Are side by side refrigerators good?
Yes; side-by-side refrigerators are a strong choice when you want equal, eye-level access to both fresh food and frozen items and you prefer shelf-style freezer storage. For your Frigidaire FRFS2823AD5 specifically, the layout is bottom-mount (French door), so use the side-by-side guidance below only if you are comparing styles.
Side-by-side designs work especially well for households that use the freezer often and want organized, easy-to-reach freezer shelves.
- Great freezer visibility and organization (more shelves, less stacking)
- Less bending to reach frozen foods compared with bottom-freezer drawers
- Narrower doors can help in tighter aisles where a wide door would hit an island
- Narrow compartments make wide platters and pizza boxes harder to fit
- Less full-width shelf space than many French door models
| Feature | Side-by-side | Bottom-mount French door (like FRFS2823AD5) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Freezer-heavy use | Fresh-food-heavy use |
| Freezer access | Shelves at mid height | Lower drawer, more bending |
| Wide-item storage | Harder | Easier (wider shelves) |
| Door swing | Two narrow doors | Two wider doors |
- Measure opening width, depth, and door-swing clearance
- List your “largest items” (sheet pans, party platters, frozen pizza boxes)
- Decide whether you access freezer items daily or only occasionally
- Confirm the door seal is tight; air leaks cause frost, moisture, and longer run times
“Good” depends on how you shop and store food; the right layout reduces wasted space and keeps temperatures steadier. If you notice gaps, condensation, or frost at the door on FRFS2823AD5, a worn gasket is a common cause; see refrigerator freezer door gasket 5304537408.
Related DIY help: how to fix a fridge door seal
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Frigidaire side by side freezer frosting up?
Freezer frost in your Frigidaire FRFS2823AD5 is almost always caused by warm, moist air leaking into the freezer, most commonly from a door that is not sealing or being held slightly open. Start by checking the door gasket seal, door alignment, and airflow vents before replacing parts.
- Make sure the freezer door closes fully and is not bouncing back open.
- Check for packages, bins, or shelves preventing the door from shutting.
- Inspect the door seal for gaps, rips, or areas that look flattened.
- Clean the gasket and the cabinet sealing surface with mild soap and warm water; dry fully.
- Confirm interior vents are not blocked by food (blocked vents can cause uneven temps and frost).
- Check the ice chute area for ice buildup that can keep the chute door from closing.
A poor seal lets humid kitchen air enter; that moisture freezes on the evaporator cover and freezer walls.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Frost mainly near the door edge | Air leak at gasket | Clean and reseat gasket; check for warping |
| Frost after frequent openings | Normal moisture load is high | Reduce open time; organize items for quick access |
| Frost plus door feels misaligned | Hinge/level issue | Check leveling and hinge condition |
If the gasket is torn, hardened, or won’t seal after cleaning and reseating, replacement is the reliable fix. For this model, a common seal-related part is the refrigerator freezer door gasket 5304537408.
If the door seal checks out but frost keeps returning quickly, look for signs of restricted airflow or a fan problem:
- Freezer temperature swings (too warm then too cold)
- Weak airflow from vents
- Unusual fan noise or no fan sound
A failed evaporator fan can contribute to poor circulation and frost patterns; the Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206 is one part we often see involved in airflow complaints.
For step-by-step troubleshooting, we recommend our how to fix your evaporator cooling fan guide.
Heavy frost reduces airflow, makes the compressor run longer, and can cause warmer freezer temps, soft ice cream, and inconsistent ice production. Fixing the air leak or airflow issue early prevents repeat frosting and food quality problems.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find the model number on my FRFS2823AD5?
The model number for your Frigidaire refrigerator is printed on the appliance’s rating label. On FRFS2823AD5, you will typically find that label inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall, near the top, or around the door opening.
Check these common label locations first:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right interior wall
- Along the ceiling area inside the fresh food section
- On the frame around the door opening (door jamb)
- Behind the crisper drawers on an interior wall
- On the back exterior panel near the bottom (less common)
Most Frigidaire model and serial labels include:
- Model (example: FRFS2823AD5)
- Serial number (unique to your unit)
- Electrical ratings (volts, amps)
- Manufacturing information
Use this to make sure you are copying the right number.
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts to your exact refrigerator | FRFS2823AD5 |
| Serial number | Production-specific identification | Varies |
| Part number | Identifies a replacement part | FPPWFU01 |
Even small model-number differences can change which water filter, door gasket, control board, or fan motor fits. Once you confirm the model number, you can match parts confidently, such as the Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01.
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth and dry it
- Use your phone camera and zoom in for clarity
- Copy the model number exactly, including all letters and numbers
Last updated: March 2026





