What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
Bottom-freezer refrigerators like the Kenmore 11175505020 typically cost more than top-freezer styles, make you bend to reach frozen foods, and can be harder to keep organized because the freezer is usually a deep drawer. They can also be more prone to drain and frost issues if doors are opened often.
- More bending and lifting: heavy frozen items sit low in the cabinet.
- Deep-drawer organization: items can stack up and get buried.
- Freezer access is less convenient: frequent freezer users may find it slower than a top freezer.
- Higher purchase price: bottom-freezer designs often cost more upfront.
- Moisture and frost buildup risk: frequent or long door openings let warm, humid air in, which increases frost and condensation.
Our Kenmore 11175505020 manual highlights a few real-world factors that can feel like “cons” with any bottom-mount design:
| Issue | What it looks like | What usually helps |
|---|---|---|
| Longer cool-down after setup | Temps feel unstable at first | Allow up to 24 hours for compartments to reach set temps; use the owner's manual settings guidance |
| Frost/ice crystals | Frost on packages, condensation | Open doors less often and for shorter times; confirm doors close fully |
| Warm kitchen performance | Runs more often in heat | Keep room temp reasonable; do not operate above 110°F |
| Extra cleaning step | Dusty back cover/vents | Vacuum condenser cover and vents; do not remove the condenser panel |
Bottom-freezer refrigerators are popular because fresh food stays at eye level, but the tradeoff is freezer ergonomics and drawer organization. If your household uses frozen foods daily, these disadvantages affect convenience, energy use, and how often you deal with frost or temperature swings.
When you are ready to maintain or repair your Kenmore 11175505020, start with the model’s parts list, then use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number for additional diagrams and replacement parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator like model 11175505020, the “bottom part” most people mean is the compressor compartment (the machinery area at the lower rear). It houses key cooling components such as the compressor and condenser fan.
- Compressor: pumps refrigerant through the sealed cooling system
- Condenser fan and condenser area: removes heat from the refrigerant
- Drain pan: catches defrost water so it can evaporate
- Leveling legs/rollers: help level the cabinet so doors seal and close correctly
- Rear cover/kick plate area (varies by design): helps protect components and manage airflow
| If you mean this… | Common name | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| The noisy “motor” area | Compressor compartment | Lower back of the refrigerator |
| The storage section on the bottom front | Freezer compartment (bottom freezer) | Bottom drawer area |
| The adjustable feet | Leveling legs | Bottom front corners |
Knowing which “bottom part” you mean helps you troubleshoot correctly. For example, the Use & Care Guide explains that some sounds (clicking, whooshing, gurgling) are normal and often come from the cooling system and fans, not from a failing part. For door sealing and vibration issues, leveling and door adjustment are the right first steps.
The manual warns against putting hands or fingers into the bottom rear area because sharp edges and electrical components can cause injury. Use a flashlight and inspect visually first, then unplug the refrigerator before any hands-on checks.
For the official parts-and-features diagrams and terminology for Kenmore 11175505020, use the owner's manual. If you need to shop by model number, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find the model number on my 11175505020?
For Kenmore refrigerator model 11175505020, the model and serial number are printed on an identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; the label is on the interior liner. Use that exact model number when looking up diagrams, manuals, and replacement parts in our system.
Check these common spots inside the refrigerator compartment:
- On the side wall (interior liner), usually near the front
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
- Near the crisper drawer area on a side wall
- Along the door opening frame (inside edge)
If you want a picture-based reference for your exact unit, use the [owner's manual].
Record both numbers exactly as shown on the label:
- Model number (example format: 111.7550*)
- Serial number
- Date of purchase (helpful for your records)
- Copy every digit and letter in order
- Include any dots or dashes if they appear
- Take a clear photo of the label for future reference
The model number identifies the correct parts and features for your specific Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator. Even small differences (like a color code or revision) can change which shelves, water filter housing, ice maker components, or door bins fit.
| What you see on the label | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 11175505020 | Full model number | Use this for parts lookup |
| 111.7550* | Model family with a color digit | Match the full number on the label |
| Serial number | Production identifier | Keep for your records |
Last updated: March 2026





