What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
The “bottom part” of a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator like model 59679313510 is usually the base grille (toe grille) area; it covers the leveling screws and roller assemblies at the bottom of the cabinet. For exact component locations on your unit, use the 59679313510 owner's manual.
Common names for the bottom area (and what they mean)
Depending on what you are pointing to, customers use different names for the same general area:
- Base grille / toe grille: The front panel at the very bottom; it hides the leveling screws and rollers.
- Kick plate: Another common name for the base grille.
- Machine compartment: The lower rear area where cooling-system components sit.
- Bottom hinge area: The lower corner area where the door or drawer hinges mount.
- Freezer drawer slide area: The lower front sides where the freezer drawer rides on rails.
How to tell which “bottom part” you mean
Use this quick guide to match what you see to the right term.
| What you see | Most likely name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| A removable panel at the very bottom front | Base grille (toe grille) | Covers leveling screws and rollers; helps airflow and access |
| Adjustable feet/screws behind that panel | Leveling screws/legs | Levels the refrigerator so doors close properly |
| A warm, humming area at the lower back | Compressor area | Circulates refrigerant to cool the refrigerator |
| Drawer that rolls out at the bottom | Freezer drawer | Stores frozen food; rides on slide rails |
Why it matters
Using the right name helps you find the correct instructions and parts faster. For example, the manual explains removing the base grille to access the leveling screws and adjust door closing and alignment.
Parts that match the “bottom front” area on this model
If your bottom panel is cracked, missing, or won’t snap in correctly, the part is typically the toe grille. For model 59679313510, a matching part listed is the refrigerator grille WPW10534165.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a top mount or bottom mount fridge better?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like Kenmore model 59679313510 is better for everyday convenience because fresh-food items sit at eye level and you bend less. A top-mount refrigerator is better if you want the simplest layout and typically lower energy use and purchase cost.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | More bending for fresh food | Less bending for fresh food |
| Freezer access | Easier to reach | More bending for freezer |
| Organization | Usually simpler shelving | Often more drawers and bins |
| Efficiency and cost | Often lower | Often higher |
How to choose what is “better” for your home
- Choose bottom mount if you use the refrigerator section most and want easier access to produce, drinks, and leftovers.
- Choose top mount if you use the freezer most and want a straightforward, budget-friendly design.
- If you have an ice maker or water line, plan for extra clearance behind the unit for connections.
- If your kitchen is tight, door swing clearance matters as much as the mount style.
Fit and placement tips (applies to both styles)
For reliable cooling and fewer door-closing issues, we follow the spacing and leveling guidance in the 59679313510 owner's manual:
- Leave about 1/2 inch of space on each side and at the top.
- Leave about 1 inch behind the refrigerator.
- Leave at least 2 1/2 inches on the hinge side next to a wall so the door can swing open.
- Level the cabinet so doors close smoothly and seal well.
Why it matters
“Better” usually comes down to comfort and food freshness. Bottom-mount designs keep the fresh-food compartment where you use it most, while proper ventilation and leveling help any refrigerator maintain stable temperatures and reduce strain on components like the control board and fan motors.
If you are shopping for replacement parts for Kenmore 59679313510, we list model-matched parts on this page, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore refrigerator model 59679313510 is not cooling well and the unit runs almost constantly, the compressor can be the cause, but we first rule out normal “long run” operation and airflow issues described in the 59679313510 owner's manual. A truly failing compressor typically shows poor cooling plus abnormal heat, noise, or electrical symptoms.
Quick checks before blaming the compressor
Many “bad compressor” complaints are caused by conditions the manual calls normal, especially after installation or with frequent door openings.
- New install or recent move: allow 24 hours for full cool-down.
- Warm room or heavy food load: longer run times are expected.
- Door left open or opened often: the compressor and fans run longer.
- Controls accidentally off or set too warm: confirm settings match your needs.
- Condenser area blocked by dust or items: clean and restore airflow (unplug first).
Signs that point more strongly to a compressor problem
Use these symptoms together; one symptom alone is not enough.
- Refrigerator and freezer both warm even though the unit runs for long periods.
- Compressor is extremely hot and cooling performance keeps getting worse.
- Clicking followed by silence (start attempt then shutdown) repeating every few minutes.
- Breaker trips or outlet shows heat damage when the compressor tries to start.
- Little to no airflow inside is ruled out (evaporator fan is running and vents are clear).
