What is the highest rated side-by-side refrigerator?
There is no single “highest rated” side-by-side refrigerator for every home because ratings change by year and depend on what you value most (reliability, ice and water performance, noise, or storage). For a GE side-by-side like model GSE22ETHCWW, we recommend choosing based on the features you will actually use and the parts support available.
How we recommend choosing a top-rated side-by-side
Use these criteria to narrow to the best option for your kitchen and water/ice needs:
- Reliability track record: prioritize models with consistent owner satisfaction over multiple years
- Temperature stability: look for even cooling in both fresh food and freezer sections
- Ice maker and dispenser performance: steady ice production, minimal clumping, smooth dispensing
- Water filtration support: easy filter access and readily available replacements such as the GE refrigerator water filter MWFP
- Serviceability: common wear parts are available (valves, sensors, fans, gaskets)
Quick comparison: what “highest rated” usually means
| If you care most about... | What to look for in reviews | Parts that commonly affect it |
|---|---|---|
| Cold, consistent temps | minimal warm spots, fast recovery after door openings | temperature sensor, evaporator fan motor |
| Strong water dispensing | steady flow, no sputtering | water filter, water valve |
| Ice production | full bin, no jams, no hollow cubes | ice maker, fill tube, chute door |
| Quiet operation | low fan and compressor noise | evaporator fan motor, condenser motor |
If you already own GE model GSE22ETHCWW
If your goal is to make your current refrigerator perform like a “top-rated” unit, these checks usually deliver the biggest improvement:
- Replace the water filter on schedule and flush the dispenser after changes
- Confirm doors seal tightly; warm air leaks cause frosting and temperature swings
- Keep vents clear inside both compartments so air can circulate
- If ice or water is weak, inspect the supply line and test the inlet valve
- If temps drift, check for fan noise changes and sensor-related symptoms
A good starting point for dispenser-related issues is how to disassemble the ice and water dispenser on a GE refrigerator.
Why it matters
Side-by-side refrigerators are sensitive to airflow and door sealing; small issues (a restricted filter, a weak inlet valve, or a leaking gasket) can make an otherwise well-reviewed model seem “low rated” in day-to-day use.
Last updated: January 2026
How to reset an ice maker on a GE side-by-side?
On the GE GSE22ETHCWW side-by-side refrigerator, an ice maker “reset” is usually done by power-cycling the refrigerator and then confirming the ice maker is turned on and can refill. If it still will not cycle, the issue is typically water supply, a frozen fill tube, or a failed ice maker.
Quick reset steps (most effective)
- Turn the ice maker OFF (use the ice maker switch or arm, if equipped).
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch the breaker OFF) for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Restore power, then wait 1 minute.
- Turn the ice maker ON.
- Allow 12 to 24 hours for normal ice production after a reset or after the freezer has warmed.
What to check if the reset does not work
- Freezer temperature: Target about 0°F; ice makers often stop cycling if the freezer is too warm.
- Water supply: Make sure the shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- Filter restriction: A clogged filter can reduce flow and stop ice production; replace the GE refrigerator water filter MWFP if it is overdue.
- Air in the water line: Purge the dispenser to restore steady flow; follow how to purge air from a refrigerator water dispenser video.
- Frozen fill tube: If the fill tube is iced up, thaw it and correct the cause (low water flow, freezer too cold, or valve seepage).
Common causes and the most likely part to inspect
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| No ice, no water at dispenser | No water supply or failed inlet valve | Refrigerator water valve WR57X33326 |
| Water dispenses, but no ice | Ice maker not cycling or fill tube frozen | Refrigerator ice maker WR30X10093 |
| Ice is small or hollow | Restricted water flow | GE refrigerator water filter MWFP |
Why it matters
A proper reset clears a stalled ice maker cycle and restores normal timing. If the underlying issue is low water flow, a weak inlet valve, or a failing ice maker module, resetting alone will not restore reliable ice production.
Last updated: January 2026
Are GE side-by-side refrigerators good?
