KitchenAid KSSC48FTS02 built-in refrigerator Parts

The KitchenAid KSSC48FTS02 built-in side-by-side refrigerator is a 48-inch class unit. Installed dimensions are approximately 48 1/4 in. wide (trim edge to trim edge), 83 3/8 in. high (with leveling legs set just below the rollers), and 25 3/8 in. deep from the front of the top grille to the back of the cabinet; see the installation guide for the exact fit details.

Key dimensions and clearances

• Width (trim edge to trim edge): 48 1/4 in. (122.6 cm)
• Height: 83 3/8 in. (211.8 cm)
• Depth (grille to back of cabinet): 25 3/8 in. (64.5 cm)
• Door swing clearance: doors must open at least 90°
• Corner clearance: allow 4 1/2 in. minimum between the side of the refrigerator and a corner wall
• Side tipping radius (for moving into place): 96 in. (243.8 cm)

Quick reference table

Measurement	KSSC48FTS02 spec	Notes
Width	48 1/4 in.	Measured trim edge to trim edge
Height	83 3/8 in.	With leveling legs extended 1/8 in. below rollers
Depth	25 3/8 in.	From front of top grille to back of cabinet
Side tipping radius	96 in.	Tip on side only when moving

Why the “48-inch” size matters

Built-in refrigerators like the KSSC48FTS02 are sized around the cabinet opening and trim. Getting the width, height, depth, and door-swing clearance right prevents installation issues such as doors hitting walls, trim not sitting flush, or inadequate ventilation.

Installation tip that prevents damage

• Keep doors taped closed until the refrigerator is fully installed
• Use two or more people to move and install the refrigerator
• Confirm the opening is square and level before final placement

Last updated: February 2026

KitchenAid is a top choice when you want a premium, built-in side-by-side refrigerator with long-term durability and strong fit-and-finish; for the best brand overall, we match the brand to your priorities (reliability, serviceability, features, and budget). For your KitchenAid built-in model KSSC48FTS02, the owner's manual is the best place to confirm which features and configurations you have.

How we define “best” for a side-by-side refrigerator

“Best” usually comes down to a few practical factors that affect day-to-day ownership:

• Reliability and lifespan (sealed system, fans, controls)
• Parts availability (water filter, ice maker, sensors, control boards)
• Ease of service (access to fans, condenser area, door seals)
• Water and ice performance (filtering, flow rate, ice production)
• Fit and installation needs (built-in vs freestanding, panel-ready vs stainless)

Brand guidance (what each brand is typically best at)

Here’s a quick, customer-friendly way to compare common side-by-side refrigerator brands:

Brand	Typical strengths	Best for
KitchenAid	Premium build, built-in options, strong design	Built-in kitchens, long-term ownership
GE	Broad lineup, good value, widely serviced	Mainstream features and value
LG	Feature-rich, often high owner satisfaction	Modern features and convenience
Samsung	Strong features and styling in many lines	Design-forward kitchens and features
Whirlpool / Frigidaire	Solid mainstream options	Budget-to-midrange replacements

Why your refrigerator type matters (built-in vs freestanding)

Your KSSC48FTS02 is a KitchenAid built-in side-by-side. Built-in units prioritize flush installation, cabinetry integration, and premium components, so “best brand” often means the brand that supports built-in ownership well over time.

What to prioritize on a built-in side-by-side

• Confirm the exact installation requirements in the installation guide
• Plan for routine maintenance (condenser cleaning, door seal checks)
• Keep water quality consistent to reduce dispenser and ice maker issues

Parts and maintenance that keep performance “best” over time

Even the best brand performs poorly with restricted water flow or weak airflow. For this model, two high-impact maintenance items are:

• Replace the water filter on schedule using the correct refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1
• Address airflow noises or warm temps promptly (evaporator fan, condenser fan, temperature sensor)

Helpful DIY reading

• How to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator

Why it matters

Choosing the “best” brand is really choosing the lowest-hassle ownership for your kitchen. When you align brand strengths with your needs (built-in fit, water and ice, serviceability), you get better temperature stability, fewer leaks and clogs, and longer component life.

Last updated: February 2026

Most KitchenAid refrigerators last 12 to 15 years on average, and 10 to 17 years is a normal real-world range. For a built-in model like KitchenAid KSSC48FTS02, lifespan depends most on condenser cleanliness, door seal condition, and how hard the sealed system and fans have to work; see the owner's manual for care and maintenance details.

Typical lifespan and what to expect

Built-in refrigerators are designed for long service, but they also run hotter and longer if airflow is restricted or seals leak.

• Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years
• Common range: 10 to 17 years
• Often replaced sooner because of: costly sealed-system repairs, control issues, or cosmetic wear

What matters most for longevity

Maintenance habits that extend life

• Keep the condenser area clean and unobstructed (dust buildup raises compressor heat).
• Make sure doors close fully every time; avoid overloading door bins and shelves.
• Replace the water filter on schedule to maintain flow and reduce strain on the dispenser system.
• Keep temperatures stable (avoid frequent setting changes and long door-open times).
• Fix unusual noises early (fan blades rubbing, failing fan motor, or ice buildup).

Parts that commonly affect performance over time

If cooling gets weak, temperatures swing, or you hear loud fan noise, these model-compatible parts are often involved:

Symptom	Common cause	Example part for KSSC48FTS02
Warm fridge or freezer, noisy airflow	Evaporator fan issue	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor W11671461
Temps fluctuate, food freezing or warming	Sensor (thermistor) drifting	Refrigerator temperature sensor WP2188820
Poor ice production or no ice	Ice maker wear	Refrigerator ice maker WPW10277450

Why it matters

A refrigerator that is running hot, leaking air at the gasket, or struggling to move air will cycle longer. That extra runtime accelerates wear on the compressor, fans, and controls, which shortens overall lifespan.

Last updated: February 2026