Is top mount or bottom mount better?
For most households, a top-mount refrigerator like Kenmore 2537482240G is better for value and efficiency, while a bottom-mount is better for everyday access to fresh-food items. The “better” choice depends on whether you prioritize lower operating cost and simplicity (top mount) or convenience and organization (bottom mount). See the 2537482240G owner's manual for setup details that affect real-world performance.
Quick comparison (what you get)
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | You bend more | More eye-level access |
| Energy use | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Price and repairs | Usually lower cost, simpler | Often higher cost, more features |
| Freezer access | Easier reach | More bending, but drawers help |
When a top mount is the better pick
- You want a straightforward refrigerator with fewer complex features to maintain.
- You prefer lower purchase price and typically lower energy use.
- You do not mind bending for produce drawers and lower shelves.
- You want flexible placement options; many top mounts allow door swing reversal (your 2537482240G does, and it should be done by a qualified person per the manual).
When a bottom mount is the better pick
- You use the refrigerator section far more than the freezer and want it at eye level.
- You want more built-in organization (common on many bottom-mount designs).
- You like freezer drawers and baskets for sorting frozen foods.
Why it matters for day-to-day use
Layout affects how often the doors are opened and how long they stay open, which impacts temperature stability and food freshness. Installation also matters: your Kenmore 2537482240G needs airflow clearance (typically 3/8 inch at the sides and top and 1 inch at the back) and an unblocked toe grille for proper circulation, which helps the compressor maintain temperatures.
Setup tips that improve either style
- Keep the toe grille area clear for airflow.
- Leave the recommended clearances around the cabinet.
- If the hinge side is against a wall, allow extra space for full door opening.
- Level the refrigerator so doors close and seal consistently.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
Your Kenmore refrigerator model 2537482240G has a specific cubic-foot capacity listed on the appliance rating plate and in the specifications section of the owner's manual. The fastest way to get the exact number is to read the rating plate inside the fresh food compartment.
Where to find the exact cubic feet (best methods)
We recommend checking these locations in order:
- Rating plate inside the refrigerator compartment (most accurate; it is the model-specific data tag)
- Specifications section in the owner's manual
- Product listing specs for model 2537482240G when you search by model number on Sears PartsDirect
How to read the rating plate quickly
On this Kenmore style of top-mount refrigerator, the manual notes the serial plate is inside the refrigerator compartment. Use this quick approach:
- Open the fresh food door and look along the side wall or upper interior liner
- Confirm the model reads 2537482240G
- Look for wording like “Capacity”, “Total volume”, or “Cu. Ft.”
- Write down the number exactly as shown (for example, it may list total capacity and sometimes separate fresh food and freezer volumes)
Typical capacity range (helpful for planning)
Most Kenmore top-mount refrigerators in this general size class are typically in this range:
| Refrigerator type | Typical total capacity |
|---|---|
| Top-mount (top freezer) | 14 to 22 cu. ft. |
Use the rating plate or manual to confirm the exact cubic feet for 2537482240G before ordering shelves, bins, or planning a kitchen fit.
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps you compare storage space, choose the right organization accessories (crisper pans, door racks, shelves), and set realistic expectations for food storage. It also helps when matching replacement storage components to your exact layout.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the top part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator like model 2537482240G, the top compartment is the freezer compartment (often just called the freezer). It is designed to keep foods frozen and also supplies cold air that helps cool the fresh food section; see the 2537482240G owner's manual.
What you will typically find in the top (freezer) section
- Freezer shelves or a wire rack for organizing frozen foods
- An ice maker (if your refrigerator is equipped for one)
- A freezer door gasket that seals the compartment to prevent frost and warm air leaks
- Air vents that circulate cold air between freezer and refrigerator sections
- A freezer light or switch on some configurations
Freezer vs. refrigerator section: quick comparison
| Area | Typical temperature | Main purpose | Common symptoms when it has a problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer (top) | 0°F | Long-term frozen storage, ice production | Frost buildup, soft ice cream, ice maker not working |
| Fresh food (bottom) | 37°F to 40°F | Short-term food storage | Warm temps, spoiled food, condensation |
Why it matters
When the freezer section is not sealing or circulating air correctly, the refrigerator section often warms up too. For example, a torn or loose door seal can let humid air in, leading to frost buildup and poor cooling.
