What is the best side-by-side refrigerator brand?
There is no single best side-by-side refrigerator brand for everyone; the right choice depends on what you value most (reliability, ice and water features, storage layout, noise, and serviceability). If you already own a Maytag MSD2732GRS, the best “brand” move is keeping it running efficiently with correct setup and maintenance from the owner's manual.
How we recommend choosing a “best” brand
Focus on the features that most affect day-to-day satisfaction in a side-by-side refrigerator:
- Ice and water system design: dispenser performance, filter access, and leak prevention
- Temperature consistency: stable fresh food and freezer temps with good airflow
- Door storage and usability: bin adjustability, gallon storage, and drawer access
- Noise and vibration: fan and compressor sound levels
- Parts availability and repairability: common wear items and ease of service
Quick comparison: what typically separates brands
Use this as a practical checklist when comparing models in-store or online.
| What you care about most | What to look for | What to test/confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term ownership | Simple controls, proven platform | Door seal fit, hinge feel, bin sturdiness |
| Best ice and water experience | Easy filter changes, steady flow | Dispense a full glass; check for slow fill |
| Storage flexibility | Adjustable bins, usable drawers | Can you fit gallon-plus containers and tall bottles? |
| Efficiency | Good airflow, correct clearances | Verify install clearances and grille airflow |
Why it matters for Maytag MSD2732GRS owners
A lot of “brand reliability” comes down to installation and airflow. For MSD2732GRS, we follow the manual guidance to keep the front base grille clear, avoid heat sources, and allow at least 1/2 inch clearance on the sides, top, and back. Proper leveling and ventilation help the refrigerator hold temperature and reduce run time.
If you are shopping: our practical short list
Most shoppers narrow it down fastest by deciding which tradeoffs they accept:
- Choose the model with the best door layout for your household (bins, drawers, gallon storage)
- Prioritize simple, serviceable ice and water if you use it daily
- Avoid squeezing the unit into a tight cutout; airflow and clearance matter
- Plan on routine filter and cleaning maintenance to prevent taste, odor, and flow issues
For water and filter upkeep, we use the steps in how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
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 easy access to both fresh and frozen food at eye level and you prefer a narrower door swing; a French door is “better” when you regularly store wide platters and want more uninterrupted refrigerator shelf space. For your Maytag MSD2732GRS, either style can work well; it comes down to how you use your refrigerator.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs. French door
| Feature | Side-by-side (like MSD2732GRS) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Good; vertical shelves | Excellent; wide shelves |
| Freezer access | Easy; items at eye level | Often lower drawer |
| Fits tight kitchens | Often better; narrower doors | Needs more clearance for wide doors |
| Storing wide items | Harder (narrower compartments) | Easier (wide shelves) |
Choose a side-by-side if you want
- Frozen foods and ice access at eye level
- Better organization for tall, narrow items (pizza boxes can be tricky)
- Less door-swing clearance in a tight aisle or galley kitchen
- A familiar layout with separate vertical zones for freezer and refrigerator
Choose a French door if you want
- More space for wide trays, sheet pans, and party platters
- A refrigerator section that feels “open” and easier to see at a glance
- A bottom freezer that holds bulky bags and boxes in a deep bin
- More flexibility for large fresh-food loads (produce, meal prep containers)
Why it matters
The “best” style is the one that matches your storage habits and kitchen layout. Door clearance, how often you use the freezer, and whether you store wide dishes usually matter more than brand or appearance.
Tip for getting the most from your MSD2732GRS layout
Use the bin and rack features to improve organization and reduce door-open time (which helps temperature stability). For model-specific feature details and care tips, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the dimensions of a Maytag refrigerator?
Maytag refrigerator dimensions depend on the exact model. For your Maytag MSD2732GRS side-by-side refrigerator, use the published cabinet and clearance measurements in the MSD2732GRS owner's manual so you can plan for fit, door swing, and ventilation space.
What to measure (and what to include)
When you compare “dimensions,” make sure you are comparing the same points:
- Width: cabinet plus hinges (often the widest point)
- Height: floor to top of cabinet (include hinge cover if installed)
- Depth: cabinet depth, then depth including handles
- Door swing clearance: space needed for doors to open fully
- Ventilation clearance: space behind and above for airflow
Typical side-by-side size ranges (for planning)
Most Maytag side-by-side refrigerators are commonly in these ranges:
- Width: 33 to 36 inches
- Height: 65 to 71 inches
- Depth: 30 to 35 inches (deeper with handles)
| Dimension type | “Cabinet only” | “Installed” (often larger) |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | box to back | includes handles and door curvature |
| Height | to cabinet top | includes hinge cover and leveling |
| Width | cabinet | includes hinges and trim |
How to measure your space correctly
- Measure the opening width at top, middle, and bottom
- Measure height to the lowest overhead obstruction (cabinet, soffit)
- Measure depth to confirm doors and handles will not block walkways
- Confirm the floor is level; leveling affects door alignment and final height
Why it matters
Accurate dimensions prevent delivery and installation problems, protect airflow for proper cooling, and ensure doors seal correctly so temperatures stay stable.
Last updated: February 2026





