KitchenAid KSRB22QDBL01 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

For most households, a bottom-freezer refrigerator is “better” for fresh-food convenience because the refrigerator section sits at eye level; a side-by-side like KitchenAid model KSRB22QDBL01 is “better” when you want narrow door swing and easy access to frozen foods at mid-height.

Quick comparison

• Choose bottom freezer if you use fresh foods most and want less bending for daily items.
• Choose side-by-side if your kitchen is tight and you want freezer items within easy reach.
• Choose based on door clearance, storage style, and ice and water features.

Feature	Side-by-side (like KSRB22QDBL01)	Bottom freezer
Fresh-food access	Good, but shelves are narrower	Best, most-used items are higher
Freezer access	Very convenient, mid-height	More bending for freezer drawers
Door swing clearance	Typically better in tight spaces	Often needs more swing room
Wide items (pizza boxes, platters)	Can be harder to fit	Often easier to fit

What “better” usually means in real kitchens

• Ergonomics: Bottom freezer wins if you are in the refrigerator section many times a day.
• Organization: Side-by-side wins if you like vertical bins and want frozen foods visible.
• Space planning: Side-by-side often fits better when an island or wall limits door swing.
• Ice and water use: Many side-by-sides are chosen specifically for frequent dispensing.

Why it matters

The “best” style is the one that matches how you cook and how your kitchen is laid out. A refrigerator that fits your door clearance and storage habits stays colder more consistently because it is opened less and reorganized less.

Helpful related DIY guidance

If you are comparing styles because you rely heavily on filtered water and ice, use how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator to understand typical filter access and maintenance.

Last updated: January 2026

Most standard side-by-side refrigerators, including many KitchenAid models like KSRB22QDBL01, are about 30 to 36 inches wide, 67 to 70 inches tall, and 29 to 35 inches deep. Exact dimensions vary by model and door/handle style.

Typical “standard” side-by-side dimensions

Most side-by-side units fall into these common ranges:

• Width: 30 to 36 inches
• Height: 67 to 70 inches (to the top of the cabinet or hinge cover)
• Depth: 29 to 35 inches (depth can change a lot with handles)
• Capacity (common range): about 20 to 28 cubic feet

What to measure at home (so it fits the opening)

To size a replacement or confirm your cutout, we recommend measuring these points:

• Width of the cabinet opening (left to right)
• Height to the lowest overhead obstruction (cabinet, soffit, trim)
• Depth to the wall (and whether the water line forces the unit forward)
• Door swing clearance (space to fully open doors and pull drawers)
• Ventilation clearance (space above/behind as required for airflow)

Quick reference: cabinet vs. “overall” depth

Depth is the dimension that most often surprises people.

Measurement type	What it includes	Why it changes
Cabinet depth	Box only (no handles)	Usually the smallest number
Overall depth	Cabinet plus doors/handles	Handles can add several inches
Depth with doors open	Door swing into the room	Impacts aisle clearance

Why it matters

A side-by-side refrigerator that is even 1 inch too wide or too deep can prevent proper door swing, reduce airflow around the compressor area, or keep the unit from sliding fully into place.

Related help for KitchenAid refrigerators

If you are also planning water/ice hookups during a replacement, use our guide: how to install an inline refrigerator water filter.

Last updated: January 2026

There is no single “best” side-by-side refrigerator brand for everyone; the best choice depends on your priorities (reliability, repairability, features, and budget). For a KitchenAid side-by-side like model KSRB22QDBL01, we typically recommend comparing brands by service history, parts availability, and the features you will actually use.

How we recommend choosing the “best” brand

• Reliability first: Look for consistent cooling performance and fewer service calls over time.
• Parts availability: A brand is a better long-term value when common parts are easy to get.
• Repair friendliness: Standard components (fans, thermostats, defrost parts) usually mean simpler repairs.
• Feature fit: Ice and water systems add convenience but also add parts that can wear.
• Total cost: Consider purchase price plus likely maintenance (filters, door gaskets, ice maker parts).

Quick brand comparison (what most owners care about)

What you prioritize	Brands that often fit well	Why it matters
Long-term value and straightforward ownership	Whirlpool, Frigidaire	Typically strong parts support and practical designs
Broad service network and wide model selection	GE	Easier to find service and comparable replacements
Premium look and feel	KitchenAid	Higher-end styling and features, often at a higher cost
Smart features and modern tech	LG, Samsung	More connectivity and feature depth, more complexity

Why it matters for a side-by-side refrigerator

Side-by-sides commonly rely on an evaporator fan, defrost system, and ice maker to keep temperatures stable and ice production consistent. When those systems are supported by readily available replacement parts, the refrigerator is usually cheaper to keep running.

Example parts that affect ownership costs

• Ice maker components (ice production and dispensing)
• Defrost components (frost control and airflow)
• Door gaskets (temperature stability and energy use)
• Fan and motor components (air circulation)

If you are comparing brands based on ice and water performance, our guide on how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems helps you understand what typically fails and how to reduce repeat issues.

Last updated: January 2026