What is the top part of a fridge called?
On the Kenmore 11160519912 top-mount refrigerator, the top section is the freezer compartment. It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep food frozen; some versions can also support an optional ice maker (if equipped).
What the freezer compartment does
- Keeps foods at freezing temperatures for long-term storage
- Helps maintain safe food temperatures during normal door openings
- Often contains shelves or bins for organizing frozen items
- May include an ice maker area on models that support an optional ice maker
Quick terminology guide
| Term you might hear | What it means | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | The frozen-food section | Top (on a top-mount refrigerator) |
| Fresh food compartment | The refrigerated section for everyday items | Bottom |
| Evaporator | Cooling coil that absorbs heat | Typically behind the freezer’s rear panel |
| Evaporator fan | Moves cold air through the compartments | Usually in/near the freezer |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re checking temperatures, reading troubleshooting steps, or looking up diagrams and maintenance instructions for your Kenmore 11160519912 in the owner's manual.
Related help for Kenmore 111 refrigerators
If you’re asking because you’re seeing a display message or temperature issue, we use the freezer and refrigerator sections to narrow down diagnostics. A good next step is to check the Kenmore 111 model top freezer refrigerator error codes guide.
You can also find model-specific parts and diagrams for the Kenmore 11160519912, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. We still support Kenmore refrigerator parts, including for Kenmore model 11160519912. Use your model number to match the correct replacement part (such as shelves, door gaskets, or an optional ice maker water-supply part) and confirm fitment details in the 11160519912 owner's manual.
How to find the right part fast
- Match the full model number exactly: 11160519912
- Identify the symptom first (leaking, warm fridge, noisy fan, ice maker not working)
- Check whether your unit has optional features installed (for example, an optional ice maker)
- Compare your refrigerator’s key specs when ordering (size, configuration)
- Use our model-based parts lookup first; then broaden your search on Sears PartsDirect
Model-specific details that help with compatibility
From the documentation for Kenmore 11160519912, these specs help you confirm you are shopping for the right platform:
| Spec (from documentation) | What it helps with | Value shown |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator type | Confirms top-mount platform | Top-mount refrigerator |
| Approx. dimensions | Confirms cabinet size class | 29.9 in (W), 28.8 in (D), 66.3 in (H) |
| Approx. capacity | Confirms size class | 14.2 cu ft |
| Refrigerant type | Service safety and sealed-system work | R600a |
Why it matters
Kenmore uses multiple design platforms across different model families. Using the exact model number (and checking the manual for configuration details) prevents ordering a part that looks similar but does not mount correctly, seal properly, or match your wiring and connectors.
Safety note for DIY repairs
This refrigerator uses flammable refrigerant (R600a). For any repair that could contact refrigerant tubing or sealed-system components, use a trained service technician and follow the safety guidance in the 11160519912 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What water filter fits my Kenmore fridge?
For Kenmore model 11160519912, the correct water filter is the one specified for that exact model in the 11160519912 owner's manual. If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water line connection, matching the filter by model number prevents leaks, low flow, and bad-tasting water.
How we recommend confirming the exact filter
- Check the filter housing area (inside the fresh food section or base grille) for a filter label.
- Match the refrigerator model number 11160519912 to the filter listing in the 11160519912 owner's manual.
- If your unit uses an optional ice maker, confirm whether your setup uses a cartridge filter, an inline filter, or no filter at the refrigerator.
- Replace the filter on schedule (most refrigerator filters are replaced about every 6 months, sooner with heavy use).
- After installing a new filter, flush water through the system to clear air and carbon fines.
Quick fit check: what you have vs. what you need
Use this checklist to avoid buying the wrong style.
| What you see on the fridge | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Twist-in or push-in cartridge inside the fridge | Internal cartridge-style filter | Confirm the exact cartridge type in the manual before ordering |
| 1/4-inch water line with an external filter on the line | Inline filter setup | Match the inline filter size and fittings, then flush after install |
| No filter housing and no external filter | No filtration at the refrigerator | Consider adding an inline filter if you want filtration |
Why it matters
A mismatched filter can restrict water flow to the dispenser or ice maker, cause slow fill, and increase the chance of leaks at the filter head or water line connections. Using the model-matched filter keeps water pressure and filtration performance where it should be.
Helpful DIY guidance
- For step-by-step filter replacement tips and common Kenmore filter styles, use How to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.
Ordering parts
If you do not see the filter listed where you expect, we recommend searching by model number 11160519912 on Sears PartsDirect to find the correct replacement part for your exact configuration.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell what model Kenmore refrigerator?
To tell what model Kenmore refrigerator you have, we look for the model/serial tag on the cabinet (not the door). On Kenmore model 11160519912 top-mount refrigerators, the exact label location and number format are shown in the 11160519912 owner's manual, and that model number is what you use to match the correct parts and service information.
Where to find the model number label
Check these common Kenmore refrigerator spots first:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling area inside the fresh food compartment
- Behind or near the crisper drawers (on the cabinet wall)
- Behind the lower kick plate or front grille area
- On an inside edge near the door opening (cabinet frame)
What to write down (so parts match correctly)
Record the information exactly as printed on the tag:
- Model number (example for this page: 11160519912)
- Serial number (helps confirm production run and revisions)
- Any suffix letters/numbers after the main model (if shown)
- Electrical ratings (useful when diagnosing controls or fans)
Quick check: model number vs. brand name
Kenmore is the brand on the badge; the model number is the identifier that drives parts compatibility.
| Item | What it tells us | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore nameplate | Brand family | Does not guarantee parts fit |
| Model number (ex: 11160519912) | Exact design and parts list | Ensures correct shelves, gaskets, controls |
| Serial number | Build sequence | Helps confirm version differences |
Why it matters
Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator door gasket, evaporator fan parts, or ice maker components. It also helps when you are troubleshooting display messages; for Kenmore 111 models, our Kenmore 111 model top freezer refrigerator error codes guide is the best match.
You can then search and order by model number through the parts list for 11160519912, or use Sears PartsDirect to search by the model number if you are working on another Kenmore refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore top-mount refrigerator model 11160519912, the total capacity is 14.2 cu. ft.; it’s listed in the specifications section of the 11160519912 owner's manual, so you do not need to decode the model number to get cubic feet.
Best ways to find cubic feet (most accurate first)
- Check the specifications page in the 11160519912 owner's manual for “cu ft” or “capacity”.
- Look for the rating label inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall near the crisper drawers); many units list capacity there.
- Use the model number 11160519912 when searching specs and compatible parts on Sears PartsDirect.
- If you only need a close estimate, measure the usable interior space and calculate volume.
How to estimate cubic feet by measuring
- Measure the usable interior of the refrigerator section in inches: height, width, depth.
- Measure the freezer section the same way.
- Multiply H × W × D for each section to get cubic inches.
- Add the two totals.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
Quick conversion table
| Measurement you have | Calculation | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Inches (H × W × D) | Multiply | Cubic inches |
| Cubic inches | Divide by 1,728 | Cubic feet |
Why it matters
Capacity helps you compare refrigerator sizes and also helps us narrow down the correct fit for model-specific items such as shelves, door bins, and optional ice maker or water system components.
Last updated: February 2026





