What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like the Frigidaire FRFS2823AS4 is reduced usable width in both compartments; wide platters, pizza boxes, and large deli trays often do not fit as easily as they do in a French door design.
- Narrow shelves: Large items may not fit flat; use adjustable shelves and door bins for tall items.
- Fresh-food visibility: More items are stored at eye level and below; keep frequently used foods in the upper shelves.
- Freezer organization: More vertical stacking can hide items; group foods by type in bins.
- More door openings: You may open the refrigerator side more often; set temps correctly and avoid overpacking.
- Ice and water complexity (if equipped): Filters and water flow issues can add maintenance.
| Feature | Side-by-side (FRFS2823AS4 style) | French door (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf width | Narrower | Wider |
| Freezer access | Eye-level, vertical | Bottom drawer |
| Best for | Frozen-food access, narrow kitchens | Wide fresh-food storage |
| Common tradeoff | Large-item fit | Bending for freezer |
Side-by-side models often rely heavily on the dispenser system, so keeping filtration current helps prevent slow dispensing and off-taste.
- Use the correct filter for your model: Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01
- Follow a step-by-step guide: how to replace the water filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator
Choosing a refrigerator layout affects daily convenience. Side-by-side designs prioritize easy freezer access and a narrower door swing, but the narrower compartments can make storing wide items more frustrating.
Last updated: January 2026
Which is better, a French door or a side-by-side refrigerator?
For most kitchens, neither style is universally “better”; it depends on how you shop and cook. Your Frigidaire FRFS2823AS4 is a side-by-side, which typically gives you easier freezer organization and a narrower door swing, while French door models usually win for wide fresh-food storage and large platters.
| Feature | Side-by-side (like FRFS2823AS4) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food space | Tall, narrower shelves | Wide shelves for trays and platters |
| Freezer access | Eye-level shelves, easier sorting | Pull-out drawer, great for bulk |
| Door swing | Usually better for tight aisles | Often needs more clearance |
| Large items (pizza boxes, sheet pans) | Harder to fit | Easier to fit |
| Typical price | Often lower for similar capacity | Often higher for similar capacity |
- Better freezer organization with shelves and door bins
- Easier access to frozen foods without bending as much
- A layout that works well in narrower kitchens
- More “grab-and-go” visibility for both fridge and freezer
- A style that pairs well with in-door ice and water setups
- Wide refrigerator shelves for party trays and meal prep
- A refrigerator section at eye level (where you use it most)
- A bottom freezer drawer that holds bulky bags and boxes
- A modern layout that many households prefer for fresh foods
The “best” refrigerator style is the one that matches your daily habits. If you buy lots of frozen foods and want them easy to sort, a side-by-side like the FRFS2823AS4 usually feels more efficient. If you cook often and need wide, flexible fresh-food space, French door designs usually feel less cramped.
- Measure your aisle clearance and door swing space
- List your top 5 bulky items (pizza boxes, platters, gallon jugs, frozen bags)
- Decide whether you access the freezer daily or only a few times a week
- Consider maintenance items (filters, door seals) and how easy they are to reach
For water and ice convenience on many Frigidaire models, we also recommend reviewing how to replace the water filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
How to reset a Frigidaire refrigerator?
For the Frigidaire FRFS2823AS4 side-by-side refrigerator, the most reliable reset is a power reset: turn the unit off (if it has a power button), unplug it for 5 to 15 minutes, then plug it back in and allow 24 hours for temperatures to fully stabilize.
- Power reset (best for glitches): unplug for 5 to 15 minutes, then restore power.
- Control lock check: make sure Control Lock is not enabled (a locked panel can look like a “frozen” control).
- After a power outage: restore power, then wait for the control to finish its normal startup.
- After changing settings: give the refrigerator several hours to respond before changing settings again.
- If you replaced the water filter: reset the filter indicator (method varies by control style).
A reset is useful for temporary control issues, display glitches, or after a brief power interruption. It will not fix a failed component such as an evaporator fan motor, temperature sensor, or sealed system problem.
| Symptom | Try a reset? | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Display not responding | Yes | Control lock, power supply, loose connections |
| Temperature drifting after settings change | Yes | Airflow, door seal, loading, condenser cleanliness |
| Error code showing | Yes (once) | Use Frigidaire refrigerator error codes to pinpoint the failure |
| Warm freezer, fridge OK (or vice versa) | Sometimes | Fan operation, frost buildup, sensor issues |
Resetting clears minor electronic “hang-ups” and forces the control to restart its normal cooling logic. That can save time before you move on to diagnosing parts like a thermistor or evaporator fan.
If a reset does not restore normal cooling, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Refrigerator temperature sensor 5303918775
- Refrigerator temperature sensor 240597220
- Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206
Last updated: January 2026





