Owner’s manual
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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 foods at eye level and you prefer narrower door swing; a French door is often better when you regularly store wide platters and want more open refrigerator shelf space. For your Maytag MZD2667HEW, the best choice comes down to how you use the refrigerator day to day.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Side-by-side (like MZD2667HEW) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food shelf width | Narrower shelves | Wider shelves for platters |
| Freezer access | Vertical freezer, items at eye level | Bottom freezer drawer |
| Door swing | Typically narrower per door | Wider doors (varies by model) |
| Organization style | More bins and vertical zones | More open shelves up top |
When a side-by-side is the better fit
- You use the freezer daily and want frozen foods at eye level.
- Your kitchen is tight and you want narrower door swing.
- You like dedicated vertical storage zones (door bins, shelves, freezer bins).
- You prefer separating fresh and frozen items into two tall compartments.
When a French door is the better fit
- You often store wide items (party trays, pizza boxes, sheet pans).
- You want a more open fresh-food section for meal prep and entertaining.
- You do not mind bending for freezer access in a bottom drawer.
Why it matters
The “best” style is the one that matches your space and habits. For example, the MZD2667HEW installation guidance calls out leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top and behind for air circulation, and allowing extra room on the hinge side if the refrigerator sits against a wall. Checking clearances before choosing a style helps prevent door-opening and airflow problems.
What we recommend checking before you decide
- Measure your opening and confirm clearance needs in the MZD2667HEW owner's manual.
- Note where walls, islands, and walkways limit door swing.
- Think about your most common “problem items” (wide platters vs. tall frozen boxes).
- Consider how often you access the freezer versus the fresh-food section.
Last updated: January 2026
Is there a 30 wide side-by-side refrigerator?
Yes. 30-inch-wide side-by-side refrigerators exist, but they are less common than 33-inch and 36-inch models. For your Maytag MZD2667HEW, the best way to confirm whether it will fit a 30-inch opening is to compare your cabinet opening measurements to the dimensions and clearance requirements in the MZD2667HEW owner's manual.
How to tell if a 30-inch side-by-side will fit your space
Measure your opening carefully before shopping or replacing a refrigerator. Subflooring and trim can reduce usable width, and door swing clearance can be the deciding factor.
- Measure the cabinet opening width at the top, middle, and bottom
- Measure height to the top of the hinge cap if the refrigerator will be fully recessed
- Allow clearance for airflow (typically about 1/2 inch at the top and 1/2 inch behind the machine compartment cover)
- If the hinge side is against a wall, plan extra space so doors can open wider
- Confirm the floor is level; leveling can sometimes gain a small amount of clearance
Typical widths you will see (shopping reality check)
Most side-by-side refrigerators are built around a few common cabinet widths.
| Nominal width class | What you commonly see in stores | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-inch | Compact or space-saving side-by-side models | Fewer choices; capacity is usually smaller |
| 33-inch | Many standard side-by-side models | Common replacement size |
| 36-inch | Full-size side-by-side models | Most common for larger kitchens |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is even slightly too wide can bind in the opening, restrict door swing, and reduce ventilation. Poor airflow can lead to warmer temperatures and longer run times, so matching width and clearances is just as important as matching features.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A main disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like the Maytag MZD2667HEW is reduced usable width in both compartments, so wide platters and pizza boxes can be harder to fit. The tall, narrow layout can also make it easier to lose track of fresh-food items.
Common side-by-side drawbacks (what you’ll notice day to day)
- Narrow shelves: Less room for wide items (party trays, sheet cakes, large leftovers).
- More bending for produce: Crispers are often low, so fresh items can be less “eye level.”
- Freezer organization can be tricky: Tall stacks can hide items behind other items.
- Door storage tradeoffs: Lots of door bins, but less deep shelf space inside.
- Airflow sensitivity: Overcrowding shelves reduces air circulation and can make the refrigerator run longer.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs. French door
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fits wide items | Fair | Better |
| Frozen food access | Easy, eye-level | Often lower drawer |
| Fresh food visibility | Fair | Better |
| Door swing clearance | Often less | Often more |
Tips to reduce the disadvantages
These habits help side-by-side models cool evenly and stay easier to use:
- Keep frequently used fresh items at eye level and group by category.
- Avoid overpacking shelves; good airflow helps temperature stability.
- Skip shelf liners like foil or paper towels that restrict airflow.
- Keep the freezer about two-thirds full for efficient operation.
- Clean door gaskets regularly so the doors seal well.
For model-specific storage and use recommendations, follow the organization and energy-saving guidance in the MZD2667HEW owner's manual.
Why it matters
Side-by-side refrigerators are great for narrow kitchens and quick access to frozen foods, but the narrower compartment width affects what fits and how you organize. Good airflow and smart grouping reduce temperature swings, food waste, and run time.
Last updated: January 2026
