Is GE side by side a good refrigerator?
Yes. A GE side-by-side refrigerator like model GSS23WSTASS is a solid, practical choice for everyday use because it balances easy access to fresh and frozen food, built-in water and ice convenience, and straightforward maintenance. For model-specific features and care guidance, use the GSS23WSTASS owner's manual.
What “good” means for a side-by-side
A side-by-side design is usually the best fit when you want consistent organization and quick access to both compartments.
Strengths most owners value
- Narrow door swing compared with many French-door models (helpful in tighter kitchens)
- Eye-level access to frequently used shelves and door bins
- Built-in water dispenser and ice maker convenience
- Adjustable shelving for flexible storage
- Simple day-to-day upkeep (filters, bulbs, switches are common DIY items)
Tradeoffs to expect
- Freezer compartment is narrower; wide pizza boxes and large platters can be harder to fit
- Ice makers can sound louder during harvest cycles
- If airflow is blocked, temperatures can vary more than expected
Quick checklist: how to judge your unit’s performance
Use this list to decide if your refrigerator is performing like a “good” one in real life.
- Holds steady temperatures (fresh food about 37°F; freezer about 0°F)
- Ice maker keeps up with your household demand
- Water tastes clean and flow stays strong
- Doors seal tightly; no persistent condensation around gaskets
- No repeated frost buildup on the freezer back wall
Common upgrades and maintenance that keep it “good”
A lot of satisfaction comes from keeping core wear items current.
| Need | What you’ll notice | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Better-tasting water | Odor, taste, slow flow | GE refrigerator water filter MWFP |
| Lights not working | Dark interior or dispenser area | Refrigerator light bulb 40A15 |
| Warm temps or odd cycling | Temps drift, food softens | GE profile refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 |
Why it matters
A side-by-side refrigerator depends on steady airflow and accurate temperature sensing. When basics like the water filter, lighting, and temperature sensor are in good shape, the refrigerator stays more consistent, more convenient, and easier to live with.
You can order replacement parts for your GE GSS23WSTASS from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a GE refrigerator?
The most common problem we see with GE refrigerators like model GSS23WSTASS is inadequate cooling (fresh food too warm, freezer not staying at temperature). In many cases, the cause is restricted airflow or heat not being removed efficiently, so the compressor runs longer than normal.
Most common causes of poor cooling
Start with the items that most often create “warm fridge” complaints:
- Condenser area is dirty or blocked, so heat cannot dissipate well
- Air vents are blocked by food packages, reducing circulation between sections
- Doors are not sealing or are being held slightly open
- Evaporator fan is not moving air through the freezer and into the fresh food section
- Defrost system issue leads to frost buildup that chokes airflow
Quick checks you can do first
These steps solve a large share of cooling complaints without parts replacement:
- Confirm the doors close fully and nothing is preventing closure
- Make sure vents inside the refrigerator and freezer are not covered
- Listen for normal operating sounds; newer units can run longer and sound different during normal operation
- Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning or inspecting components (setting controls to Off does not remove power to the light circuit)
- If you move the refrigerator to clean behind it, pull it straight out and avoid rolling over the power cord or icemaker supply line
Parts that commonly fix cooling-related symptoms
If basic airflow and cleaning checks do not restore normal temperatures, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part for GSS23WSTASS |
|---|---|---|
| Temperatures swing or read incorrectly | Temperature sensor | GE profile refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 |
| Frost buildup, warm fresh food section | Defrost thermostat | Refrigerator defrost thermostat WR50X10068 |
| Freezer cold but fresh food warm, weak airflow | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator evaporator motor WR60X10307 |
For control settings, normal sounds, and safety steps, use the owner's manual.
Why it matters
When airflow is restricted or the defrost system is not clearing frost, the refrigerator can run for extended periods and still struggle to cool. Fixing the root cause protects food quality and reduces strain on sealed-system components.
You can order replacement parts for your GSS23WSTASS from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find the model number on my GSS23WSTASS?
For your GE GSS23WSTASS side-by-side refrigerator, the model number is printed on the rating label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; it’s located at the top on the right side. For a diagram and exact label location, use the GSS23WSTASS owner's manual.
Where to look (fast checklist)
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door, not the freezer door
- Look inside the compartment, near the top
- Check the right-side wall area for a label or sticker
- Write down both the model and serial numbers
- Take a clear photo of the label for parts ordering
Why the model number matters
The model number ensures you get the correct GE parts that fit your exact configuration (for example, water filtration, dispenser, and temperature control components). It also helps match the right diagrams and troubleshooting steps.
Model vs. serial number (what each one does)
| Number on the label | What it identifies | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The exact refrigerator design and parts list | Ordering parts, looking up diagrams, checking features |
| Serial number | The specific unit and production details | Service history, warranty paperwork, age reference |
If the label is hard to read
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth and dry it
- Use your phone flashlight at an angle to reduce glare
- Zoom in with your camera and read from the photo
Last updated: March 2026





