What's better, a side by side or a French door refrigerator?
A French door refrigerator is better for wide-item storage and everyday fresh-food access, while a side-by-side is better for narrow kitchens and balanced freezer space. For Frigidaire FRFS2823AW2, the “better” choice comes down to your kitchen clearance, how you shop, and how you use the freezer.
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food space | Narrow shelves; tall items fit well | Wide shelves; best for platters and pizza boxes |
| Freezer access | Eye-level; easy to see items | Bottom drawer; more bending |
| Door swing clearance | Often easier in tight aisles | Often needs more clearance for wide doors |
| Organization style | Vertical split; more compartments | Fresh food on top; freezer bins below |
| Typical price/value | Often more budget-friendly | Often higher cost for features and layout |
- Easier access to frozen foods at eye level
- A layout that works well in tighter kitchen walkways
- More vertical storage for tall items (bottles, pitchers)
- A freezer that is easier to organize with shelves and bins
- Wide refrigerator shelves for trays, platters, and meal prep
- Fresh food at eye level (where most people spend the most time)
- A freezer drawer that holds bulky bags and boxes well
- A layout that supports frequent fridge access and less freezer use
The “best” style is the one that matches your daily habits. If you cook often and store wide containers, French door wins. If you use the freezer a lot or have limited aisle space, side-by-side usually feels more convenient.
No matter which style you choose, keeping seals and filtration in good shape prevents common performance issues (warm temps, frost, odors, slow water flow). For FRFS2823AW2, common maintenance parts include the Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01 and door gaskets such as the Frigidaire refrigerator freezer door gasket (gray) 5304537408.
For more buying and layout guidance, we recommend refrigerator common questions.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I look up Frigidaire parts by model number?
Yes. For your Frigidaire FRFS2823AW2 refrigerator, you can look up compatible replacement parts by searching the full model number and then matching the part to the correct section diagram and description (for example, filters, gaskets, fans, or sensors) on the parts list.
Use the entire model number exactly as shown on the appliance ID tag (including all letters and numbers). For FRFS2823AW2, that means searching FRFS2823AW2 (not a partial like FRFS2823).
When you search by model number, we recommend you:
- Open the model’s parts list and diagrams
- Choose the correct area (fresh food section, freezer section, doors, controls)
- Match the part name and part ID to what you need
- Compare color/finish notes when listed (example: gasket color)
- Confirm symptoms before ordering electrical parts (fan motor, sensor, control)
These are common items customers look up by model number on this FRFS2823AW2 parts list:
| What you’re replacing | Example part on this model page | When it’s commonly needed |
|---|---|---|
| Water filter | Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01 | Low flow, bad taste/odor, filter light on |
| Door gasket | Frigidaire refrigerator freezer door gasket (gray) 5304537408 | Frost, sweating, warm spots, door not sealing |
| Evaporator fan motor | Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206 | Warm fridge/freezer, noisy fan, weak airflow |
| Temperature sensor | Refrigerator temperature sensor 5303918775 | Temps swing, error codes, inconsistent cooling |
Searching by model number helps you avoid ordering a “looks the same” part that does not fit. Refrigerators often have multiple versions of gaskets, sensors, and control parts that vary by revision, color, or connector style.
If you’re troubleshooting before ordering, use our Frigidaire refrigerator error codes guide to narrow the problem to a sensor, fan, defrost heater, or control.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A side-by-side refrigerator like the Frigidaire FRFS2823AW2 is easiest for narrow, everyday items, but the biggest disadvantage is shelf width: large platters, pizza boxes, and wide storage bins often do not fit well. You also get a narrower freezer section, and dispenser-equipped doors can add complexity.
- Narrow compartments: both the fresh-food and freezer sides are tall but not very wide.
- Harder to store wide items: sheet pans, party trays, and pizza boxes are frequent problems.
- More door components to maintain: ice and water dispensers add moving parts and water flow components.
- Less flexible “big item” storage: fewer options for tall, bulky containers compared with many bottom-freezer or French door layouts.
- More bending for daily use: crisper drawers and lower shelves are used often but sit low.
| Layout | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side | Easy access to freezer items at eye level; narrow door swing | Narrow shelves for wide items |
| Bottom-freezer | Fresh food at eye level; wide refrigerator shelves | Freezer items can be harder to organize |
| French door | Wide shelves and good fresh-food capacity | Often higher cost; more door seals and hinges |
When a side-by-side feels “inconvenient,” the issue is often organization and door sealing, not cooling performance. If doors do not seal tightly, you can see temperature swings, frost, or longer run times.
