Which is better top mount or bottom mount freezer?
For a Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerator like model 79568274900, a bottom-mount freezer is usually “better” for everyday convenience because fresh food sits at eye level; a top-mount freezer is usually “better” for lower purchase cost and slightly simpler design. The best choice depends on how often you access the refrigerator section versus the freezer.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-mount
| Feature | Top-mount freezer | Bottom-mount freezer (like 79568274900) |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Freezer is easiest to reach | Refrigerator is easiest to reach |
| Ergonomics | More bending for fresh food | Less bending for fresh food |
| Organization | Simple shelves, easy to see | Often deeper freezer storage (baskets/drawers) |
| Typical cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Efficiency | Often slightly more efficient | Often comparable; depends on usage and seals |
What we see most customers prefer
- Bottom-mount if you use fresh food daily and want less bending for produce, deli items, and drinks.
- Top-mount if you want a simpler layout and you use the freezer more often than the refrigerator.
- Either style performs well when air vents stay clear and doors seal tightly.
Why it matters (performance and operating cost)
A refrigerator’s real-world performance depends more on airflow, door sealing, and temperature control than freezer location. Your door gaskets, door alignment, and keeping vents unblocked help prevent temperature swings, moisture issues, and longer compressor run times.
Tips to get the best results from a bottom-mount like 79568274900
- Keep freezer and refrigerator vents unblocked so air can circulate properly.
- Make sure doors close fully; adjust alignment using the steps in the 79568274900 owner's manual.
- If the interior light stays on or the unit seems to run too long, check the door switch; the lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A is a common wear item.
- If you see moisture, frost, or warm spots, inspect door seals and consider replacing a worn gasket (for example, refrigerator gasket assembly ADX73350925 if it matches your door location and color).
When “better” is purely about convenience
- Choose bottom-mount: you open the refrigerator section many times per day.
- Choose top-mount: you batch-cook, freeze often, and want the freezer at chest height.
You can shop model-specific replacement parts from the parts list for 79568274900, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the advantages of bottom mount refrigerators?
Bottom-mount refrigerators like Kenmore model 79568274900 keep the fresh-food section at eye and waist level, so we reach everyday items with less bending. The freezer stays below, which works well when we access refrigerated foods more often than frozen foods.
Key advantages in day-to-day use
- Less bending for fresh food: produce, drinks, and leftovers are easier to grab.
- Better organization for refrigerated items: shelves and drawers are typically more accessible.
- Freezer space stays separate: frozen items are contained in the lower compartment.
- Airflow design supports consistent temps: proper venting helps both sections cool as intended.
- Door features add convenience: many bottom-mount designs include alarms and adjustable storage.
What to watch for (so the benefits stay real)
Bottom-mount designs rely on good airflow between the freezer and refrigerator sections. If vents are blocked, temperatures and moisture control can suffer.
- Keep packages from blocking interior vents.
- Avoid overpacking the freezer drawer so air can circulate.
- Wrap foods tightly to reduce odor transfer between sections.
- Let hot foods cool before loading to reduce temperature swings.
Quick comparison
| Layout | Fresh-food access | Freezer access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom-mount (bottom freezer) | Easiest | Requires bending | Households that use the refrigerator section most |
| Top-freezer | Moderate | Easiest | Households that use the freezer most |
Why it matters
Ergonomics and airflow are the two big wins. Keeping fresh food higher reduces strain, and maintaining clear vents helps the refrigerator hold steady temperatures and avoid moisture issues. For model-specific features and usage tips (controls, door alarm, airflow guidance), use the owner's manual.
You can also order model-matched replacement parts (like door hardware and cooling components) from the parts list for 79568274900, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What does "bottom mount refrigerator" mean?
A bottom-mount refrigerator means the freezer is located in the lower section and the fresh-food (refrigerator) compartment is on top; on Kenmore model 79568274900, this design keeps everyday refrigerated items at eye level while frozen foods stay in the bottom drawer or swing door.
How a bottom-mount layout is set up
In a bottom-mount (bottom freezer) refrigerator, you typically get:
- Fresh-food compartment on top for frequent access
- Freezer compartment on the bottom for long-term storage
- Less bending for produce, drinks, and leftovers stored in the refrigerator section
- A freezer that may be a pull-out drawer or a swing door, depending on the configuration
For model-specific features and compartment details, we recommend checking the 79568274900 owner's manual.
