Maytag MSB27C2XAW00 refrigerator Parts

A standard side-by-side refrigerator is usually about 30 to 36 inches wide, 67 to 70 inches tall, and 29 to 35 inches deep (depth varies most depending on handles and whether it is counter-depth). For your Maytag MSB27C2XAW00, we recommend confirming the exact cutout and door-swing clearance in the MSB27C2XAW00 owner's manual.

Typical “standard” size ranges (what most homes are built around)

Side-by-side models are commonly designed to fit a similar footprint, but depth and height can change based on hinges, handles, and leveling legs.

• Width: 30 to 36 inches
• Height: 67 to 70 inches
• Depth: 29 to 35 inches (often deeper with handles)
• Door clearance: plan extra space so doors open fully and bins slide out
• Ventilation clearance: leave space around the cabinet for airflow

Quick sizing table (useful for measuring your space)

Measurement	Typical range	What to measure at home
Width	30 to 36 in.	Cabinet opening at the narrowest point
Height	67 to 70 in.	Floor to lowest overhead cabinet/soffit
Depth	29 to 35 in.	Wall to front of doors/handles
Clearance	Varies	Door swing plus room to pull drawers

How we recommend measuring before you buy parts or plan a move

• Measure opening width in 3 spots (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest number.
• Measure height from floor to the lowest obstruction (cabinet, trim, or soffit).
• Measure depth from the wall to the front edge of the counter, then decide if handles can stick out.
• Check door swing so the refrigerator and freezer doors can open wide enough to remove shelves.
• Confirm the unit is level; a refrigerator that leans can change door alignment and clearance.

Why it matters

Correct sizing prevents installation headaches and helps avoid airflow restrictions that can cause warm temperatures, frost buildup, or higher energy use. It also helps when ordering model-specific parts for the MSB27C2XAW00, such as a refrigerator air filter W10311524.

Last updated: February 2026

A side-by-side is “better” than a French door when you want easier freezer access, more door-bin storage, and a narrower door swing; a French door is “better” when you want wider fresh-food shelves and more flexible refrigerator storage. For your Maytag MSB27C2XAW00, the best choice depends on how you use the refrigerator and freezer.

Quick comparison (what most households notice)

Feature	Side-by-side (like MSB27C2XAW00)	French door
Fresh-food shelf width	Narrower (large platters can be tricky)	Wider (better for trays and pizza boxes)
Freezer access	Eye-level, easy to organize	Lower drawer, can require bending
Door swing clearance	Typically needs less clearance	Often needs more clearance
Door storage	Usually strong (tall bins on both doors)	Strong on fresh-food doors; freezer door storage varies
Typical “fit” in tight kitchens	Often easier	Sometimes harder

Choose a side-by-side if you want

• Faster access to frozen foods without bending as much
• Better visibility and organization for freezer items
• More door-bin storage for condiments and beverages
• A refrigerator that works well in a narrow aisle or galley kitchen
• A layout that pairs well with an in-door ice and water dispenser

Choose a French door if you want

• Wide refrigerator shelves for party trays, sheet pans, and large leftovers
• More flexible fresh-food storage (often more adjustable shelving)
• A freezer drawer that can hold bulky frozen items more easily
• A layout that encourages keeping fresh foods at eye level

Why it matters

The “best” style is the one that matches your habits. If you cook often and store wide platters, French door layouts usually feel more convenient. If you use the freezer daily and want everything visible and reachable, side-by-side layouts usually feel more efficient.

Helpful ownership tip for MSB27C2XAW00

If you are trying to improve freshness and reduce odors in a side-by-side, keeping airflow clear and replacing the air filter on schedule helps; see the owner's manual and consider the refrigerator air filter W10311524 if your model uses that style of filter.

If you decide you need replacement parts for your Maytag MSB27C2XAW00, we list model-matched parts on this page, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Maytag refrigerator typically lasts about 10 to 15 years with normal household use and routine maintenance. For your Maytag MSB27C2XAW00 side-by-side refrigerator, consistent cleaning, correct temperatures, and timely part replacement help you reach the high end of that range; see the MSB27C2XAW00 owner's manual for model-specific care guidance.

Typical lifespan and what affects it

Most refrigerator life expectancy comes down to heat management, airflow, and how hard the sealed system has to work.

