The Frigidaire Gallery GRFN2853AF is a 36-inch standard-depth French door refrigerator that delivers 27.8 cubic feet of total capacity, dual ice makers, and a smudge-proof stainless steel finish. This guide walks through its features, specs, performance, and who it's best suited for, so you can decide whether it belongs in your kitchen.
Quick Overview
The GRFN2853AF is a family-sized French door fridge with a freezer-bottom design, dual ice makers (one in the door, one in the freezer), even-temp cooling, and an auto-close door system. It targets shoppers who want premium capacity and ice production without stepping up to a counter-depth or smart-connected model.
Key Features at a Glance
27.8 cu. ft. — 19.9 cu. ft. fresh food and 7.9 cu. ft. freezer.
Ice maker in the left French door plus a second ice maker in the freezer drawer for up to ~8 lbs of combined production.
Variable-speed compressor and continuous airflow help reduce temperature swings throughout the fresh food compartment.
Sealed humidity-controlled drawers help keep produce fresh longer.
Doors gently pull themselves shut if left slightly ajar, helping prevent warm air leaks.
Built-in water and ice filtration certified to reduce contaminants in drinking water.
Full Specifications
| Model Number | GRFN2853AF |
|---|---|
| Configuration | French Door, Bottom Freezer |
| Total Capacity | 27.8 cu. ft. |
| Refrigerator Capacity | 19.9 cu. ft. |
| Freezer Capacity | 7.9 cu. ft. |
| Depth Type | Standard Depth |
| Width | 35.75 in |
| Height | 70 in |
| Depth (door closed, with handles) | ~35.5 in |
| Depth (door closed, without handles) | ~33.5 in |
| Finish | Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel |
| Ice Makers | Dual (door + freezer) |
| Water Filter | PureSource Ultra II (EPTWFU01) |
| Air Filter | PureAir Ultra II |
| Energy Rating | ENERGY STAR Certified |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Parts & Labor |
Design and Build
The GRFN2853AF uses a classic French door layout: two side-by-side fresh food doors on top and a single pull-out freezer drawer on the bottom. The smudge-proof stainless finish resists fingerprints, which is a practical upgrade for high-traffic kitchens with kids.
Inside, the fresh food compartment uses adjustable spill-safe glass shelves, gallon door bins, and two CrispSeal crisper drawers. A full-width deli/snack drawer sits just above the crispers. LED interior lighting is bright and evenly distributed.
The freezer drawer features a two-tier organization system with a sliding upper basket and a deeper lower bin, plus the secondary ice maker tucked along the side wall to preserve usable storage space.
Cooling Performance
EvenTemp cooling is the headline performance feature. By using a variable-speed inverter compressor, the fridge can ramp output up or down rather than cycling fully on/off, which helps maintain a tighter temperature band. In practice this means fewer warm spots near the doors and more consistent temperatures on lower shelves.
Good to know: The variable-speed compressor also runs more quietly during normal operation than older single-speed Frigidaire compressors, though you'll still hear occasional ice drops and defrost cycles.
Ice and Water
The dual ice maker setup is the GRFN2853AF's biggest selling point versus cheaper Frigidaire French door models. The in-door maker produces cubed ice for the internal dispenser (this model uses an interior dispenser rather than a through-the-door panel), while the freezer-mounted maker boosts overall daily production — useful for entertaining or large households. Note that the water dispenser is located inside the fresh food compartment rather than on the exterior door, meaning you must open the refrigerator door each time you fill a glass.
Water filtration is handled by the PureSource Ultra II cartridge, which Frigidaire recommends replacing every six months. The filter is located inside the fresh food compartment for tool-free swaps.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Generous 27.8 cu. ft. total capacity
- Dual ice makers produce more ice than most competitors at this price
- EvenTemp variable-speed cooling for stable temps
- Smudge-proof stainless finish hides fingerprints
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Auto-close doors reduce energy waste
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or smart-home integration
- Standard depth — sticks out past most cabinets
- Interior dispenser only (no external water/ice panel)
- Only a 1-year base warranty
- Second ice maker reduces freezer storage slightly
Installation Considerations
- Cutout dimensions: Plan for at least 36 in width, 70 in height (plus 1–2 in overhead clearance for door hinge operation), and adequate rear clearance (about 2 in) for ventilation.
- Doors: Allow 90° door swing on both sides for full crisper drawer removal.
- Water line: A 1/4-inch cold water supply with shutoff valve is required for the ice makers and water dispenser.
- Power: Standard 115V grounded outlet; do not use an extension cord.
- Leveling: Use the front leveling legs and rear rollers to ensure doors close properly and the auto-close feature works as designed.
Maintenance Tips
- Replace the PureSource Ultra II water filter every 6 months (or when the indicator light comes on).
- Replace the PureAir Ultra II air filter every 6 months for best odor control.
- Clean condenser coils every 6–12 months — they're accessible from the front bottom grille.
- Wipe door gaskets monthly with warm soapy water to maintain a tight seal.
- Empty and clean the ice bins periodically, especially if you don't use ice frequently, to prevent clumping and stale taste.
Who Should Buy It?
The GRFN2853AF is a strong pick for families and households that prioritize storage volume and ice production over smart features or built-in aesthetics. If you frequently entertain, have a busy household, or simply burn through ice quickly, the dual ice maker setup is a meaningful upgrade.
It's less ideal if you want a flush, counter-depth look, need Wi-Fi connectivity, or prefer a through-the-door water/ice dispenser for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRFN2853AF counter-depth?
No. It's a standard-depth model and will protrude several inches past typical 24-inch base cabinets.
How much ice can the dual ice makers produce?
Combined daily production is roughly 8 pounds of ice, with the freezer-based maker contributing the larger share.
Does it have Wi-Fi or smart features?
No. The GRFN2853AF does not include Wi-Fi, app control, or voice assistant integration.
What water filter does it use?
The PureSource Ultra II (model EPTWFU01), recommended for replacement every 6 months.
Is it ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes, the GRFN2853AF meets ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements.
What's the warranty?
Frigidaire provides a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor. Extended coverage may be available from the retailer.
Final Thoughts
The Frigidaire Gallery GRFN2853AF hits a sweet spot for shoppers who want a large, well-organized French door refrigerator with serious ice-making capacity, without paying for smart features they may not use. EvenTemp cooling, CrispSeal drawers, and auto-close doors round out a solid feature set, while the smudge-proof finish keeps the exterior looking clean. If standard depth fits your kitchen and you can live without app connectivity, it's a practical, capacity-first choice.