What are the most reliable side-by-side refrigerators?
The most reliable side-by-side refrigerators are typically the simpler, proven designs with steady temperature control and fewer dispenser and ice-maker complications. For an Estate side-by-side like model TS25AFXKQ03, long-term reliability usually comes down to maintenance (airflow, clean condenser area, fresh water filtration) and timely replacement of wear parts.
- Consistent fresh food and freezer temperatures (less compressor cycling and fewer thaw events)
- A straightforward ice maker and dispenser design (fewer moving parts to fail)
- Easy access to common service parts (water inlet valve, thermostat, defrost components)
- Strong door sealing and alignment (prevents frost and moisture intrusion)
- Good ventilation clearances around the cabinet (helps the sealed system run cooler)
We recommend using these habits to keep a side-by-side running reliably for years:
- Keep at least 1/2 inch of clearance at the sides and top for ventilation; leave about 2 inches by a wall so doors can swing freely (and allow extra space behind if you have a water line).
- Replace the water filter on schedule to protect the dispenser and ice maker; use the refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1.
- If the ice maker or dispenser is slow or not filling, test the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 before assuming the ice maker is bad.
- If temperatures drift or the unit runs too long, check the cold control and consider the refrigerator thermostat WP2198202.
- Follow the cleaning and care guidance in the owner's manual to reduce odors, airflow restrictions, and icing.
| What you choose | Reliability impact | What it usually affects |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer features | Higher | Less to break (especially dispenser parts) |
| Through-the-door ice and water | Medium | Valves, filter housing, ice maker, door chute |
| Strong door seal and alignment | Higher | Frost control, humidity, temperature stability |
| Good ventilation clearance | Higher | Compressor workload and cooling performance |
Most side-by-side failures we see are not the sealed system; they are airflow, defrost, door sealing, or water supply issues. Staying ahead of those items helps your Estate TS25AFXKQ03 cool evenly, make ice consistently, and avoid nuisance leaks or frost.
Last updated: February 2026
Are side by side refrigerators good?
Yes; side-by-side refrigerators like the Estate TS25AFXKQ03 are a good choice when you want easy access to both fresh food and frozen items at about waist-to-eye level, plus a narrower door swing than many full-width designs. The main tradeoff is narrower shelf width, which can make wide platters harder to store.
- Keep frequently used items in both sections within easy reach.
- Fit better in tighter aisles because each door is narrower.
- Often support through-the-door ice and water features (model dependent).
- Make it easier to organize frozen foods on shelves instead of deep bins.
- Narrow freezer compartment can limit pizza boxes, sheet pans, and party trays.
- Tall, narrow shelves can feel cramped for wide containers.
- If doors are not aligned or seals are worn, you can lose cooling efficiency and get moisture issues.
- They need proper clearance and ventilation space around the cabinet for best performance.
| Feature | Side-by-side refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Access to freezer | Easy, eye-level shelves | Often lower, deeper space |
| Door swing | Narrower doors | Wider fresh-food door |
| Best for | Daily access, organization | Wide shelves, simple storage |
| Common complaint | Narrow compartments | Bending for fresh food |
For reliable cooling and fewer odor and moisture problems, we follow the spacing and placement guidance in the TS25AFXKQ03 owner's manual. Most installations need about 1/2 inch of space at the sides and top, and extra room at the back if a water line is used.
- Set the refrigerator on a dedicated, grounded outlet (avoid extension cords).
- Keep foods covered to reduce odor transfer between sections.
- Clean spills promptly and clean both compartments about monthly.
- If you use a water dispenser or ice maker, replace the filter on schedule; the refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1 is a common replacement for this model.
Last updated: February 2026
Is side by side better than a French door?
For an Estate TS25AFXKQ03, a side-by-side is “better” when you want easy freezer access, more door bins, and a narrower fresh-food section that keeps frequently used items at eye level; a French door is “better” when you want wider refrigerator shelves and more flexible fresh-food storage.
| Feature | Side-by-side (like TS25AFXKQ03) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food shelf width | Narrower | Wider (better for platters/pizza boxes) |
| Freezer access | Eye-level, easy to organize | Lower drawer, more bending |
| Door storage | Typically more vertical bin space | Typically less than side-by-side |
| Footprint in the kitchen | Often fits tighter aisles | Doors can need more front clearance |
| Ice and water | Common on the freezer door | Common on the left door (varies) |
- Faster access to frozen foods without bending
- More vertical organization (tall items, bins, and shelves)
- Strong door storage for condiments and drinks
- A layout that works well in narrower kitchens
- A familiar setup for in-door ice and water
- Wide refrigerator shelves for trays, party platters, and large containers
- More customizable fresh-food storage (deli drawers, split shelves, etc.)
- A freezer drawer that can hold bulky frozen items
- Keeping fresh foods at the most convenient height
“Better” comes down to how you shop and cook. If you use the freezer daily, a side-by-side layout usually feels more efficient. If you store lots of fresh produce, meal prep containers, and wide items, a French door layout usually feels more practical.
- Keep the refrigerator side set for everyday items; reserve door bins for condiments (door temps fluctuate more).
- If you use filtered water and ice, replace the filter on schedule to help maintain taste and flow.
- Review clearance and ventilation guidance before moving or reconfiguring the refrigerator location.
Helpful references: owner's manual, installation guide, and how to replace the water filter in an Estate refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like the Estate TS25AFXKQ03 is reduced usable width on each shelf; wide items (pizza boxes, large platters, sheet pans) often do not fit well. You also tend to get less full-width fresh-food space because the cabinet is split evenly between refrigerator and freezer.
- Narrow shelves and bins: Store wide items on adjustable shelves when possible; use smaller containers.
- Less “big item” flexibility: Large party trays and pizza boxes usually require rearranging or removing a shelf.
- More door swing clearance: Side-by-side doors are narrower than a single wide door, but you still need clearance for both doors to open fully.
- More components to maintain on dispenser models: Water filters, inlet valves, and ice maker parts add maintenance points.
- Freezer organization can feel tight: Tall frozen items may be harder to stand upright.
| Feature | Side-by-side (TS25AFXKQ03 style) | French door | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fits wide items | Fair to poor | Best | Good |
| Freezer access | Very convenient | Good | Good |
| Fresh-food visibility | Good | Best | Good |
| Typical maintenance (ice/water) | Medium to high | Medium to high | Low to medium |
If you regularly store wide leftovers, pizza boxes, or large serving platters, shelf width becomes the day-to-day pain point. If you use ice and water often, staying on top of filter changes and water supply health helps prevent dispenser and ice maker issues.
- Use the clearances and installation notes in the installation guide to plan door swing space and ventilation.
- If your model uses a filter, follow the steps in how to replace the water filter in an Estate refrigerator and replace the refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1 on schedule.
Last updated: February 2026





