What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRS537SIAM01 is reduced usable width in each compartment; wide platters, pizza boxes, and large pans often do not fit as easily as they do in a French door model.
- Narrow shelves: Large, flat items may not fit without rearranging.
- More bending for fresh food: Many frequently used refrigerator items sit lower, so you reach down more often.
- Freezer organization can be tricky: Tall, narrow space can hide items behind other items.
- Ice maker and dispenser parts add complexity: More components can mean more maintenance over time.
- Odors can linger if airflow is restricted: A clogged air filter can make smells more noticeable.
| Feature | Side-by-side (WRS537SIAM01 style) | French door (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf width | Narrower | Wider |
| Frozen food access | Eye-level, vertical | Lower drawer |
| Fresh food access | Vertical, often lower items | Eye-level, wide shelves |
| Best for | Frequent freezer use | Large fresh-food storage |
If you regularly store wide items (sheet pans, party trays, large leftovers), the side-by-side layout can create daily frustration. If you mainly want easy freezer access and consistent temperatures, side-by-side can still be a strong fit.
Keeping airflow and odor control in good shape makes the layout feel more usable day to day. For this model, replacing the refrigerator air filter W10311524 on schedule helps reduce food odors and keeps air moving cleanly.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A side-by-side refrigerator typically lasts about 13 years on average. For a Whirlpool side-by-side like model WRS537SIAM01, real-world lifespan depends most on condenser airflow, door seal condition, and keeping the ice and water system maintained.
Most side-by-side refrigerators fall into a similar life range, but usage and maintenance can move that number up or down.
- Typical average: ~13 years
- Common range: 10 to 15 years
- Often shorter when: coils are clogged, doors don’t seal, or the unit runs hot in a tight space
- Often longer when: airflow is good, temperatures are stable, and filters are maintained
| Lifespan view | What it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| 10 years | Normal for heavy use | Improve airflow, clean coils, fix door sealing |
| 13 years | Typical average | Keep temps steady, maintain ice and water system |
| 15+ years | Above average | Stay ahead of small issues (fans, seals, filters) |
These steps apply directly to Whirlpool side-by-side designs and help reduce compressor run time and frost or airflow problems.
- Keep vents inside the refrigerator and freezer unblocked
- Maintain strong door sealing; warm air leaks cause longer run times and frost
- Replace the air filter on schedule; use the correct refrigerator air filter W10311524
- If you notice weak ice production or slow water dispensing, address it early (valves and lines)
- Listen for changes in fan noise; airflow issues can shorten component life
Lifespan is mostly about how hard the sealed system and compressor have to work. Better airflow, tight door gaskets, and clean filtration reduce run time, stabilize temperatures, and help major components last longer.
Last updated: January 2026
How big is the Whirlpool model WRS537SIAM01?
The Whirlpool WRS537SIAM01 is a full-size side-by-side refrigerator with a typical capacity around 25 cu. ft. For exact exterior height, width, and depth, we size it by measuring your installed space (including door swing and clearance) rather than relying on capacity alone.
Capacity (cubic feet) tells you storage volume, but fit is determined by exterior dimensions and clearances.
- Capacity: about 25.3 cu. ft. (typical for this Whirlpool side-by-side)
- Fit: measure the cabinet opening (width, height, depth)
- Clearance: allow space for door swing, airflow, and water line routing
- Access: confirm the unit can pass through doorways and hallways
Use a tape measure and write down these numbers before ordering parts or planning a replacement.
- Opening width (wall to wall at the front)
- Opening height (floor to cabinet or soffit)
- Opening depth (back wall to front edge of counters)
- Door swing clearance (especially on the freezer side)
- Water line location (if you use the ice maker and dispenser)
These are common ranges for many Whirlpool side-by-side designs in the 25 cu. ft. class.
| Spec | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Width | ~33 in to 36 in |
| Height | ~65 in to 71 in |
| Depth (cabinet) | ~29 in to 34 in |
Getting the size right prevents installation headaches like doors that hit walls, a refrigerator that sticks out past counters, or restricted airflow that can cause warm temperatures and icing.
If you are troubleshooting odors or airflow issues while you are measuring, these resources help.
- How to get rid of refrigerator smells
- How to install refrigerator air filter
- Refrigerator air filter W10311524
Last updated: January 2026





