Are bottom mount fridges better?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the GE PYE22PSKKSS is better for many households because the fresh-food section sits at eye level, so you reach for everyday items with less bending. It is a strong choice when you use the refrigerator compartment more often than the freezer.
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You want fresh food (produce, dairy, leftovers) at a more comfortable height.
- You prefer wider refrigerator shelves and drawers for daily meal prep.
- You do not want to crouch as often to access the refrigerator compartment.
- You like having freezer storage separated below for bulk items.
- You want features commonly found on this style, such as interior LED lighting and flexible storage bins (varies by model).
When it may not be “better” for you
Bottom-mount designs are not automatically best for every kitchen. Consider these common tradeoffs:
- If you use the freezer more than the refrigerator, you will bend more often.
- Freezer drawers can be harder to organize for some users than a swing-door freezer.
- Door clearance and kitchen layout matter; door swing and drawer pull-out space can affect usability.
Quick comparison: bottom-mount vs top-freezer
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like PYE22PSKKSS) | Top-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used items | Refrigerator at eye level | Freezer at eye level |
| Bending | Less for fresh food | More for fresh food |
| Freezer access | Pull-out drawer style | Swing door, shelf style |
| Best for | Fresh-food focused households | Freezer focused households |
Why it matters
Most people open the refrigerator section far more often than the freezer. With a bottom-mount layout, the items you grab every day are easier to see and reach, which improves convenience and can reduce door-open time.
Model-specific tip for GE PYE22PSKKSS owners
For feature details and how your controls and storage are set up (including temperature settings and compartment features), use the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with GE PYE22PSKKSS refrigerators?
The most common issue we see with the GE PYE22PSKKSS bottom-mount refrigerator is a cooling complaint (fresh food not cold enough, freezer warming, or temperatures swinging). In many cases, it comes down to airflow being blocked, a fan problem, or a defrost-related issue; start with the basics in the owner's manual.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the set temperatures are at the recommended starting points (about 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer).
- Make sure food packages are not blocking the fresh food air tower vents (blocked vents cause warm spots).
- After a power outage or first plug-in, allow 24 hours for both compartments to reach the selected temps.
- Listen for the evaporator fan; if it is not running or is noisy, cooling performance drops.
- Check door closing and sealing; warm air leaks can mimic a cooling failure.
Common causes and the parts that often fix them
When the refrigerator is not cooling correctly, these components are frequent suspects on this model family:
| Symptom | What it usually points to | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fresh food, freezer OK or borderline | Airflow or sensor issue | Refrigerator temperature sensor WR55X10025 |
| Warm temps plus unusual fan noise or no fan sound | Evaporator fan not moving air | GE refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X26866 |
| Frost buildup, warming over time | Defrost system problem | Refrigerator defrost heater WR51X10132 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WR50X10108 |
Why it matters
Cooling problems are usually progressive: restricted airflow, a weak evaporator fan motor, or a defrost failure can start as “a little warm” and turn into spoiled food. Catching it early also reduces strain on the compressor and control board.
If the issue is actually ice or water related
Some “cooling” complaints are really water flow or ice production problems. The manual troubleshooting table points to common fixes like replacing a clogged filter, reinstalling the filter so it locks in place, or purging air by dispensing water for several minutes. For step-by-step help, use how to replace the water filter in a GE refrigerator and consider the GE refrigerator water filter RPWFE if your filter is due.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find the model number on my PYE22PSKKSS?
The model number for your GE bottom-mount refrigerator is on the appliance’s rating label, not on the control panel. On model PYE22PSKKSS, check inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment first; the label is typically on a side wall near the crisper area. Use the exact model number when ordering parts.
Where to look on the refrigerator
Check these common rating-label locations on GE bottom-mount refrigerators like PYE22PSKKSS:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on the left or right side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the temperature controls
- Behind the crisper drawers (you may need to slide drawers out)
- Along the door frame area (fresh food section)
- On the back exterior panel (less common, but worth a quick check)
For diagrams and model-specific information, use the PYE22PSKKSS owner’s manual.
How to confirm you have the right number
Write down the full model number exactly as shown (letters, numbers, and any suffixes). Then compare it to what you see on your parts list.
| What you might see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact refrigerator version | Use it to match parts and diagrams |
| Serial number | Production identifier | Keep it for service history |
| “PYE22…” family text | Model family, not always the full model | Use the complete model number from the label |
Why it matters
GE often uses similar-looking designs across multiple PYE22 models, but parts like the water filter, door gasket, or temperature sensor can vary by exact model. Using the correct model number helps ensure a proper fit and avoids returns.
Last updated: March 2026