If you are troubleshooting sealing or alignment, these parts are commonly involved on this model:
- Frigidaire refrigerator freezer door gasket (gray) 5304537408
- Frigidaire refrigerator door gasket (white) 241778315
- Universal/multiflex (Frigidaire) refrigerator door hinge 241779401
For step-by-step guidance on improving sealing and closing, use how to fix a fridge door seal.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Frigidaire freezer not freezing side by side?
If your Frigidaire FRFS2823AW2 freezer is not freezing, the most common causes are restricted airflow (frost buildup or a failed evaporator fan), poor heat release at the condenser (dirty coils or a stalled condenser fan), or a door seal leak that lets warm air in. Start with airflow and sealing checks first.
- Confirm the freezer is set near 0°F and the refrigerator near 37°F.
- Make sure vents inside the freezer are not blocked by food packages.
- Check for heavy frost on the back freezer panel (a defrost problem can choke airflow).
- Listen for the evaporator fan; it should run when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
- Inspect the door gasket for gaps, tears, or areas that do not grip a dollar bill.
- Clean dust from the condenser area and verify the condenser fan is running (if equipped).
If the fan is not running or airflow is weak, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for FRFS2823AW2 |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer warm, fridge also warming | Evaporator fan not moving air | Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206 |
| Temps swing, unit runs too long or too short | Temperature sensing (thermistor) | Refrigerator temperature sensor 5303918775 |
| Frost buildup, poor airflow | Defrost system issue | Electrolux heater 5304531011 |
| Frost pattern looks uneven, cooling weak | Sealed system or airflow restriction | Dryer filter 5303305677 (filter drier in sealed system) |
A freezer that is not freezing is usually an airflow problem first. When cold air cannot circulate across the evaporator and through the freezer, temperatures rise even if the compressor is running. Fixing airflow and sealing early also helps prevent excess frost, water leaks, and food spoilage.
Use a more guided approach if you see an error code, the unit is clicking on and off, or the compressor runs constantly with little cooling. Our Frigidaire refrigerator error codes guide helps narrow the failure to the fan, sensor, defrost, or control side.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most reliable side-by-side refrigerators?
The most reliable side-by-side refrigerators are typically the simplest designs: fewer dispenser features, fewer specialty ice options, and strong temperature control with good airflow. Your Frigidaire FRFS2823AW2 is not a side-by-side; it is a bottom-mount refrigerator, so use side-by-side guidance only for shopping comparisons.
We judge reliability by how consistently the refrigerator holds temperature and how often the ice and water system needs service.
- Stable cooling (compressor, evaporator, condenser fan)
- Strong door sealing (gaskets, hinges, alignment)
- Simple ice maker and dispenser design (fewer leak points)
- Good airflow (quiet, steady evaporator fan)
- Easy access to common replacement parts
Across major brands, side-by-sides with straightforward controls and basic ice and water features tend to have fewer nuisance repairs over time.
| What to prioritize | Why it helps reliability | What often causes trouble |
|---|---|---|
| Basic dispenser and ice features | Fewer moving parts and sensors | Complex ice routing, extra valves, more electronics |
| Strong door seal and alignment | Prevents frost and long run times | Warped gaskets, sagging doors, air leaks |
| Easy-to-maintain water filtration | Protects valves and improves flow | Overdue filters, low flow, air in the line |
Even though it is not a side-by-side, the same reliability basics apply: keep airflow clear, keep seals tight, and keep the water system maintained.
- Change the water filter on schedule to prevent low flow and valve strain
- Clean and inspect door gaskets to reduce frost and temperature swings
- Keep vents unblocked so the evaporator fan can circulate air
- Address error codes early to prevent repeat cooling problems
Helpful DIY reference:
These are common maintenance or repair items that impact cooling consistency, sealing, and water flow.
- Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01
- Frigidaire refrigerator freezer door gasket (gray) 5304537408
- Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206
Most “unreliable refrigerator” complaints come from airflow restrictions, door air leaks, or ice and water issues. Keeping those areas in good shape prevents warm spots, frost buildup, and long run times.
Last updated: February 2026





