which fridge is nicer - side by side or french door? ?

A side-by-side will give you more interior storage than a comparable French door model — about 20% more. However, more space is allocated to the freezer, leaving around 25% less space for the refrigerated section.

A side-by-side will give you more interior storage than a comparable French door model — about 20% more. However, more space is allocated to the freezer, leaving around 25% less space for the refrigerated section.

Cold air is like water, when you open an upright freezer, it all runs out the bottom.  Chest freezer style is the best, the cold stays in the box and uses less energy to keep it cold.

A side-by-side will give you more interior storage than a comparable French door model

I mean what's your definition of nice, if you are going for accessibility maybe a french door but nowadays side by side can be accessible as well. 

The French Tickler!

Top Freezer, Bottom Refrigerator fridge, because there is more room there it seems. 

manual ice cube tray is way better than the automatic ice cube tray because the ice is larger, less sticky to the tray, and doesn't clunk up over time.

The term "nicer" applies to things in ways that are personal, 

so it is up to you to choose on that basis.    

As far as practicality goes, a top freezer is more convenient,  

while a bottom freezer is better for thermal considerations. 

A side-by-side or any variation thereof may seem attractive, 

but in the long run it is the least sensible arrangement.     

I prefer the french door with a draw. I had a side by side, lasted 20 years plus, was actually still running fine when we updated the kitchen. Replaced it with a whirlpool 4 door french door.  Was great, I loved the thing for the first two years, then it developed a refrigerant leak, turned out to be the top evaporator. Replaced supposedly under warranty and then whirlpool said nope, sealed system failures are only a year now, not five. Turned into a thing, not that it mattered, the new evap also leaked. Now I have a Samsung four door french door, two years now, still no issues, crossing fingers, I really like this one too.

French because it’s easier to get things.  I have a side by side and sometimes it’s a pain to get something when it’s all crammed together. It’s also more practical. Heat rises so why would anyone put the freezer at the top.