What is the upper part of a fridge called?
In a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator like model 79568033216, the upper section is typically called the freezer compartment (or simply the freezer). It is the coldest area and is designed to keep foods frozen and support ice production when equipped.
What you will find in the upper (freezer) section
Most top-mount freezers include a mix of storage and airflow components that help maintain stable freezing temperatures:
- Freezer shelves or racks for frozen foods
- Door bins for smaller items (frozen vegetables, ice packs, etc.)
- An evaporator area behind an interior panel that creates the cold air
- An evaporator fan system that circulates cold air through the freezer and into the fresh food section
- A door gasket that seals the compartment to prevent warm air leaks
For model-specific layout and features, use the 79568033216 owner's manual.
Freezer vs. refrigerator compartment (quick comparison)
| Area | Common name | Typical temperature | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper section | Freezer compartment | 0°F | Long-term frozen storage |
| Lower section | Fresh food compartment | 37°F | Short-term refrigerated storage |
When the “upper part” question is really a repair symptom
If you are asking because the top section is not cooling, frosting up, or making noise, these are common freezer-related culprits:
- Frost buildup from a defrost system issue (often tied to a sensor)
- Weak airflow from an evaporator fan problem
- Warm air leaks from a damaged or warped door seal
- Door alignment issues that prevent a tight seal
On this model, a common defrost-related component is the refrigerator defrost sensor 6615JB2005W.
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps you match the right troubleshooting steps and parts. For example, “freezer not cold” diagnostics focus on airflow, defrost, and door sealing, while “refrigerator not cold” can also involve the air damper and temperature controls.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 79568033216, the most reliable way to get the exact cubic-foot capacity is to look it up in the specifications section of the 79568033216 owner's manual. If you cannot access the spec page quickly, you can estimate capacity by measuring the usable interior space and converting cubic inches to cubic feet.
Best ways to find cubic feet (most accurate first)
- Check the specifications section in the 79568033216 owner's manual (capacity is typically listed as “cu. ft.”).
- Look for a tech/spec label inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall or near the crisper area); some units list total capacity there.
- Search the model’s product spec sheet using the full model number 79568033216 (not a partial number).
- Estimate capacity by measuring the interior (helpful if shelves/bins were changed).
How to estimate cubic feet by measuring
- Measure the usable interior of the refrigerator section: width, depth, height (in inches).
- Do the same for the freezer section.
- Multiply each section:
W x D x H = cubic inches. - Add both sections together.
- Convert to cubic feet: divide by 1728.
Quick conversion table
| What you have | Convert to | Math |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic inches | Cubic feet | divide by 1728 |
| Cubic feet | Cubic inches | multiply by 1728 |
Model-number tips (what helps and what does not)
Kenmore model numbers can hint at the manufacturer family (for example, many 795 models are LG-built), but the digits in 79568033216 do not reliably encode the exact cubic-foot capacity. For capacity, the manual/spec sheet is the dependable source.
Why it matters
Cubic-foot capacity helps you choose correctly sized replacement shelves, door bins, and storage accessories, and it also helps when comparing energy use and food-storage needs. If you are replacing storage parts, match by model first, then confirm fit by part ID.
Last updated: January 2026
How to replace kenmore freezer thermostat?
On Kenmore refrigerator model 79568033216, replacing the freezer thermostat (often a defrost thermostat or temperature sensor, depending on the symptom) typically involves removing the freezer’s rear interior panel to access the evaporator area, disconnecting the thermostat wiring, and installing the new part in the same location and routing.
Before you start
- Unplug the refrigerator to prevent electric shock.
- Move food to a cooler; keep the freezer door closed as much as possible.
- Remove freezer shelves/bins for working room.
- Use a towel to protect the floor from melting frost.
- Follow the access and panel-removal steps in the 79568033216 owner's manual.
Basic replacement steps (typical top-mount design)
- Disconnect power (unplug).
- Remove the freezer rear panel (usually several screws) to expose the evaporator cover and evaporator coil.
- Locate the thermostat:
- A defrost thermostat (bi-metal) is commonly clipped to evaporator tubing.
- A temperature sensor/thermistor is commonly clipped or mounted near the evaporator air stream.
- Disconnect the wires (note positions or take a photo).
- Unclip/remove the old thermostat, then install the new one in the same spot.
- Reassemble panels, restore power, and allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
What part is most often replaced?
Because “freezer thermostat” can mean different components, match the part to the symptom and location.
| What you see | Most likely part type | Common symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Clipped to evaporator tubing | Defrost thermostat (bi-metal) | Frost buildup, warm freezer, defrost issues |
| Small sensor with harness near evaporator/air duct | Temperature sensor (thermistor) | Erratic temps, over-freezing, warm temps |
| Airflow door area between freezer and fresh food | Damper control | Fresh food warm, freezer OK |
Why it matters
A thermostat or sensor that is loose, mispositioned, or wired incorrectly can cause poor cooling, heavy frost, or temperature swings. Correct placement and wire routing helps the control board read temperatures accurately and run the defrost cycle properly.
Related parts that can affect freezer temperature
If the freezer is warm or airflow is weak, these model-specific parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S (moves cold air through the freezer)
- Refrigerator defrost sensor 6615JB2005W (helps manage defrost operation)
- Refrigerator air damper motor 4681JB1027N (controls airflow to the fresh food section)
Last updated: January 2026
What does er ff mean on kenmore elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 79568033216, the ER FF code points to an evaporator fan (freezer fan) problem. When that fan is not running correctly, cold air cannot move from the freezer into the fresh food section, so temperatures rise and cooling becomes uneven.
What you’ll notice when ER FF is active
- Refrigerator section warming up while the freezer may still feel cold
- Little or no airflow from the refrigerator vents
- Louder-than-normal fan noise, rattling, or intermittent fan operation
- Frost or ice buildup on the freezer back wall (airflow restriction)
- Food softening or thawing in the freezer if airflow is severely reduced
Quick checks we recommend first
- Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Check for ice blockage: Look for heavy frost on the freezer rear panel; frost can jam the fan.
- Listen for the fan: With the freezer door closed (door switch held in), you should typically hear the evaporator fan running during cooling.
- Confirm vents are clear: Do not block freezer vents with packages or bins.
- Verify door sealing: Air leaks can cause frost buildup that leads to fan issues.
Parts commonly involved
If the fan is noisy, not spinning, or spins intermittently, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Fan not running, no airflow | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S |
| Fan blade rubbing or broken | Fan blade or ice interference | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5901JJ1003A |
| Frost buildup causing repeat errors | Defrost system sensing | Refrigerator defrost sensor 6615JB2005W |
Why it matters
The evaporator fan is what distributes freezer-made cold air through the refrigerator. If it fails or gets blocked by ice, the compressor can run longer, temperatures drift, and food quality and safety can be affected.
Where to confirm the exact meaning for your model
For the model-specific error code list and diagnostic notes, use the 79568033216 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





