How many cubic feet is the Kenmore 79574105811 Elite?
The Kenmore Elite 79574105811 has a total capacity of 30.6 cubic feet. This is the overall (combined) storage space for the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Quick capacity breakdown
Use total capacity when comparing refrigerators; use compartment capacity when planning how you store food.
- Total capacity: refrigerator plus freezer combined
- Refrigerator capacity: fresh food section only
- Freezer capacity: bottom freezer section only
- Capacity is measured with shelves and bins installed (usable space varies by layout)
| Spec | What it means |
|---|---|
| Total capacity (cu. ft.) | Overall storage volume for the entire unit |
| Refrigerator vs. freezer capacity | How that total is split between compartments |
Where we recommend confirming specs
We recommend checking the specifications section in the owner's manual for your Kenmore Elite 79574105811, especially if you are comparing against a similar-looking model or a different revision.
Why cubic feet matters
Capacity helps you choose the right size for your kitchen and household; it also helps you avoid overpacking, which blocks airflow and can lead to uneven cooling and slower ice production.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore 79574105811 Elite refrigerators?
Common issues we see with the Kenmore Elite 79574105811 bottom-mount refrigerator include temperature problems (warm fridge or freezer), ice maker and water dispensing troubles, water leaks, doors not sealing or closing correctly, and normal-to-concerning noises. Many symptoms trace back to airflow, leveling, or a failing cooling component; use the owner's manual troubleshooting section to narrow it down.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Not cooling or weak cooling: restricted airflow, dirty condenser area, failed fan motor, bad temperature sensor, or sealed-system/compressor trouble
- No ice or slow ice: ice maker assembly issue, water filter restriction, or low water supply
- Water leaking: clogged/iced drain path or a drain tube issue
- Noisy operation: normal defrost clicks and refrigerant sounds, or a fan/blade rubbing or vibrating
- Doors pop open or do not close: bins/drawers out of position, food packages blocking, or the refrigerator not level
Quick checks we recommend first (before replacing parts)
- Confirm doors close fully and gaskets are clean; sticky gaskets can make doors hard to open and can affect sealing.
- Make sure shelves, bins, and drawers are fully seated; mispositioned parts can prevent proper door closure.
- Level the refrigerator; the manual notes leveling legs and floor issues can cause wobble and door-closing problems.
- Listen to the noise type: clicking at defrost start/stop and gurgling/whooshing can be normal.
- If the door is hard to open right after closing, wait about a minute for pressure to equalize (normal vacuum effect).
Parts that commonly solve these problems (when diagnosis confirms)
| Symptom | Common part involved | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps, poor cooling, loud rear noise | Condenser fan motor or blade | Refrigerator condenser fan motor EAU63923602, refrigerator condenser fan blade 5901JA1012B |
| Temperature swings or odd readings | Temperature sensor | Refrigerator temperature sensor 6500JB2002X |
| No ice | Ice maker assembly | Ice maker assembly (AEQ72909602) - refrigerator ice maker part by lg AEQ72909602 |
| Slow water flow, poor ice production | Water filter | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9980 AGF80300805 |
| Water under crisper/freezer | Drain path component | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
Why it matters
Cooling, ice, and leak complaints often share the same root causes: airflow problems, door sealing/leveling issues, or a single failed component (fan, sensor, ice maker, or drain). Correct diagnosis prevents repeat failures and protects food quality.
Last updated: February 2026
What does DH mean on Kenmore 79574105811 Elite refrigerator?
On the Kenmore Elite 79574105811 bottom-mount refrigerator, DH (often shown as ER DH or dH) indicates a defrost heating problem. The refrigerator is not sensing normal temperature rise during defrost, so frost can build up and airflow can drop, leading to warm temperatures.
What you’ll usually notice
- Freezer temperature slowly rises or swings
- Refrigerator section gets warm even though the freezer seems “kind of” cold
- Frost or ice buildup on the freezer back wall
- Fan noise changes (fan hitting ice) or weak airflow from vents
- The unit runs longer than normal
What to check first (safe, quick steps)
- Power reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then restore power and watch for the code returning.
- Door sealing: Make sure doors close fully and gaskets are sealing; warm air leaks increase frost.
- Airflow: Do not block vents with food packages.
- Look for heavy frost: If the freezer back panel is packed with frost, the defrost system is the likely cause.
Common causes and the parts involved
In most bottom-mount refrigerators, a DH/defrost heat error points to one of these:
| Likely cause | What it affects | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost heater circuit issue | Melts frost off evaporator | Frost buildup, warm temps |
| Temperature sensing issue | Confirms defrost heat rise | Code returns after defrost |
| Control not driving defrost | Sends power to heater | Intermittent or persistent DH |
For this model, a failed sensor can contribute to defrost-related errors; the Refrigerator temperature sensor 6500JB2002X is a model-matched part to consider when troubleshooting.
Why it matters
Defrost heat problems reduce airflow across the evaporator; that makes cooling uneven and can eventually cause both compartments to warm up.
Where to find model-specific diagnostics
Use the troubleshooting and diagnostics information in the Owner's manual for your 79574105811 to identify the recommended checks and any diagnostic mode guidance.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore 79574105811 Elite refrigerator leaking from the bottom?
A bottom leak on your Kenmore 79574105811 Elite bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by defrost water missing the drain pan, most often from a clogged or frozen defrost drain. Less commonly, a water supply or dispenser line leak can run down and pool underneath.
Quick checks that fix most bottom leaks
- Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or working near wiring.
- Look for a sheet of ice or standing water on the freezer floor (classic sign of a blocked defrost drain).
- Check the drain pan underneath for cracks, overflow, or being out of position.
- Inspect the water filter area and tubing connections for drips after dispensing water.
- Make sure doors close fully; excess humidity increases frost and can overwhelm the drain.
Most common cause: clogged or frozen defrost drain
During defrost, it is normal for water to run into the drain pan. If the drain is blocked, water backs up, freezes, then melts and leaks out the bottom.
What to do (safe DIY steps):
- Remove food and the lower freezer drawer as needed.
- Melt any ice around the drain trough using warm water (not boiling) and towels.
- Flush the drain with warm water until it flows freely to the drain pan.
- Clean debris from the drain opening; a soft brush or pipe cleaner works well.
For model-specific panel removal and access points, use the owner's manual.
If the leak happens only when using the dispenser or ice maker
Focus on the water circuit:
| Symptom | Likely source | What to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| Water appears after dispensing | Loose fitting or cracked tube | Tubing at the filter head and door hinge area |
| Slow drip in fresh food section | Filter not seated | Reinstall filter and check O-rings |
| Water under unit with no ice buildup | Supply line seep | Connection at rear inlet valve area |
If you suspect the filter is leaking or not sealing, replace it with the correct part for this model, the genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9980 AGF80300805.
Why it matters
Leaks can damage flooring and can also lead to ice buildup that blocks airflow, making temperatures unstable and forcing the compressor to run longer.
Last updated: February 2026





