Owner’s manual
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What is a top mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator (also called a top-freezer refrigerator) is a classic layout where the freezer compartment is on top and the fresh-food refrigerator section is below. Your Kenmore model 79573266303 is a top-mount design, as shown in the owner's manual.
In a top-mount refrigerator, cold air is produced in the freezer area and circulates to keep both compartments at the right temperature.
Key points we see on this Kenmore design:
- Air must flow between the freezer and refrigerator sections for stable temperatures.
- Cool air enters through the bottom of the freezer section and moves upward.
- Some air recirculates in the freezer; the rest feeds the refrigerator section through vents.
- Separate temperature controls regulate the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
| Style | Freezer location | Typical benefit | Typical tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-mount (top-freezer) | Top | Simple layout, strong freezer access | Fresh-food section is lower |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Fresh-food at eye level | Freezer access is lower |
| Side-by-side | Left or right side | Narrow door swing, easy access to both | Narrower shelf width |
Knowing you have a top-mount refrigerator helps when you are troubleshooting cooling issues (airflow between compartments is critical), setting temperatures, or ordering parts like a door gasket, thermistor, or evaporator fan components.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 79573266303, the most reliable way to get the exact cubic-foot capacity is to look it up in the specifications section of the owner's manual. If you cannot find the spec quickly, you can estimate capacity by measuring the usable interior space and converting cubic inches to cubic feet.
- Check the specifications page in the manual for “capacity” or “total volume” (refrigerator + freezer). Use the owner's manual.
- Search by the full model number (use all digits: 79573266303) when comparing spec sheets.
- Estimate by measuring the interior if you need a quick answer for planning shelves, bins, or a replacement.
- Do not rely on model-number “patterns”; Kenmore model numbering varies by series and supplier.
- Empty the compartment you are measuring (fresh food or freezer).
- Measure the usable interior:
- Width (inches)
- Depth (inches)
- Height (inches)
- Multiply:
W x D x H = cubic inches. - Convert:
cubic inches ÷ 1728 = cubic feet.
| What you have | What it means |
|---|---|
| 12,096 cubic inches | 7.0 cubic feet |
| 17,280 cubic inches | 10.0 cubic feet |
| 20,736 cubic inches | 12.0 cubic feet |
Cubic-foot capacity helps you compare refrigerators fairly and plan storage. It also helps when ordering organization parts (bins, shelves, drawer rails) because “usable space” can vary even among similar top-mount designs.
Last updated: January 2026
What does DH mean on Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 79573266303 top-mount refrigerators, dH/DH is used as a defrost-related indicator (often read as “defrost heater” or “defrost heating”). It points to the refrigerator not completing defrost normally, which can lead to frost buildup and warm temperatures. Check the display and control details in the 79573266303 owner’s manual.
- Power reset: unplug for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Confirm doors close tightly and stay closed.
- Make sure freezer vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Set temperatures to 0°F freezer and 37°F refrigerator, then wait 24 hours.
- Listen for the evaporator fan; heavy frost can cause rubbing or airflow noise changes.
A DH condition is tied to the defrost system or moisture getting into the freezer and overwhelming defrost.
| Common issue | What you may notice | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Frosted evaporator (defrost not keeping up) | Ice on freezer back wall, weak airflow | Defrost system diagnosis (heater, sensor, wiring) |
| Door seal leak | Heavy frost, moisture, frequent defrosting | Inspect and correct gasket sealing and door alignment |
| Drain path icing/clog | Water under crisper, ice at freezer floor | Clear drain and check drain components |
If you see water pooling or recurring ice at the drain area after a manual defrost, inspect the drain tube and cap; the refrigerator drain 5251JA3003D is the drain tube used in the defrost water path for this model.
When defrost does not complete, frost blocks airflow between the freezer and fresh food sections. Cooling performance drops even while the compressor runs longer, and temperatures can rise in the refrigerator compartment.
Last updated: January 2026
