Kenmore 25368979801 top-mount refrigerator Parts

For Kenmore top-mount refrigerator model 25368979801, the correct water filter depends on whether your refrigerator is equipped with a built-in water filtration system. Many top-mount models use an external (inline) filter or no filter at all; we recommend confirming the filtration setup in the 25368979801 owner's manual before buying a replacement.

How to identify the right filter for your refrigerator

Use these quick checks to match the filter type to your exact setup:

• Look for a filter housing inside the fresh food compartment (often upper right) or in the base grille
• Check for a filter status light or reset button on the temperature control area
• If you have an ice maker only (no dispenser), you may have an inline filter behind the refrigerator or under the sink
• If there is no filter housing and no inline filter, your model may not use a replaceable water filter
• Confirm the filter style and replacement interval in the 25368979801 owner's manual

Common filter setups (what you might have)

Setup on the refrigerator	What it usually means	What to do next
No filter housing, ice maker only	Often uses an inline filter or none	Check behind the unit and follow the manual’s water line routing
Filter housing inside fridge or grille	Uses a cartridge-style filter	Match the cartridge number listed in the manual
Under-sink filtration system	Filter is not a refrigerator part	Replace the under-sink filter on its schedule

Why it matters

Using the correct filter protects water flow to the ice maker and helps prevent taste and odor issues. The wrong filter (or forcing a “close enough” fit) can cause leaks, low ice production, or restricted water flow.

Related help

If you do have a replaceable filter, our guide on how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator walks through the common replacement and reset steps.

Last updated: January 2026

In a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator model 25368979801, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the area designed to keep foods frozen, and on some setups it also supports ice making and cold-air circulation for the fresh-food section (see the 25368979801 owner's manual).

What the freezer compartment does

• Keeps food at freezing temperatures for long-term storage
• Helps maintain overall cooling by supporting airflow through the cabinet
• Often includes door shelves and an interior storage area (interior stays more temperature-stable)
• May be paired with an automatic ice maker on some models

Freezer vs. refrigerator section (quick comparison)

Section	Typical temperature	Main purpose	Common items
Freezer (upper)	0°F	Frozen storage	Meat, frozen meals, ice cream
Fresh-food (lower)	37°F	Short-term chilled storage	Produce, dairy, leftovers

Tips for using the upper freezer effectively

The manual guidance for this style of refrigerator is to load the freezer in a way that protects temperature and airflow:

• Avoid adding too much warm food at once (it slows freezing)
• Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate
• Store hard-to-freeze items (like ice cream) in the freezer interior, not the door
• Keep vents clear so the evaporator fan can move air properly

Why it matters

Knowing the upper section is the freezer helps with troubleshooting and food safety. For example, warm freezer temps can affect ice cream first, and blocked airflow can reduce cooling performance in both compartments.

Last updated: January 2026

A top-mount refrigerator is a classic refrigerator layout where the freezer compartment is on top and the fresh-food (refrigerator) compartment is below. Your Kenmore 25368979801 is a top-mount design, which makes frozen items easy to reach while keeping everyday refrigerated foods at waist level.

How a top-mount refrigerator is set up

In a top-mount refrigerator like the Kenmore 25368979801, the cabinet is split into two main temperature zones:

• Upper compartment: freezer section (colder, for frozen foods and ice)
• Lower compartment: fresh-food section (for produce, dairy, drinks)
• Single cooling system: cold air is produced at the evaporator and circulated to both sections
• Door layout: two separate doors, one for freezer and one for refrigerator

What to expect from this style (pros and tradeoffs)

Top-mount refrigerators are popular because they are simple, efficient, and easy to maintain.

• Typically lower purchase and repair cost than many specialty configurations
• Often good freezer capacity for the overall footprint
• Fewer complex features means fewer failure points (compared with some dispenser-heavy designs)
• Main tradeoff: you bend more to reach crisper drawers and lower shelves

Quick comparison: top-mount vs. other common layouts

Refrigerator style	Freezer location	Best for
Top-mount	Top	Simple storage, strong value, easy freezer access
Bottom-freezer	Bottom	Frequent fresh-food access at eye level
Side-by-side	Left side	Narrow door swing, equal access to both sections
French door	Bottom drawer	Wide fresh-food shelves, entertaining

Why it matters

Knowing you have a top-mount refrigerator helps when you are troubleshooting cooling issues, planning door reversal, or choosing storage parts like crisper drawers and shelves. For model-specific operating and layout details, use the 25368979801 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026

On Kenmore refrigerators, an “ER IF” style message is used on some models to indicate an airflow problem related to the freezer fan system. For Kenmore model 25368979801, use the model’s diagnostic and operating information in the 25368979801 owner's manual and treat the code as a freezer airflow check: fan operation, frost blockage, and door sealing.

What to check first (safe, fast steps)

• Power reset: unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
• Confirm the freezer door closes and seals fully; warm air leaks create frost that blocks airflow.
• Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall; that points to restricted airflow or a defrost problem.
• Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer when the compressor is running; it should run smoothly.
• Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages or the ice bin.

What the symptoms usually mean

Symptom you notice	What it points to	What we do next
No fan sound, warm freezer	Fan not running	Inspect fan area and wiring; replace failed fan motor if needed
Grinding or buzzing	Fan blade hitting ice or debris	Defrost and clear obstruction; replace damaged blade
Frost returns quickly	Defrost system or door leak	Check door gasket and defrost controls
Ice production slows	Ice area not staying cold	Restore airflow, then monitor ice output

Parts commonly involved on this model

If you confirm a fan or frost issue in the freezer, these model-matched parts are commonly related:

• Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301 (fan not running or intermittent)
• Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 (rubbing, cracked, or out of balance)
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (frost control problems that can lead to fan blockage)

Why it matters

The freezer evaporator fan moves cold air through the freezer and into the fresh food section. When airflow drops, temperatures rise, frost builds faster, and ice production becomes slow or stops.

Last updated: January 2026