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What are the top side by side refrigerators?
Top side-by-side refrigerators are the models that best match your priorities (reliability, ice and water performance, storage layout, and noise). If you’re comparing options to your GE TPH21PBSMWW, focus on practical features like door-bin capacity, freezer organization, and serviceable parts availability.
- Consistent temperatures: steady fresh food and freezer temps with minimal swings.
- Strong ice and water dispensing: smooth auger action, reliable solenoids, and easy-to-service dispenser parts.
- Good airflow and defrost performance: reduces frost buildup and warm spots.
- Quiet operation: low fan noise and minimal vibration.
- Usable storage: adjustable shelves, stable door bins, and freezer baskets that fit your typical items.
| What you care about most | What to prioritize | What to verify before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Ice dispensing reliability | Robust dispenser mechanism | Ice bucket fit, auger design, parts availability |
| Fewer frost issues | Proven defrost system | Defrost control type, heater/thermostat access |
| Lower noise | Efficient fan and compressor design | Fan noise reviews, vibration reports |
| Easy DIY repairs | Common, available replacement parts | Part diagrams, part availability, service access |
Use your current refrigerator as a baseline. If you’ve had issues with ice dispensing, defrosting, or door closing, compare new models specifically on those points.
Common service areas you can use as “comparison categories”:
- Ice bucket and auger performance (see bucket auger WR17X4312)
- Defrost system components (see refrigerator defrost timer WR9X489 and refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WR50X122)
- Door closing and alignment hardware (see refrigerator hinge cam WR02X10140)
A “top” side-by-side is not just about brand or price; it’s the one that keeps stable temperatures, dispenses ice and water reliably, and has a layout you will actually use every day. Comparing by real-world features and serviceability prevents buyer’s remorse.
Last updated: February 2026
How big is a GE TPH21PBSMWW refrigerator?
The GE TPH21PBSMWW is a full-size side-by-side refrigerator; most GE side-by-sides in this class are about 33 to 36 inches wide, 65 to 70 inches tall, and 30 to 35 inches deep (not counting door handles). For exact dimensions, measure your unit and compare to your installation space.
- Width: measure across the cabinet at the widest point (usually the doors)
- Height: floor to top of hinge cover (include leveling legs if extended)
- Depth: measure cabinet depth, then measure to the front of the handles separately
- Door swing clearance: allow extra space so doors open past 90 degrees
- Ventilation space: leave a small gap behind and above for airflow
| Measurement | Typical range for GE side-by-side | What to use for planning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 33 to 36 in. | Your measured width + clearance |
| Height | 65 to 70 in. | Your measured height + leveling |
| Depth (cabinet) | 30 to 35 in. | Add handle depth separately |
Correct dimensions prevent problems like doors hitting walls, drawers not pulling out fully, poor airflow that can affect cooling, and difficulty sliding the refrigerator into the opening.
A sagging door or a door that will not self-close can change how the refrigerator “fits” in the opening. If you are seeing that, common wear items include the lower hinge pin and door closer cam; you can match parts for this model such as the door hinge pin, lower WR13X10020 and refrigerator hinge cam WR02X10140.
Last updated: February 2026
Are GE side by side refrigerators good?
Yes. GE side-by-side refrigerators like model TPH21PBSMWW are a solid, long-running design that typically delivers dependable cooling, easy access to both fresh food and freezer sections, and convenient dispenser features. Overall quality depends most on condition, maintenance, and whether common wear parts are kept up.
A good side-by-side refrigerator should hold steady temperatures, seal tightly, and dispense ice and water reliably.
- Stable temps: fresh food about 37°F, freezer about 0°F
- Good door sealing: no warm spots, no heavy condensation
- Normal defrosting: no recurring frost blanket on the freezer back wall
- Consistent airflow: no blocked vents, no weak cooling in one section
- Dispenser reliability: lever, solenoid, and ice bucket work smoothly
| Area | What owners often like | What can become an issue over time |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Narrow doors fit tight kitchens; easy organization | Less wide shelf space than French-door models |
| Ice and water | Convenient through-the-door access | Ice maker/dispenser parts can wear or get noisy |
| Cooling system | Proven design; parts are widely available | Defrost problems can cause frost buildup and warm temps |
If performance is slipping, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Frost buildup or warm freezer: refrigerator defrost timer WR9X489, refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WR50X122
- Ice not dispensing or dispenser acting up: refrigerator dispenser lever WR17X3089, refrigerator ice dispenser solenoid collar WR62X23154, bucket auger WR17X4312
- Lights not working when the door opens: refrigerator light switch WR23X427 or light switch WR23X37285, plus 40A15/22 40A15
A side-by-side can seem “bad” when it is really a single failing component (like a defrost control or door switch). Replacing the right part restores temperature control, reduces frost, and prevents food spoilage.
Last updated: February 2026
