What is the advantage of a bottom mount fridge?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the GE PYE22KMKKES keeps the fresh-food section at eye and waist level, so you reach everyday items with less bending. The freezer stays below, which is convenient if you use frozen foods less often.
Key advantages you’ll notice day to day
- Easier access to frequently used fresh foods (milk, produce, leftovers)
- Less bending and squatting compared with a top-freezer design
- Better organization for refrigerated items because shelves and drawers are in your main line of sight
- Wide refrigerator compartment space that works well for party trays and large containers
- Freezer drawer can hold bulky frozen items in stacked baskets or bins (varies by configuration)
How this layout fits the PYE22KMKKES features
Many bottom-freezer designs pair well with convenience features commonly found on this GE Profile style platform, such as spillproof shelves, adjustable storage bins, and a full-width temperature controlled drawer (features vary by model and configuration). For your model’s specific feature set and control functions, use the PYE22KMKKES owner's manual.
Bottom-mount vs top-freezer: quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (bottom freezer) | Top-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Best (eye level) | Requires more bending |
| Freezer access | Drawer down low | Easier if you use freezer most |
| Organization | Strong for fridge items | Simple, often fewer compartments |
| Ergonomics | Better for back and knees | Less ergonomic for fresh foods |
Why it matters
Most households open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. Putting fresh food up top reduces strain and makes it faster to see what you have, which helps with meal prep and reduces forgotten items.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with GE PYE22KMKKES refrigerators?
The most common issues we see with the GE PYE22KMKKES bottom-mount refrigerator involve ice maker and water dispensing performance (no ice, slow ice, odd-tasting ice, dripping) and temperature complaints caused by restricted airflow or normal recovery time after power loss. For model-specific troubleshooting steps, use the owner's manual.
Most common symptoms (and what usually causes them)
- Ice maker not making ice or slow production: freezer temperature not stable, ice maker turned off, or water supply issue
- Water dispenser drips after dispensing: air trapped in the water line
- Odor or taste in ice: normal after starting the ice maker or replacing the water filter
- Refrigerator warm, freezer cold (or uneven temps): airflow vents blocked by food packages
- Both sections not cold enough after outage/first plug-in: normal; needs time to pull down to set temps
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the recommended set temps are being used (typically 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer on this control style).
- Keep food from blocking the air tower/airflow vents; blocked vents are a top cause of warm spots.
- After a power outage or first startup, allow 24 hours for both compartments to reach the selected temperatures.
- If the dispenser drips, dispense water for at least 5 minutes to purge air from the line.
- If you just replaced the water filter or started the ice maker, discard the first bin of ice to reduce odor/taste issues.
Symptom-to-fix cheat sheet
| Symptom | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Water drips after dispensing | Air in water line | Purge by dispensing water 5 minutes |
| Fridge not cooling, freezer cooling | Normal recovery or airflow restriction | Wait 24 hours; clear vents |
| Ice tastes/smells off | Normal after filter change/startup | Throw away first bin of ice |
| Temps seem “off” vs. display | Actual temp varies with use/environment | Verify settings; avoid blocking vents |
Why it matters
Most “common problems” on this model are not failed parts; they are airflow, water-line air, or normal temperature recovery behaviors. Fixing those first prevents unnecessary service and helps the compressor, evaporator fan, and controls maintain stable temperatures.
For alarm-related complaints that often get mistaken for cooling problems, use how to reset the door alarm on a GE refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove bottom grille on GE refrigerator?
On your GE PYE22KMKKES bottom-mount refrigerator, the bottom grille (toe grille or base grille) removes from the front lower edge by releasing retaining clips or removing mounting screws, then pulling the grille straight off. Use the PYE22KMKKES owner's manual for the exact attachment points.
Steps to remove the bottom grille
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker.
- Open both fresh food doors for better access at the front base.
- Check the grille ends and top edge for screws.
- If screws are present: remove them with a Phillips screwdriver.
- If no screws are present: grip the grille near both ends and pull straight outward to release the clips.
- Set the grille aside; keep any screws together for reinstallation.
Before you pull: quick checks that prevent damage
- Pull evenly from both sides so plastic tabs do not crack.
- If the grille will not budge, re-check for hidden fasteners before prying.
- If you need more room, pull the refrigerator straight out; avoid twisting it sideways.
- Raise the front leveling legs slightly to help the unit slide without scraping the floor (see moving guidance in the manual).
Reinstalling the grille
Align the grille with its slots or clips, press until it seats fully, then reinstall any screws.
| What you see | What it indicates | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Corner screws | Screw-mounted grille | Remove screws, then pull grille off |
| No screws, firm resistance | Clip-mounted grille | Pull straight out evenly from both ends |
| Grille flexes but stays attached | A tab still engaged | Reposition hands closer to the ends and pull evenly |
Why it matters
We remove the bottom grille to access the condenser area for cleaning, improve airflow for better cooling efficiency, and check the base for debris, vibration sources, or water leaks.
Last updated: February 2026





