How wide is a 26 cubic foot refrigerator?
Most 26 cubic foot refrigerators are about 35 to 36 inches wide. For your Frigidaire FRS26R2AW8 side-by-side, the exact cabinet width depends on the specific configuration and door clearances; we recommend confirming the published dimensions in the FRS26R2AW8 owner's manual before measuring your space.
When shoppers say “26 cu. ft.,” they are usually talking about total storage capacity, not a standardized exterior size. In practice, width commonly falls into these ranges:
- Standard full-depth side-by-side: ~35 to 36 inches wide
- Counter-depth models: often similar width, but reduced depth
- Extra-wide models: can be 42 inches (less common for 26 cu. ft.)
Use these quick checks before ordering a replacement refrigerator or planning cabinetry changes:
- Measure the cabinet opening width at the front and back
- Allow room for door swing and drawer access
- Account for trim, baseboards, and adjacent walls
- Confirm you have the recommended installation clearances (sides/top and back)
- Verify the unit can pass through doorways and hallways during delivery
Your FRS26R2AW8 installation guidance calls for airflow and connection space. Here is a quick reference:
| Clearance location | Typical requirement for this model family |
|---|---|
| Sides and top | 3/8 inch |
| Back | 1 inch |
(These clearances help with air circulation and plumbing/electrical connections.)
A refrigerator that is “the right width” on paper can still bind on the doors or fail to ventilate if the opening is tight. Proper clearance also helps the doors seal correctly and supports stable temperatures in the fresh food and freezer sections.
For parts and maintenance items that help performance (like water filtration), you can also shop by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read a Frigidaire refrigerator model number?
For your Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator, the model number (such as FRS26R2AW8) is the exact identifier we use to match the right parts and instructions to your unit. You’ll find it on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; record it exactly as shown.
On this model, the serial plate is located inside the refrigerator compartment. Use these quick checks:
- Open the fresh food door and look along the inside side walls
- Check near the upper interior area (often near the light housing)
- Look for a label that lists Model Number and Serial Number
- Write the model number down exactly, including all letters and numbers
- Take a clear photo of the label for future reference
A Frigidaire model number is mainly used for parts compatibility and documentation matching. In general, you can treat it like a code that identifies the exact design version of your refrigerator.
| What you use it for | Why it matters | Example for this page |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering replacement parts | Prevents wrong-fit parts | FRS26R2AW8 |
| Finding correct instructions | Ensures steps match your layout | Owner's manual |
| Checking installation details | Confirms leveling and door adjustment steps | Installation guide |
These details prevent ordering the wrong Frigidaire refrigerator parts (like a water filter, ice maker, or door gasket):
- Use the full model number, not just the first few characters
- Do not swap similar characters (for example, 0 vs O, 1 vs I)
- If the label is worn, use a flashlight and take a close-up photo
- Match parts to the model number before ordering (example: refrigerator filter WFCB)
Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerators can look similar across multiple model series, but internal components (ice maker assemblies, door bins, gaskets, and controls) vary by model. Using FRS26R2AW8 ensures the parts list and repair guidance match your exact refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common problem we see on a Frigidaire side-by-side like model FRS26R2AW8 is a cooling complaint (fresh food section too warm, freezer OK). The usual causes are restricted airflow (dirty condenser coils or a weak evaporator fan), a door seal leak, or defrost issues that let frost build up and block airflow.
- Confirm the doors fully close and nothing is holding them open.
- Set temperatures back to normal and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes.
- Clean the condenser coils; a dirty condenser can make the refrigerator run too long and cool poorly.
- Listen for the evaporator fan; the manual notes you may hear air being forced through the refrigerator by the evaporator fan.
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (a common sign of a defrost problem).
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or areas that do not seal.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator warm, freezer cold | Airflow problem (evaporator fan, damper, frost blockage) | Check fan sound and look for frost buildup; review airflow guidance in the owner's manual |
| Runs too much or too long | Dirty condenser, door slightly open, gasket leak | Clean coils; check door alignment and gasket condition |
| Frost buildup in freezer | Defrost system issue | Look for ice blocking vents; check defrost components |
| Ice maker not making ice | Freezer not cold enough, shutoff arm up, water supply issue, clogged filter | Verify freezer temp, arm position, water supply; replace filter if restricted |
- If water flow is slow or ice production drops, replace the refrigerator filter WFCB (a restricted filter can limit water to the dispenser and ice maker).
- If you find a poor door seal, replace the correct gasket: refrigerator freezer door gasket 241786014 for the freezer side or the matching fresh food gasket from the parts list.
- If you have heavy frost and temperature swings, a failed defrost thermostat is a common fix; see refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918214.
Cooling problems are usually airflow or sealing related. Fixing those first prevents long run times, warm food temperatures, frost buildup, and ice maker or water dispenser complaints.
For step-by-step diagrams and model-specific settings, use the parts list for FRS26R2AW8 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is Frigidaire Gallery high end?
Frigidaire Gallery is not a luxury, high-end line; it is a solid mid-range step up from basic Frigidaire models, with more features and a more premium look. For your Frigidaire FRS26R2AW8, the best way to confirm what features your unit supports is the FRS26R2AW8 owner's manual.
In most Frigidaire refrigerator lineups, Gallery is positioned as an upgrade tier focused on convenience features and styling, while true “high end” typically means premium materials, pro-style design, and higher price points.
Common Gallery expectations:
- More feature options than entry-level models (ice and water convenience, storage flexibility)
- More finish and design choices (depending on model year)
- Better organization features (bins, drawers, and controls)
- Priced and built for everyday households, not luxury kitchens
“High end” is less about the badge and more about build, performance, and feature depth.
| Category | Mid-range (typical Gallery positioning) | High end (luxury tier) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and finish | Upgraded styling | Premium materials and pro-style design |
| Features | Strong everyday features | Advanced, specialized features |
| Serviceability | Standard parts and layouts | More specialized components |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Premium |
Knowing the tier helps set expectations for parts cost and complexity. Mid-range side-by-side refrigerators like the FRS26R2AW8 typically use widely available service parts, such as water filters, door gaskets, and ice maker components.
If you are maintaining performance, these are common items customers replace:
- Water filter (example: refrigerator filter WFCB)
- Ice maker assembly (example: refrigerator ice maker 5304458371)
- Door seals for air leaks (example: refrigerator freezer door gasket 241786014)
For ordering, we recommend using the parts list for model FRS26R2AW8 first; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





