Kenmore Refrigerator Bottom Freezer Review and Troubleshooting Guide

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The Kenmore refrigerator bottom freezer is a popular choice for many households. It's known for its spacious bottom freezer, which can store up to 12 cu. ft. of frozen food.

This model features a crisper drawer that maintains humidity levels to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. The crisper drawer has a separate control to adjust the humidity level.

The Kenmore refrigerator bottom freezer has a total storage capacity of 19.5 cu. ft. in the refrigerator section and 12 cu. ft. in the freezer section. This provides ample space for storing food and drinks.

Some common issues with the Kenmore refrigerator bottom freezer include ice buildup and frost on the freezer walls. These issues can be caused by a malfunctioning defrost timer or a clogged air vent.

Refrigerator Not Cooling

If your Kenmore refrigerator bottom freezer isn't cooling, don't panic - it might just be performing a routine defrost cycle, which can take up to 30 minutes.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Reset Your Kenmore Fridge | Simple Steps to Fix Cooling & Error Issues!

Wait at least 30 minutes after you notice the freezer isn't running to see if it starts back up. You might hear dripping, hissing, or sizzling during a defrost cycle.

Make sure everything in the freezer is well clear of the inside of the door. Items holding the door slightly ajar could be causing icing, defrosting, excessive noise, or moisture buildup.

Push everything away from the door and ensure the rubber door seals make contact with the body of the appliance. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in your Kenmore refrigerator's performance.

Features and Performance

The Kenmore 78022 refrigerator bottom freezer is a top performer in our climate-controlled test chamber, yielding tight averages across all regions, with no worrisome hot spots to speak of.

It shares similarities with the LG LDC24370ST, another top performer, with minute-by-minute graphs showing close, consistent performance across all regions in the fridge.

The Kenmore fridge spends slightly more time above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, mostly due to the butter bin, which is typically the hottest spot in the fridge by design.

Credit: youtube.com, High-level performance from this low-cost Kenmore freezer fridge

A notable difference between the two fridges is the swing between the warmest and coldest points, with the Kenmore fridge showing an overall swing of about 7 degrees, compared to less than 6 degrees for the LG model.

The Kenmore 78022 also outperformed the LG model when set to 33 degrees Fahrenheit, with each region in the refrigerator compartment averaging out closer to the target temperature.

If this caught your attention, see: Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Not Cooling

This Fridge Has a Few Tricks

This fridge has a few tricks up its sleeve. The Kenmore fridge's build is missing a drawer-style freezer compartment, which is a standard feature in many other models.

A hinged door that swings open from the side is the alternative, but it can be an awkward inconvenience when the freezer is located at the bottom. You'll likely need to squat or stoop down low to get things in and out of it.

Upgrading to a fridge with a drawer-style freezer will cost you an additional $300 or so, which is a typical price across major manufacturers.

Cooling Performance Analysis

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Credit: pexels.com, Modern interior of white and wooden kitchen with cabinets cupboards and built in appliances in contemporary flat

In our climate-controlled test chamber, the Kenmore 78022 fridge performed steadily, with results almost identical to the LG LDC24370ST, one of the best performers we've tested.

The Kenmore fridge yielded tight averages across all regions, with no worrisome hot spots to speak of, even at a set temperature of 37 degrees F.

The middle of the door and the right crisper bin crept slightly above 40, a benchmark for food safety set by the FDA, but not nearly enough to have us concerned.

The minute-by-minute graph from the test shows close, consistent performance across all regions in the fridge, with both the Kenmore and LG fridges sitting at an overall average that's about two degrees north of the target temperature.

The Kenmore fridge spends slightly more of its time up above 40, though much of this comes from the butter bin, which is typically the hottest spot in the fridge by design.

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Credit: pexels.com, Classic living room and modern kitchen interior with tables against couch and refrigerator on marble floor at home

The difference between the warmest and coldest points on the Kenmore graph is about 7 degrees, indicating incremental performance enhancements that you'd expect between two generations of refrigerators.

In a test at 33 degrees, the Kenmore fridge performed even better, with each region in the refrigerator compartment averaging out closer to the target than the LG model, except for the two pantry drawers which finished dead even.

