What is a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom called?
A refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom is called a bottom-freezer refrigerator; it’s also commonly called a bottom-mount refrigerator. On your Kenmore 79578094901, the fresh food section is on top and the freezer is below, usually as a pull-out drawer.
What “bottom-freezer” (bottom-mount) means
In a bottom-freezer design, we keep everyday refrigerated items at eye level and place frozen storage below.
Common bottom-freezer layouts include:
- Pull-out freezer drawer (most common)
- Swing door freezer (less common)
- Single upper refrigerator door or French doors on the fresh food section
Why it matters
The name helps when you’re looking up parts, diagrams, and troubleshooting steps for the correct refrigerator style. For example, door alignment, drawer slide rails, and gasket fitment are often specific to bottom-mount designs.
Quick comparison of common refrigerator styles
| Style name | Freezer location | Typical access | Common service areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer | Top | Swing door | Door gaskets, defrost system |
| Bottom-freezer (bottom-mount) | Bottom | Pull-out drawer or swing door | Drawer rails, door alignment, drain issues |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Swing doors | Ice maker and dispenser components |
Helpful next steps for owners
If you’re identifying your exact configuration or looking up maintenance steps for Kenmore 79578094901, use these basics:
- Confirm the model number on the rating label before ordering parts
- Use the 79578094901 owner's manual for feature and compartment identification
- If doors do not close evenly, check hinge and bushing wear (common on bottom-mount units)
- If the interior light stays on, a door switch can be the cause (see lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A)
- For ordering, use the parts list for model 79578094901 first; you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
A bad compressor on your Kenmore 79578094901 bottom-mount refrigerator usually shows up as poor or no cooling even though the unit has power, often with repeated clicking (start attempts) or the compressor running hot and shutting off. Confirm the basics first, then test the start components and airflow.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in and the outlet has power.
- Verify temperature settings were not accidentally changed.
- Listen at the back: steady hum (running) vs. repeated click every few minutes (failed start).
- Check for warm air blowing from the condenser area; no airflow can mimic compressor failure.
- Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall; a defrost problem can cause warm temps.
Symptoms that point to a compressor problem
- Fridge and freezer both warm, and the compressor is not running (silent) for long periods.
- Repeated clicking from the compressor area (start relay trying and failing).
- Compressor runs constantly but temperatures never reach setpoint.
- Compressor shell is extremely hot to the touch after trying to run.
What to test (in order)
- Condenser fan operation: If the condenser fan is not running when the compressor runs, the compressor can overheat and shut down.
- Start device/relay: A failed start relay can cause clicking and no start.
- Compressor electrical checks (best done by a technician): winding resistance/continuity and amperage draw.
| What you observe | Most common cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks every few minutes, not cooling | Start relay or compressor | Inspect/replace start device; then evaluate compressor |
| Runs nonstop, still warm | Sealed system or weak compressor | Check airflow/coil cleanliness; then sealed system diagnosis |
| Very hot compressor, shuts off | Overheating from poor airflow or failing compressor | Verify condenser fan and coil condition |
Parts that are commonly involved
If you are troubleshooting a no-cool or clicking issue, these model-matched parts are often relevant:
- Refrigerator compressor TCA35931726 (the sealed-system pump that circulates refrigerant)
- Refrigerator condenser fan motor EAU61644105 (cools the condenser and helps prevent overheating)
Why it matters
A compressor diagnosis affects cost and downtime. Many “bad compressor” symptoms are actually caused by airflow problems, a failed start device, or a defrost issue. Ruling out those items first prevents unnecessary sealed-system work.
For model-specific component locations and access steps, use the owner's manual. If you need to order parts for Kenmore 79578094901, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. You can still get replacement parts for Kenmore refrigerators, including the Kenmore 79578094901 bottom-mount refrigerator. We stock common repair parts (switches, sensors, gaskets, drawer rails) and you can match parts by model number to ensure proper fit; use the 79578094901 owner's manual for model-specific diagrams and part identification.
Best way to find the right part for your Kenmore 79578094901
We recommend matching by model number first, then confirming the part name and ID.
- Look up parts using the full model number 79578094901
- Compare the part description to the symptom (cooling, door, drawer, defrost, etc.)
