What is the advantage of a bottom mount fridge?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the KitchenAid KRFF707ESS00 keeps the fresh-food section at eye level, so you reach for everyday items with less bending. This design also supports efficient cooling features and can provide generous fresh-food storage compared with many top-freezer layouts.
Key advantages you will notice day to day
- Fresh foods are easier to see and grab because the refrigerator compartment is higher.
- Less bending for common tasks (milk, produce, leftovers).
- Wide, full-width storage options are common in this style (for example, pantry-style drawers).
- Bottom freezer drawer can make frozen-food organization easier than a deep top-freezer bin.
- Many bottom-mount French door models are designed for energy-efficient operation.
How this shows up on the KRFF707ESS00
KitchenAid describes this French door bottom-mount style as having advanced cooling technology, high efficiency, and strong fresh-food storage capacity. For operating features, storage layout, and normal sound expectations, use the KRFF707ESS00 owner's manual.
Quick comparison: bottom mount vs top freezer
| Feature | Bottom mount | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used items | Fresh food at eye level | Fresh food lower, more bending |
| Freezer access | Drawer style, lower | Door style, upper |
| Organization | Often more zones and drawers | Often simpler layout |
| Typical feel | Convenience-focused | Budget and simplicity-focused |
Why it matters
Most households open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. Putting fresh food higher reduces strain and speeds up meal prep, while the bottom freezer keeps frozen items accessible without taking prime “eye-level” space.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove bottom grill from KitchenAid refrigerator?
On the KitchenAid KRFF707ESS00 bottom-mount refrigerator, the bottom grille (base grille or toe kick) pulls straight toward you to release the retaining clips. Open the freezer drawer first so you can reach the brake feet area behind the grille, then pull the grille forward firmly and evenly.
Steps to remove the bottom grille
- Open the freezer drawer for access below the doors.
- Stand centered in front of the grille and grasp it firmly with both hands.
- Pull the grille straight toward you (do not pull up or twist).
- If one side releases first, keep pulling straight and work the other side loose.
- Set the grille aside where it will not get stepped on or bent.
Reinstalling the grille (toe kick)
Align the ends of the grille with the leveling assemblies on each side, then snap it back into place.
| Task | What you do | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Remove grille | Pull straight toward you | Avoid twisting so clips do not crack |
| Reinstall grille | Align ends, then snap in | Make sure both ends fully seat |
Why removing the grille matters
We remove the base grille to access the adjustable brake feet and front roller area for leveling and door alignment, and to clean the condenser area behind the grille for efficient cooling. See the KRFF707ESS00 owner's manual for the exact leveling and grille snap-in details.
Related maintenance tip (while the grille is off)
If your refrigerator environment is dusty, greasy, or you have pets, clean behind the grille periodically:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Vacuum the grille and the open area behind it using a soft brush attachment.
- Reinstall the grille before restoring power.
If you need a replacement part while you are working, you can order model-matched parts from the list for KRFF707ESS00, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Are all refrigerators 36 inches wide?
No. Refrigerators are not all 36 inches wide; 36 inches is common for many full-size French door and side-by-side models, but widths vary widely (including 24-inch apartment sizes and larger-than-36-inch units). For your KitchenAid KRFF707ESS00, confirm the exact cabinet width and required clearances in the KRFF707ESS00 owner's manual.
Typical refrigerator width ranges (what we see most often)
Refrigerator widths depend on style, capacity, and whether the unit is built-in or freestanding.
- 24 inches: apartment or compact full-height models
- 28 to 33 inches: many top-freezer and smaller bottom-mount models
- 33 to 36 inches: many full-size French door and side-by-side models
- 36 inches and wider: larger-capacity and some premium configurations
Measuring correctly before you buy or install
We recommend measuring the opening and the path into the kitchen, then comparing that to the refrigerator’s published dimensions.
- Measure the opening width at the front and back (walls are not always square)
- Measure height to the lowest cabinet or trim
- Measure depth from the back wall to the front edge of counters
- Plan for door swing and drawer pull-out clearance
- Confirm you can fit through doorways and hallways during delivery
Clearance guidance for KRFF707ESS00
Your manual calls out ventilation and placement clearances that matter as much as the cabinet width.
| Clearance area | What to allow | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Each side and top | 1/2 inch | Airflow and efficient cooling |
| Behind refrigerator | 1 inch | Air circulation and water line space |
| Next to a fixed wall | 3-3/4 inches minimum | Door can swing open properly |
Why it matters
If the refrigerator is too wide for the opening, you can end up with doors that cannot open fully, drawers that hit cabinets, restricted airflow that hurts cooling performance, and installation issues with the water line for the ice maker.
Helpful related resources and parts
If you are planning a move or reinstall, the manual’s door removal steps can help you fit the refrigerator through tight openings. For odor control after moving or storing food, replacing the air filter is a common maintenance step; the refrigerator air filter W10311524 fits this model.
You can order replacement parts for KitchenAid KRFF707ESS00 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with KitchenAid refrigerators?
For KitchenAid refrigerators like model KRFF707ESS00, the most common issues we see are ice maker and water dispensing problems, cooling/temperature swings, and water leaks or frost buildup. These symptoms often trace back to airflow restrictions, drainage/defrost issues, or a failing water supply component; use the owner's manual troubleshooting section to narrow it down.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Ice maker not making ice or slow ice production: water supply restriction, frozen fill tube, or ice maker failure
- Fridge warm or freezer too warm: poor airflow, dirty condenser coils, or evaporator fan problems
- Water under the fridge or inside compartments: clogged/iced defrost drain or a leaking water line/valve
- Bad odors: overdue air filter replacement or spills trapped in liners and vents
- Noisy operation: fan motor noise, ice maker cycling, or vibration from leveling issues
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Confirm the unit has steady power (no loose plug, no tripped breaker).
- Verify doors close and seal fully; warm air leaks cause frost and temperature swings.
- Set temperatures to typical targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Clean condenser coils and make sure vents inside are not blocked by food packages.
- If water or ice is affected, confirm the household shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
Parts commonly involved (when symptoms match)
| Symptom | Common part to check | Part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| No ice, weak dispense, leaking at back | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WPW10341329 |
| Frost buildup, warm temps after defrost | Defrost heater | Refrigerator defrost heater WP12729128 |
| Warm fridge, airflow noise, poor circulation | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator fan motor W10633627 |
| Odors in fresh food section | Air filter | Refrigerator air filter W10311524 |
Why it matters
These “common problems” are really common symptom groups. If we match the symptom to the right system (airflow, defrost, or water supply), we avoid unnecessary part swaps and get KRFF707ESS00 cooling and dispensing normally again.
DIY help that fits these issues
- For water filter and water quality related complaints, follow how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator.
- For cooling complaints tied to airflow, use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
- For odor complaints, use how to get rid of refrigerator smells.
If you decide to replace a part, order it from the parts list for KRFF707ESS00 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