What to listen for (normal vs. not normal)
The manual notes some sounds are normal as the compressor and fans adjust.
| Sound | Often normal | More concerning when… |
|---|---|---|
| Pulsating/hum | Yes | Cooling is poor and it never stabilizes |
| Hissing/rattling | Yes | Noise is loud, constant, and cooling is weak |
| Repeating click | No | Happens every few minutes with warming temps |
Parts that are commonly involved in “no cool” diagnosis
If testing confirms a sealed-system or compressor failure, replacement is a major repair. For this model, the compressor is available as the refrigerator compressor W10233960. If symptoms point to control or airflow instead, we often check the refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278 and the evaporator fan motor.
Why it matters
A compressor is the heart of the sealed system; misdiagnosing it can lead to unnecessary cost. Verifying door use, airflow, and normal run-time conditions first helps you target the right repair and restore proper temperatures faster.
You can order replacement parts for model 59679313510 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell how old a Kenmore refrigerator is by serial number?
You can tell the age of your Kenmore refrigerator model 59679313510 by decoding the serial number on the model and serial label. The serial number includes a date code that identifies the manufacturing month and year; match that code to the Kenmore date chart in the 59679313510 owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number
Look for the model and serial number label on the refrigerator cabinet (commonly inside the fresh food compartment along a side wall, ceiling, or near a crisper area). Our manual also recommends recording the model number, serial number, and purchase date for future service needs.
- Open the fresh food door and scan the inner side walls
- Check near the crisper drawer area and frame
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Keep it with your purchase date and receipt
How the serial number date code works
Most Kenmore refrigerators use a serial-number date code (letters and numbers) that maps to a month and year of manufacture. Once you have the serial number:
- Identify the leading letters and/or the first few characters
- Use the Kenmore date-code chart to translate those characters into month and year
- Treat that month and year as the refrigerator’s manufacture date (your purchase date can be later)
Quick reference: manufacture date vs. purchase date
| Date type | What it tells you | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacture date | When the unit was built | Serial number date code |
| Purchase date | When it was sold/installed | Receipt or delivery paperwork |
Why it matters
Knowing the manufacture date helps us choose the right replacement parts and troubleshooting path for common refrigerator issues (cooling problems, ice maker concerns, door seal wear, and control board symptoms). It also helps when comparing part revisions across production runs.
If the label is missing or unreadable
Use these practical options:
- Check for a duplicate label location inside the cabinet
- Look for a photo of the label you may have taken during installation or cleaning
- If the label is damaged, record any readable characters and compare them to the date-code chart in the 59679313510 owner's manual
If you are ordering parts after you confirm the age, you can shop by model and part ID on the parts list for this refrigerator, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 59679313510 are cooling issues, ice maker or water dispenser trouble, leaks, frost buildup, and unusual noises. Many are caused by airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, a failing fan motor, or a door seal that is not sealing tightly.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, evaporator fan problem
- Freezer cold but fresh food warm: airflow damper or evaporator fan not moving air
- Water leaking: clogged defrost drain, loose water line, or a valve issue
- Ice maker or dispenser not working: water supply problem, frozen line, inlet valve issue
- Noisy operation: fan blade rubbing ice, worn fan motor, items vibrating on shelves
Quick checks you can do first (no parts required)
- Set temps to typical targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Make sure vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser fan area is clear of dust.
- Check door closing and gasket contact all the way around.
- If dispenser water seems warm, note it is only chilled to about 50°F; the first glass may be warmer, and a new install can take 24 hours for the water supply to cool (details in the owner's manual).
Parts that commonly solve these problems on 59679313510
| Problem area | Common suspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, noisy freezer area | Evaporator fan not moving air | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WPW10128551 |
| Clicking, dead display, erratic temps | Control not operating correctly | Refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278 |
| No water to dispenser or ice maker | Water supply not opening | Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10498976 |
| Frost, moisture, poor sealing | Door not sealing | Refrigerator freezer door gasket WPW10436247 |
Why it matters
Cooling, ice, and leak complaints often share the same root causes: airflow and water flow. Fixing a fan, cleaning coils, or restoring a tight door seal helps the compressor run less, stabilizes temperatures, and reduces frost and puddles.
You can also use our DIY help for troubleshooting patterns and display codes; start with Kenmore 106 model refrigerator error codes. For ordering, use the parts list for model 59679313510 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





