Are Maytag side by side refrigerators good?
Yes. Maytag side-by-side refrigerators like model MSD2651HEW are a solid choice for everyday use because they typically deliver dependable cooling, easy access to both fresh food and freezer sections, and convenient in-door ice and water features when equipped.
We judge side-by-side refrigerators on a few practical points that affect daily performance:
- Temperature stability in both compartments
- Airflow and fan performance (consistent cooling top to bottom)
- Ice maker and dispenser reliability
- Door seal quality (prevents warm air leaks and frost)
- Ease of maintenance (filters, cleaning, basic service access)
For model-specific operating and care details, use the MSD2651HEW owner’s manual.
| Category | Typical strength | Typical tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Narrow door swing, easy freezer access | Less wide shelf space than many French door models |
| Features | Often includes external water and ice | More moving parts (dispenser, auger, ice maker) |
| Cooling | Good airflow when vents are kept clear | Fan or frost issues can affect one side first |
These checks tell you quickly whether your refrigerator is performing the way it should:
- Set temps and confirm food stays about 37°F in fresh food and 0°F in freezer
- Listen for normal operating sounds (fan and compressor cycling)
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or moisture buildup
- Confirm strong water flow at the dispenser (if equipped)
- Verify the ice maker cycles and fills properly
If ice production is the main concern, the refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q is the correct ice maker part listed for this model.
A “good” refrigerator is one that holds safe temperatures consistently and seals tightly. When airflow, door sealing, and ice and water components are working correctly, you get better food life, fewer odors, and less frost and condensation.
Last updated: February 2026
How to change water filter in Maytag side-by-side refrigerator?
On the Maytag MSD2651HEW side-by-side refrigerator, the water filter is in the upper right corner of the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. We replace it by turning the old filter counterclockwise to remove it, then inserting the new one and rotating clockwise until it stops.
- Open the refrigerator door and locate the filter housing in the upper right.
- Turn the filter counterclockwise until it releases.
- Drain the old filter into a sink and wipe up any water in the filter cover.
- Remove the sealing label from the new filter.
- Insert the new filter into the filter head.
- Rotate gently clockwise until the filter stops.
- Snap the filter cover closed.
After installing the new filter, we flush the system to reduce spurting and clear trapped air:
- Run water continuously from the dispenser for 2 minutes until the flow is steady
- Expect a 1 to 2 minute delay the first time you dispense water (the internal tank refills)
- Discard the first glass or two if you see harmless carbon dust
For the exact location and the full procedure, follow the MSD2651HEW owner's manual.
Most households should replace the filter on a regular schedule; water quality and usage can shorten the interval.
- Replace at least every 12 months
- Replace sooner if water flow slows, taste or odor changes, or ice production drops
- If you do not want to use a filter, install the refrigerator's bypass cap (per the manual)
| Task | What to do | What you should see |
|---|---|---|
| Remove old filter | Turn counterclockwise | Filter releases from head |
| Install new filter | Turn clockwise until it stops | Cover snaps closed |
| Purge air | Dispense water for 2 minutes | Flow becomes steady |
A properly installed, flushed filter helps maintain steady dispenser flow and consistent ice maker performance; trapped air after a filter change is a common cause of sputtering and intermittent dispensing.
Last updated: February 2026
Is side by side better than a French door?
A side-by-side is “better” than a French door when you want easier freezer access, more door-bin storage, and a narrower door swing; a French door is “better” when you want wider fresh-food shelves and more flexible refrigerator storage. For your Maytag MSD2651HEW, the best choice depends on how you use the freezer vs. fresh-food section.
- Choose side-by-side if you use the freezer daily and want items at eye level.
- Choose French door if you store wide platters, pizza boxes, or large deli trays often.
- Side-by-side doors usually need less clearance to open fully in tight kitchens.
- French door models often make it easier to organize fresh food with wider shelves.
- Side-by-side layouts can mean narrower shelf space for wide items.
| Feature | Side-by-side (like MSD2651HEW) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer access | Very convenient, vertical layout | Lower drawer; can require bending |
| Fresh-food shelf width | Narrower | Wider |
| Door swing clearance | Typically less | Typically more |
| Best for | Frozen foods, door storage | Entertaining trays, wide containers |
Your MSD2651HEW manual recommends allowing about 1/2 inch of space at the top and 1/2 inch behind the refrigerator for airflow, and extra room on the hinge side if the unit sits against a wall. Use the MSD2651HEW owner’s manual to confirm clearances and measure your opening before choosing a different style.
Side-by-side designs typically give you more vertical door storage and easy-to-reach freezer shelves. French door designs typically give you more usable width in the fresh-food section for large containers.
Choosing the right style reduces food waste and frustration. If you buy lots of frozen foods, a side-by-side keeps them visible and accessible; if you cook and entertain often, a French door layout usually handles wide items better.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I get Maytag replacement parts?