- Verify the part ID before ordering (IDs are what we use to match exact replacements)
- Check for left-hand vs right-hand versions on rails and drawers
- Use the exploded-view diagrams in the 79578094901 owner's manual to confirm placement
Common Kenmore refrigerator parts you can still buy
Here are examples of in-stock parts available for this model that customers often replace:
- Lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A (light not working, door alarm issues)
- Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D (water pooling, drain problems)
- Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C (frost buildup, warm temps)
- Refrigerator condenser fan motor EAU61644105 (overheating, poor cooling)
- Refrigerator gasket assembly ADX73350922 (warm air leaks, condensation)
Quick symptom-to-part starting points
| Symptom | What to check first | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Interior light stays off | Door switch | 6600JB1010A |
| Water under crisper or on floor | Drain system | 5251JA3003D |
| Frost on back wall, warm fridge | Defrost sensing | 6615JB2005C |
| Noisy or hot cabinet, weak cooling | Condenser fan | EAU61644105 |
Why it matters
Using the correct Kenmore model-specific part helps restore proper temperature control, airflow, and door sealing. That prevents food spoilage, reduces compressor run time, and avoids repeat repairs.
To search beyond the parts list for this model, use your model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model Kenmore fridge do I have?
If you are on this Kenmore refrigerator parts page, your refrigerator model is Kenmore 79578094901. To confirm on the appliance itself, match the model number from the ID label inside the fresh food section (or behind the lower kick plate) to the number shown in the 79578094901 owner's manual.
Where to find the model number label
On most Kenmore bottom-mount refrigerators, the model and serial label is typically located in one of these spots:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
- Behind or near a crisper drawer
- Behind the lower front kick plate (toe grille)
- Occasionally on the cabinet frame near the door opening
How to read what you find
Kenmore model numbers are usually a long number string. For this page, the exact match you want is 79578094901.
| What to check | What it should look like | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 79578094901 | Ensures you get the correct parts and diagrams |
| Serial number | Letters and numbers | Helps identify production run details |
| Brand on label | Kenmore | Confirms you are reading the correct tag |
Why it matters for parts and troubleshooting
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong door switch, thermistor, gasket, or control board. Even small model-number differences can change wiring, door hardware, and sensor types.
Next step if the label is hard to read
- Take a clear photo with the door open and the light on
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth (do not scrub)
- Compare each digit to the model shown on this page
- Use the parts list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common Kenmore Elite refrigerator problems include warm temperatures, frost buildup, unusual noises, and water leaks. On Kenmore model 79578094901, these symptoms most often trace back to airflow issues (fans, frost on the evaporator), defrost sensing, door sealing, or a clogged defrost drain; use the 79578094901 owner's manual for model-specific checks and control settings.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser area, failed fan, defrost frost blocking airflow, or sealed-system/compressor trouble
- Frost buildup in freezer: door not sealing, frequent door openings, or a defrost system problem
- Loud humming, buzzing, or rattling: condenser fan, evaporator fan, or compressor start components
- Water under the fridge or in the freezer: defrost drain restriction; drain tube or drain pan issues
- Interior light problems: door switch not closing consistently
Quick checks we recommend first (no tools)
- Confirm controls are set correctly and allow 24 hours after changes for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure doors close fully; check for food packages holding the door open.
- Inspect gaskets for gaps, tears, or hardened sections.
- Listen for fan noise changes when you open and close the door.
- Look for ice buildup on the freezer back wall (a strong clue of a defrost or airflow issue).
Parts that commonly relate to these problems on 79578094901
If symptoms point to a specific failure, these parts on this model are common suspects:
| Symptom | Common part area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Light stays off or won’t turn off | Door switch | Lg refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
| Puddles or water leaks | Defrost drain path | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Warm fridge, fan noise issues | Air movement | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027N |
| Frost-related cooling loss | Defrost sensing | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C |
Error codes and control display clues
If your display shows an error code, match it to the troubleshooting steps before replacing parts. For Kenmore 795 bottom-freezer models, use Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Why it matters
Cooling, defrost, and airflow problems can look the same from the outside, but the fix is very different. A simple drain restriction can cause leaks, while frost on the evaporator can choke airflow and make the refrigerator section warm even when the freezer seems “okay.”
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 79578094901 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





