Do you remove cardboard from the bottom of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
For the Whirlpool WRF560SEYW01 bottom-mount refrigerator, we leave the cardboard (or fiberboard) panel at the bottom in place. That panel is designed to protect components and help direct airflow; removing it can lead to cooling problems and component damage.
What that “cardboard” piece is (and why it’s there)
On many Whirlpool refrigerators, the bottom rear area uses a fiberboard-style cover (it can look like cardboard). It typically serves these purposes:
- Protects the compressor, wiring, and condenser area from debris and accidental contact
- Helps guide airflow across the condenser for proper heat removal
- Reduces noise and vibration exposure
- Helps keep pets and dust from getting into the machine compartment
When you might remove it (temporarily)
We only remove that panel when the WRF560SEYW01 owner’s manual calls for access, such as cleaning or service.
Common situations where temporary removal makes sense:
- Cleaning dust from the condenser area (then reinstalling the panel)
- Inspecting for a water leak or drain pan overflow
- Checking the condenser fan area for obstructions
Quick check: shipping materials vs. protective panels
Use this simple guide to avoid removing the wrong thing.
| Item you see | Typical location | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberboard or “cardboard-like” cover | Bottom rear of cabinet | Leave installed (remove only for service, then reinstall) |
| Tape, foam blocks, plastic film | Doors, shelves, drawers | Remove and discard |
| Cardboard spacers under doors or drawers | Front or interior | Remove after setup |
Why it matters
That bottom cover is part of how the refrigerator cools itself. If airflow is disrupted, the WRF560SEYW01 can run warmer, run longer, or develop overheating-related failures.
Last updated: January 2026
Is a bottom mounted refrigerator good?
Yes. A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRF560SEYW01 is a good choice for most kitchens because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so everyday items are easier to reach while the freezer stays below for bulk storage.
What “good” means for a bottom-mount design
Bottom-mount refrigerators are built around how most people use a fridge day to day.
- Fresh food is easier to access with less bending
- Freezer drawers typically hold large items well (pizza boxes, bags, roasts)
- Wide shelves and crisper space usually make meal prep and grocery organization simpler
- Temperature stability in the fresh-food section is often strong because it is opened more frequently
- Many models support odor control and airflow management (filters, dampers, fans)
Pros and cons at a glance
| Feature | Bottom-mount benefit | Tradeoff to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Ergonomics | Less bending for fresh food | Freezer access requires bending |
| Storage style | Freezer drawer fits bulky items | Drawer can feel heavy when fully loaded |
| Organization | Fresh food is front-and-center | Some people prefer eye-level freezer shelves |
| Efficiency | Often efficient in real-world use | Depends on usage, seals, and maintenance |
What to check on your WRF560SEYW01 before deciding
We recommend confirming the features and care guidelines for your exact Whirlpool WRF560SEYW01 in the WRF560SEYW01 owner's manual.
- Door swing clearance and drawer pull-out space
- Shelf and bin layout for your typical groceries
- Whether your unit uses an air filter and how often it should be replaced
- How to set recommended refrigerator and freezer temperatures
- Cleaning and maintenance steps that help prevent odors and airflow restrictions
Why it matters
Most households open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. With a bottom-mount layout, the items you use most are placed where they are easiest to reach, which improves convenience and helps reduce “door-open time” that can affect cooling performance.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Whirlpool refrigerators?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problems are cooling complaints (warm fridge, warm freezer, or running constantly) and ice maker or water supply issues. On the Whirlpool WRF560SEYW01, these symptoms are usually tied to airflow, temperature sensing, or water delivery; use the WRF560SEYW01 owner's manual to confirm settings and component locations.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Fridge not cold enough: restricted airflow, evaporator fan issue, or a temperature sensor problem
- Freezer cold but fridge warm: damper or airflow problem between compartments
- Unit runs all the time: dirty condenser coils, door not sealing, or a sensor/control issue
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply restriction, inlet valve issue, or ice maker failure
- Water leaks or puddles: clogged defrost drain, loose water line fitting, or valve seepage
Quick checks we recommend first (no parts needed)
- Verify temperature settings and allow 24 hours after any adjustment.
- Make sure vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food packages.
- Check door closing and gasket contact all the way around.
- Confirm the ice maker shutoff arm or switch is in the ON position (if equipped).
- If you have a water dispenser, purge air after filter or water line work.
Parts that commonly solve these problems on WRF560SEYW01
If the basic checks do not help, these model-matched parts are common fixes:
| Symptom | Common part to inspect | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker not filling | Refrigerator inlet valve WPW10238100 | Water flow to ice maker/dispenser |
| Ice maker dead or inconsistent | Refrigerator ice maker assembly 4317943 | Ice harvest and fill cycles |
| Warm temps or temperature swings | Refrigerator thermistor WPW10383615 | Temperature sensing and cycling |
| Warm fridge section | Refrigerator electronic damper W11087463 | Cold air delivery to fresh food section |
Why it matters
Cooling and ice maker problems often share the same root causes: airflow restrictions, inaccurate temperature feedback, or weak water supply. Catching the cause early helps prevent food spoilage, excessive run time, and repeat ice maker failures.
For model-specific diagnostics and component access steps, follow the Whirlpool refrigerator error codes guidance alongside your manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On a Whirlpool bottom-mount refrigerator like model WRF560SEYW01, the “bottom part” is most often the machine compartment (also called the compressor compartment). It’s the lower rear area that houses the compressor and other cooling-system components, plus a drain pan underneath.
What you’ll typically find in the bottom section
In most refrigerators, the lower rear compartment is where the sealed-system and airflow parts live. Common components include:
- Compressor (the pump that moves refrigerant)
- Condenser coils (release heat from the refrigerant)
- Condenser fan (moves air across the condenser coils)
- Drain pan (catches defrost water so it can evaporate)
- Electrical start components (relay/capacitor, wiring)
If you’re troubleshooting a “no cool” or warm refrigerator issue, parts in this area are often involved, such as the refrigerator capacitor WPW10662129.
Names you might hear (and what they mean)
Different people use different terms; here’s a quick guide.
| Term people use | What it usually refers to | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Machine compartment | Compressor and condenser area | Bottom rear |
| Compressor compartment | Same as machine compartment | Bottom rear |
| Toe grille / kick plate | Vent cover at the front bottom | Front bottom |
| Base pan | Metal base that supports components | Bottom |
| Drain pan | Pan that shows up under the unit | Bottom rear |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps you match symptoms to the right area. For example, a loud hum or clicking from the bottom rear often points toward compressor start components, while water on the floor can point toward the drain pan or a defrost drain issue.
Where to confirm the exact layout for WRF560SEYW01
Component locations and access steps vary by configuration. We recommend using the WRF560SEYW01 owner's manual to identify panels, vents, and service access points before removing anything.
Last updated: January 2026





