What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore 25368899010 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically the freezer compartment. It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep foods frozen; many models also use this compartment for ice maker operation (when equipped).
What you’ll find in the upper (freezer) compartment
Common freezer-area components and features include:
- Freezer shelves or bins for frozen food storage
- Air vents that circulate cold air to the refrigerator section
- A defrost system (heater, thermostat, and controls) that prevents heavy frost buildup
- An ice maker and ice bin on models equipped for automatic ice
- The freezer door and gasket that help seal in cold air
Why people call it different names
You may hear a few terms used for the same “upper part,” depending on the refrigerator style.
| Term you hear | What it usually means | Where it is on this model type |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer | Frozen-food compartment | Top (top-mount) |
| Freezer compartment | Same as freezer | Top |
| Freezer section | Same as freezer | Top |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re troubleshooting cooling issues (like frost buildup or warm temperatures) and when you’re ordering parts such as a door seal. For example, a worn gasket can let warm air in and cause excess frost.
Helpful references for this model
- For compartment layout, temperature settings, and normal operating sounds, use the 25368899010 owner's manual.
- If you’re diagnosing sealing problems around the door, the how to fix a fridge door seal guide walks through common checks and adjustments.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell cubic feet of Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 25368899010, the most reliable way to get cubic feet is to look up the capacity in the specifications section of the 25368899010 owner's manual. If you need a quick estimate, we can calculate interior volume from measurements, but that estimate will run smaller than the advertised capacity.
Best ways to find cubic feet (in order)
- Check the specs/capacity listing in the 25368899010 owner's manual.
- Look for a rating plate inside the fresh food compartment; it lists the model and serial number and sometimes includes capacity.
- Search the model number format: Kenmore 253 models are commonly built by Frigidaire; the model number itself is not a consistent “cubic feet code.”
- Estimate capacity by measuring the interior (helpful if labels are missing).
How to estimate cubic feet from measurements
- Empty the compartment you are measuring.
- Measure width x depth x height of the usable interior space in inches.
- Multiply the three numbers to get cubic inches.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
Quick conversion table
| What you have | What to do |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements (inches) | L x W x H, then divide by 1,728 |
| Only exterior size | Use the manual; exterior size does not convert accurately |
| Model number only | Use the manual or product specs; model digits are not dependable |
Why your estimate may not match the advertised number
Manufacturers typically publish capacity based on standardized methods, and your tape-measure result can come out lower because it excludes:
- Curved liner walls and molded channels
- Air ducts and fan housings
- Shelving supports and light housing
- Freezer compartment separation and insulation thickness
Related tip for locating the model label
On many top-mount refrigerators, the model/serial plate is inside the refrigerator compartment (often on a side wall or near the crisper area). If you are removing drawers to find it, handle plastic parts carefully; items like the crisper drawer 240337103 are designed to slide out but can crack if forced.
Last updated: January 2026
Is there a way to reset a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Yes. For Kenmore model 25368899010, the most reliable “reset” is a power reset: turn the temperature control to 0 (OFF), unplug the refrigerator, wait about 5 minutes, then plug it back in and return the control to your normal setting. See the steps in the 25368899010 owner's manual.
How we recommend resetting it (safe, model-friendly)
- Turn the refrigerator temperature control to 0 (OFF).
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet (grip the plug, not the cord).
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Plug the refrigerator back into its dedicated outlet.
- Set temperatures back to the recommended setting; allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
Quick checklist after the reset
- Keep doors closed as much as possible for the next 8 to 12 hours (cool-down period).
- Confirm the outlet is 115V, 60 Hz and on a dedicated 10-amp circuit.
- Avoid extension cords and adapter plugs.
- Make sure air vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food.
- If you have an ice maker, confirm it is turned on (wire signal arm down on many versions).
What a reset can and cannot fix
A power reset clears minor control glitches after a power outage or brief electrical interruption. It will not correct a cooling failure caused by a failed component (like a fan motor, defrost system issue, or sealed system problem).
| Symptom | Reset worth trying? | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Lights on, temps drifting warm | Yes | Door sealing, airflow, condenser cleanliness |
| Clicking, no cooling | Yes | Start components, compressor operation |
| Frost buildup on back wall/freezer | Yes | Defrost heater/thermostat, airflow |
| Interior light out only | No | Replace the bulb (unplug first) |
Why it matters
Resetting the refrigerator the right way protects the control and helps you avoid repeated short-cycling. It also sets you up for accurate troubleshooting because temperature changes need time (up to 24 hours) to stabilize.
Last updated: January 2026





