How wide is a 24.6 cu ft refrigerator?
Most 24.6 cu ft refrigerators are about 35 to 36 inches wide; that is the common cabinet width for full-size side-by-side models like Whirlpool. For the exact width and clearance needs for Whirlpool model GSS26C5XXY02, use the dimensions listed in the GSS26C5XXY02 owner's manual.
Typical width and what to plan for
Even when two refrigerators have the same capacity (24.6 cu ft), the width can vary slightly by brand and door style.
- Typical cabinet width: 35 to 36 in.
- Common “nominal” size you will see in listings: 36 in.
- Width can change slightly with door handles installed
- Door swing clearance can add several inches beyond cabinet width
- Leveling legs and floor trim can affect how it fits in a tight opening
Quick sizing guide (common ranges)
| Measurement | Typical range for 24.6 cu ft side-by-side |
|---|---|
| Cabinet width | 35 to 36 in. |
| Depth (cabinet) | 30 to 34 in. |
| Depth with handles | 33 to 37 in. |
| Height | 66 to 71 in. |
How we recommend measuring your space
Measure the opening before you shop or move the refrigerator.
- Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom of the cutout
- Measure height to the lowest cabinet or trim point
- Measure depth to the front edge of counters, then note any baseboards
- Confirm you have room for door swing and for pulling out shelves/bins
- Check the path in (doorways, hallways, turns) so the unit can be delivered
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is “36 inches wide” on paper can still bind in the opening if you do not allow for door swing, handles, airflow clearance, and uneven floors. Getting the exact model dimensions first helps prevent fit issues and cooling problems.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the capacity of Whirlpool GSS26C5XXY02?
The Whirlpool GSS26C5XXY02 side-by-side refrigerator has a total capacity of 25.6 cu. ft.; it breaks down to 15.6 cu. ft. in the fresh food (refrigerator) section and 10.0 cu. ft. in the freezer. For confirmation, see the GSS26C5XXY02 owner's manual.
Capacity breakdown (what the numbers mean)
Capacity is the usable interior volume across both compartments.
| Compartment | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (fresh food) | 15.6 cu. ft. |
| Freezer | 10.0 cu. ft. |
| Total | 25.6 cu. ft. |
How we recommend verifying it on your unit
Use the model tag and the specs section so you are matching the correct configuration.
- Confirm the model/serial tag inside the fresh food compartment reads GSS26C5XXY02
- Check the “Product specifications” or “Capacity” section in the GSS26C5XXY02 owner's manual
- Compare total capacity and compartment split when shopping for replacement units or planning kitchen space
- Keep air vents clear; usable space drops when shelves are overpacked and vents are blocked
Why it matters
Knowing the exact 25.6 cu. ft. capacity helps with meal planning, grocery storage, and performance. Overloading a side-by-side can restrict airflow, which leads to warm spots, frost buildup, and odor issues.
Related maintenance that supports airflow and freshness
- Replace the refrigerator air filter W10311524 on schedule to help reduce odors
- Keep items from blocking return vents in both compartments
- Maintain typical temperature targets (37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer)
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Whirlpool side by side refrigerator not making ice but water works?
When your Whirlpool GSS26C5XXY02 dispenses water but won’t make ice, the problem is usually isolated to the ice maker circuit: freezer temperature, ice maker shutoff, a frozen fill tube, or the valve outlet that feeds the ice maker (even though the dispenser side still works). See the GSS26C5XXY02 owner's manual for model-specific checks and control settings.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the freezer is at 0°F to 5°F; ice makers often stop cycling if it is warmer.
- Make sure the ice maker is turned ON and the shutoff arm or switch is in the ON position.
- Dump the ice bin and check for a solid clump (cubes fused together can block harvesting).
- Look for a frozen fill tube above/behind the ice maker (a common cause when water still dispenses).
- Verify the door closes fully and the freezer door switch is working; the ice maker may pause if it thinks the door is open.
What to test next (most common causes)
1) Freezer not cold enough
If the freezer is above 5°F, the ice maker may fill but not harvest, or may not cycle at all.
2) Water inlet valve issue on the ice-maker side
Many side-by-side units use a dual outlet valve; one outlet feeds the dispenser and the other feeds the ice maker. The dispenser can work normally even if the ice-maker outlet is restricted or failing.
- If you suspect the valve, the model-matched part is the refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10238100.
3) Ice maker assembly not cycling
If the mold never fills and the fill tube is not frozen, the ice maker module can fail.
- The model-matched assembly is the refrigerator ice maker assembly WPW10251076.
Symptoms and likely fixes
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| No ice, no water in mold | Frozen fill tube or valve not opening | Thaw fill tube; test/replace valve |
| Mold fills, no harvest | Freezer too warm or ice maker failure | Confirm temps; test ice maker |
| Small/hollow cubes | Low water flow to ice maker | Check supply line; replace valve if needed |
Why it matters
Ice makers need the right freezer temperature and a dedicated, unrestricted water path. When only the ice side fails, it points to the ice maker controls, fill tube icing, or the ice-maker outlet of the inlet valve.
Last updated: January 2026