Parts that relate to the freezer area on 2537482240G
If you are troubleshooting cooling or frost issues, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (helps control defrost operation)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 (moves cold air through the freezer and into the fridge)
- Refrigerator freezer gasket 241872509 (seals the freezer door to prevent air leaks)
Last updated: February 2026
How do I tell what model Kenmore fridge I have?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. For model 2537482240G, the Use & Care manual notes the serial plate is located inside the refrigerator compartment; record both the model and serial number for parts and service reference using the 2537482240G owner's manual.
Where to look for the model and serial plate
Check these common locations on Kenmore top-mount refrigerators:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (most common)
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
- Inside the door area (door liner) near the gasket
- Behind the lower crisper drawers on the back wall
- Behind the lower front kickplate (toe grille) on some designs
What the model number looks like (and why it matters)
Kenmore model numbers are typically numeric and often start with a 3-digit prefix (for example, 253). The full model number is what we use to match the correct refrigerator parts list, diagrams, and compatible items like door gaskets, shelves, and ice maker components.
Quick ID checklist
- Model number: identifies the exact refrigerator design and parts fit
- Serial number: identifies the production run and date code
- Product type: top-mount (freezer on top) vs. other styles
Use the model number to match the right replacement parts
Once you find the model number, use it to select parts that fit your exact Kenmore refrigerator. For example, if you are troubleshooting ice production, a common replacement is the ice maker 5304458371.
| If you need to… | Use the… | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm exact parts fit | Model number | 2537482240G |
| Identify production details | Serial number | From the serial plate |
| Fix no-ice or poor ice | Ice maker assembly | Ice maker 5304458371 |
Why this matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator gasket, shelf, crisper pan, or ice maker part. It also speeds up troubleshooting because the manual and diagrams are organized by model.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is the top part of my refrigerator not cooling?
If the fresh food (top) section of your Kenmore 2537482240G top-mount refrigerator is warm, the most common causes are blocked cold-air vents, temperature controls set incorrectly (including set to “0”), or poor airflow from frost buildup or a fan issue. Start with vent clearance and control settings in the 2537482240G owner's manual.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Make sure food packages are not blocking the cold-air vents in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Confirm the refrigerator temperature control is not set to 0 (that setting turns off the compressor).
- Adjust temperatures gradually; move the knob slightly and allow 24 hours to stabilize.
- Check that the toe grille at the lower front is not blocked (air circulation matters).
- Verify the room temperature is between 55°F and 110°F; extreme temps reduce cooling performance.
What to do based on what you observe
| What you notice | Likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer is cold but fridge is warm | Airflow problem (blocked vents, frost restriction, fan not moving air) | Clear vents; check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall |
| Both sections are warm | Control set to 0, power issue, or sealed-system/compressor problem | Confirm control setting; check outlet and breaker; listen for compressor |
| Fridge cools only on some shelves | Overpacking or vent blockage | Reorganize for airflow; leave space between items |
Parts that commonly relate to “warm top section” symptoms
Airflow problems often trace back to the evaporator area in the freezer. If you hear unusual fan noise, no fan sound, or airflow is weak, these parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 (damaged blade can reduce airflow)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (defrost issues can lead to frost buildup that blocks airflow)
Why it matters
This model uses a fan to circulate cold air between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. When vents are blocked, controls are set to “0”, or frost restricts airflow, the freezer can stay cold while the top section warms up and food spoils faster.
For replacement parts listed for your model, order directly from the parts list for Kenmore 2537482240G, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