• Condenser airflow: Dust and pet hair make the compressor run hotter and longer.
• Door seal condition: Leaky gaskets cause constant run time and frost issues.
• Ice maker and water system health: Slow fills and leaks add wear and can create icing.
• Temperature settings: We recommend 37°F to 40°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
• Usage patterns: Frequent door openings and overpacking reduce cooling efficiency.

Maintenance checklist (simple, high impact)

Use this schedule to extend the life of your MSB27C2XAW00.

• Vacuum the front grille and condenser area every 3 to 6 months.
• Keep vents inside both compartments clear (do not block return air paths).
• Replace the air filter on schedule; use the refrigerator air filter W10311524 when your model uses that style.
• Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or hardened spots; clean with mild soap and water.
• If you have dispenser or ice issues, follow the steps in how to diagnose a faulty refrigerator water inlet valve.

Quick guide: “repair or replace” decision

What you’re seeing	Most common cause	Usually worth repairing?
Warm fridge, freezer OK	Airflow/evaporator fan issue	Yes
No ice or slow ice	Water supply or inlet valve	Yes
Heavy frost, warm temps	Defrost problem	Yes
Loud clicking, won’t start	Start components or compressor circuit	Sometimes
Poor cooling plus sealed-system symptoms	Sealed system/compressor related	Depends

Why it matters

A refrigerator that runs longer than it should uses more electricity and puts extra stress on key components like the evaporator fan motor, defrost system, and compressor. Basic upkeep and replacing wear items early can prevent bigger failures.

Last updated: February 2026

On Maytag refrigerators like model MSB27C2XAW00, the year is encoded in the serial number’s date code. In the common Maytag format, the first letter of the date code indicates the year, and the second letter indicates the month. Use the decoding chart in your MSB27C2XAW00 owner's manual to match that year letter to a calendar year.

How to find the date code on the serial tag

On most Maytag side-by-side refrigerators, the serial tag is inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall or near the ceiling). Once you locate it, look for the two-letter date code within the serial number.

• Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
• Identify the two-letter date code (often near the end)
• The 1st letter = year
• The 2nd letter = month
• Compare the year letter to the manual’s chart to get the exact year

Quick example (how the letters work)

If your serial number ends with something like …LA:

• L = year (you match this letter to the year chart)
• A = month (you match this letter to the month chart)

Why it matters

Knowing the manufacturing year helps us choose the right Maytag refrigerator parts and troubleshooting steps for your MSB27C2XAW00, especially for common repairs like ice maker issues, water dispenser problems, and cooling complaints.

Related parts that often depend on the exact model and production run

If you are ordering parts after you confirm the year, these are commonly replaced items for this model:

• Refrigerator ice maker WPW10251076
• Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10341320
• Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549
• Refrigerator air filter W10311524

What you need	Where to use it	Why it helps
Model number (MSB27C2XAW00)	Parts lookup	Ensures correct fit
Serial number date code	Age identification	Confirms year and month
Exact part ID	Ordering	Avoids wrong replacement

You can order replacement parts for MSB27C2XAW00 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Maytag MSB27C2XAW00 side-by-side refrigerator, you can start a forced defrost by holding the refrigerator door light switch closed and pressing the Refrigerator Temperature DOWN (minus) key 3 times in a row; the unit then runs a timed defrost to melt evaporator frost and restore airflow. Confirm your exact control sequence in the MSB27C2XAW00 owner's manual.

Steps to enter forced defrost

• Keep the refrigerator door open so you can access the door light switch.
• Press and hold the door light switch closed.
• Press Refrigerator Temp DOWN (minus) 3 times consecutively.
• Release the switch and listen for changes (fans may pause; you may hear sizzling as frost melts).
• Let the cycle run; keep doors closed as much as possible during and after.

What you should see and hear

During forced defrost	Normal?	What we do next
Evaporator fan stops	Yes	Wait for the cycle to complete
Sizzling or dripping	Yes	Place towels if needed
No noticeable change after 10 minutes	No	Use the checks below

If forced defrost will not start or frost returns quickly

• Make sure the door switch is working; a failed switch can prevent the command from being accepted (see refrigerator push-button switch W11384469).
• Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall; that pattern points to a defrost-system issue.
• If the defrost thermostat is open when it should be closed, the heater will not energize; replace the model-compatible refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581.
• If the evaporator fan is not running after defrost, cooling will still be weak; follow how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
• Order MSB27C2XAW00 parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Why it matters

Forced defrost is a quick diagnostic step. If cooling improves briefly and then warms again within a day or two, the defrost system or airflow components (fan, thermostat, controls) need attention.

Last updated: February 2026