Is a side-by-side refrigerator better than a French door?
A side-by-side refrigerator like the Kenmore 10658989800 is better when you want narrow-door clearance, easy freezer organization, and a typically lower price; a French door is better when you want wide fresh-food shelves for platters and large items. The best choice depends on kitchen space, freezer needs, and how you store groceries.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs French door
| Feature | Side-by-side (like 10658989800) | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food storage | Tall, narrower shelves | Wide shelves, great for trays |
| Freezer access | Eye-level shelves, organized | Lower drawer, larger bins |
| Door swing in tight kitchens | Usually easier | Often needs more clearance |
| Large items (pizza boxes, sheet pans) | Harder to fit | Easier to fit |
| Typical cost | Often lower | Often higher |
When a side-by-side is the better pick
- Your kitchen is tight and you need narrower doors to open without hitting walls or islands.
- You use the freezer often and want items at eye level.
- You prefer more shelves and compartments for organizing frozen foods.
- You want a straightforward layout with less bending for freezer access.
When a French door is the better pick
- You store wide items (party platters, large deli trays, pizza boxes) in the refrigerator section.
- You want more flexible fresh-food shelving and a modern layout.
- You do more fresh-food cooking than freezer storage.
Space and installation details that matter
Even if you switch styles, measuring correctly prevents door-swing and service headaches. For side-by-side refrigerators like this Kenmore, our manual guidance includes:
- Plan about 1/2 inch clearance on each side and at the top for ventilation.
- If installed next to a fixed wall, plan about 2 inches minimum on the hinge side so doors can swing.
- If you have an ice maker, leave extra room behind for the water line connection.
For the exact clearances and setup steps for this model, use the owner's manual.
Why it matters
Choosing the right door style affects daily convenience (how often you bend, what fits on shelves), energy use (door-open time), and whether doors and drawers can open fully in your kitchen.
If you are shopping for replacement parts for your Kenmore 10658989800, we list model-matched parts on this page, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10658989800, the model number is printed on the appliance identification label (the same label that lists the serial number). You will typically find this label inside the fresh food compartment, along the side wall near the top, or around the door opening. For the exact label location on your unit, use the 10658989800 owner's manual.
Common places to check first
Look in these spots before pulling the refrigerator out:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the temperature control area
- On the frame around the door opening (door jamb area)
- Behind the base grille (lower front kickplate area)
- On the back exterior panel (if you cannot find it inside)
What the label looks like (and what to write down)
The ID label usually includes both a model number and a serial number.
| Item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts and diagrams to your exact refrigerator | 10658989800 |
| Serial number | Identifying production run and date information | Letters plus numbers |
Why it matters for parts and troubleshooting
Using the correct model number ensures we match the right Kenmore parts for your refrigerator, such as the refrigerator ice maker WPW10190965 or the refrigerator inlet valve W10408179. Even small model variations can change the correct water system, door hardware, or defrost components.
Quick tips if the label is hard to read
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth and dry it (avoid harsh cleaners)
- Use your phone camera and zoom in for clearer text
- Write the model number exactly as shown, including all digits
- If you’re ordering parts, start with the parts list for model 10658989800, then use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number if you need additional items
Last updated: February 2026
How wide is a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator?
Most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are about 36 inches wide. For the Kenmore 10658989800, the installation requirements call for a minimum 36 inch cabinet cutout width, which matches the typical overall refrigerator width for this style; confirm exact exterior dimensions in the 10658989800 owner's manual.
What “width” should you measure?
Different measurements are used for planning a kitchen opening. Use the one that matches your project.
- Overall cabinet width: outside edge to outside edge of the refrigerator case
- Door and handle clearance: extra space needed so doors open fully
- Cabinet opening (cutout) width: the space between cabinets where the refrigerator slides in
- Service clearance: room for airflow and water line connections (if you have an ice maker)
Model 10658989800 width and clearance guidelines
The manual gives a clear planning number for the opening, plus side clearances for ventilation and door swing.
| Planning item | What to use for 10658989800 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum cabinet cutout width | 36 in | Ensures the refrigerator fits into the opening |
| Side and top ventilation space | 1/2 in each side and top | Helps cooling performance and reduces overheating |
| Clearance next to a fixed wall (door swing) | 2 in minimum (each side, depending on setup) | Prevents doors from binding and improves access |
| If you want full crisper removal against an extended wall | 54 in recommended opening | Allows drawers to slide out without hitting the wall |
Quick measuring tips (so you do it once)
- Measure the opening width in three places (top, middle, bottom); use the smallest number.
