What's better, a side by side or a French door refrigerator?
For most households, a French door refrigerator is better for fresh-food organization and fitting wide platters, while a side-by-side is better for freezer organization and narrow kitchen layouts. For Frigidaire model FRFS2823AD2, the “better” choice depends on your space, freezer habits, and how often you store wide items.
Quick comparison (what you will notice day to day)
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Narrower shelves; more vertical storage | Wide shelves; easier for platters and pizza boxes |
| Freezer use | Eye-level shelves; easier to organize | Pull-out drawer; can bury items |
| Door swing in tight kitchens | Often easier in narrow aisles | Needs more clearance for wide doors |
| Ice and water | Common in-door dispenser | Common in-door dispenser |
| Typical price | Often lower for similar capacity | Often higher for similar capacity |
Choose a side-by-side if you want
- Better freezer visibility and shelf organization (bags, boxes, meal prep)
- A refrigerator that fits a narrow galley-style kitchen
- Easier access to frozen foods without bending as much
- Less chance of wide items getting blocked by door bins
Choose a French door if you want
- Wide, flexible fresh-food storage for trays, platters, and party items
- A more “fresh-food first” layout (what most people use most)
- Better separation of produce and deli items across wider shelves
- A freezer drawer that holds bulky items (but needs organizing)
Why it matters (storage and efficiency)
The layout affects how often doors stay open and how easily you can keep food visible. Better visibility and organization typically reduces food waste and helps the refrigerator maintain steadier temperatures.
Tips to get the best experience from either style
- Keep the refrigerator 35°F to 38°F and the freezer 0°F to 5°F for safe storage.
- If you see temperature swings or odd display behavior, use Frigidaire refrigerator error codes to narrow down the issue.
- If you have water taste, slow dispensing, or ice issues, start with the filter and follow how to replace the water filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator is reduced usable width in both compartments, which makes it harder to store wide items like pizza boxes, party trays, and large platters. For Frigidaire model FRFS2823AD2, this layout tradeoff is the main “con” compared with French door designs.
Common side-by-side drawbacks
- Narrow shelves can limit wide or bulky food storage (platters, sheet cakes, pizza boxes).
- Fresh-food items can be less “at eye level” because the refrigerator section runs top-to-bottom.
- Freezer organization can feel tighter for large bags or oversized containers.
- Door bins often hold a lot, but they can reduce interior shelf space when the door is closed.
- More door openings (fridge side vs freezer side) can mean more temperature swings during heavy use.
Side-by-side vs French door: quick comparison
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf width | Narrower | Wider |
| Frozen food access | Eye-level shelves | Lower drawer |
| Fresh food access | Full-height section | Most-used items often at eye level |
| Best for | Frequent freezer access, tight kitchens | Wide items, fresh-food organization |
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Use slim bins to “zone” foods (deli, snacks, leftovers) so items do not get lost.
- Store wide items vertically when possible (cut pizza box, use a tray, or repackage).
- Keep airflow clear; avoid packing items against vents to prevent warm spots.
- If doors do not seal tightly, fix alignment or sealing issues to protect temperatures; see how to fix a fridge door seal.
Why it matters
The side-by-side layout is a space and access tradeoff: you gain convenient freezer shelves at eye level, but you give up shelf width. Knowing this helps you choose storage containers and organization habits that fit the FRFS2823AD2 layout.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is water collecting in the bottom of my Frigidaire freezer?
Water collecting in the bottom of the freezer on your Frigidaire FRFS2823AD2 almost always means the defrost drain is clogged or frozen, so defrost water cannot flow to the drain pan and instead spills into the freezer floor.
What to check first (fast, no parts)
- Unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the breaker.
- Remove the freezer drawer/bins so you can see the rear interior panel.
- Look for a sheet of ice on the freezer floor or ice buildup at the back wall.
- Thaw the drain area using a hair dryer on low (keep heat moving) or warm towels.
- Flush the drain with hot water using a turkey baster to confirm it flows freely.
Common causes and fixes
1) Frozen or clogged defrost drain
This is the most common cause. After thawing, flushing the drain is what prevents the water from returning.
2) Door not sealing well (adds moisture that refreezes)
Warm, humid air leaking in can create excess frost that overwhelms the drain.
- Inspect the gasket for gaps, tears, or hardened sections.
- Clean the gasket and the cabinet sealing surface with mild soap and warm water.
- If the gasket is warped, gently warm it and reshape it so it sits flat.
If you need a replacement, match the correct gasket for your door color and position, such as the Frigidaire refrigerator freezer door gasket (gray) 5304537408 or the Frigidaire refrigerator door gasket (white) 241778315.
3) Defrost system issue (ice keeps coming back quickly)
If the drain freezes again within days, the unit may not be defrosting properly. A common diagnostic path is checking the defrost heater circuit and temperature sensing.
| Symptom | Most likely area | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Water appears after a defrost cycle | Drain frozen/clogged | Thaw and flush drain |
| Heavy frost on back wall, poor cooling | Defrost system | Check heater/sensors |
| Frost plus warm door edges or gaps | Door seal/closure | Inspect gasket and alignment |
Why it matters
Standing water can refreeze into a thick ice layer, block airflow, and lead to warmer freezer temperatures, soft ice cream, and inconsistent ice maker performance.
Helpful DIY guides
Last updated: January 2026





