Owner’s manual
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What is the bottom compartment of a fridge called?
In a Kenmore 59679142990 bottom-mount refrigerator, the “bottom compartment” usually means the freezer compartment (the food-storage section at the bottom). If you mean the area underneath the cabinet that holds the compressor and condenser parts, that’s commonly called the machine compartment.
- Freezer compartment: The bottom drawer/section where frozen food is stored (typical on bottom-mount designs).
- Machine compartment: The service area under or behind the refrigerator that houses cooling-system components.
- Compressor compartment: Another common name for the machine compartment because the compressor is located there.
- Lower rear access area: What many owners call the panel area you remove for cleaning or service.
- Drain pan area: The space where the drain pan sits to collect defrost water (often near the machine compartment).
| What you see | Most common name | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom drawer where food is stored | Freezer compartment | Frozen food storage |
| Space under/behind the cabinet with a fan and warm air | Machine compartment | Heat removal and refrigeration operation |
| Shallow pan underneath | Drain pan | Evaporates defrost water |
Using the right term helps you troubleshoot faster. For example, “freezer compartment not cold” points to airflow, controls, or defrost issues, while “machine compartment noisy/hot” points to the condenser fan, compressor, or dirty condenser coils.
We recommend checking the diagrams and feature descriptions in the 59679142990 owner's manual to match the name to the exact area you mean.
Last updated: January 2026
What does a bottom mount refrigerator mean?
A bottom-mount refrigerator means the freezer compartment is on the bottom and the fresh-food (refrigerator) compartment is on top. On your Kenmore 59679142990 bottom-mount refrigerator, this design keeps everyday refrigerated items closer to eye level and puts frozen foods in a lower drawer-style section.
Most bottom-mount (bottom freezer) refrigerators are organized like this:
- Fresh-food section on top with shelves, bins, and door storage
- Freezer section on the bottom, often as a pull-out drawer
- Separate doors (or a door plus a freezer drawer) to reduce cold-air loss
- Optional ice maker features on some models (which can affect rear clearance)
For model-specific features and controls, use the 59679142990 owner's manual.
Bottom-mount designs are popular when you access fresh foods more often than frozen foods.
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-mount refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Higher, easier to reach | Lower, more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer/door | Upper door |
| Typical use case | Fresh foods used most | Freezer used most |
The bottom-mount design can change how you plan space and door swing. Many models need extra clearance for ventilation and for the door to open fully, especially if you have an ice maker water line connection.
- Plan for airflow space above the cabinet
- Leave hinge-side clearance so the door can open to 90 degrees
- Avoid placing the refrigerator near heat sources
- Level the cabinet so doors seal correctly and drawers slide smoothly
Last updated: January 2026
Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like Kenmore 59679142990 is usually better for everyday convenience because fresh-food items sit at eye and waist level, so you bend less. A top-mount is often the better pick if you want a simpler layout and typically lower upfront cost.
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used section | Fresh food is lower | Fresh food is higher |
| Ergonomics | More bending for fridge items | Less bending for fridge items |
| Freezer access | Easier access | More bending for freezer items |
| Organization | Often simpler shelves/bins | Often more drawers and zones |
- If you cook often and use fresh foods daily, bottom-mount usually feels better day to day.
- If you use the freezer more than the refrigerator, a top-mount can be more convenient.
- If you have a tight installation space, focus on door swing and clearance, not just style.
- If you want the refrigerator to run efficiently, install it with proper ventilation clearances.
- If you expect to reverse the door swing, confirm the steps and tools before moving it into place.
Our Kenmore bottom-freezer designs commonly need:
- About 1 inch of space above the refrigerator for ventilation.
- Extra space behind the cabinet if you have an ice maker water line.
- About 2 1/2 inches minimum on the hinge side (varies by model) to open the door to 90 degrees.
- Proper leveling so the cabinet is slightly higher in front than the back for good door closing.
For the exact clearances, leveling procedure, and door reversal steps for your refrigerator, use the 59679142990 owner's manual.
Choosing the right mount style affects comfort (how often you bend), food visibility (waste reduction), and installation success (door swing, ventilation, and leveling). Those factors usually matter more than small differences in storage volume.
Last updated: January 2026
