In the world of refrigeration, there are the side-by-side people and the "over and under" people.

Each group has distinct opinions about why one model is better than the other. Here's how to decide which is right for you. Consider:

• What type of look are you trying to create? The side-by-side is considered more upscale and often is used with wood panels on the front to match cabinetry.
• How do you use the refrigerator and freezer?
• Do you want a water dispenser? While some over and under models have this, it is pretty standard in side-by-side models.
• Are their practical issues to consider, such as the width of the refrigerated section?
• Do you prepare large spreads of food? If so, the over and under models will have more width for storage.

Custom Fronts

Some home owners select a side-by-side model because they think it creates a more upscale look. These models often have custom wood panels that help them blend in with the overall kitchen décor.

While those refrigerators cost several thousand dollars, some manufacturers have introduced similar styling in less expansive models that are not built into the cabinetry. This allows more people to tap into that upscale look.

The Ice Dispenser

Most people who want a water and ice dispenser, go with a side-by-side model. Historically, you haven't been able to get dispensers in over and under refrigerators, but there are some available now.

KitchenAid, for example, has a water dispenser on the inside of some of its new over and under models that have the freezer on the top. While you still have to open the door to get water, it provides a convenience not found in many older over and under models.

The Door Layout

Another factor to consider is the layout of the doors. Some people think the side-by-side design makes each side of the refrigerator look too narrow. Others like the design because it does not block as much space in the kitchen when the door is open.

The side-by-side models are attractive in the front and they don't take up as much space. Because the doors are more narrow, they require less room when the door is open to a 90 degree angle. This gives you plenty of space to open the doors and plenty of clearance near an island.

Side-by-side models also allows you to open the refrigerator and freezer without stooping or stretching. In over and under models with the freezer on top, it is more difficult for children and some adults to reach that section.

The Bottom Freezer

There also are several new models of the over and under design that have the freezer on the bottom. These are a good option for those who do not use the freezer often, but want easier access to the fruit and vegetable bins in the refrigerator.

If the freezer is on the bottom, however, you are forced to stoop or kneel to get items in and out of the freezer. Also, there is always the danger of opening the door and having a stray ice cream container fall on your feet.

Disadvantages

One disadvantage to the side-by-side is the width of the shelves. "If you've only got 36 inches of space in a unit and you typically store large trays for parties, then a side-by-side won't work," said Christopher Hubbuch, manager of services and public relations for KitchenAid.

A 36-inch side-by-side model by KitchenAid has about 21 cubic feet of space for storage -- 13 cubic feet in the refrigerator and 7.6 in the freezer. A 36-inch bottom mount model, for example, has 21 cubic feet, with 15.5 in the refrigerator and 5.5 in the freezer for storage.

One disadvantage to having a water and ice dispenser in the door of a side-by-side model is that the back of the dispenser typically takes a lot of room inside the unit. That space could otherwise be used for food storage.

Whirlpool, however, has changed the designs for some of its side-by-side models so that the dispenser is thinner and the whole unit attaches to the door. This design, available on models priced from $1,300, opens up space on the shelf for storage, said Dean Triemstra, brand director for Whirlpool.

The Cost

Side-by-side models typically are more expensive than some over and under models. KitchenAid, for example, has over and under refrigerators priced from $900. Most of the free-standing side-by-side models are priced from $1,500 to $2,400, while the side-by-side models that are built into the cabinetry are priced from $2,500 to $5,000, he said.