What is the life expectancy of a side-by-side refrigerator?
Most side-by-side refrigerators, including the KitchenAid KBSD708MSS01, typically last 15 to 20 years. Lifespan depends most on compressor health, airflow (clean coils and working fans), and water system upkeep (filters and valves) to prevent leaks and ice maker issues.
- Condenser coil cleanliness: dirty coils make the compressor run hotter and longer
- Door seal condition: air leaks force longer run times and can cause frost issues
- Evaporator fan performance: weak airflow leads to warm temps and overwork
- Water system condition: clogged filters and failing valves can cause low flow or leaks
- Temperature settings and loading: stable temps and good airflow inside reduce strain
| System | Typical lifespan | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Water filter and air filter | 6 to 12 months | Bad taste/odor, slow water flow, lingering smells |
| Door gaskets | 5 to 10 years | Moisture, frost, warm spots near the door |
| Fans and sensors | 8 to 15 years | Warm fridge/freezer, noisy operation, temp swings |
| Compressor and sealed system | 12 to 20 years | Poor cooling, long run times, clicking/humming issues |
- Replace the water filter on schedule; use the correct refrigerator filter EDR3RXD1
- Replace the air filter regularly to reduce odors and keep airflow fresh; use refrigerator air filter W10311524
- Keep doors closing tightly; inspect and clean the gasket sealing surfaces
- Vacuum dust from the grille and coil area (as accessible) to reduce heat load
- If water dispensing slows or the ice maker acts up, test the inlet valve; the KBSD708MSS01 uses refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10279866
A side-by-side refrigerator can run for decades, but poor airflow, warm air leaks, and restricted water flow make the compressor work harder. Staying ahead of filters, seals, and cooling airflow is the most reliable way to extend service life and avoid costly breakdowns.
Last updated: February 2026
What's better, a side by side or a French door refrigerator?
A side-by-side and a French door refrigerator are both good choices; the better option depends on how you shop and cook, your kitchen layout, and what you access most often. For a built-in style like KitchenAid KBSD708MSS01, side-by-side designs often fit tighter aisle space, while French door designs usually make fresh-food storage feel wider.
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food space | Tall, narrower shelves | Wide shelves for platters |
| Freezer access | Eye-level, vertical | Bottom drawer (more bending) |
| Door swing clearance | Typically needs less | Often needs more |
| Organization style | More bins, vertical zones | Big shelves, wide drawers |
- Easier access to both fridge and freezer at mid-height
- Better fit in a narrow kitchen walkway (less door clearance)
- More vertical organization for frozen foods
- A built-in look similar to many KitchenAid side-by-side installations
- Wide refrigerator shelves for trays, pizza boxes, and party platters
- More “grab-and-go” fresh-food visibility at eye level
- A freezer drawer that can hold bulky items (but requires bending)
Your day-to-day experience comes down to door clearance, shelf width, and how often you use the freezer. If you frequently replace filters and want easy maintenance access, either style works well, but keeping filtration current helps water taste and ice quality.
- Replace the water filter on schedule to reduce slow dispensing and off-tastes
- If your model uses a cartridge-style filter, keep a spare on hand
- Consider replacing the air filter if odors linger
If you are maintaining your KitchenAid KBSD708MSS01, common consumables include the refrigerator filter EDR3RXD1 and the refrigerator air filter W10311524.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the warranty on KBSD708MSS01?
KitchenAid KBSD708MSS01 refrigerators are typically covered by a limited manufacturer warranty; the exact coverage length and what is included depends on the warranty document that came with your unit (and any extended coverage you may have purchased). For warranty-related repairs, we use the model-specific parts list to identify the correct replacement components.
