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Is side-by-side better than a French door?
A side-by-side is “better” than a French door when you want easy access to both fresh and frozen food at eye level and you prefer narrower door swing clearance; a French door is usually better for wide platters and large fresh-food storage. For the Electrolux EW23CS85KS2, the best choice comes down to your kitchen layout and how you use the freezer.
| Feature | Side-by-side (like EW23CS85KS2) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food space | Tall, narrower shelves | Wide shelves for trays and platters |
| Freezer access | Eye-level, vertical storage | Lower drawer, deeper bins |
| Door swing clearance | Often needs less clearance per door | Often needs more clearance per door |
| Organization style | More vertical bins and door storage | More wide, open shelf space |
- Frozen foods at eye level (less bending for daily use)
- Better separation of fresh vs. frozen zones (left and right)
- Narrower doors that work well in tighter aisles
- More door-bin storage for condiments and beverages
- A familiar layout for ice and water dispensing setups
- Wide shelves for pizza boxes, party trays, and sheet pans
- A larger, more open fresh-food section for meal prep ingredients
- Easier storage of oversized containers in the refrigerator compartment
- A freezer drawer that holds bulky bags and stacked items
Layout affects temperature stability, organization, and day-to-day convenience. If you open the refrigerator side far more than the freezer, a French door can feel more efficient for fresh-food access; if you use the freezer constantly, a side-by-side keeps frozen items easier to see and reach.
Even the “best” style will struggle if airflow and filtration are neglected. For odor control and fresher-tasting food, replace the air filter on schedule using the refrigerator door air filter EAFCBF.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the advantages of side-by-side refrigerators?
Side-by-side refrigerators like the Electrolux EW23CS85KS2 make everyday access easy because both the fresh food and freezer sections run top-to-bottom at eye level. They also tend to offer strong door storage and a narrower door swing than many French door models.
- Easy access to both compartments: you do not have to bend as much to reach frequently used shelves.
- Narrower door clearance: doors usually do not need as much front-to-back space to open fully.
- More door bin space: tall condiments, bottles, and beverages often fit better in full-height door bins.
- Good freezer organization: vertical shelves and bins can make it easier to separate foods.
- Often a lower entry price than similarly sized French door refrigerators with comparable features.
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Door swing clearance | Typically less | Typically more |
| Door storage | Typically more | Typically less |
| Wide-item storage (pizza boxes, platters) | Typically tighter | Typically easier |
| Freezer access | At eye level | Lower drawer |
Side-by-side designs trade some wide-shelf space for convenience and door storage. If you regularly store wide trays or large pizza boxes, measure your common items and compare them to your shelf width.
Choosing the right layout reduces food waste and frustration. A side-by-side layout can improve visibility and access, which helps you keep temperatures stable by shortening door-open time.
For maintenance that helps any side-by-side perform its best, we recommend staying on top of filtration and airflow, such as replacing the refrigerator door air filter EAFCBF on schedule and following guidance in how to get rid of refrigerator smells.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best side-by-side refrigerator brand?
There is no single “best” side-by-side refrigerator brand for everyone; the right choice depends on your priorities (reliability, ice and water performance, noise level, and features). If you already own an Electrolux EW23CS85KS2, keeping airflow and filtration maintained often delivers the biggest day-to-day improvement.
Focus on the features that most affect ownership satisfaction, then compare brands within that lane.
- Reliability and serviceability: simpler designs and widely available parts tend to be easier to keep running.
- Ice and water system performance: dispenser consistency, ice production, and filter availability.
- Temperature stability: fewer warm spots and less freezer burn.
- Noise level: fan and compressor sound varies by design.
- Fit and finish: door alignment, bin durability, and shelf hardware.
| If you prioritize… | What to look for | What to maintain on your fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer odors | Built-in air filtration, good circulation | Replace the refrigerator door air filter EAFCBF on schedule |
| Better ice dispensing | Strong auger drive, clear ice path | Keep the ice chute clear; inspect the auger system |
| Steady temps | Good airflow control and sensing | Check damper operation and temperature sensor response |
| Lower noise | Efficient fan and compressor operation | Keep condenser area clean; listen for fan blade rubbing |
Even a top-rated side-by-side can feel “bad” if airflow is restricted, filters are overdue, or the ice path is partially blocked. On the Electrolux EW23CS85KS2, common upkeep items include odor control (air filter), ice delivery components, and airflow control parts.
- Refrigerator door air filter EAFCBF (odor control)
- Evaporator fan blade (air circulation)
- Refrigerator air damper (fresh food airflow control)
- Refrigerator temperature sensor (temperature feedback)
- Condenser fan motor (heat removal)
Last updated: January 2026
