What's better, top mount or bottom mount fridge?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like Kenmore 59679243013 is better when you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier freezer access with pull-out baskets; a top-mount is better when you want the simplest layout and typically the lowest operating cost.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Freezer is easiest to reach | Fresh food is easiest to reach |
| Organization | Usually simpler shelving | Often more drawers and baskets |
| Energy use | Typically a bit lower | Typically a bit higher |
| Price | Often lower | Often higher |
| Best for | Budget, basic storage | Heavy fresh-food use, organization |
How to choose for your kitchen
- Choose bottom-mount if you use the refrigerator section most and want less bending for milk, produce, and leftovers.
- Choose top-mount if you want a straightforward design and usually the best value.
- Measure your space and door swing; bottom-mount freezer drawers need clearance to pull out fully.
- Think about habits: frequent freezer use favors top-mount; frequent fresh-food use favors bottom-mount.
- Consider maintenance and parts availability; we stock common Kenmore refrigerator parts like the refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1.
Why it matters
The “better” style is the one that matches how you shop and cook. If you open the refrigerator door far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount layout reduces bending and makes daily use more comfortable. If you prioritize efficiency and simplicity, a top-mount design is usually the practical pick.
Last updated: February 2026
How to check fridge model number?
For your Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator, the model number is printed on the appliance ID tag; for model 59679243013, we most often see that tag inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or near the crisper area, or on the door frame. The same tag usually lists the serial number.
Where to look first (fastest checks)
- Inside the refrigerator section on the left or right wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
- Behind or beside the crisper drawers (you may need to slide drawers out)
- On the door frame when you open the refrigerator door
- Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall
- Behind the lower kick plate or front grille (if your model has one)
What the label looks like
Most Kenmore refrigerator ID tags are a sticker or metal plate with:
- Model (example format: 596.79243013 or 59679243013)
- Serial number
- Electrical ratings (volts/amps)
Common model number formats
| You might see | What it means |
|---|---|
| 596.79243013 | Same model number with a dot |
| 59679243013 | Same model number without punctuation |
| 596-79243013 | Same model number with a dash |
Why it matters
We use the exact model number to match the right diagrams and parts for your refrigerator, especially for fit-critical items like a refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1 or a door gasket.
Quick tip before ordering parts
- Write the model and serial number down exactly as shown
- Take a clear photo of the tag for reference
- Use the full model number (all digits) when searching parts
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of the fridge called?
On a Kenmore 59679243013 bottom-mount refrigerator, the “bottom part” people usually mean is the compressor compartment area; the main component there is the compressor, which pumps refrigerant through the sealed cooling system.
What you might be referring to
Depending on what you see or what problem you are troubleshooting, the “bottom part” can mean different components:
- Compressor: the pump for the sealed system (often behind the lower rear access cover)
- Condenser fan and condenser coils: remove heat from the refrigerant
- Drain pan: catches defrost water so it can evaporate
- Lower grille or toe kick (front bottom on some models): air intake and access area
Common “bottom area” parts and what they do
Here are a few parts commonly associated with the lower rear section:
| Part | What it affects | When it’s a suspect |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator compressor W10160407 | Cooling in both sections | Warm fridge and freezer, compressor not running normally |
| Refrigerator condenser fan motor W11613295 | Heat removal, overall cooling | Hot cabinet sides, poor cooling, fan not spinning |
| Refrigerator run capacitor WPW10662129 | Compressor starting/running | Clicking, hard starting, intermittent cooling |
Why it matters
When the compressor area is blocked by dust, pet hair, or poor airflow, the refrigerator can run longer, cool poorly, and make more noise. Keeping that bottom area clean and ventilated helps the Kenmore 59679243013 maintain stable temperatures.
Quick checks we recommend
- Unplug the refrigerator before inspecting the lower rear area.
- Vacuum dust from the lower rear compartment and vents.
- Listen for the condenser fan running when the compressor is on.
- If you hear repeated clicking, check the start components (such as the run capacitor).
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore refrigerator leaking water from the bottom?
Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore 59679243013 bottom-mount refrigerator is most often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain that overflows, or water that is missing the drain pan underneath. Clearing the drain path and checking for supply drips fixes most bottom leaks.
Quick checks we recommend
- Look for water or a thin ice sheet under the crisper drawers.
- Note whether the puddle appears after a defrost cycle (often once or twice daily).
- Check for drips around the filter area, especially after a filter change.
- Confirm the refrigerator is level; poor leveling can redirect water.
- Check the freezer floor for ice buildup near the rear panel.
Most common causes and what to do
1) Defrost drain clogged or frozen
Defrost water should flow through a drain hole and tube to the pan below. When it ices over or plugs with debris, water backs up and leaks out.
What to do
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove lower drawers and locate the drain trough.
- Melt ice with warm water (not boiling) and flush until it drains freely.
- Verify water reaches the drain pan underneath.
2) Water filter or supply connection dripping (if equipped)
A slow drip can run down the cabinet and look like a bottom leak.
What to do
- Reseat the filter and check for cracks or damaged seals.
- Replace the filter if it won’t seal correctly: refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1.
Symptom-to-cause guide
| What you see | Most likely cause | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Water under crispers | Defrost drain clogged | Thaw and flush drain |
| Puddle under front | Drain pan missed/overflow | Confirm drain reaches pan |
| Drips near filter | Filter not seated | Reseat or replace filter |
Why it matters
Bottom leaks can damage flooring and often signal a defrost drainage issue that can lead to ice buildup and reduced cooling.
Related DIY help
Last updated: February 2026
What is the ER DH code on a Kenmore 59679243013 refrigerator?
On Kenmore refrigerator model 59679243013, an ER DH display is treated as a defrost system fault; the unit is not completing defrost normally, so frost can build up on the evaporator and restrict airflow. Clearing the frost and fixing the failed defrost component restores normal cooling.
What ER DH usually looks like in real use
- Refrigerator temperature rises first; freezer may seem OK at first
- Frost or a solid ice sheet forms behind the freezer rear panel
- Airflow from vents gets weak or stops
- Fan noise changes (fan hitting ice)
- Error returns after a reset if the underlying issue remains
Quick checks we recommend (no tools)
- Power reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Door seal check: Close a dollar bill in the door; it should drag when you pull it out.
- Look for frost pattern: Heavy frost on the freezer back wall points to a defrost problem.
- Confirm doors close fully: Misalignment and gaps add moisture and accelerate frosting.
Parts to inspect on this model
A defrost fault is typically caused by an open thermostat, wiring issue, or a heater/control problem. For this model, a key defrost-related part to check is the Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WP627985 (it should close when cold so the heater circuit can operate).
| What you find | Most likely area | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy frost behind freezer panel | Defrost circuit not working | Test/replace defrost bi-metal; inspect connectors/wiring |
| No heavy frost, temps still warm | Airflow or fan issue | Check vents and fan operation |
| Frost plus poor door seal | Air leak overload | Correct sealing, then recheck for repeat frost |
Why it matters
When the evaporator frosts over, the fan cannot move cold air into the refrigerator section. That causes warm food temps, longer run times, and inconsistent ice production.
For additional Kenmore error-code help and display behavior, use our Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes reference as a practical guide.
Last updated: February 2026





