What is a bottom mount refrigerator?
A bottom-mount refrigerator (like Kenmore model 79571029011) keeps the fresh-food compartment on top at eye level and puts the freezer drawer on the bottom. This layout makes everyday refrigerated items easier to reach while still giving you full freezer storage below.
How a bottom-mount layout is set up
In most bottom-mount designs, you will see:
- Upper refrigerator section with shelves, bins, and temperature controls
- Lower freezer section that pulls out like a drawer or slides on rails
- Separate temperature zones so the refrigerator and freezer can be adjusted independently
- Door alignment and leveling features to help the doors seal and close properly
For model 79571029011, the temperature controls are designed to start at 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer, then you adjust after 24 hours if needed (details are in the 79571029011 owner's manual).
Why people choose bottom-mount refrigerators
Bottom-mount models are popular because they match how most households use a refrigerator day to day.
Benefits
- Fresh foods are at a more comfortable height (less bending)
- Wide refrigerator shelves are easy to organize and see
- Freezer drawer can hold bulky frozen items (pizza boxes, bags, bins)
- Often supports features like an automatic ice maker and water line connection
Trade-offs
- You bend more often to access frozen foods
- Freezer drawers can feel heavier when fully loaded
Quick comparison
| Style | Refrigerator location | Freezer location | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom-mount | Top | Bottom drawer | Frequent fresh-food use |
| Top-mount | Bottom | Top door | Frequent freezer use |
| Side-by-side | Left or right | Left or right | Narrow door swing, equal access |
Why it matters
Choosing the right refrigerator style affects comfort, organization, and even performance. For example, proper leveling helps doors close and seal correctly, which protects temperatures and reduces run time. The leveling and door alignment steps for this model are covered in the 79571029011 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the drip tray on a Kenmore refrigerator?
On the Kenmore 79571029011, the drip tray is part of the water dispenser area on the refrigerator door. You remove it by pulling up on the front edge and pulling it out; to reinstall, tilt the front up slightly and snap the tabs into the holes (see the 79571029011 owner's manual).
How to find and remove the drip tray
- Locate the water dispenser on the fresh food door.
- Look directly under the dispenser opening; the tray sits in a recessed pocket.
- Pull up on the front of the tray, then pull the tray straight out.
- To reinstall, tilt the front of the tray up slightly.
- Snap the tray tabs into the matching holes.
- Keep fingers away from the ice chute opening while working.
Drip tray vs. defrost drain pan (they are different)
If you are looking for the pan that catches defrost water, that is a different part than the dispenser drip tray.
| Item | Where it is | What it does | Common clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dispenser drip tray | On the door, under the water dispenser | Catches drips from dispensing water/ice | Water spots on the door front |
| Defrost drain pan | Under the refrigerator near the compressor area | Collects defrost water so it can evaporate | Water in pan during defrost is normal |
When the drip tray needs attention
- Water overflows the tray during dispensing
- Tray will not snap in (tabs not seated in holes)
- Sticky residue or odor around the dispenser area
- Cracks or warping that prevent a flat fit
Why it matters
A properly seated drip tray helps keep the dispenser area clean and prevents water from running down the door, which can lead to slipping hazards and mess around the refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
How to move a Kenmore refrigerator?
To move your Kenmore refrigerator model 79571029011, we recommend prepping it first (food out, unplugged, cleaned), securing loose parts, and protecting the doors and cord. This prevents leaks, damage, and shifting during transport; follow the steps in the 79571029011 owner's manual.
Step-by-step: preparing the refrigerator for moving
- Remove all food; pack frozen food in dry ice if needed.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Clean the interior, wipe it down, and dry thoroughly.
- Remove all removable parts (bins, shelves, drawers); wrap and tape them together so they do not rattle.
- Screw the front leveling legs all the way in so they do not scrape the floor.
- Tape the doors shut and tape the power cord to the cabinet.
How to physically move it safely
- Keep the refrigerator as upright as possible to protect the sealed system and compressor.
- Use an appliance dolly with straps; strap across the cabinet, not the handles.
- Protect floors with a moving blanket or hard floor sliders.
- Move slowly over thresholds; avoid twisting the cabinet.
After you get it to the new location
Use this quick checklist before plugging it back in:
| Task | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Set in place | Position it where it will live | Prevents repeated moving and line strain |
| Level it | Adjust the front leveling legs | Helps doors close and reduces vibration |
| Reinstall parts | Put shelves/bins back | Prevents airflow blockage |
| Water line (if equipped) | Confirm tubing is not kinked and has slack | Prevents leaks and low water flow |
Why it matters
Moving a bottom-mount refrigerator without securing shelves, leveling legs, and doors can crack plastic parts, scratch flooring, and cause door alignment issues. Proper prep also helps prevent water line damage if your unit has an ice maker or dispenser.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On the Kenmore 79571029011 bottom-mount refrigerator, the bottom area is commonly called the machine compartment (or base compartment). It houses key cooling and airflow components such as the compressor, condenser coil, condenser fan area, and a drain pan, depending on the design; see the 79571029011 owner's manual for model-specific access and safety notes.
Common names you may hear
- Machine compartment (most common)
- Base compartment
- Compressor compartment
- Rear lower service area
- Bottom grille area (the vented access area on some models)
What’s typically located in the bottom area
Many bottom-mount refrigerators place heat-releasing and power components low and toward the back for airflow and service access.
- Compressor (pumps refrigerant through the sealed system)
- Condenser coil (releases heat from the refrigerant)
- Condenser fan area (moves air across the condenser on many designs)
- Drain pan (collects defrost water for evaporation)
- Wiring and control components (varies by model)
Example parts for this model
| Component | Example part for Kenmore 79571029011 | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Refrigerator compressor TCA36411702 | Cooling performance, running/noise issues |
| Condenser coil | Refrigerator condenser coil ACG73784701 | Heat removal, efficiency |
Why it matters
When the “bottom part” is dirty, blocked, or damaged, the refrigerator often runs longer, cools poorly, or gets noisier because it cannot shed heat efficiently. The manual also calls out condenser coil cleaning as routine maintenance.
Quick care tip (safe and effective)
Use these steps to reduce overheating and improve efficiency:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Vacuum dust from the lower rear area and vents.
- Clean the condenser coil area gently (no bending fins).
- Restore power and confirm normal operation.
Last updated: January 2026





