What is a top mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator is a classic refrigerator layout where the freezer compartment is on top and the fresh-food (refrigerator) compartment is below. Your Kenmore model 79568033218 uses this design to move cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator section for even cooling (see the 79568033218 owner's manual).
In this style of refrigerator, the freezer is the primary cold source and air circulates between compartments.
- Cold air enters at the top of the freezer and circulates downward
- Air then moves into the refrigerator section through the top vent
- Air exits near the bottom of the refrigerator and returns to the freezer
- Keeping vents clear helps prevent warm spots and temperature swings
Top-mount models are popular because they are straightforward to use and service.
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Freezer on top | Frozen foods are at eye level |
| Refrigerator below | Fresh foods are easy to organize on shelves and in door bins |
| Shared airflow | Blocked vents can affect both compartments |
| Simple door setup | Door alignment and reversing are common maintenance tasks |
These habits help a top-mount refrigerator maintain stable temperatures.
- Do not pack items tightly against air vents in either compartment
- After changing temperature settings, wait 24 hours before adjusting again
- Make sure both doors close easily and seal fully
- If doors look uneven, follow the door alignment steps in the manual
- If a door bin is cracked or loose, replace it so items do not interfere with door closing (for example, the lg refrigerator door bin MAN62570801)
Because a top-mount refrigerator relies on airflow between the freezer and refrigerator sections, anything that restricts circulation (overloading, blocked vents, doors not sealing) can cause uneven cooling, soft ice, or food spoiling faster.
If you need replacement parts for Kenmore 79568033218, we list model-matched parts on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore 79568033218 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It is the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep frozen foods solid while also supplying cold air that helps cool the fresh-food (refrigerator) section.
In most top-mount refrigerators like the Kenmore 79568033218, the upper compartment includes:
- Freezer shelves or a shelf surface for frozen items
- Air vents that move cold air between freezer and refrigerator sections
- A freezer door gasket that seals the door to prevent warm air leaks
- A freezer door bin (on many models) for smaller frozen items
- Temperature controls or airflow pathways that affect both compartments
Your freezer does more than freeze food. In this style of refrigerator, cold air circulates from the freezer and moves through vents to the refrigerator section. If packages block vents, temperatures can drift warmer in the fridge or become uneven.
- Keep items away from vent openings in both compartments
- Do not overpack the freezer; leave space for air circulation
- Wait 24 hours after changing temperature settings before adjusting again
- Make sure doors close fully and seal all the way around
| Term | What it usually means | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | Upper cold storage area | Top section |
| Fresh-food compartment | Main refrigerator area | Bottom section |
| Air damper/vent | Controls or routes cold airflow | Between sections |
| Door gasket | Rubber seal that prevents air leaks | Around door perimeter |
For diagrams and compartment details (including door and hinge references), use the 79568033218 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators average 10 to 15 years of service life with normal use and basic maintenance. For your Kenmore 79568033218 top-mount refrigerator, consistent care (especially keeping airflow and door sealing in good shape) is what most directly determines how long it lasts; see the 79568033218 owner's manual for model-specific care and cleaning guidance.
A refrigerator’s compressor and sealed system can last a long time, but everyday issues like poor airflow, warm air leaks, and dirty components shorten life quickly.
- Keep the doors closing and sealing tightly (warm air leaks force longer run times)
- Maintain good airflow around the cabinet and vents
- Clean spills and moisture promptly to reduce odors and corrosion
- Avoid overpacking so cold air can circulate
- Fix small issues early (rattles, warm spots, frost buildup)
These are the habits that most often extend the life of a top-mount refrigerator like model 79568033218:
- Clean condenser coils regularly (dust buildup raises operating temperature)
- Check door gaskets for gaps, tears, or hardened sections
- Level the refrigerator so doors self-close and don’t drift open
- Keep vents clear in both the fresh food and freezer sections
- Set stable temperatures and avoid frequent large adjustments
| Scenario | Typical outcome | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| Normal use + basic cleaning | 10 to 15 years | Steady temps, normal cycling |
| Heavy use or poor airflow/dirty coils | 7 to 10 years | Longer run times, warmer temps |
| Well-maintained, prompt repairs | 15+ years | Fewer breakdowns, stable cooling |
A refrigerator that runs hotter or longer than it should wears out key components faster (fans, control board, compressor). Simple upkeep reduces run time, improves temperature stability, and helps prevent food spoilage.
