India, Sept. 14 -- I understand the appeal of a side-by-side refrigerator. It looks premium, feels spacious and instantly gives the kitchen that modern, high-end appliance upgrade. I've considered that appeal myself, especially while looking at newer refrigerators with larger capacities, multiple compartments and increasingly clever features.

But if I were to upgrade and buy a new refrigerator for my own kitchen today, I'd still pick a double-door model.

That may sound surprising, especially when side-by-side refrigerators are often positioned as the more aspirational choice. But after using and writing about refrigerators across different capacities, formats and price points, I've realised that bigger or more premium-looking doesn't ne...