its LED, and each shelf is high-quality tempered glass. 

As far as storage goes, the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator has everything covered for daily home use. You don’t need this kind of space if you’re living on your own. But for a family, it doesn’t get much better than this side-by-side refrigerator. 

Dimensions and Size

The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator’s overall measurements come to about 70.25 x 35.8 x 36.3 inches (H x W x D). To put that in perspective, if you’re 5’8’’ tall, the top of the fridge should be just about your height (maybe slightly taller). The width measures roughly three feet across. 

So, the dimensions are quite big compared to the conventional top or bottom-freezer designs. It will occupy considerable space in your kitchen. But that’s the trade-off for the amount of storage you get. The side-by-side doors ensure that opening and closing doesn’t take up so much space. With the door open, the side will measure about 51 inches. So, you’ll need some space between the fridge and the counter in your kitchen. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy usage is one of the most crucial factors when we look at bigger appliances. The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator does not come with an Energy Star rating. But it does have a CEE rating of Tier 1. Most of us are familiar with the Energy Star rating because it’s more widely accepted. 

The Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a bi-national non-profit that can also serve as an authority. But I would’ve felt better if this unit also had an Energy Star tag on it. The consensus is that a Tier 1 CEE rating is equivalent to a basic Energy Star rating. 

The manufacturers estimate that it may consume about 715 kWh of power on an annual basis. That’s a reasonable figure given the 26 Cu. Ft of space it cools/freezes. Today, even mini-fridges can consume up to 200 kWh without offering the same proportion of storage. So, the 715 kWh is a modest estimate for this huge appliance. 

Material and finishing

The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator has a sleek and smooth finishing that gives it great aesthetics. It can easily fit into the décor of any modern kitchen. The main surface is a type of coated-metal. This material gives it a smooth and metallic appearance. The handles and some selected parts are made of stainless steel. It’s not just for style and aesthetics but also protection. 

Overall, the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator’s surface is easy to clean and maintain. And the appearance is pleasing in a way that’s both subtle and obvious. The surface also has a fingerprint-resistant coating. So, it doesn’t accumulate smudges and marks even if you touch it frequently. 

Ice and Water Dispenser

Water and ice dispensers are getting pretty commonplace in refrigerators at this price range. They’ve placed the dispenser on the left door. So, it’s easy to access and operate. LG calls this feature the ColdSaver panel. The point is that you don’t have to keep opening the doors to collect ice or drinking water. So, there’s less exchange of air and temperature with the outside. This feature ensures that your refrigeration stays consistent with less interference. 

The SpacePlus ice system can produce about 3.5 – 4 lbs of ice cubes every day. That’s a decent quantity for a family. You might have to make it and store it if you have a big party over. To dispense, all you do is push the button with your cup and collect the cubes that drop in. 

Warranty

LG offers a dynamic warranty system on the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator. However, the details may differ depending on your dealer or the season of your purchase. Generally, they offer a year’s warranty on the refrigerator and freezer. The duration can vary from one year to seven years for internal parts, depending on the component. The Linear Compressor gets a 10-year warranty in most cases. 

Special Features

The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator has a range of special features that you’ll find only on this or other LG units. Some of these are trademarked tech that belongs to LG. That means they’re pretty exclusive. Let’s look at some of this product’s stand-out features:

Door-in-Door panel

The door-in-door panel is a unique feature in LG refrigerators, and it’s beneficial. The right door has a compartment that you can access from the outside. A separate cabinet opens on the outside of the door. Essentially, it’s a compartment within the door (hence the name). This feature is also part of the ColdSaver panel because it reduces the frequency of opening the main doors. 

I would advise you to store some of the most frequently used items here. This way, you have quick and easy access to those food or objects. And you don’t have to rummage through the whole fridge just to get a condiment or beverage. 

LoDecibel Quiet Operation

Another unique feature of LG systems is their trademarked LoDecibel technology. As the name suggests, it keeps the functioning noise to a minimum and prevents disturbance and distraction. Larger appliances can often be louder too. But LG found a work-around through their LoDecibel systems. The LoDecibel Quiet Operation ensures that the refrigerator’s noise stays at a minimum level. 

Smart Cooling

Personally, smart cooling is one of my favorite features on the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator. The primary mechanism here is their Linear Compression Motor. It’s a motor that’s exclusive to LG refrigerators and appliances. The Linear Compression Motor ensures that temperature and humidity both stay at optimum levels. The effect is that your food items stay fresh for more extended periods. 

It’s beneficial when you have a variety of processed and fresh foods stored together. With bigger households, there is always a mixture of different food items in the fridge. And the smart cooling system adds a new element to preservation and freshness. Additionally, a Multi Air-flow Design and a Fresh Air Filter ensure uniform circulation of cool air in every fridge corner. 

Smart Diagnosis and Control Panel

The control panel is one of the more advanced features of this fridge. You get a digital display system where you get full control of your appliance. You can set the required temperatures of your main compartment and the freezer. You can also set the conditions for the filtration system. It also allows you to change between different dispenser modes. 

The Smart Diagnosis is another exclusive LG technology. It allows you to use their Diagnostic app to detect and diagnose issues with your appliance. It’s a much faster way to see issues compared to doing it yourself. When you connect to customer service, you have reliable information on what’s causing the problem. 

Drawbacks of the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Although the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator is packed with features, there are a few downsides to it too. And for this review to be fair, we need to point out the cons of the appliance. While some disadvantages are unique to this unit, others are common problems you face with side-by-side refrigerators. 

• The size and dimensions of the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator make it a huge unit. This means you have to be precise about the space and measurements in your kitchen too. You’ll need a planned space for this refrigerator to fit in. 
• The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator weighs more than 300lbs. If you include the food and contents, that number will go up even higher. Moving it around frequently isn’t a practical option. 
• It doesn’t have an Energy Star rating. However, it does have a CEE Tier 1 tag. I trust the Energy Star tag more because it comes from certified government bureaus. 
• There are no set compartments or shelves for more essential items. So, if you want to store that leftover Thanksgiving turkey or a casserole, you’re in for some work. You’ll have to remove any items and a whole shelf before you can fit in something of that size. 
• Finally, budget is always an issue when it comes to side-by-side refrigerators. If you’re tight on cash, units like these immediately go out of the affordable range. So, all the fancy features and functions come with a trade-off – a higher price tag. 

So, these are some downsides of the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator. Frankly speaking, I don’t find any of these issues to be deal-breakers. The enhanced features more than compensate for any small issues. With all the benefits you get, I’ll gladly invest in this model again if required. 

Closing Thoughts

 The LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator offers the bang for your buck in terms of capabilities and functions. Yes, it may be relatively more expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking for a family fridge for a big kitchen, few models are as great as the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator. 

With ample storage, impressive features, and trademark LG tech, the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator will change the way you live and cook. If I have to get a new fridge this year, the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator will remain my go-to choice among the many other options in the market today!