What is the top part of a refrigerator called?
On the Kenmore 10673182302 top-mount refrigerator, the top compartment is the freezer. It’s designed to keep foods frozen and it also supplies cold air that circulates down into the fresh-food (refrigerator) section.
The freezer is more than just the “top box”; it’s a key part of the cooling system.
- Freezes and stores food at a safe, sub-freezing temperature
- Sends cold air through vents to help cool the refrigerator section
- Helps control moisture and odor movement between compartments
- Often houses the ice maker (if your model is equipped)
Your refrigerator depends on airflow between the freezer and refrigerator sections. When vents are blocked, temperatures can drift and moisture problems can show up.
- Keep packages away from freezer vents and the refrigerator top vent
- Avoid overpacking either compartment
- Wrap foods tightly to reduce odor transfer between sections
- If you see uneven cooling, check for blocked vents first
| What people call it | Common manual/parts term | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Top part | Freezer compartment | Upper section |
| Bottom part | Refrigerator (fresh-food) compartment | Lower section |
| Divider vents | Air vents/air return | Between sections |
If the freezer is not making ice (or you’re adding ice capability), these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
Knowing the correct name helps you match the right troubleshooting steps and parts. For example, “freezer not cold” points you toward airflow, defrost, and ice maker checks, while “refrigerator not cold” often starts with vent blockage and circulation.
For compartment use, airflow guidance, and door alignment basics, follow the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators, including the Kenmore 10673182302 top-mount refrigerator, last 12 years on average; a well-maintained unit commonly reaches 15 years of service.
Refrigerator life varies most with usage, airflow, and how hard the sealed system has to work.
- Average: about 12 years
- Common range: 10 to 15 years
- Often achievable with good care: 15+ years
| What you’re measuring | What to expect | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| “Normal” service life | ~12 years | Typical household use and maintenance |
| Strong longevity | 15 years | Good airflow, clean coils, tight door seals |
| Early failure | Under 10 years | Heat, heavy use, dirty coils, poor sealing |
These are the maintenance items that most directly reduce compressor run time and temperature stress.
- Keep condenser coils and the condenser fan area clean and unobstructed
- Make sure doors close fully and seals contact the cabinet all the way around
- Avoid overpacking; leave space for air circulation in both compartments
- Set stable temperatures (avoid the coldest settings unless needed)
- Fix small issues early (warm spots, frost buildup, water leaks)
When cooling performance drops, these parts are frequent contributors on many Kenmore top-mount designs.
- Door sealing: a torn or warped gasket can force longer run times (see gasket panel (white) 2159061)
- Air movement: a weak evaporator fan can cause warm fridge temps and frost issues (see refrigerator evaporator motor WPW10189703)
- Defrost control: defrost problems can lead to heavy frost and poor airflow (see defrost bi-metal WP4387503)
A refrigerator that runs longer to hold temperature uses more energy and puts extra wear on the sealed refrigeration system (compressor and tubing). Keeping airflow clear and doors sealing tightly is the simplest way to protect long-term reliability.
For model-specific care and troubleshooting steps, follow the maintenance and troubleshooting sections in the 10673182302 owner's manual. If you need replacement parts for this model, order from the parts list for Kenmore 10673182302 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore refrigerator model 10673182302?
Kenmore refrigerator model 10673182302 is made by Whirlpool. The quickest way to tell is the Kenmore model prefix: 106 is a Whirlpool-built Kenmore refrigerator. For confirmation details, check the identification section in the 10673182302 owner's manual.
Kenmore uses a prefix system in the model number that points to the original manufacturer. For this refrigerator:
- Look at the first three digits of the model number (the prefix).
- 106 = Whirlpool for Kenmore refrigerators.
- The full model number (10673182302) helps ensure you are matching the correct parts list and diagrams.
- The model and serial label is typically inside the fresh food compartment.
Knowing Whirlpool built your Kenmore 106-series refrigerator helps us match the correct replacement parts and troubleshooting steps (ice maker, defrost system, door gaskets, water valve, and more).
If you are diagnosing a symptom, these are examples of parts commonly involved on this model’s parts list:
- Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 (no ice)
- Refrigerator inlet valve WP2315576 (no water to ice maker)
- Defrost bi-metal WP4387503 (frost buildup, warm fridge)
- Refrigerator evaporator motor WPW10189703 (poor airflow, warm temperatures)
| What you’re checking | What to look for | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Model prefix | First 3 digits: 106 | Whirlpool-built Kenmore |
| Model/serial label | Inside refrigerator compartment | Confirms exact model for parts matching |
If your refrigerator displays diagnostic codes or you are troubleshooting cooling issues, we use Kenmore 106-series guidance such as the Kenmore 106 model refrigerator error codes resource.
Last updated: February 2026





