Are bottom mount fridges better?
Yes, a bottom-mount (bottom freezer) refrigerator is usually “better” for everyday convenience because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so you reach milk, produce, and leftovers more easily. Your Kenmore Elite 79572042316 is a bottom freezer design; see the owner's manual for features and use tips specific to this model.
When a bottom-mount refrigerator is the best choice
- You use fresh foods more often than frozen foods.
- You want less bending for daily items (drinks, produce, deli items).
- You like wide refrigerator shelves for meal prep and platters.
- You prefer a pull-out freezer drawer for organizing bags and boxes.
- You want easier door closing and alignment adjustments (leveling and door alignment are covered in the manual).
Tradeoffs to consider
Bottom-mount models are not “better” for every kitchen. Here are the most common pros and cons.
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like 79572042316) | Top-freezer style |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier, less bending | More bending |
| Freezer access | More bending | Easier |
| Organization | Freezer drawers help sorting | Simple shelves/bins |
| Typical cost/complexity | Often higher | Often lower |
What matters most for performance (any style)
Even the best layout will feel “worse” if temperatures drift or doors do not seal well.
- Give cooling time after install or power loss; many refrigerators need up to 24 hours to reach set temperatures.
- Minimize long door openings; frequent openings make the compressor run longer.
- Keep doors closing smoothly; adjust leveling legs and align doors if they do not close easily.
Why it matters
Choosing the right configuration affects daily comfort and food quality. A bottom-mount layout typically reduces door-open time for fresh foods, which helps temperature stability and can support better energy use over time.
For replacement parts that keep your bottom-mount running its best (filters, bins, switches), order from the parts list for model 79572042316 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How tall is Kenmore Elite fridge?
For Kenmore Elite model 79572042316, the overall height varies by how you measure it (to the top of the cabinet versus to the top of the hinge). For the exact height specification and measuring points for your refrigerator, use the dimensions section in the 79572042316 owner's manual.
How to measure height the right way
Use a tape measure and confirm which reference point you need for your space.
- Height to top of hinge: use this when you must clear an overhead cabinet or trim
- Height to top of cabinet: use this when the hinge can sit in a cutout or open space
- Include leveling legs: measure with the refrigerator leveled the way it will be installed
- Check floor slope: a sloped floor can change the effective height at the front
- Allow ventilation clearance: leave space recommended in the manual so the unit can breathe
Typical height range for this style of refrigerator
Most Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators in this family land in a narrow band, but the hinge height is usually the limiting dimension.
| Measurement you need | What it means | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Height to top of cabinet | Case height without hinge | About 68 to 70 in. |
| Height to top of hinge | Tallest point | About 69 to 71 in. |
| Installed height | Leveled on its feet | Can vary by up to about 1 in. |
Why it matters
Using the wrong height number is the most common reason a refrigerator will not slide fully into a cutout. Measuring to the top of the hinge and accounting for leveling legs prevents fit issues and door alignment problems.
Related maintenance that helps the refrigerator fit and run correctly
If you are reinstalling the unit after moving it, these quick checks help avoid clearance and performance issues:
- Replace the water filter on schedule (see genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9690 AGF80300801)
- Keep airflow clear around the cabinet and grille area
- Make sure doors close and seal without rubbing adjacent cabinets
You can also find model-specific parts for 79572042316 on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What does a bottom mount refrigerator mean?
A bottom-mount refrigerator means the freezer compartment is on the bottom and the fresh food section is on top, so everyday refrigerated items sit at a more convenient, eye-level height. Your Kenmore Elite 79572042316 is a bottom freezer (bottom-mount) refrigerator.
What you can expect with a bottom-mount design
- Fresh foods are easier to reach because the refrigerator section is higher.
- Frozen foods are stored in a lower drawer-style freezer.
- You typically bend less for milk, produce, and leftovers, and bend more for frozen items.
- Many bottom-mount models use two fresh food doors (French door style) with a bottom freezer drawer.
Quick comparison: bottom-mount vs top-mount
| Feature | Bottom-mount (bottom freezer) | Top-mount (top freezer) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Higher, easier reach | Lower, more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer | Upper swing door |
| Best for | Frequent fresh food use | Frequent freezer use |
Why it matters
This layout affects daily convenience and also how you troubleshoot common issues. For example, door closing and alignment are important on bottom-mount designs; our 79572042316 Use & Care Guide includes leveling and door alignment steps that help doors close properly and keep temperatures stable (see the owner's manual).
Helpful tips for owners
- Keep frequently used items in the upper shelves and door bins for fastest access.
- Make sure the refrigerator is level so the doors close completely.
- Avoid blocking air vents with high-moisture foods to prevent freezing in the fresh food section.
- If you notice odors, consider replacing the air filter on schedule.
If you are ordering maintenance items for this model, you can use the parts list for 79572042316 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
A Kenmore Elite refrigerator like model 79572042316 typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Consistent maintenance (clean airflow, good door sealing, and on-time filter changes) helps it reach the high end of that range; heavy use and poor ventilation shorten it.
What affects lifespan most
- Condenser airflow and cleanliness (dust and pet hair raise compressor workload)
- Door seal condition and door alignment (warm air leaks create longer run times)
- Defrost performance (ice buildup can restrict airflow and reduce cooling)
- Water and air filter maintenance (helps protect the dispenser system and reduce odors)
- Stable temperatures (fresh food around 37°F, freezer around 0°F)
Maintenance checklist we recommend
Use your owner's manual for model-specific care steps and locations.
- Vacuum the condenser area and keep vents clear
- Confirm doors close fully and gaskets seal all the way around
- Replace the water filter on schedule; a common replacement for this model is the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9690 AGF80300801
- Replace the air filter if equipped; this model uses the lg refrigerator air filter ADQ73214408
- Watch for frost buildup or warm spots that suggest an airflow or defrost issue
Quick reference: lifespan vs. what you can control
| Item | Typical impact on lifespan | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty condenser area | Shortens lifespan | Clean regularly; keep airflow open |
| Poor door seal/alignment | Shortens lifespan | Adjust/repair seal; avoid propping doors open |
| Late filter changes | Can cause dispenser/ice issues | Replace filters on schedule |
| Stable temps and good habits | Extends lifespan | Keep set temps steady; don’t overload vents |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs longer to maintain temperature puts more stress on the sealed system and compressor. Simple upkeep reduces run time, improves cooling consistency, and helps your Kenmore Elite refrigerator reach its normal service life.
If you need replacement parts for model 79572042316, you can order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





