What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A key disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like the Maytag MZD2666KEW is reduced usable width in both compartments, which makes wide items (pizza boxes, party trays, sheet pans) harder to store. You also tend to see and reach fresh-food items less easily than in wider-shelf designs.
Common drawbacks (and what you can do)
- Narrow shelves: Large platters and wide containers often do not fit flat.
- More bending and searching: Fresh-food items can end up spread across multiple shelves.
- Freezer organization can be tricky: Tall, narrow freezer space encourages stacking, which hides items.
- Airflow sensitivity: Overpacking can block vents and cause warm spots or uneven temperatures.
- Door clearance needs: If the hinge side is near a wall, you may need extra space to open the door wider.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs. wider-shelf layouts
| Feature | Side-by-side (MZD2666KEW style) | Wider-shelf styles (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf width | Narrower | Wider |
| Best for | Frozen foods, frequent freezer access | Large fresh-food items, wide trays |
| Organization | More bins and vertical stacking | More “spread out” visibility |
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Store wide items on adjustable shelves by removing a shelf or shifting shelf positions.
- Use clear bins to group categories (deli, snacks, leftovers) so items stay visible.
- Keep airflow paths open; avoid packing food tightly against interior vents.
- Set and verify temperatures using the guidance in the MZD2666KEW owner's manual.
- If doors do not close smoothly, level the refrigerator so the front is slightly higher than the back (a common requirement for proper door closure).
Why it matters
Side-by-side refrigerators trade shelf width for convenient, full-height access to both the freezer and fresh-food sections. Knowing the storage and airflow limitations helps prevent temperature swings, food waste, and day-to-day frustration.
Last updated: January 2026
How to reset a Maytag side-by-side refrigerator?
To reset a Maytag side-by-side refrigerator like model MZD2666KEW, unplug it from power, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in and set the temperature controls again. This clears many minor control glitches and restores normal operation.
Reset steps (safe, basic power reset)
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes (this allows the control to fully power down).
- Plug the refrigerator back in.
- Set the freezer and fresh food controls back to your normal settings (the manual notes you may need to reset controls after reconnecting power).
- Wait about 40 minutes to see if the refrigerator restarts and begins cooling normally.
If you have an ice maker or water dispenser
If you shut off water or recently changed a filter, restore water flow and flush the system so the dispenser and ice maker recover correctly.
- Confirm the household water supply valve is fully open.
- Check the water line connection for leaks and monitor it for 24 hours.
- Dispense 10 to 15 glasses of water to flush air and stale water from the lines.
- Restart the ice maker and discard the first three batches of ice.
Helpful DIY guidance: how to purge air from a refrigerator water dispenser video
Quick troubleshooting after a reset
A reset will not fix airflow or sealing problems. If temperatures are still off, check these common causes:
- Condenser coils are dirty.
- Rear air grille is blocked.
- Doors are not closing or gaskets are not sealing.
- Food is blocking an air inlet.
- Controls need adjustment after power was restored.
| Symptom after reset | Most common next check |
|---|---|
| Not cooling | Wait 40 minutes, then check airflow and coils |
| Warm fresh food section | Check damper and blocked vents |
| Ice maker not making ice | Confirm water supply, then restart ice maker |
Why it matters
A proper reset (power off long enough) clears temporary electronic issues without replacing parts. If cooling or dispensing problems continue, the next steps are usually airflow, door seal, and water supply checks.
Reference: MZD2666KEW owner's manual
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Maytag refrigerators?
Cooling performance problems are the most common issue we see with Maytag refrigerators, including the Maytag MZD2666KEW; symptoms include the refrigerator not staying cold enough, temperature swings, or running too long. Ice maker and dispenser problems are also very common, especially when water flow is restricted.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Fridge warm but freezer OK: airflow problem (damper, evaporator fan, frost buildup)
- Freezer warm and fridge warm: condenser airflow issue, sealed system, or compressor/start components
- Runs constantly: dirty condenser coil, door not sealing, warm room, frequent door openings
- No ice or slow ice: restricted water supply, clogged filter, inlet valve issue, ice maker failure
- Water dispensing slow: air in the line, filter restriction, supply valve not fully open
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
Use these steps before replacing parts; they solve a large share of “not cooling” and “no ice” complaints.
- Confirm temperature settings and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes
- Clean the condenser coil area and make sure airflow around the cabinet is not blocked
- Check door gaskets for gaps and make sure doors close fully
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the doors are closed
- If the cabinet front feels warm, that can be normal during hot weather or heavy door use (it helps prevent condensation)
Common parts involved when the problem is not a simple fix
| Problem area | Common symptom | Example part for MZD2666KEW |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker system | No ice, small cubes, intermittent harvest | Refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q |
| Water supply | No ice and no water, or weak fill | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WP67006531 |
| Airflow in freezer | Warm fridge, noisy fan, poor circulation | Evaporator motor WPW10128551 |
| Temperature sensing | Temps swing, cooling seems erratic | Refrigerator temperature sensor 12002355 |
Why it matters
Cooling and ice maker issues often start as airflow or water-flow restrictions. Catching them early helps protect food quality, reduces run time, and can prevent secondary problems like frost buildup or dispenser jams.
Helpful references
- For model-specific operating features and normal conditions, use the MZD2666KEW owner's manual.
- For water filter maintenance that can prevent dispenser and ice maker problems, follow how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026





