Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Does a side-by-side refrigerator have a freezer?
Yes. A side-by-side refrigerator like the Dacor EF42BDCBSS has a freezer compartment; the unit is split into two full-height sections, with the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. For your exact compartment features and controls, use the owner's manual.
How a side-by-side layout works
In most side-by-side refrigerators, you get two vertical compartments that run from top to bottom.
- One side is the fresh food (refrigerator) section
- The other side is the freezer section
- Each side typically has its own shelves, bins, and door storage
- Many models also support in-door ice and water features
What you can expect in the freezer section
Even when the freezer is narrow, it is designed for long-term frozen storage and airflow.
| Feature | Typical purpose | What to check on EF42BDCBSS |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer shelves/baskets | Organize frozen foods | Basket and shelf configuration in the manual |
| Door seals (gaskets) | Keep warm air out, prevent frost | Look for gaps or “popping” doors |
| Evaporator fan airflow | Moves cold air through freezer | Listen for steady fan operation |
| Defrost system | Prevents ice buildup on evaporator | Frost patterns and temperature stability |
Why it matters
Knowing that one full side is dedicated to the freezer helps with troubleshooting. For example, if the freezer warms up or ices over, it can affect ice maker performance, door sealing, and overall cooling balance.
Quick tips if the freezer is not performing well
- Confirm the doors close fully and seals are not gapped
- Keep vents clear of food packages for proper airflow
- Set freezer temperature to the recommended setting in the manual
- If you see heavy frost or hear fan noise changes, inspect for ice buildup
- If ice maker output is poor, check freezer temperature first
Last updated: February 2026
How do I turn off my Dacor refrigerator?
To turn off your Dacor EF42BDCBSS refrigerator, use the POWER (ON/OFF) switch located at the top right side of the freezer compartment. This shuts the unit down for service or extended downtime; turn it back on the same way.
Steps to turn it off safely
- Open the freezer door.
- Look at the top right area inside the freezer compartment.
- Locate the POWER (ON/OFF) switch.
- Switch it to OFF.
- If you are servicing the refrigerator, disconnect power at the breaker before touching wiring or components.
When to use the POWER switch vs. unplugging
| What you are doing | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Normal shutdown (vacation, cleaning) | POWER switch OFF | Stops cooling without moving the unit |
| Repair involving panels, wiring, fans, or heaters | Breaker OFF (after POWER switch OFF) | Prevents electrical shock during service |
| Moving the refrigerator | Breaker OFF and secure doors | Prevents damage and water leaks |
Why it matters
Turning the refrigerator off the correct way helps protect the control system and prevents fan or compressor operation while you are cleaning, adjusting doors, or accessing internal panels.
Related tip for service work
If you are removing covers or working near the evaporator area, follow the safety steps in the installation guide so power is off before servicing.
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 narrower door swing clearance; a French door is better when you frequently store wide platters and want a larger, more open fresh-food shelf layout. For your Dacor EF42BDCBSS, either style works well; the “better” choice depends on how you use the refrigerator.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs. French door
| Feature | Side-by-side (like EF42BDCBSS) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food space | Tall, narrower shelves | Wide shelves for platters |
| Freezer access | Eye-level shelves and bins | Lower pull-out drawer |
| Door swing clearance | Often needs less side clearance | Often needs more clearance |
| Organization style | Vertical zones (left freezer, right fridge) | Fresh food prioritized up top |
When a side-by-side is the better pick
- You use the freezer daily and want frozen items at eye level.
- You like organizing food in tall, narrow zones (bins, shelves, door storage).
- Your kitchen layout benefits from narrower doors (less “reach” into the room).
- You want quick access to both compartments without bending as much.
When a French door is the better pick
- You store wide items often (party trays, pizza boxes, sheet pans).
- You want the most usable fresh-food shelf width.
- You prefer a bottom freezer drawer for bulk frozen storage.
Why it matters for performance and repairs
No matter which style you choose, good airflow and tight door seals are what keep temperatures stable and prevent frost or moisture issues. Our installation guide for the EF42BDCBSS emphasizes checking door seal gaps and making sure the refrigerator is level (left to right and slightly tipped back) so doors close correctly.
Practical tips to decide in 2 minutes
- Measure your most common “problem item” (wide platter vs. tall frozen boxes).
- Stand where the refrigerator will go and simulate opening each door style.
- Think about your daily routine: freezer-first or fresh-food-first.
- Prioritize door seal contact and alignment; poor sealing wastes energy and can cause icing.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator?
If you want the most reliable side-by-side refrigerator, we recommend prioritizing a simple, serviceable design with strong parts availability and proven cooling performance. For a built-in side-by-side like the Dacor EF42BDCBSS, long-term reliability depends heavily on correct installation, door sealing, and keeping the evaporator drain system clear; use the installation guide to confirm setup details.
What “most reliable” means in real use
Reliability is usually a mix of fewer breakdown-prone features and consistent temperature control.
- Stable fresh food and freezer temperatures (minimal swings)
- Strong door seal and alignment (prevents frost and run-time stress)
- Clear defrost and drain path (prevents ice buildup and leaks)
- Easy access to common wear items (ice maker, fans, controls)
- Good parts support for your exact model
Practical buying guidance (what to look for)
When comparing side-by-side refrigerators, we focus on these decision points:
| What to compare | More reliable choice | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Ice and water features | Fewer moving parts, simpler dispenser | Less chance of leaks, clogs, and ice jams |
| Controls | Straightforward controls | Fewer electronic failures |
| Installation tolerance | Proper leveling and door alignment | Prevents seal gaps and frost |
| Serviceability | Common parts readily available | Faster, cheaper repairs |
Reliability tips for your Dacor EF42BDCBSS
Even a premium built-in refrigerator can develop “reliability” symptoms if installation or airflow is off. These steps prevent common failures:
- Level the refrigerator left-to-right and tip it slightly backward so doors self-close.
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps and “popping open” when the opposite door closes.
- Keep vents clear inside the cabinet so the evaporator fan can move air.
- If you see water or ice on the freezer ceiling or door seals, address the drain and defrost system promptly.
- For ice production issues, start with the ice maker and bucket checks; the refrigerator ice maker 103040 is a common service part for this model.
Why it matters
Side-by-side refrigerators often fail early from preventable issues: air leaks at the door seal, poor leveling, and drain or defrost problems that create ice buildup. Fixing those root causes reduces compressor run time, protects the evaporator fan, and keeps temperatures consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
