Is side by side better than a French door?
A side-by-side like the Electrolux EW23CS65GS1 is better when you want easy access to freezer items and lots of door storage; a French door is better when you want wider fresh-food shelves and more flexible refrigerator organization. The “better” choice depends on how your household uses fresh vs. frozen food.
Quick comparison (what you notice day to day)
| Feature | Side-by-side (EW23CS65GS1 style) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food space | Narrower shelves; tall items fit well | Wider shelves; easier for platters and pizza boxes |
| Freezer access | Eye-level access to many items | Pull-out drawer; can hold bulky frozen items |
| Door storage | Typically strong (bins on both doors) | Strong on refrigerator doors; freezer door storage varies |
| Footprint and clearance | Doors need room to swing open | Doors also need swing room; freezer drawer needs pull-out space |
Choose a side-by-side if you prioritize
- Reaching frozen foods without bending as much
- Keeping frequently used items in door bins
- A narrower freezer section that helps prevent “lost” items
- A layout that works well in tighter kitchens (as long as doors can fully open)
Choose a French door if you prioritize
- Wide refrigerator shelves for trays, platters, and meal prep containers
- More customizable fresh-food storage (shelves and drawers)
- Keeping fresh foods at eye level with a bottom freezer
Installation and space planning tips
No matter which style you choose, plan for door swing and airflow. For EW23CS65GS1, our installation guidance calls for clearance at the sides and top and additional space at the rear for connections and air circulation; it also notes you need doors to fully open for full drawer and basket access. See the installation guide for the exact placement and clearance guidance for this model.
Why it matters
The “best” refrigerator style is the one that matches your shopping and cooking habits. If you buy lots of fresh produce and use wide containers, French door layouts usually feel easier. If you rely on frozen foods and want quick access, side-by-side layouts usually feel faster.
If you need replacement parts to keep your EW23CS65GS1 running (for example, dispenser or ice system repairs), you can order model-matched parts from the parts list for this refrigerator or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is a standard size side by side refrigerator?
A standard side-by-side refrigerator is usually about 30 to 36 inches wide, 67 to 70 inches tall, and 29 to 35 inches deep (not counting door handles). For your Electrolux EW23CS65GS1, confirm the exact cabinet and door-swing clearances in the installation guide.
Typical “standard” side-by-side size ranges
Most side-by-side refrigerators fall into these common ranges:
- Width: 30 to 36 inches
- Height: 67 to 70 inches
- Depth: 29 to 35 inches (cabinet depth varies by design)
- Door swing space: depends on hinge style and how far doors must open for drawers/baskets
Quick reference table
| Measurement | Typical range | What can change it most |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 30 to 36 in. | Capacity class, door thickness |
| Height | 67 to 70 in. | Hinge cover, leveling feet/rollers |
| Depth | 29 to 35 in. | Handles, door bins, “counter-depth” designs |
Installation clearances to plan for (EW23CS65GS1)
Even when the cabinet fits, you still need airflow and connection space. The EW23CS65GS1 installation guidance calls for these minimum clearances:
- Sides and top: 3/8 inch
- Rear: 1 inch
- Room to fully open doors: enough for full access to drawers and freezer baskets
Why it matters
“Standard size” helps you shop and plan, but clearances and door swing determine whether you can actually use the crisper drawers, freezer baskets, and ice and water dispenser comfortably once the refrigerator is in place.
Related sizing tips we use in the field
- Measure the tightest doorway on the delivery path, not just the kitchen opening.
- Include handle depth if the refrigerator sits in a walkway.
- Plan for a nearby grounded outlet and (if used) a cold water supply line.
If you need replacement parts while you are planning an install or move, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the best brand side by side refrigerator to buy?
No single brand is “best” for everyone; the best side-by-side refrigerator is the one that fits your kitchen cutout, has the features you will actually use, and is easy to service long-term. For an Electrolux side-by-side like model EW23CS65GS1, installation and water supply setup matter as much as the brand name.
What to compare when choosing a brand
- Serviceability and parts availability: common repairs include ice maker, water valve, sensors, and fan components.
- Ice and water performance: dispenser-heavy households need stable water pressure and a solid valve design.
- Fit and ventilation: confirm clearances so the condenser can shed heat properly.
- Controls and complexity: more electronics add convenience but also add failure points.
- Noise and usage: frequent door openings make any side-by-side run more often.
Installation basics that matter more than the logo
Follow the setup steps in the EW23CS65GS1 installation guide. For this style of refrigerator, key requirements include a grounded outlet (no extension cord/adapter), a level floor, door swing clearance, and room for airflow.
| Setup item | Typical target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Side/top clearance | 3/8 inch | Air circulation and easier install |
| Rear clearance | 1 inch | Space for airflow and connections |
| Cabinet leveling | Slight tilt back | Helps doors close and seal |
If ice and water are must-have features
Plan for routine maintenance and occasional repairs. On EW23CS65GS1, common water and ice related replacements include the refrigerator water inlet valve assembly 242252702 and the ice maker mold 241798231. For prevention tips, use how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Why it matters
A side-by-side depends on tight door seals, steady airflow, and a reliable water supply. Getting those basics right reduces temperature swings, improves ice production, and helps the compressor cycle normally.
Last updated: February 2026