Why people choose bottom-mount refrigerators
Bottom-mount designs are popular because they prioritize the space you use most often.
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Higher, easier reach | Lower, more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier reach |
| Best for | Frequent fresh-food use | Frequent freezer use |
Why it matters for troubleshooting and parts
Knowing your refrigerator is bottom-mount helps when diagnosing common issues and ordering the right parts because access points and airflow paths differ between the refrigerator and freezer sections.
- Door alignment and closing issues often relate to hinges, bushings, or gaskets
- Frost or cooling complaints often involve the evaporator area in the freezer section
- Water leaks can be tied to defrost drainage routing to the bottom area
If you are ordering replacement parts for Kenmore 79568274900, use the parts list on this page first; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Kenmore refrigerators typically last 10 to 15 years. For a Kenmore bottom-mount like model 79568274900, lifespan depends most on basic care (cleaning condenser coils, keeping doors sealing tightly, and fixing cooling or defrost issues early); our 79568274900 owner's manual covers the key maintenance routines.
Typical lifespan and what affects it most
A refrigerator’s life is usually determined by heat management, door sealing, and how hard the compressor has to work.
- Condenser coil cleanliness (dirty coils raise run time and heat)
- Door gasket condition (air leaks cause longer run times and frost)
- Room temperature and ventilation (hot kitchens increase compressor duty cycle)
- Door-opening habits (frequent openings add heat and moisture)
- Timely repairs (small airflow or defrost problems can become major failures)
Quick maintenance checklist (best ROI)
Use these steps to help your 79568274900 reach the high end of the typical lifespan range.
- Vacuum and brush condenser coils regularly
- Confirm doors close fully; clean and inspect the gasket sealing surfaces
- Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked
- Set stable temperatures and avoid frequent large adjustments
- Address puddles, frost buildup, or warm spots quickly
Parts that commonly impact longevity
If you are troubleshooting symptoms that shorten lifespan (warm temps, frost, lights not turning off), these model-matched parts are often involved:
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for 79568274900 |
|---|---|---|
| Interior lights stay on, warmer temps | Door not registering closed | Lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
| Frost buildup, poor cooling | Defrost system issue | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C |
| Water under fridge or ice buildup | Drain restriction | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Door not sealing, moisture/frost | Worn or warped gasket | Refrigerator gasket assembly ADX73350925 |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs longer than normal uses more energy and puts extra wear on the compressor. The manual notes that modern refrigerators can run a significant portion of the time (and even more in warm conditions), so keeping airflow and seals in good shape directly supports long service life.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the code 5Y EF on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 79568274900, the 5Y EF (or SY EF) code points to a problem in the evaporator fan circuit, meaning the freezer evaporator fan is not running correctly or the control is not sensing it properly. This commonly traces to the fan motor, wiring connections, or frost buildup restricting the fan.
What to check first (quick, safe steps)
- Make sure the freezer door fully closes and stays closed.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: it typically runs when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (a sign of a defrost problem that can jam the fan).
- Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power to clear a temporary control glitch.
- Confirm your temperature settings are reasonable (a very warm freezer can trigger airflow issues over time).
Likely causes and the parts that match them
If the code returns after a reset, these are the most common root causes on bottom-mount designs like this Kenmore 795 series.
| Symptom you notice | Most likely cause | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Loud buzzing, rubbing, or intermittent fan noise | Fan blade hitting ice or shroud | Airflow through evaporator |
| Freezer warms, fresh food warms, little airflow | Failed evaporator fan motor | Cooling circulation |
| Heavy frost on freezer back panel | Defrost system issue | Fan can get blocked by ice |
| Code appears after door has been open | Door switch not signaling correctly | Fan operation logic |
Parts we often see involved
- Evaporator fan not running: Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027N
- Frost buildup from defrost trouble: Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C and refrigerator defrost heater 5300JB1100J
- Door not registering closed: Lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A
Why it matters
The evaporator fan moves cold air from the freezer evaporator to both compartments. When the fan circuit fails or airflow is blocked, temperatures rise, food spoils faster, and the compressor can run longer than normal.
Helpful model-specific references
- Use the owner's manual for control settings, airflow guidance, and troubleshooting steps.
- For code definitions and common fixes for this series, see Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: February 2026





