What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer?
Bottom-freezer refrigerators like the GE PYE22KSKHSS put fresh food at eye level, but the tradeoffs are mostly about freezer access and serviceability: you bend more to reach frozen items, drawers can hide food, and the freezer door and slide hardware add weight and complexity.
Common disadvantages (what you will notice day to day)
- More bending and lifting: you reach down for frozen foods, ice bins, and heavy items.
- Deep drawer organization: items stack and get buried, especially in lower baskets.
- Heavier freezer door: the freezer door is large and can feel heavier than a top-freezer door.
- More moving parts: drawer slides, gears, and door-closure hardware can wear and need adjustment.
- Potential for drain and defrost messes: when a drain issue happens, water often shows up as puddles or ice in the bottom area.
Service and access considerations for this style
The GE PYE22KSKHSS uses a pull-out freezer door and basket slide system. When you need to move the refrigerator through a doorway or access the lower section, the freezer door and slides may need to be removed; the freezer door is heavy and is secured with multiple attachment screws. For model-specific handling and clearances, use the owner's manual.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom freezer (like PYE22KSKHSS) | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Best (eye level) | Requires bending |
| Freezer access | More bending | Easier reach |
| Organization | Drawer-based, can bury items | Shelf-based, easier to see |
| Complexity | More slide/door hardware | Simpler layout |
Why it matters
If you use the freezer many times a day, the bending and drawer organization are the biggest downsides. If you use the refrigerator section more often, the eye-level fresh-food layout is usually worth it.
Helpful DIY resources
For replacement parts for your GE PYE22KSKHSS, start with 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 GE profile refrigerators?
On GE Profile refrigerators such as model PYE22KSKHSS, the most common service complaints involve ice maker and water dispenser performance (no ice, slow water, leaks) and cooling or temperature-balance issues caused by airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, or fan problems. Use the PYE22KSKHSS owner's manual for model-specific settings and maintenance.
Most common issues and what they usually indicate
- Ice maker not making ice: freezer temperature too warm, ice buildup in the fill tube, or a water supply restriction.
- Slow or no water at the dispenser: clogged water filter, air trapped in the line, or low household water pressure.
- Water leaking: filter not seated, cracked filter housing, or a clogged/iced defrost drain.
- Warm fresh food section: blocked air vents, evaporator fan not moving air, or doors not sealing.
- Door alarm beeping: door not fully closing, bins preventing closure, or a door switch issue.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Set temperatures to typical targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Make sure packages are not blocking interior air vents.
- Clean condenser coils (dust buildup commonly causes poor cooling).
- If water flow is weak, replace the water filter and dispense several cups to purge air.
- If the alarm is the issue, follow how to reset the door alarm on a GE refrigerator.
Symptom-to-next-step guide
| Symptom | Most likely area | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| No ice | Ice maker, freezer temp, water supply | Confirm freezer holds 0°F; check for fill tube icing |
| Slow water | Filter, air in line | Replace filter; purge air by dispensing water |
| Warm refrigerator | Airflow, evaporator fan, coils | Check vent blockage; listen for fan; clean coils |
| Repeated door alarm | Door closure, switch | Remove obstructions; confirm doors close flush |
Why it matters
Ice and water problems can lead to leaks and nuisance alarms; cooling problems can spoil food. Addressing airflow, door sealing, and routine cleaning early prevents repeat failures and reduces strain on the sealed system.
If you need to look up diagrams and order replacement parts by model number, start with the parts list for PYE22KSKHSS or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove bottom grille on GE refrigerator?
On the GE PYE22KSKHSS refrigerator, the bottom grille (toe grille or base grille) is removed from the front base area by releasing its fasteners (screws on some versions) and then pulling the grille outward to disengage the retaining tabs. Use the PYE22KSKHSS owner's manual for model-specific panel locations and handling guidance.
Steps to remove the bottom grille
- Open the fresh food doors for working room at the front base.
- Look along the top edge and ends of the grille for retaining screws.
- If screws are present, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Grip the grille near both ends and pull straight outward to release the clips/tabs.
- If it resists, pull evenly from both sides to avoid snapping plastic tabs.
Reinstalling the grille
- Align the grille tabs with the slots/clips in the cabinet base.
- Press or slide the grille into place until it seats flush.
- Reinstall any screws you removed.
Quick reference
| What you see at the grille | What to do | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Visible screws | Remove screws, then pull grille outward | Phillips screwdriver |
| No screws | Pull grille straight out to release clips | None |
| Grille feels stuck | Recheck for hidden screws; pull evenly at both ends | Phillips screwdriver |
Why it matters
Removing the base grille correctly prevents broken mounting tabs and makes it easier to clean dust near the front base area, which helps maintain airflow and efficient cooling.
If you need replacement parts for GE PYE22KSKHSS, use the model parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