- If the refrigerator sits next to a wall, plan for door swing clearance so bins and drawers are usable.
- If you use the ice maker or water dispenser, leave room behind the unit for the water line.
- If you are replacing a worn door seal that affects alignment and closing, check the door gasket options such as the refrigerator gasket panel (white) 2159075.
Why it matters
A side-by-side that is “36 inches wide” often still needs extra space for airflow and door swing. Planning to the cabinet cutout and clearance numbers helps prevent poor cooling, noisy operation, and doors that do not open far enough to remove crispers.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 10658989800 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
A Kenmore 10658989800 side-by-side refrigerator usually stops cooling because it is not getting power, the temperature controls are set incorrectly (including the refrigerator control set to OFF), airflow is blocked, or a defrost or fan problem is preventing cold air from circulating. See the control settings in the owner's manual.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the power cord is fully plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Test the outlet with a lamp; reset the breaker or replace a blown fuse if needed.
- Make sure both controls are ON and set near the factory mid-settings.
- Verify the refrigerator control is not set to OFF (the unit will not cool in OFF).
- Allow a full 24 hours after installation or major temperature changes for cooling to stabilize.
- Check that vents are not blocked by food packages (blocked vents reduce airflow).
Common causes and what they look like
| What can cause “no cooling” | What you may notice | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Power issue (outlet, breaker, loose plug) | Lights off, no fan/compressor sound | Restore power; then recheck temps after several hours |
| Controls set wrong or set to OFF | Unit runs little or not at all; temps rise | Set both controls to mid-settings; wait 24 hours |
| Doors left open or frequent opening | Warm temps; unit runs a lot | Confirm doors seal and close; reduce openings |
| Evaporator fan problem | Freezer cold spots, fridge warm; weak airflow | Inspect for ice buildup; consider evaporator fan motor WP2315549 if fan is not running |
| Defrost system problem (frosted evaporator) | Heavy frost on rear freezer panel; airflow drops | Defrost and diagnose; common parts include defrost heater WP2323198 and bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 |
Why it matters
Cooling depends on steady power, correct thermostat settings, and unobstructed airflow. If the controls are set colder than recommended, it will not cool faster; it just increases run time. A defrost failure or failed evaporator fan can stop cold air from reaching the refrigerator side.
Parts that often solve “not cooling” symptoms
If your troubleshooting points to a specific failure, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Evaporator fan motor WP2315549 (moves cold air through the compartments)
- Defrost heater WP2323198 (melts frost off the evaporator)
- Bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 (helps control defrost cycling)
- Refrigerator temperature control WP2315562 (sets compartment temperatures)
For ordering, use the parts list for model 10658989800, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 10658989800 are cooling issues, water leaks, ice maker or dispenser troubles, and unusual noises. Many of these come down to airflow (dirty coils or a failed fan), defrost-system faults, or water-supply components; the 10658989800 owner's manual troubleshooting section is a strong first stop.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: restricted airflow, dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan problems, or defrost ice buildup.
- Frost buildup in the freezer: defrost heater or defrost thermostat issues.
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, or a leaking inlet valve.
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply problem, inlet valve issue, or ice maker failure.
- Noisy operation: normal operating sounds, fan blade rubbing ice, or a failing fan motor.
Model 10658989800 parts that commonly relate to these problems
If symptoms point to a specific system, these parts on our list are frequent fixes for this model:
| Symptom | System to check | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer | Airflow in freezer section | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 |
| Heavy frost, poor cooling | Defrost system | Refrigerator defrost heater WP2323198 or refrigerator bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 |
| No ice or slow ice | Water supply to ice maker | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 or refrigerator ice maker WPW10190965 |
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Confirm the controls are set correctly and allow 24 hours after a new install or major adjustment for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure vents inside the refrigerator and freezer are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils (dust buildup can cause warm temps and longer run times).
- If you have an ice maker or dispenser issue, verify the refrigerator is connected to a cold water supply and the shutoff valve is fully open.
- Listen for where the noise is coming from (freezer fan area vs. back near the compressor).
Why it matters
Cooling, ice, and leak complaints often share the same root causes: poor air circulation, defrost problems, or restricted water flow. Catching these early helps prevent food spoilage, recurring ice buildup, and water damage.
For ordering, you can buy replacement parts from the parts list for model 10658989800, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





