What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator model 10676393414, the upper section is the freezer compartment (often just called the freezer). It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep foods frozen while the lower section refrigerates fresh foods; see the 10676393414 owner's manual for the exact compartment features on your unit.
Common names you’ll hear
- Freezer compartment
- Freezer section
- Upper freezer (on top-mount models)
- Freezer liner (the interior shell of the freezer)
- Freezer door (the door that seals the freezer compartment)
What the upper (freezer) compartment does
In most Kenmore top-mount refrigerators, the freezer compartment is responsible for:
- Maintaining sub-freezing temperatures for long-term storage
- Helping drive overall cooling by circulating cold air to the refrigerator section
- Housing the evaporator area and airflow passages (design varies by model)
- Supporting ice storage and, on some models, an ice maker
Quick comparison: freezer vs. refrigerator section
| Section | Typical purpose | Typical temperature range |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper on top-mount) | Frozen food storage | 0°F to 5°F |
| Refrigerator (lower) | Fresh food storage | 34°F to 40°F |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re ordering parts, reading diagrams, or troubleshooting symptoms like warm freezer temperatures, frost buildup, or poor airflow. For example, cooling issues can sometimes involve airflow components like the fan blade WP2163777 or sealed-system starting components like the refrigerator start device WPW10448874.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 10676393414, the most reliable way to get the refrigerator’s cubic feet is to look up the capacity in the 10676393414 owner's manual. If you do not have the listed capacity handy, you can estimate it by measuring the usable interior space and converting cubic inches to cubic feet.
Best ways to find cubic feet (in order)
- Check the specs section in the 10676393414 owner's manual for “capacity” or “cubic feet.”
- Look at the model/serial tag inside the fresh food section (often on a side wall or near the crisper area); it sometimes lists capacity.
- Estimate by measuring the interior (good when labels are missing or unreadable).
- Use the model prefix as a clue: Kenmore models starting with 106 are commonly Whirlpool-built; capacity varies widely, so the manual is still the best source.
How to estimate cubic feet by measuring
- Empty the compartment you’re measuring (refrigerator and freezer are often listed separately).
- Measure the usable interior:
- Width (inches)
- Depth (inches)
- Height (inches)
- Multiply:
width × depth × height = cubic inches. - Convert to cubic feet:
cubic inches ÷ 1728 = cubic feet.
Quick conversion table
| What you have | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Interior measurements in inches | Multiply L × W × H | Cubic inches |
| Cubic inches | Divide by 1728 | Cubic feet |
Why it matters
Knowing cubic feet helps you compare refrigerators accurately, choose the right storage accessories, and confirm fit when replacing bins, shelves, or door parts for your Kenmore 10676393414.
Last updated: January 2026
What is a top mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator is a classic fridge layout where the freezer compartment is on top and the fresh-food (refrigerator) compartment is below. Your Kenmore 10676393414 is a top-mount model, which typically offers straightforward storage, easy freezer access, and simple temperature controls.
How a top-mount refrigerator is laid out
- Freezer on top: frozen foods, ice maker (if equipped), and freezer shelves/bins
- Refrigerator on bottom: fresh foods, crisper drawers, and door bins
- Single cooling system (common): cold air is produced at the evaporator and circulated to both sections
- Door gaskets on both doors: help keep warm air out and temperatures stable
Top-mount vs. other common refrigerator styles
| Style | Freezer location | Typical benefit | Typical tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-mount (this model type) | Top | Simple design, usually lower cost to maintain | Fresh-food section is lower, so you bend more |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Fresh-food items at eye level | Often more complex and higher cost |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Narrow doors, easy access to both sections | Narrower shelf space for wide items |
Why it matters for parts and troubleshooting
Knowing you have a top-mount design helps narrow down common service areas and symptoms:
- Warm refrigerator but freezer OK: airflow or defrost issue is more likely
- Frost buildup in freezer: defrost system or door seal issue is more likely
- Door not sealing: inspect the freezer gasket and refrigerator gasket surfaces
- Clicking or no-start cooling: compressor start components may be involved
For model-specific features, control locations, and normal operating sounds, use the 10676393414 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What water filter fits my Kenmore fridge?
For Kenmore model 10676393414, the correct water filter is the one specified for that exact model number. The fastest way to confirm the right filter is to match your model number to the filter listing in the 10676393414 owner's manual and then replace it using the same style and connection type.
How to identify the right filter for 10676393414
Use these checks to avoid ordering the wrong cartridge:
- Confirm the model number on the rating label matches 10676393414 (not a similar 106.76xxxxxx model).
- Look for the filter location: inside the fresh food compartment, in the base grille, or in-line behind the unit.
- Match the filter’s physical style (push-in, twist-in, or in-line).
- Compare any numbers printed on the old filter (if installed) to the manual’s replacement reference.
- If your refrigerator has a bypass plug installed, you will need the correct filter style before water will dispense properly.
Quick compatibility guide (what you are matching)
| What you have | What it tells you | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Old filter cartridge in place | Exact style and fit | Match it to the replacement listed in the manual |
| No filter installed (bypass plug) | Filter may be optional or removed | Use the manual to identify the correct filter type |
| In-line filter on the water line | Filter is external | Identify the in-line size and fittings before buying |
Why it matters
Using the wrong water filter can cause leaks, low water flow, poor ice production, or a filter that will not lock into the housing. Matching by model number first prevents repeat replacements and water system issues.
Helpful DIY reference
If you want a step-by-step overview of common Kenmore filter styles and replacement tips, use how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026





