What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator is limited usable width; the refrigerator and freezer compartments are tall but narrow, so wide items (pizza boxes, party platters, sheet pans) often do not fit well. On the Frigidaire FRFS2823AD3, this mainly shows up as tighter shelf space and more door-bin dependence.
Most common drawbacks (what you notice day to day)
- Narrow shelves: harder to store wide containers and large leftovers.
- Less “big-item” flexibility: fewer spots for tall, bulky, or awkward items.
- More door opening for access: you may open doors more often to find items, which can affect temperature stability.
- Freezer organization can feel cramped: tall, narrow freezer shelves make stacking boxes tricky.
- Door clearance and traffic flow: both doors need swing space, which can feel tight in smaller kitchens.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs other common styles
| Feature | Side-by-side (like FRFS2823AD3) | French door | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fits wide platters/pizza boxes | Often difficult | Usually easier | Often easier |
| Fresh-food access at eye level | Good | Good | Fair |
| Freezer access | Good | Fair to good | Fair |
| Best for narrow kitchen aisles | Often good (narrower door swing than full-width) | Sometimes less ideal | Often good |
What to do if the narrow-shelf issue is a problem
- Use clear bins to group items by category so you do not “lose” food in the back.
- Store wide items diagonally when possible, or use a smaller tray/container.
- Keep frequently used items in door bins, but avoid overloading the door.
- If doors do not seal well, fix it quickly; poor sealing makes temperature swings worse. Our guide how to fix a fridge door seal helps.
- Replace worn sealing parts when needed, such as the ikea refrigerator door gasket (black) 241778315.
Why it matters
Side-by-side refrigerators can be very convenient for everyday access, but the narrow compartment design changes how you store food. Better organization and a good door seal help you get the most usable space and keep temperatures steady.
Last updated: February 2026
What's better, a side by side or a French door refrigerator?
For Frigidaire model FRFS2823AD3, you already have a French door, bottom-freezer style; it is the better choice when you want wide refrigerator shelving and fresh-food access at eye level. A side-by-side is better when you need narrower doors for tight kitchen clearances and prefer freezer items at eye level.
Quick comparison (what changes day to day)
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door (like FRFS2823AD3) |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator shelf width | Narrower | Wider; fits platters and pizza boxes better |
| Freezer access | Eye-level shelves | Bottom drawer; more bending |
| Door clearance | Often easier in tight aisles | Needs more front clearance for doors and freezer drawer |
| Organization style | Tall, narrow bins | Wide shelves up top; deep freezer baskets |
| Best for | Frequent freezer use | Frequent fresh-food use |
Choose a side-by-side if you want
- Narrower doors that work better in a tight galley kitchen
- Freezer foods at eye level for easier sorting
- More vertical bin-style organization for frozen items
- Less need to open a large bottom freezer drawer
Choose a French door (your FRFS2823AD3 style) if you want
- Wide refrigerator shelves for trays, meal prep containers, and party platters
- Fresh-food storage at eye level (where most households access items most)
- A freezer drawer that holds bulky bags and boxes well
- A layout that makes it easier to see and reach refrigerated foods
Why it matters
The “better” design is the one that matches your kitchen clearance and how you use the refrigerator most. Door style affects how easily you can load wide items, how often you bend for frozen foods, and how organized the compartments stay.
Upkeep tips that help either style
- Replace the water filter on schedule to keep water and ice tasting clean; use Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01 if it matches your filter housing.
- If doors do not close firmly, check for gaps, torn seals, or sagging; door sealing problems waste energy and can cause frost.
- For model-matched parts and diagrams, use the parts list for FRFS2823AD3 on this model page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Frigidaire side by side freezer frosting up?
Freezer frost in your Frigidaire FRFS2823AD3 happens when warm, moist air gets into the freezer (door not sealing, ice chute leaking) or when airflow and defrost performance are reduced. Start with door closure, gasket sealing, and vent clearance.
Quick checks that fix most frosting
- Confirm the freezer door closes fully; no bins, bags, or shelves should interfere.
- Inspect the gasket for gaps, tears, or flattened sections.
- Clean the gasket and cabinet sealing surface with mild soap and warm water; dry completely.
- Make sure interior vents are not blocked; keep packages away from vent openings.
- Check the ice chute flap closes all the way; clear any ice that holds it open.
- Reduce door-open time; frequent openings add humidity that turns into frost.
What the frost pattern tells you
| Where you see frost | Most likely cause | Best first step |
|---|---|---|
| Along the door edge | Air leak at gasket or door alignment | Clean and inspect gasket; check door alignment |
| Heavy frost on back freezer panel | Defrost or airflow problem | Check evaporator fan operation; look for ice buildup |
| Frost after lots of use | Humidity from openings or chute leak | Minimize openings; verify chute flap closes |
When to consider parts
If the gasket is damaged or won’t spring back, replacement is the lasting fix; for door sagging or poor closing, inspect the hinge. For fan-related airflow issues, use our troubleshooting steps.
- Door alignment/closing issues: universal/multiflex (Frigidaire) refrigerator door hinge 241779401
- Torn or deformed gasket: ikea refrigerator door gasket (black) 241778315
- Evaporator fan diagnosis help: how to fix your evaporator cooling fan
Why it matters
Frost buildup restricts airflow, forces longer run times, and can cause uneven temperatures in the freezer and fresh-food section.
You can order FRFS2823AD3 replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





