Are GE side by side refrigerators good?
Yes. GE side-by-side refrigerators like model GSH22JSRESS are a solid choice for everyday reliability and convenience; they typically offer easy access to fresh and frozen food, plus popular features like an ice maker and water dispenser. For model-specific features and care tips, use the GSH22JSRESS owner's manual.
What “good” usually means for a side-by-side
A good side-by-side refrigerator balances consistent cooling, usable storage, and low-hassle maintenance.
Common strengths:
- Narrow door swing compared with many French-door models (helpful in tighter kitchens)
- Easy access to freezer items at eye level
- Built-in water and ice dispensing on many configurations
- Adjustable door bins and shelves for flexible organization
Common tradeoffs:
- Freezer compartment can feel narrower for wide items (pizza boxes, sheet pans)
- Ice makers can be noisy during harvest cycles
- Water dispensing performance depends on filter condition and water pressure
Model-specific details that matter on GSH22JSRESS
This GE platform uses a water filter system that affects both the dispenser and the ice maker.
Key points from the manual:
- After installing a new filter, water may spurt briefly; flushing helps reduce sputtering.
- If you do not have a filter installed, you must use a filter bypass plug or the dispenser and ice maker will not operate.
- Many models use a filter reset function (press and hold the reset pad for about 3 seconds on some versions).
Quick maintenance checklist
- Replace the water filter on schedule to keep flow strong and taste fresh
- Keep door bins seated correctly so they lock into place
- Use the correct appliance bulb wattage when replacing lights
Helpful parts to keep performance up
If water taste, flow, or ice production becomes an issue, these are common service items for this model:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part for GSH22JSRESS |
|---|---|---|
| Slow water dispensing | Water filter | Refrigerator water filter MWFP |
| No water to dispenser/ice maker | Water valve | Refrigerator water valve WR57X33326 |
| Warm temps or inconsistent cooling | Temperature sensor | Refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 |
Why it matters
A “good” refrigerator is one that holds safe temperatures and delivers water and ice consistently. On side-by-side models, routine filter changes and correct airflow clearances help prevent many of the most common complaints.
Last updated: January 2026
How many watts does a GE side by side refrigerator use?
A GE side-by-side refrigerator like model GSH22JSRESS typically draws about 150 to 800 watts while running, with short peaks that can reach roughly 1,200 to 1,800 watts when the compressor starts. For the most accurate numbers for your exact unit, use the electrical specs in the GSH22JSRESS owner's manual.
What affects wattage on GSH22JSRESS
Refrigerator power use changes constantly because the compressor and fans cycle on and off.
- Room temperature (hot kitchens increase run time)
- Door openings and warm food loads
- Defrost cycle operation
- Ice maker and dispenser use
- Dirty condenser area restricting airflow
- Temperature control settings (colder settings increase run time)
Quick way to estimate watts and energy cost
If you want a real-world number, we recommend measuring with a plug-in watt meter for 24 to 72 hours.
| What you measure | What it tells you | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | Typical draw when compressor is on | Generator sizing (baseline) |
| Start-up peak watts | Brief surge at compressor start | Generator/inverter sizing |
| kWh per day | Total energy used over time | Estimating electric cost |
Rule of thumb: Most full-size side-by-side refrigerators average about 1 to 3 kWh per day depending on conditions.
If you suspect unusually high wattage
High energy use often comes from longer run times, not a higher-watt motor.
- Make sure the doors seal tightly and close fully
- Set controls to a mid-range setting and allow 12 hours between adjustments
- Keep vents inside the compartments unblocked
- If temperatures are unstable, check common control components such as the refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025
Why it matters
Knowing typical running watts and start-up watts helps you size a generator or inverter correctly and spot problems like airflow restrictions, defrost issues, or a failing compressor that cause excessive run time.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my GE side by side refrigerator not making ice?
If your GE GSH22JSRESS side-by-side refrigerator isn’t making ice, the most common causes are the icemaker being switched off, the freezer being too warm, or the water supply not reaching the icemaker. After any change, allow 12 to 24 hours for ice production to start again (see the GSH22JSRESS owner’s manual).
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Confirm the icemaker power switch is set to I (On) and the power light is on.
- Make sure nothing is blocking the feeler arm; a stuck feeler arm stops ice production.
- Verify the freezer is cold enough; if it was recently adjusted or unplugged, wait 24 hours to fully cool.
- Check the household shutoff valve is open and the water line is not kinked.
- If cubes are piled up in the bin, level them by hand; piled cubes can shut the icemaker off.
Water supply and filter issues
A restricted water supply can stop ice production or cause small or hollow cubes. If your dispenser water flow is weak or ice is small, the filter is a top suspect.
- Replace the water filter if it is overdue or flow is slow.
- If the refrigerator was just installed or the water line was opened, purge air by dispensing water for a bit.
Helpful parts for this model:
- Refrigerator water filter MWFP (common fix for slow fill and small cubes)
- Refrigerator water valve WR57X33326 (controls water flow to the icemaker)
When the icemaker is jammed or “stuck”
If ice cubes are stuck in the icemaker (often indicated by a blinking green power light on some versions), we use this reset approach:
- Turn the icemaker off.
- Remove stuck cubes.
- Turn the icemaker back on.
What to expect (normal timing)
| Situation | What’s normal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| New install or water line just connected | 12 to 24 hours before ice | Wait; discard first few batches |
| Freezer was warm or recently powered on | Up to 24 hours to stabilize | Keep doors closed as much as possible |
| Low water pressure | Longer fill cycles | Check supply valve and filter |
Why it matters
Ice makers depend on two things: a cold freezer and a steady water fill. Fixing the water restriction (filter, valve, kinked line) or restoring proper freezer temperature usually restores normal ice production without replacing the entire icemaker.
Last updated: January 2026
How wide is a GE side by side refrigerator?
Most GE side-by-side refrigerators measure about 33 to 36 inches wide. For your specific GE model GSH22JSRESS, the exact published width and the required installation clearances are listed in the GSH22JSRESS owner’s manual.
What “width” should you plan for?
When you are checking fit, we recommend planning for more than just the cabinet box.
- Case width: the main refrigerator cabinet (without handles)
- Overall width: doors and trim included (varies by design)
- Handle projection: handles can add noticeable width in tight spaces
- Door swing clearance: space needed to open doors to 90 degrees or more
- Airflow clearance: space around the unit so it cools properly
How to measure your space correctly
Use a tape measure and record each number; measure in more than one spot because walls and cabinets are often not perfectly square.
- Measure the opening width at the front and back
- Measure the opening height and check for overhead cabinets
- Measure depth to the wall, including baseboards
- Measure doorway and hallway widths for delivery
- Confirm water line and electrical outlet locations
Typical planning ranges (helpful before you measure)
These are common ranges for GE side-by-side refrigerators; your exact model can differ.
| Item to plan for | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Exterior width (side-by-side) | 33 to 36 in. |
| Extra space for handles and door swing | 1 to 3 in. |
| Airflow clearance around cabinet | Follow manual |
Why it matters
If the opening is too tight, the refrigerator may not slide in, doors may not open fully, and restricted airflow can reduce cooling performance. Confirming the published dimensions prevents delivery and installation problems.
Last updated: January 2026