You can get replacement parts for your Maytag MSD2651HEW side-by-side refrigerator through Sears PartsDirect by matching the part to your exact model and then ordering the correct component (for example, an ice maker, water inlet valve, or door gasket). Use the MSD2651HEW owner's manual to confirm part locations and names before you buy.
- Find your model and serial number on the refrigerator’s ID tag and write it down.
- Use the exploded-view diagrams for your model to identify the exact part.
- Match by part name and part ID (not just a description).
- Compare symptoms to the part’s function (cooling, ice and water, lighting, door seal).
- Order the part and keep your proof of purchase for service and warranty questions.
Here are a few model-matched examples that are commonly ordered for ice, water, and door issues:
| What you are fixing | Part to check first | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| No ice or poor ice production | Ice maker assembly | Refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q |
| Water dispenser slow or no water | Water inlet valve, filter head, tubing | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WP67006531 |
| Warm refrigerator section, noisy fan | Evaporator fan motor or blade | Evaporator motor WPW10128551 |
| Door not sealing, moisture or frost | Door gasket | Refrigerator door gasket W10840101 |
Maytag side-by-side refrigerators often use similar-looking parts across multiple models. Ordering by the exact MSD2651HEW diagrams and part IDs helps prevent fit issues, repeat repairs, and return delays.
If your question is specifically about the water filter (replacement timing, installation, or water taste), follow our step-by-step guide: how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Maytag side by side freezer frosting up?
Freezer frost in your Maytag MSD2651HEW almost always comes from warm, moist air getting into the freezer (most often a door not sealing) or from a defrost problem that lets ice build up on the evaporator. Start with door sealing and airflow checks, then move to defrost components.
- Make sure the freezer door closes fully and nothing is holding it open.
- Inspect the door gasket for gaps, tears, or areas that feel flattened.
- Reduce frequent door openings and avoid leaving the door ajar.
- Confirm vents are not blocked by packages; leave space for air circulation.
- Check that the freezer is at least two-thirds full for steadier temperatures.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Frost only near the door edge | Air leak at gasket or door alignment | Inspect gasket, clean sealing surfaces, adjust leveling/closure |
| Heavy frost on back wall or inside panel | Defrost system not clearing ice | Defrost fully, then test defrost heater/thermostat/timer/control |
| Frost after adding lots of warm food | Temporary moisture load | Let temps recover; avoid overloading with warm items |
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Move food to a cooler.
- Let the freezer thaw with the door open (towels down for water).
- After thawing, restore power and monitor for 24 to 48 hours.
If frost returns quickly, focus on the defrost system and evaporator airflow. A weak or stalled evaporator fan can also contribute to uneven cooling and icing; the fan blade and motor are common service items on this model (for example, refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 and evaporator motor WPW10128551).
Frost buildup restricts airflow, raises freezer temperature, and can cause the refrigerator section to warm up. Catching a gasket leak or defrost failure early helps prevent food spoilage and reduces compressor run time.
Our MSD2651HEW owner’s manual covers freezer loading and airflow basics (leave space between packages so cold air can circulate) and temperature checking with an appliance thermometer. Use those steps to confirm the freezer is holding about 0°F after adjustments.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Maytag side-by-side refrigerator not cooling?
If your Maytag MSD2651HEW side-by-side refrigerator is not cooling, the most common causes are incorrect temperature control settings, blocked airflow from overpacking, dirty condenser coils, or a door that is not sealing. Use the troubleshooting and temperature-control steps in the MSD2651HEW owner's manual to narrow it down quickly.
- Confirm the freezer control is not set to OFF; on this model, turning the freezer control to OFF stops cooling in both compartments.
- Set initial controls to 4 for freezer and 4 for refrigerator, then allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure food is not blocking vents (especially near the upper air inlets); avoid overcrowding shelves.
- Check that doors close fully; look for bins, drawers, or containers preventing a tight close.
- Clean condenser coils; dirty coils are a common reason for warm temperatures.
- If the compressor is not running, wait about 40 minutes; the refrigerator may be in defrost mode.
The manual’s control guide is the fastest way to correct warm temps.
| Symptom | What to adjust | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator too warm | Turn refrigerator control to next higher number | Gradual improvement over 24 hours |
| Freezer too warm | Turn freezer control to next higher number | Ice cream and ice should firm up |
| Both sections warm | Verify freezer control is not OFF; then raise settings one step | Cooling resumes if controls were the issue |
Poor airflow and air leaks can mimic a major failure.
- Rear air grille blocked: move packages away from vents.
- Door opened frequently or left open: temps rise fast, especially in the freezer.
- Gaskets not sealing: clean the gasket and mating surface; if torn or warped, replace the refrigerator door gasket W10840101.
If controls are correct, coils are clean, and doors seal, but temperatures still climb:
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; if it is not running, inspect the fan area for ice buildup.
- If the fan motor is failed, the evaporator motor WPW10128551 is a common fix.
A warm refrigerator can be caused by simple airflow or control issues; correcting those first prevents unnecessary part replacement and helps protect food from unsafe temperatures.
Last updated: February 2026