If the unit is otherwise cooling well but you have a specific wear issue, replacing a targeted part is often the best way to extend life. For example, a torn or leaking fresh food seal can be addressed with the refrigerator door gasket ADX52752644. For additional parts and diagrams for model 79568033218, you can order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find model number on Kenmore refrigerator?
On Kenmore refrigerator model 79568033218, the model and serial number are printed on a rating label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, on the interior liner. Use that exact model number when ordering parts or looking up care and troubleshooting details in the 79568033218 owner's manual.
We see the label most often in one of these spots:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (interior liner)
- Near the crisper drawer area (look behind or just above the lower drawers)
- Along the door opening frame inside the fresh food section
- Occasionally on the ceiling area inside the refrigerator compartment
- Open the refrigerator door and remove items that block the side walls.
- Pull the crisper drawers out far enough to see the liner behind them.
- Look for a white or silver sticker that lists Model and Serial.
- Write the model number exactly as shown (for example, 79568033218).
| What you will see | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures the parts list matches your exact refrigerator |
| Serial number | Helps identify production details for service and compatibility |
| Electrical info (often) | Useful when diagnosing power or control issues |
Kenmore model numbers can be very similar across top-mount refrigerators. Using the exact model number from the interior label helps us match the correct door bins, shelves, gaskets, and other parts for your specific configuration.
If you are ordering replacement parts, we recommend matching the model number first, then selecting the part you need from the parts list for this model or searching by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see on Kenmore Elite refrigerators (including top-mount models like Kenmore 79568033218) are poor cooling, doors not sealing or closing, frost or condensation, unusual noises, and occasional leaks. Many issues trace back to airflow restrictions, dirty condenser surfaces, door gasket wear, or a control setting such as Demo mode; use the owner's manual troubleshooting guide to match symptoms to checks.
- Not cooling or weak cooling: unit unplugged, tripped breaker, controls set incorrectly, active defrost cycle, or Demo mode enabled
- Warm refrigerator but freezer seems OK: blocked air vents, airflow damper problem, evaporator fan issue
- Doors will not close completely: refrigerator not level, bins or shelves out of position, packages blocking the door, sticky gaskets
- Frost or condensation: frequent door openings, humid room air entering, door not sealing
- Noises that seem new: normal operating sounds amplified by cabinets and hard floors
- Confirm power and settings; verify the temperature control is not set to OFF.
- If the display is on but it is not cooling, turn off Demo mode by pressing TEMPERATURE ADJUST until a temperature is set and the OFF light turns off.
- Make sure air vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food.
- Level the refrigerator so doors self-close; adjust the front feet if needed.
- Clean and dry door gaskets; then apply a thin coat of appliance polish or kitchen wax to reduce sticking.
If basic checks do not fix the issue, these model-matched parts are often involved:
| Symptom | Part that may be involved | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Door not sealing, moisture, warm temps | Door gasket | Refrigerator door gasket ADX52752644 |
| Freezer frost, poor seal | Freezer door gasket | Refrigerator freezer door gasket ADX52752645 |
| Door sagging, alignment issues | Hinge bushing | Refrigerator door hinge bushing 4984JJ3003A |
| Warm temps, weak airflow | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S |
| Door bins loose or broken | Door bin | Lg refrigerator door bin MAN62570801 |
Cooling and moisture complaints are often airflow or sealing problems. Fixing door alignment, gasket sealing, and airflow first helps prevent food spoilage, excess frost, and compressor run time.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 79568033218 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





