Maytag PTB1953DRW top-mount refrigerator Parts

A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag PTB1953DRW is better when you use the freezer often and want a typically lower purchase and repair cost; a bottom-mount is better when you want the fresh-food section at eye level and don’t want to bend as much for everyday items.

Quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount (freezer on top)	Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom)
Best for	Frequent freezer use	Frequent fresh-food use
Ergonomics	More bending for fridge items	Less bending for fridge items
Freezer access	Easy, at chest/eye level	Drawer-style, lower reach
Typical cost	Usually lower	Usually higher
Organization	Simple shelves/bins	Often better freezer organization

How to choose for your kitchen and habits

• If you grab frozen foods daily, a top-mount keeps the freezer easiest to reach.
• If you cook with fresh ingredients daily, a bottom-mount keeps the refrigerator section most accessible.
• If you have limited kitchen space, top-mount models often fit tighter layouts with simpler door swing needs.
• If back or knee comfort is a priority, bottom-mount designs reduce bending for the items you use most.
• If you want fewer “extras” to maintain, top-mount designs are often simpler.

Why it matters

The “better” choice is the one that matches how you actually use the refrigerator. Layout affects food visibility, door-open time (energy use), and how hard the appliance feels to live with day to day.

Tip for getting the most from a top-mount

If you keep a top-mount like the PTB1953DRW, we recommend focusing on efficiency and airflow (don’t block vents, keep seals clean, and avoid overpacking). Our guide on how to use your refrigerator efficiently helps you reduce temperature swings and improve cooling performance.

Last updated: February 2026

A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Maytag PTB1953DRW is in this family: the freezer compartment sits above the fresh-food compartment, typically with a separate door for each section.

Common names you will see

• Top-freezer refrigerator
• Top-mount refrigerator
• Freezer-on-top refrigerator
• Traditional two-door (side-swing) refrigerator

How it compares to other refrigerator styles

Style name	Freezer location	Typical door layout	Common reason people choose it
Top-freezer (top-mount)	Top	Two side-swing doors	Simple design, efficient use of space
Bottom-freezer	Bottom	Fridge door plus freezer drawer/door	Fresh food at eye level
Side-by-side	Left side	Two tall doors	Easy access to freezer shelves
French door	Bottom	Two fridge doors plus freezer drawer	Wide fridge space for trays

Why it matters when troubleshooting or buying parts

Refrigerator layout affects where key components sit and how symptoms show up (for example, airflow from the freezer to the refrigerator section). When you are diagnosing cooling, ice maker, or water filter issues, starting with the correct style helps narrow the likely causes.

• Cooling complaints often involve freezer airflow into the fresh-food section
• Frost buildup can point to defrost or door-seal issues
• Water and ice issues often trace back to the filter, inlet valve, or supply line

Helpful DIY guidance for Maytag refrigerators

If your PTB1953DRW has a water filter and you are maintaining water taste or ice quality, follow our step-by-step guide: how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Last updated: February 2026

A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag PTB1953DRW puts the freezer on top and the fresh-food section below; the main disadvantages are more bending to reach everyday items, fewer convenience features, and less flexible storage compared with many bottom-freezer designs.

Common disadvantages (what you’ll notice day to day)

• More bending and reaching: fresh food is lower, so you bend more for produce drawers and lower shelves.
• Less “eye-level” organization: many top-mount layouts have fewer adjustable bins and wide pantry-style drawers.
• Fewer built-in conveniences: through-the-door water and ice are less common on top-mount models.
• Freezer access can be tight: bulky items can be harder to stack and see in a top compartment.
• Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the freezer often can introduce warm air near the top, which can affect frost buildup and cooling consistency.

Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-freezer

Feature	Top-mount refrigerator	Bottom-freezer refrigerator
Fresh-food access	Lower, more bending	Higher, less bending
Freezer access	Eye-level	Lower drawer
Storage layout	Often simpler	Often more flexible
Common dispenser options	Less common	More common

How to reduce the downsides

• Keep everyday items on the middle shelves to minimize bending.
• Use clear bins to group snacks, deli items, and condiments for faster grab-and-go.
• Avoid overpacking the freezer; leave space for airflow and easier visibility.
• If you have water/ice features, follow our guide on how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator to help maintain flow and taste.

Why it matters

Ergonomics and organization affect how often the door stays open, how evenly the refrigerator cools, and how easy it is to keep food visible (which helps reduce waste). Choosing a layout that fits your habits can improve efficiency and convenience.

Last updated: February 2026

No. Refrigerator height is not standardized at 70 inches; it varies by style and capacity. Many newer, larger French door models land near 70 inches, but top-mount (top-freezer) refrigerators like Maytag model PTB1953DRW are often shorter, commonly in the mid-60-inch range.

Typical refrigerator height ranges (what you’ll see most often)

Heights vary by brand, hinge design, leveling legs, and whether you measure to the top of the case or the top of the hinge.

• Top-mount (top-freezer): often about 61 to 67 inches
• Side-by-side: often about 65 to 71 inches
• French door: often about 68 to 71+ inches
• Built-in: often 80+ inches

How to measure height the right way

Use a tape measure and check more than one point (floors can slope).

• Measure floor to the highest point (often the top hinge cover)
• Measure floor to top of cabinet as a second number
• Confirm the refrigerator is fully leveled (leveling legs can change height)
• Leave clearance above for airflow and for the doors to open without rubbing cabinets
• If you have overhead cabinets, measure the opening height at the front and back

Quick measurement checklist

What you’re measuring	Why it matters
Floor to top hinge	Prevents “won’t fit” surprises
Floor to top of case	Helps compare models consistently
Opening height (cabinet cutout)	Confirms real available space
Clearance above (recommended)	Supports ventilation and easier install

Why it matters

A 1 to 2 inch difference can decide whether a refrigerator fits under cabinets, whether doors swing freely, and whether the unit can be leveled correctly for good door sealing and efficient cooling.

Related help for Maytag refrigerators

If you’re also planning for a water line or filter setup while sizing and installing, we recommend: how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Last updated: February 2026