Owner’s manual
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What is the top part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore 25368989801 top-mount refrigerator, the top section is the freezer compartment. It is the colder compartment designed to keep foods frozen, and it also helps circulate cold air that supports overall cooling performance (see the 25368989801 use & care guide).
In a top-mount design, the freezer is more than just storage; it is a key part of the cooling system.
- Keeps food at freezing temperatures for long-term storage
- Provides space for ice trays or an optional ice maker (if equipped)
- Helps distribute cold air down into the fresh food section
- Includes shelves and door bins where temperature can vary more than the interior
| Section | Typical name | Main purpose | Best place for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top compartment | Freezer | Freezing and frozen storage | Meat, frozen meals, ice cream (interior) |
| Bottom compartment | Fresh food (refrigerator) | Chilled storage above freezing | Produce, dairy, leftovers |
The freezer works best when air can move freely and warm items are not overloading it.
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate
- Avoid adding a lot of warm food at once; it slows freezing
- Store hard-to-freeze items (like ice cream) toward the freezer interior, not the door
- Keep vents clear so airflow can reach both compartments
Using the correct compartment name helps when ordering parts, following troubleshooting steps, or reading diagrams. For example, freezer-related airflow issues can also affect fresh food temperatures, so identifying the freezer correctly speeds up diagnosis.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like Kenmore model 25368989801 typically trade convenience and premium features for simplicity and value. The biggest disadvantages are more bending to reach fresh foods, fewer organization options than some bottom-freezer designs, and fewer built-in dispenser features.
- Fresh-food access is lower: you bend more often to reach everyday items.
- Freezer is at eye level: convenient for frozen foods, less convenient for produce and drinks.
- Fewer built-in features: many top-mount models skip external water and ice dispensers.
- Organization can be simpler: fewer specialty drawers and adjustable storage layouts on some models.
- Temperature swings at the door: items stored in door bins can see more variation than interior shelves.
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier daily access |
| Freezer access | Easier, at top | Lower drawer, more bending |
| Typical features | Simpler, fewer extras | More premium options common |
| Cost and repairs | Often lower | Often higher |
- Store everyday items on the middle shelves to reduce bending.
- Keep “hard-to-freeze” items (like ice cream) in the freezer interior, not the door, for steadier temperature.
- Level the refrigerator so doors close tightly; this helps temperature stability and efficiency.
- Avoid blocking air vents and do not overcrowd shelves so cold air circulates properly.
Most complaints about top-mount fridges come down to ergonomics and storage flexibility, not cooling performance. Good loading habits and proper leveling can make a noticeable difference in day-to-day convenience and energy use.
For model-specific use, loading, and energy-saving guidance, follow the 25368989801 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A “better” choice depends on how you use your refrigerator. For the Kenmore 25368989801 top-mount refrigerator, the freezer-on-top layout typically costs less to buy and maintain, while bottom-mount models usually put fresh food at eye level for easier daily access.
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Requires more bending | Easier access at eye level |
| Freezer access | Easier access | More bending |
| Typical price/repairs | Often lower | Often higher |
| Storage/organization | Simple, straightforward | Often more drawers/bins |
| Energy use | Often efficient for the price | Varies by design and features |
Use these practical checks before choosing:
- What you grab most: If you use fresh food more than frozen, bottom-mount can feel more convenient.
- Budget and long-term upkeep: Top-mount designs are usually simpler, which often helps with overall ownership cost.
- Space and door swing: Measure clearance for doors and drawers; bottom-mount freezer drawers need room to pull out.
- Family habits: Kids may reach fresh-food shelves more easily on many bottom-mount models.
- Food storage style: If you rely on freezer bulk storage, a top-mount can be easier to load and see.
For model-specific features and layout details (shelves, bins, door reversal, and care), follow the 25368989801 owner's manual.
The “best” refrigerator is the one that matches your daily routine. Layout affects comfort (bending and reaching), organization, and even how often doors stay open, which can impact temperature stability and food freshness.
These upgrades and maintenance steps often improve day-to-day use:
- Keep frequently used items on the middle shelf and in the door bins.
- Replace cracked storage components such as the crisper drawer 240337103 if drawers stick or won’t slide smoothly.
- If doors do not seal well, inspect and replace the door gasket as needed.
- Clean condenser areas periodically if your home is dusty or has heavy pet traffic (per the manual’s care guidance).
Last updated: January 2026
