Are bottom mount fridges better?
Bottom-mount refrigerators like the LG LFX25978ST put fresh-food items at eye level and move the freezer to a lower drawer, so everyday groceries are easier to reach and organize. They are “better” when you use the refrigerator section more often than the freezer and want improved ergonomics.
When a bottom-mount refrigerator is the better choice
- You cook often and want produce, dairy, and drinks at comfortable reach.
- You prefer wide refrigerator shelves for meal prep containers and platters.
- You want a pull-out freezer drawer that keeps frozen foods grouped and visible.
- You open the refrigerator doors far more than the freezer.
- You want easier door alignment and closing adjustments using the leveling legs (covered in the owner's manual).
When it might not be better
Bottom-mount designs are not the best fit when you primarily use frozen foods or want the lowest upfront cost.
- If you access the freezer constantly, bending for the lower drawer can be inconvenient.
- If you want the simplest layout, a top-freezer model can feel more straightforward.
- If your kitchen space is tight, door swing clearance and drawer pull-out space matter.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like LFX25978ST) | Top-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier (eye level) | Lower shelves require more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer | Easier (upper compartment) |
| Organization | Strong for fresh food | Strong for frozen-first households |
| Common fit concern | Needs drawer pull-out space | Often fits tighter spaces |
Why it matters
Most households use the refrigerator section more than the freezer. A bottom-mount layout reduces bending for the items you grab daily, which can make the kitchen feel more efficient over the life of the appliance.
Parts and upkeep that affect “better” over time
A refrigerator feels “better” when it stays sealed, level, and cooling correctly.
- If doors do not close completely, check leveling and door alignment steps in the owner's manual.
- If you are troubleshooting door sealing, a worn gasket can cause temperature swings and longer run times; the right-side refrigerator door gasket ADX73350633 is a common wear item.
- For water and ice performance, staying on schedule with filtration helps; the LG kenmore refrigerator water filter ADQ36006101 fits this model.
If you need additional replacement parts beyond the list for this model, we also make it easy to search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is LFX25978ST?
The LG LFX25978ST is a 36-inch class, 3-door bottom-mount refrigerator; most units in this class are about 36 inches wide and roughly 70 inches tall. For the exact cabinet and door-clearance dimensions for your specific configuration, use the LFX25978ST owner's manual.
What “size” usually means (and what to measure)
When customers ask for the size of an LG refrigerator, it typically refers to one or more of these:
- Overall width (cabinet and doors)
- Overall height (to top of case or hinge cover)
- Overall depth (with handles, without handles, and without doors)
- Capacity (cubic feet)
- Clearance needs (space for door swing, ventilation, and pull-out freezer drawer)
Quick measuring checklist
Use a tape measure and record each number before ordering a replacement door, gasket, or planning a move.
- Measure width at the widest point (often the doors)
- Measure height from floor to the highest point
- Measure depth from the back to the front of the handles
- Measure your opening (cabinet cutout) and compare to the refrigerator
- Confirm you have room to remove bins and open the freezer drawer fully
Typical size ranges for this style
These are common ranges for 36-inch class, French door style bottom-mount refrigerators like the LFX25978ST.
| Measurement | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Width | 35 3/4 to 36 inches |
| Height | 68 1/2 to 71 inches |
| Depth (with handles) | 34 to 36 inches |
| Depth (without doors) | 29 to 31 inches |
Why it matters
Accurate dimensions prevent delivery problems and help you avoid door-swing and clearance issues. They also help when selecting fit-critical parts such as a door seal; for example, if you are replacing a leaking or torn gasket, match it to the correct side and model, such as the refrigerator door gasket ADX73350633.
You can also order replacement parts for your LG LFX25978ST from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with the LG refrigerator?
For the LG LFX25978ST refrigerator, the most common customer-reported issue is a cooling problem (refrigerator not cold enough or freezer not freezing). In many cases, the root cause is airflow or defrost-related (dirty condenser area, evaporator fan issues, or a defrost sensor problem) rather than a single “one part fits all” failure; our owner's manual troubleshooting chart is the best starting point.
What we check first for “not cooling” on LFX25978ST
Start with the quick items that cause the most cooling complaints and are safe to verify at home:
- Confirm the unit has power and is not mid-defrost (the manual notes a defrost cycle can temporarily affect operation).
- Make sure doors close fully and nothing is holding them open.
- Listen for normal defrost-cycle sounds (dripping or running water sounds can be normal during thawing).
- Clean dust from the condenser area; dirty condenser tubing can make the compressor run too long.
- Check for strong airflow inside; weak airflow often points to a fan or iced-over evaporator.
Parts that commonly relate to cooling, airflow, and defrost
If basic checks point to a component issue, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Common area | Example part for LFX25978ST |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge and/or freezer, weak airflow | Evaporator airflow | LG refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Frost buildup, temperature swings | Defrost sensing | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005N |
| Erratic temps or false readings | Temperature sensing | Refrigerator temperature sensor 6500JB2001B |
Why it matters
Cooling complaints often start as a small airflow restriction or a defrost sensing problem; addressing it early helps prevent food spoilage, long run times, and “strange sounds” caused by ice buildup or fans working harder than normal.
If the issue is water or ice related instead
Some “not cooling” calls are actually dispenser or ice maker complaints. For prevention and maintenance, we use:
- How to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems
- Replace the filter on schedule using LG kenmore refrigerator water filter ADQ36006101
- If water flow is weak, inspect the supply line and consider the LG refrigerator water inlet valve AJU72992601
For ordering model-specific replacement parts, use the parts list for LFX25978ST on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





