What is the top part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore 36379562990 top-mount refrigerator, the top section is the freezer compartment (often just called the freezer). It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep food frozen and support ice-making if your unit has an ice maker.
Common names you’ll hear
- Freezer compartment
- Freezer section
- Top freezer
- Freezer cabinet (less common)
- Freezer door (refers to the door, not the compartment)
What the top freezer does (and why it matters)
The freezer isn’t just extra storage; it’s a key part of how the refrigerator maintains safe temperatures. Cold air is produced at the evaporator and circulated to keep both sections at the right temps.
Why it matters
If the freezer temperature rises, the fresh food section usually warms up soon after. That’s why many cooling complaints start with checking freezer performance first.
Quick temperature targets
Use these as practical setpoints for most top-mount refrigerators:
| Compartment | Typical target temperature | What it helps prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (top) | 0°F | Soft ice cream, thawing food |
| Refrigerator (bottom) | 37°F to 40°F | Freezing produce, food spoilage |
Parts that commonly affect freezer performance
If you’re troubleshooting cooling, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Thermostat WR50X10010 (temperature control issues)
- Refrigerator defrost timer WR9X520 (defrost cycle problems)
- Refrigerator defrost heater WR51X466 (heavy frost, weak airflow)
Where to confirm features for your exact setup
Your freezer layout (shelves, ice maker provisions, controls) can vary by configuration. We recommend checking the owner's manual for the exact compartment names and control locations for model 36379562990.
You can also order replacement parts for Kenmore 36379562990 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore 36379562990?
Kenmore is a brand name, not a single manufacturer; the Kenmore 363 model prefix (as in 36379562990) identifies the original manufacturer as GE (General Electric) for this top-mount refrigerator. For model-specific identification details, we recommend checking the data plate and the owner's manual.
How to confirm the maker on your exact unit
Even with the 363 prefix, we use the appliance’s identification label to confirm what you have before ordering parts.
- Find the model and serial tag (commonly inside the fresh food compartment)
- Verify the full model number is 36379562990 (all digits)
- Note the serial number (helps confirm production run)
- Match the part description to the symptom (cooling, ice maker, lighting, leaks)
- Use the parts list for this model to ensure fit
What the model prefix means (quick reference)
The first three digits of many Kenmore model numbers are a source code tied to the original manufacturer.
| What you see | What it indicates | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 36379562990 | 363 prefix | Points to GE-built design and GE-style parts families |
| Kenmore badge | Brand label | Does not by itself identify the manufacturer |
Why it matters when buying parts
Manufacturer families often share wiring styles, thermostats, and refrigeration components. Using the correct model family helps you choose compatible parts the first time.
For example, common replacements on this model page include the refrigerator water valve WR57X10033 for water/ice issues and the light switch WR23X37285 for interior light problems. You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 36379562990, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is a Kenmore 36379562990 refrigerator?
Kenmore model 36379562990 is a top-mount refrigerator; the most reliable way to get its exact exterior dimensions and capacity is to measure the cabinet and check the model’s documentation in the 36379562990 owner's manual. For planning purposes, most top-mount refrigerators are roughly 28 to 33 inches wide, 65 to 69 inches tall, and 30 to 34 inches deep.
How we recommend getting the exact size for 36379562990
Use these steps to confirm fit in your kitchen and avoid clearance problems:
- Measure width at the widest point (often door edges or handles)
- Measure height to the top hinge cover (if present)
- Measure depth with doors closed (include handles if they project)
- Measure depth with doors open if the refrigerator sits near a walkway
- Compare your measurements to the installation clearances listed in the 36379562990 owner's manual
Typical size ranges (for planning only)
These ranges help you estimate space needs before you confirm the exact measurements for your unit.
| Measurement | Typical top-mount range | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 28 to 33 in. | Cabinet-to-cabinet fit, trim clearance |
| Height | 65 to 69 in. | Upper cabinet or soffit clearance |
| Depth (with handles) | 30 to 34 in. | How far it extends past counters |
| Capacity | 18 to 22 cu. ft. | Grocery storage planning |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is even 1 inch too wide, tall, or deep can block airflow, prevent doors from opening fully, or make drawers and bins hit nearby walls. Accurate measurements also help when selecting replacement items such as a refrigerator door gasket (white) WR24X437 or a light switch WR23X37285.
Last updated: February 2026