Look for these details so you know what is covered (and for how long):
- Coverage term (full product vs. sealed system vs. specific components)
- What counts as a covered failure vs. normal wear
- Labor coverage (in-home service, time limits, exclusions)
- Proof of purchase requirements (receipt, install date, serial number)
- Transferability if you bought the refrigerator secondhand
Even when a repair is covered, identifying the correct part by model is the first step. For KBSD708MSS01, common categories include:
- Water and ice dispensing parts (valves, filter housing, ice door components)
- Temperature sensing and airflow parts (thermistors, evaporator fan)
- Sealed system components (compressor and related hardware)
| Symptom | Common part category | Example part for KBSD708MSS01 |
|---|---|---|
| No water dispensing or slow fill | Water supply control | Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10279866 |
| Bad taste or low flow at dispenser | Filtration | Refrigerator filter EDR3RXD1 |
| Warm refrigerator or poor airflow | Air movement | Assembly, evaporator fan W11631626 |
| Temperature swings | Sensing | Refrigerator temperature sensor WP2302937 |
Warranty coverage often changes by component (for example, general parts vs. sealed system). Matching the exact KBSD708MSS01 part helps avoid ordering the wrong item and speeds up diagnosis when you are dealing with cooling, ice maker, or water dispenser issues.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a KitchenAid refrigerator?
The most common KitchenAid refrigerator problem we see is cooling trouble (temperatures running warm, fluctuating, or uneven), often tied to airflow issues, a failing evaporator fan, or a temperature-sensing problem. On the KitchenAid KBSD708MSS01 side-by-side refrigerator, ice maker and water system issues are also very common.
- Fresh food section is warm but freezer seems OK
- Freezer is warm and ice cream is soft
- Fridge runs constantly or cycles too often
- Ice maker stops making ice or makes small/hollow cubes
- Water dispenser flow is slow or tastes off
- Water puddles under the refrigerator or inside compartments
- Confirm airflow: Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Check the door seal: Look for gaps, tears, or a door that does not close firmly.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: A failed fan often causes warm temps and uneven cooling.
- Rule out filter restriction: A clogged filter can reduce water flow and affect ice maker fill.
- Check for leaks at the valve and lines: Leaks or low water pressure can cause ice and dispenser problems.
| Problem area | What it affects | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Water quality/flow | Slow dispenser, poor ice fill | Refrigerator filter EDR3RXD1 |
| Water supply control | No water to ice maker/dispenser, leaking | Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10279866 |
| Temperature feedback | Warm temps, erratic cycling | Refrigerator temperature sensor WP2302937 |
| Odors/air freshness | Food smells, stale air | Refrigerator air filter W10311524 |
Cooling and water/ice problems can lead to food spoilage, freezer burn, and repeated ice maker failures. Catching airflow, sealing, and water-supply issues early helps protect the compressor and keeps temperatures stable.
For step-by-step help on one of the most common maintenance fixes, use our guide: how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
How to get KitchenAid replacement parts?
For your KitchenAid KBSD708MSS01 side-by-side refrigerator, we recommend ordering replacement parts by matching your model number first, then selecting the exact part ID from the parts list. This prevents fit issues and helps you get the right item the first time.
- Confirm the full model number is KBSD708MSS01 (use the complete number on the rating label).
- Identify the symptom or the part you need (water taste, no ice, leaks, door not sealing).
- Choose the exact replacement from the model’s parts list, using the part ID as your match point.
- Order the part and keep your old part until the repair is complete (for side-by-side refrigerators, small differences matter).
If you are not sure where to start, these are frequent replacements for this model:
- Water quality or slow dispensing: refrigerator filter EDR3RXD1
- Odors in fresh food section: refrigerator air filter W10311524
- Water not dispensing or ice maker not filling: refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10279866
- Ice chute door not opening or closing correctly: refrigerator ice door motor WPW10546285
- Temperature swings or odd readings: refrigerator temperature sensor WP2302937
| What to match | What to use | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance identity | Model number KBSD708MSS01 | Ensures the parts list is correct for your exact build |
| Part identity | Part ID (example: EDR3RXD1) | Part IDs reduce confusion when names are similar |
| Repair confidence | Symptom-based selection | Helps avoid replacing the wrong component |
Side-by-side refrigerators often have multiple versions of filters, valves, sensors, and dispenser components that look similar but connect differently. Matching by model number and part ID helps ensure proper fit, correct water connections, and reliable cooling and ice production.
Last updated: February 2026





