What is the advantage of a bottom mount fridge?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the GE GYE22KMHHES keeps the fresh-food section at a more convenient height, so you reach everyday items with less bending. The freezer stays below, which works well when you use refrigerated foods more often than frozen foods.
Key advantages in daily use
- Fresh food at eye and waist level for faster access to produce, drinks, and leftovers
- Less bending during typical meal prep because the refrigerator compartment is on top
- Better organization for frequently used items (shelves and door bins are easier to see)
- Freezer storage stays separate below, helping reduce warm air entering the fresh-food section when you grab items
- Good fit for families who open the refrigerator door many times per day
Bottom-mount vs top-freezer: quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used compartment height | Fresh food higher | Fresh food lower |
| Bending during daily use | Less | More |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer | Upper door |
| Best for | Fresh-food heavy households | Frozen-food heavy households |
Why it matters
Refrigerator layout affects comfort and efficiency. If you access fresh foods far more than frozen foods, a bottom-mount design reduces strain and makes it easier to keep the refrigerator section organized.
Helpful tip for owners
For model-specific features (storage layout, controls, and recommended settings), we use the owner's manual as the best reference for your GE GYE22KMHHES.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove bottom grille on GE refrigerator?
On the GE GYE22KMHHES bottom-mount refrigerator, the bottom grille (base grille/toe grille) typically comes off by removing any retaining screws (if present) and then pulling the grille straight out to release the clips. Reinstall by aligning it and sliding it back into place. Refer to the owner's manual for the exact access points for your configuration.
Steps to remove the bottom grille
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker (safer when working near wiring and fans).
- Look along the top edge or ends of the grille for retaining screws; remove them with a Phillips screwdriver if you see them.
- Grip the grille near both ends and pull straight outward; if it resists, wiggle gently side-to-side to release the clips.
- If the grille has tabs, lift slightly to unhook the tabs after the clips release.
- Set the grille aside on a towel to avoid scratching the finish.
If the grille will not come off
- Check again for hidden screws near the corners or behind a small cap.
- Make sure you are pulling from the correct edge (most pull out from the front, not down).
- If the grille is bowed, press it inward slightly to relieve clip tension, then pull outward.
- If you recently moved the refrigerator, verify it is not pinching the grille against the floor.
Why it matters
We remove the base grille to access and clean the condenser area, inspect for debris, and reach lower components. A properly seated grille also helps protect wiring and improves airflow for efficient cooling.
Quick reference
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Screws at ends/top edge | Remove screws first, then pull grille outward |
| No screws visible | Pull outward to release clips; wiggle gently |
| Tabs along bottom | Pull outward, then lift slightly to unhook tabs |
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with GE refrigerators?
In our experience, the most common GE refrigerator complaint is warm temperatures or inconsistent cooling. On the GE GYE22KMHHES, this usually traces back to restricted airflow (dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, overpacked shelves) or a failed cooling-air component like the evaporator fan.
What to check first (fast, no-parts steps)
- Confirm the controls are set to normal temps (not “off” or “demo” mode); see the owner's manual.
- Make sure air vents inside the fresh food section and freezer are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean the condenser coil area and make sure the unit has breathing room around it.
- Verify the doors close fully and the gaskets seal all the way around.
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the doors are closed (a steady fan sound is normal).
Common causes and the parts that often fix them
If basic airflow and settings look good, these are the most frequent repair paths for cooling complaints:
| Symptom you notice | Likely cause | Part that commonly applies on GYE22KMHHES |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer OK or temps swing | Bad temperature feedback | Refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 |
| Fridge and freezer warm, little airflow | Evaporator fan not running | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X26866 |
| Frost buildup, airflow gradually gets worse | Defrost system issue | Refrigerator defrost heater WR51X10132 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WR50X10108 |
| Random cooling issues, odd behavior | Control problem | Refrigerator electronic control board WR55X44126 |
Why it matters
When airflow is restricted or a fan/defrost component fails, the compressor can run longer than normal and temperatures drift. Catching the issue early helps protect food, reduces energy use, and prevents heavier wear on the sealed cooling system.
Helpful GE troubleshooting resources
Last updated: February 2026