GE side-by-side refrigerators, including model GSE22ETHCWW, are a solid choice for everyday reliability and easy access to both fresh food and freezer items. Most “good vs. not good” outcomes come down to maintenance (airflow, seals, and water system upkeep) and replacing wear parts on time.
What “good” usually means for a side-by-side
A good side-by-side refrigerator typically delivers consistent temperatures, dependable ice and water dispensing, and doors that seal tightly. For the GE GSE22ETHCWW, these are the areas that most directly affect performance and satisfaction:
- Stable cooling in both compartments (no warm spots)
- Strong door sealing to prevent frost and temperature swings
- Reliable ice maker and water dispenser flow
- Reasonable operating noise (fans running smoothly)
- Easy-to-source replacement parts when something wears out
Common strengths and tradeoffs
Side-by-side designs have predictable pros and cons. Here is what we see most often.
| Category | Side-by-side strength | Common tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Eye-level shelves, easy daily access | Narrower shelf width for large platters |
| Freezer use | Organized vertical storage | Less room for wide frozen boxes |
| Ice and water | Convenient dispensing | More parts to maintain (filter, valve, chute door) |
| Cooling | Good airflow when vents are clear | Fan or damper issues can cause uneven temps |
Parts that most affect day-to-day performance
If you want your GE GSE22ETHCWW to stay “good,” these components matter most when symptoms show up:
- Replace the water filter on schedule; a clogged filter can reduce dispenser flow and affect ice production (GE refrigerator water filter MWFP).
- If water dispensing is weak or intermittent even with a fresh filter, the inlet valve is a common suspect (refrigerator water valve WR57X33326).
- If temperatures swing or food freezes in the fresh food section, a sensor or airflow control issue is often involved (refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025).
- If ice production stops or cubes are malformed, the ice maker assembly may be the fix (refrigerator ice maker WR30X10093).
Why it matters
A side-by-side can perform very well for many years when airflow paths stay clear, door gaskets seal tightly, and the water system is maintained. Small issues like a restricted filter or a leaking chute door can create bigger problems like frost buildup, odors, and inconsistent temperatures.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a GE refrigerator?
The most common GE refrigerator complaint is not cooling properly (fresh food warm, freezer warming, or temperatures swinging). On the GE GSE22ETHCWW side-by-side, the fastest wins are checking airflow, cleaning coils, and confirming the fans and temperature sensing are working.
Most common issues we see (and what to check first)
- Not cooling or weak cooling: blocked vents, dirty condenser coil, failed evaporator fan, or a bad temperature sensor.
- Ice maker not working: frozen fill tube, low water pressure, clogged filter, or a failing ice maker.
- Water dispenser slow or no water: clogged filter, air in the line, or a weak inlet valve.
- Strange noises: evaporator fan blade rubbing ice, worn fan motor, or condenser fan issues.
- Water leaking: defrost drain restriction, loose water line, or dispenser/ice maker supply leak.
- Door not sealing: gasket not sealing, door out of alignment, or bins preventing closure.
Quick troubleshooting steps for “not cooling”
- Set controls to normal and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking return vents in the fresh food section.
- Clean dust from the condenser area (unplug first).
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the doors are closed.
- If temperatures are erratic, test/replace the refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025.
Parts that commonly solve these symptoms on GSE22ETHCWW
| Symptom | Common part to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps, swings | Refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 | Bad readings can cause poor cooling control |
| No ice | Refrigerator ice maker WR30X10093 | Failed module stops harvest/fill cycles |
| No water/ice fill | Refrigerator water valve WR57X33326 | Weak valve reduces or stops water flow |
| Slow water, bad taste | GE refrigerator water filter MWFP | Restriction reduces flow; old media affects taste |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is not cooling correctly can spoil food quickly and forces the compressor and fans to run longer, which increases wear. Catching airflow, filter, and fan issues early prevents bigger cooling-system problems.
Helpful DIY guides
- GE refrigerator error codes
- How to replace the water filter in a GE refrigerator
- How to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems
Last updated: January 2026





