KitchenAid KSSC48FKS01 built-in refrigerator Parts

Most standard side-by-side refrigerators measure about 33 to 36 inches wide, 67 to 70 inches tall, and 29 to 35 inches deep (not counting extra clearance for doors and airflow). For your KitchenAid KSSC48FKS01 built-in refrigerator, the exact cutout and clearance requirements are listed in the installation guide.

Typical side-by-side size ranges

These are the most common “standard” exterior dimensions you will see across brands (including KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Kenmore style designs):

• Width: 30 to 36 inches (most common: 33 or 36)
• Height: 67 to 70 inches (some are taller)
• Depth: 29 to 35 inches (counter-depth models are usually shallower)
• Door swing clearance: often needs extra space beyond cabinet depth
• Ventilation clearance: varies by design (especially for built-in units)

Built-in vs freestanding: what changes

Built-in side-by-side models like the KitchenAid KSSC48FKS01 often follow different rules than freestanding refrigerators because they must fit a cabinet cutout and maintain airflow.

Type	What “standard size” usually means	What to measure first
Freestanding side-by-side	Overall width, height, depth	Doorway and kitchen depth
Built-in side-by-side	Cutout width/height, top and rear ventilation	Cabinet opening and clearance specs

How to measure the space correctly

Use these steps before ordering a replacement refrigerator or planning cabinetry:

• Measure cabinet opening width at the top, middle, and bottom
• Measure height from floor to the lowest overhead cabinet/soffit
• Measure depth to the front edge of counters, then add door/handle clearance
• Confirm hinge-side clearance so doors open fully and bins can slide out
• Check for airflow space required at the top, back, or toe-kick (built-ins)

Why it matters

A refrigerator that is “standard size” can still fail to fit if door swing, handles, or ventilation clearances are ignored. Built-in models are especially sensitive to cutout dimensions, which is why we recommend using the model-specific specs in the installation guide.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. A side-by-side refrigerator like the KitchenAid KSSC48FKS01 has two full-height vertical compartments: one is the fresh-food (refrigerator) section and the other is the freezer section.

How the layout works

In most side-by-side designs:

• The freezer is on the left and the refrigerator is on the right (common, but not universal).
• Both compartments run from top to bottom, so you get easy access to frozen and fresh items without bending as much.
• Many models include in-door ice and water features, which rely on a water filter and ice maker components.

Quick comparison: side-by-side vs other common styles

Refrigerator style	Where the freezer is	Best for	Tradeoffs
Side-by-side	Full-height compartment on one side	Narrow door swing, frequent freezer access	Narrower shelves for wide platters
French door	Bottom drawer	Wide fresh-food shelves	Freezer items can be harder to see
Top freezer	Top compartment	Simple storage, value	Less convenient fresh-food access

Why it matters

Knowing that one side is a dedicated freezer helps when you are troubleshooting temperature issues, airflow problems, or ice maker performance. For example, weak cooling on the freezer side can affect ice production and overall refrigerator temperatures.

Parts that commonly relate to freezer-side features

If you are diagnosing ice or water issues on a side-by-side, these model-compatible parts are often involved:

• Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 (ice production problems)
• Whirlpool everydrop 5 refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1 (slow water flow, bad taste/odor)
• Refrigerator thermistor WP2188820 (temperature sensing and control)

For model-specific compartment and feature details, use the installation guide.

Last updated: February 2026

For most households, a bottom-freezer refrigerator is better for everyday convenience because fresh food sits at eye level and you bend less. A side-by-side like KitchenAid model KSSC48FKS01 is better when you want a narrower door swing and easy access to frozen items at mid-height.

Quick comparison

Feature	Side-by-side (like KSSC48FKS01)	Bottom freezer
Fresh-food access	Good, but shelves are narrower	Best, most-used items are easiest to reach
Freezer access	Easy, items are mid-height	More bending for freezer drawers
Door swing clearance	Usually better in tight kitchens	Often needs more clearance
Storage shape	Tall, narrow compartments	Wide shelves, better for platters
Ice and water in door	Common	Common on many models

Choose a side-by-side if you want

• Narrower doors for a tight aisle or island
• Frozen foods at a comfortable height (less bending)
• More vertical freezer organization (bins and shelves)
• Built-in look and consistent access across both compartments

Choose a bottom freezer if you want

• Fresh-food items (produce, drinks, leftovers) at eye level
• Wider refrigerator shelves for trays and large containers
• Easier organization of refrigerated foods you use most

Why it matters

The “better” layout is the one that fits your kitchen clearance and how you cook. Side-by-side designs trade wide shelf space for easier freezer access and tighter door swing, while bottom freezers prioritize fresh-food ergonomics.

Keep either style running efficiently

• Set stable temperatures and avoid overpacking air vents
• Keep door seals clean so cold air does not leak
• Replace the water filter on schedule if your unit has a dispenser (see how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator)

For built-in installation and clearance guidance specific to KSSC48FKS01, follow the installation guide.

Last updated: February 2026