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Are top mount or bottom mount fridges better?
Top-mount and bottom-mount refrigerators are both good choices; the better option depends on how you use your fridge day to day. For a Criterion CTMR208WD1B top-mount refrigerator, the biggest advantages are typically lower purchase cost, fewer complex components, and easy access to the freezer.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator (like CTMR208WD1B) | Bottom-mount refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer access | Eye level or higher | Lower drawer, easier reach |
| Fresh food access | Lower shelves require bending | Most-used items at eye level |
| Energy use (typical) | Often slightly lower | Often slightly higher |
| Repairs (typical) | Often simpler | Can be more complex |
| Organization | Traditional shelves and bins | Often more flexible layouts |
When a top-mount is the better pick
A top-mount refrigerator usually fits best when you want simple, reliable cooling and you use the freezer often.
- You want a straightforward layout with fewer moving parts
- You prefer freezer items at a more convenient height
- You want a model that is typically easier to service (fan, defrost, thermostat/thermistor systems)
- You have a tighter kitchen space and want a classic door swing
- You want a lower overall cost for the same capacity range
When a bottom-mount is the better pick
A bottom-mount refrigerator usually fits best when you use fresh food more than frozen food.
- You want the refrigerator section at eye level for everyday items
- You store lots of produce and use crisper drawers frequently
- You prefer a pull-out freezer drawer for organization
- You want easier access to wide refrigerator shelves without bending
What to check before deciding
Even within the same style, usability varies by shelf layout, drawers, and door swing.
- Measure your space (width, height, depth, and door clearance)
- Think about your “most-used” zone (fresh food vs. freezer)
- Check interior features like adjustable shelves, deli drawer, and crisper drawers
- Confirm whether your model supports an optional ice maker and water line routing
- Review care and use details in the CTMR208WD1B owner's manual
Why it matters
The “better” refrigerator style is the one that matches your habits. If you open the freezer multiple times a day, top-mount convenience adds up. If you cook often and live in the fresh-food section, bottom-mount ergonomics can reduce bending and improve organization.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Criterion CTMR208WD1B puts the freezer at eye level and the fresh-food section below; the main disadvantages are more bending to reach everyday items, fewer convenience features on many models, and less flexible organization compared with some bottom-freezer designs.
Common drawbacks you may notice
- More bending for fresh food: the refrigerator compartment is lower, so you crouch more for produce, deli items, and beverages.
- Less “grab-and-go” ergonomics: the most-used shelves are often below waist height.
- Fewer built-in convenience options on many top-mounts: features like through-the-door ice and water are less common.
- Tighter freezer organization: top freezers often have fewer bins and dividers than some bottom-freezer layouts.
- Smaller door storage feel: depending on how you load it, tall bottles and condiments can crowd the door bins.
How to make a top-mount layout work better
We recommend setting up zones so the items you use most are easiest to reach.
- Keep daily items (milk, leftovers, lunch items) on the upper refrigerator shelves
- Use the deli drawer for frequently used meats and cheeses
- Use the humidity-controlled crisper drawer for produce you access less often
- Store heavier items (juice, soda) on a middle shelf instead of the bottom
- Keep freezer “quick grabs” (ice tray, frozen fruit) in the front
| Goal | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce bending | Move daily foods to upper shelves | Faster access, less strain |
| Improve organization | Group foods by zone (deli, produce, leftovers) | Less searching |
| Keep temps stable | Minimize door-open time | Better cooling consistency |
Why it matters
Top-mount refrigerators are often efficient and straightforward, but the layout affects comfort and how evenly you use space. A few setup changes can make the CTMR208WD1B feel more convenient day to day.
For model-specific storage features and compartment names, use the CTMR208WD1B owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Criterion CTMR208WD1B top-mount refrigerator, the upper compartment is the freezer. It’s the section designed to keep food frozen, and it commonly houses items like an ice tray or an optional ice maker setup.
What you’ll typically find in the upper (freezer) section
In a top-mount refrigerator like the CTMR208WD1B, the freezer is the coldest compartment and is built for long-term frozen storage.
Common freezer components include:
- Freezer shelves or a full-width shelf (model-dependent)
- Ice tray storage
- Optional ice maker location (if your model supports it)
- Freezer door bins (for smaller frozen items)
Freezer vs. refrigerator: quick comparison
| Compartment | Typical temperature range | Main purpose | Common items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper) | 0°F to 5°F | Freeze and store food long-term | Ice, frozen meals, meat |
| Refrigerator (lower) | 34°F to 40°F | Keep food cold (not frozen) | Produce, dairy, leftovers |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct compartment name helps when you’re following troubleshooting steps, adjusting temperature controls, or using diagrams in the CTMR208WD1B owner's manual. It also helps when diagnosing issues like “freezer cold but fridge warm,” which often points to airflow or fan problems.
Helpful tip if cooling seems uneven
If the freezer is cold but the fresh food section is not, airflow is usually the issue.
- Make sure vents are not blocked by packages
- Avoid overpacking the freezer
- Listen for the evaporator fan running
For step-by-step guidance, use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Last updated: February 2026
What is a fridge with freezer on top called?
A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Criterion CTMR208WD1B is this style: the freezer compartment sits above the fresh-food compartment, typically with a separate side-swing door for each.
Common names you will see
These terms usually mean the same basic refrigerator layout:
- Top-freezer refrigerator
- Top-mount refrigerator
- Freezer-on-top refrigerator
- Two-door top-freezer (freezer door above refrigerator door)
How to confirm the style on CTMR208WD1B
We recommend checking the product description and diagrams in the CTMR208WD1B owner's manual. On this model, the manual shows typical top-mount features such as freezer door storage and fresh-food door bins.
Quick layout check
| Feature | Top-freezer (top-mount) | Side-by-side | Bottom-freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer location | Top | Left side | Bottom |
| Typical door layout | 2 doors stacked | 2 tall doors | 2 doors stacked |
| Common benefit | Efficient, simple design | Easy freezer access | Easy fresh-food access |
Why it matters
Knowing the refrigerator style helps you match the right troubleshooting steps and maintenance routines (for example, airflow between the freezer and refrigerator sections, door seal checks, and temperature setting habits) for a top-mount design.
Related DIY help
If you are troubleshooting cooling issues common to top-freezer designs, we use the same core checks (fan noise, airflow, frost buildup) covered in how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Last updated: February 2026
