Is a bottom mounted refrigerator good?
Yes. A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRF560SEYW00 is a strong choice for everyday use because the fresh-food section sits at eye level, so you reach the most-used items with less bending; the freezer stays below for bulk storage.
What “good” usually means with a bottom-mount design
- More convenience for daily items: milk, produce, leftovers are easier to access.
- Less bending for the refrigerator section: the crisper and main shelves are higher than on many top-freezer models.
- Better organization: wide shelves and door bins typically make it easier to see food.
- Freezer is still roomy: bottom drawers can hold larger frozen items.
- Often quieter-feeling in the kitchen: the compressor area is low and out of the main sightline.
Tradeoffs to consider
Bottom-mount refrigerators are “good” when the layout matches how you use your kitchen. Here are the common downsides to weigh:
- You bend more for frozen foods (ice cream, frozen meals, etc.).
- Freezer drawers can feel heavy when fully loaded.
- More parts in the drawer/slide system can mean more wear over time.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like WRF560SEYW00) | Top-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Access to fresh food | Best (eye level) | Good, but lower shelves/crispers sit lower |
| Access to freezer | Requires bending | Best (higher) |
| Organization | Typically easier in fridge section | Typically easier in freezer section |
| Best for | Fresh-food heavy households | Frozen-food heavy households |
Why it matters
Most households open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. With a bottom-mount, the items you use most are positioned where you naturally reach, which reduces strain and makes it easier to keep food visible (and avoid waste).
Keeping a bottom-mount running its best
A “good” refrigerator stays good with basic upkeep:
- Replace the water filter on schedule; use the correct refrigerator filter EDR1RXD1.
- Swap the air filter when odors linger; the refrigerator air filter W10311524 helps keep airflow fresh.
- Follow cleaning and care steps in the owner's manual.
- Order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for WRF560SEYW00, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On a Whirlpool WRF560SEYW00 bottom-mount refrigerator, the “bottom part” most people mean is the compressor area (the sealed-system components that circulate refrigerant). Depending on what you’re pointing to, the bottom can also include the condenser area, drain pan, or the freezer compartment.
Common “bottom parts” and what they do
- Compressor: pumps refrigerant through the sealed system; usually behind the lower rear access cover.
- Condenser and condenser fan area: releases heat from the refrigerant; often near the compressor.
- Drain pan: catches defrost water so it can evaporate.
- Toe grille (kick plate): the front bottom cover that helps airflow and protects components.
- Freezer compartment: on bottom-mount models, the freezer drawer is the bottom section.
Quick identification guide
Use this as a fast way to name what you’re seeing.
| What you see at the bottom | What it’s commonly called | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Black “tank” with copper lines | Compressor | Cooling in both sections |
| Warm coils or tubing near compressor | Condenser | Overall efficiency, heat removal |
| Plastic tray with water | Drain pan | Water under/behind fridge |
| Front snap-on vented cover | Toe grille | Airflow, noise, cleaning access |
| Bottom drawer with food | Freezer compartment | Frozen food temps |
Why it matters
Using the right name helps you troubleshoot faster and order the correct Whirlpool refrigerator parts. For example, cooling failures often point toward the compressor or airflow components, while water on the floor often points toward the drain system.
Helpful next steps for WRF560SEYW00
- Match what you’re seeing to the table above.
- If you suspect a cooling issue, check for airflow problems first (blocked vents, dirty condenser area).
- If you’re diagnosing a specific symptom, use the diagrams and component locations in the WRF560SEYW00 manual.
- For sealed-system related repairs, we recommend using a qualified technician.
You can also order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for WRF560SEYW00, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I reset the feeler arm on my Whirlpool ice maker?
On your Whirlpool WRF560SEYW00 bottom-mount refrigerator, resetting the ice maker feeler (bail) arm usually means freeing the arm so it moves smoothly and then power-cycling the refrigerator to restart an ice harvest cycle. The arm must rest in the down (ON) position for normal ice production.
Quick reset steps (safe and effective)
- Lift the feeler/bail arm up, then lower it back down; it should move freely and not bind.
- Make sure the ice bin is seated correctly and not pushing the arm upward.
- Power-cycle the refrigerator: unplug for 2 minutes, then plug back in.
- Wait 10 to 30 minutes; many Whirlpool ice makers will attempt a cycle after power is restored.
- If the arm keeps popping up, check for ice cubes jammed at the ejector area and clear them.
What the feeler arm position means
| Feeler arm position | What it tells the ice maker | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|
| Down | “Make ice” | Normal cycling and filling |
| Up | “Bin full” | Ice maker stops cycling |
| Stuck or hard to move | “Can’t sense correctly” | Intermittent or no ice |
If the arm won’t stay down (common causes)
- Ice clumps in the bin holding the arm up
- A misaligned bin or shelf interfering with the arm
- Frost buildup around the ice maker module
- A fill problem that creates small cubes and jams (often tied to water supply issues)
Why it matters
The feeler arm is the ice maker’s shutoff sensor. If it is stuck in the up position or can’t move smoothly, the ice maker reads “bin full” and stops making ice even when the freezer is cold.
When a part is likely involved
If the arm moves freely but you still get no ice after a reset and adequate freezer temperature, the issue is often in the ice maker assembly or water fill system. For this model, common replacement parts include the refrigerator ice maker 4317943 and the refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10238100. You can also find additional parts for WRF560SEYW00 on this model’s parts list or by searching on Sears PartsDirect.
For model-specific operating details and ice maker notes, use the WRF560SEYW00 manual.
Last updated: February 2026
Why does my Whirlpool bottom freezer leak out of the bottom right side front?
On a Whirlpool WRF560SEYW00 bottom-mount refrigerator, water leaking from the bottom right front is typically caused by a defrost drain that’s clogged or frozen; meltwater can’t flow to the drain pan, so it overflows and runs out the front. Confirm the drain-cleaning steps in the owner's manual.
Most common causes (and what to check first)
- Clogged defrost drain: Food particles, sludge, or ice blocks the drain opening under the evaporator.
- Frozen drain tube: The drain is clear at the top but iced up farther down.
- Drain pan shifted or cracked: Water reaches the pan but doesn’t stay contained.
- Door not sealing: Warm, humid air increases frost and defrost water volume.
- Ice maker or water line seep: Less common for a “right-front” floor leak, but possible if water tracks along the cabinet base.
Quick troubleshooting steps (safe DIY)
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove items from the freezer.
- Look for ice or standing water on the freezer floor; that strongly points to a drain issue.
- Thaw the drain area (door open, towels down). Avoid sharp tools that can puncture liners.
- Flush the drain with hot water using a turkey baster or squeeze bottle until it flows freely.
- Check the drain pan underneath for proper placement and signs of damage.
- If the leak appears tied to water supply use, inspect the water inlet valve area; a failing valve can drip and create intermittent puddles. The model-specific replacement is the refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10238100.
What the symptoms usually mean
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water/ice on freezer floor | Clogged or frozen defrost drain | Thaw and flush drain |
| Leak after heavy defrosting or warm days | Door seal leak causing excess frost | Inspect gasket, level doors |
| Puddle appears after using dispenser/ice maker | Water line or inlet valve seep | Inspect fittings/valve |
Why it matters
A blocked defrost drain can refreeze into a larger ice sheet, restrict airflow, and lead to warmer freezer temps, poor ice production, and recurring floor leaks.
Parts and resources
- If you’re ordering parts for this repair, use the parts list for model WRF560SEYW00 on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
- For step-by-step drain and care guidance, follow the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