The entirety of the Kenmore fridge stayed above freezing for the duration of the test, just like the LG model.

The performance of the Kenmore 78022 fridge is essentially on par with the LG LDC24370ST, one of the top performers we've tested.

Climate Controls

The climate controls in this appliance are top-notch. You can adjust the temperature in both the fridge and freezer compartments independently, giving you precise control over your food's storage conditions.

Each compartment has its own dedicated temperature controls, making it easy to set and forget. The digital display is a convenient feature that lets you keep an eye on the temperature settings.

By having separate temperature controls for the fridge and freezer, you can ensure that your frozen foods stay frozen and your fresh produce stays fresh. This level of control is especially useful for people who have specific storage needs or preferences.

Price Point

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The price point of a product is a crucial factor to consider when making a purchase. The 78022 model has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,500.

However, it's worth noting that Kenmore sells it for a more affordable price of $1,100 at Sears. This makes it a more attractive option for those on a budget.

Installation and Maintenance

To keep your Kenmore refrigerator running smoothly, regular maintenance is a must. Ensure everything in the freezer is well clear of the inside of the door.

Items holding the door slightly ajar could be causing icing, defrosting, excessive noise or moisture buildup. Push everything away from the door and see that the rubber door seals make contact with the body of the appliance.

Step 4

Step 4 is a crucial part of ensuring your appliance is running smoothly. The ideal temperature for the freezer compartment should be around 0 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 18 degrees Celsius.

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Credit: pexels.com, Interior of light kitchen with white cabinets and kettle near sink placed against trendy oven and modern appliances in apartment

If you notice water on the ground or find the compartment too warm, it's likely that the thermostat has been accidentally adjusted. This can happen while you're using the control panel, so be sure to double-check the settings.

Make sure the freezer compartment is running at the correct temperature by checking the thermostat. It's easy to overlook this simple step, but it's essential for maintaining the right conditions.

Step 5

As you're setting up your appliance, it's essential to get the freezer section just right. Items holding the door slightly ajar could be causing icing, defrosting, excessive noise or moisture buildup.

In Step 5, it's crucial to push everything away from the door. This will ensure that the rubber door seals make contact with the body of the appliance.

This is a simple yet effective way to prevent issues and keep your freezer running smoothly.

Elite 78022

The Kenmore Elite 78022 is a bargain-priced bottom freezer fridge that's definitely worth considering.

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Credit: pexels.com, Interior of white modern kitchen with minimalist design of white cabinets blue backsplash and black built in appliances

It's a bottom freezer fridge, which means the freezer is located at the bottom of the unit, rather than at the top like in a standard top-freezer fridge.

This design can be more convenient for some people, as it keeps the freezer out of the way and makes it easier to reach into the fridge.

The Kenmore 78022 is a great option for those on a budget, as it's priced lower than many other bottom freezer fridges on the market.

However, it's still a high-quality fridge that's built to last, with features like adjustable shelves and a crisper drawer that will keep your food fresh for longer.

Product Information

The Kenmore refrigerator bottom freezer is a versatile appliance that can be used in a variety of settings. It's available in different sizes, including 30-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch widths.

This refrigerator features a bottom freezer design, which keeps the freezer at eye level and the refrigerator at a comfortable height. This design also helps to reduce strain on your back when reaching for items.

The Kenmore refrigerator bottom freezer has a total capacity of up to 18.4 cu. ft., making it perfect for small to medium-sized kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator?

To reset your Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator, refer to your user manual or look up the model online for specific instructions. Unplugging the fridge is a crucial step in the process, so be sure to pull out that plug.

What is the disadvantage of a bottom freezer?

A bottom freezer can be a challenge for heavy lifting, posing a safety risk for seniors and those with mobility issues. This design can make it harder to access and remove heavy frozen items.

Lou Tarchiani

Senior Writer

Lou Tarchiani is a passionate writer, avid traveler, and animal lover. She has a diverse background, having worked in fields ranging from marketing to education. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, where she has immersed herself in local cultures and gained unique perspectives on the world.

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