What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Frigidaire LFHT1817LF4 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically called the freezer compartment (or simply the freezer). It’s the colder area designed to keep foods frozen and, on some setups, it also supports ice making when an icemaker is installed and turned on; see the LFHT1817LF4 owner’s manual.
What you’ll find in the upper (freezer) compartment
- Freezer shelves or bins for frozen food storage
- A freezer temperature control setting (often paired with the fresh food control)
- Airflow vents that circulate cold air to help cool both sections
- On some configurations, an icemaker area (if equipped)
Freezer vs. fresh food section (quick comparison)
| Section | Common name | Typical temperature target | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper section | Freezer compartment | 0°F | Long-term frozen storage |
| Lower section | Fresh food compartment | 37°F | Everyday refrigerated storage |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re looking up troubleshooting steps, door removal instructions, or parts such as shelves, door bins, and gaskets for the correct compartment.
Helpful related guidance
If you’re setting up the refrigerator or checking door sealing and leveling, the LFHT1817LF4 installation guide walks through key checks like door seals, leveling, and control setup.
Last updated: January 2026
Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire LFHT1817LF4 is usually the better pick if you want lower cost, simple reliability, and strong energy efficiency. A bottom-mount is usually better if you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier access to everyday groceries.
Quick comparison (what most homeowners notice)
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Freezer is easiest to reach | Fresh food is easiest to reach |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Organization | Simpler layout | Often more drawers and zones |
| Energy use | Often very efficient | Varies by design |
| Repairs | Typically simpler, fewer features | More features can mean more parts |
When a top-mount is the better choice
- You want a straightforward refrigerator with fewer “extras” to maintain.
- You use the freezer often (frozen meals, bulk items).
- You want strong value for the money.
- You have a tighter kitchen space and want a simpler door layout.
- You prefer a design that is typically easier to level and keep sealing well.
For model-specific setup basics (leveling, clearances, and door sealing checks), follow the LFHT1817LF4 installation guide.
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You use the fresh-food section most and want it at eye level.
- You want less bending for produce, drinks, and leftovers.
- You like more “zoned” storage (common on many bottom-mount designs).
Why it matters
Choosing the right layout affects daily comfort and performance. For example, proper leveling and good door sealing help prevent temperature swings and moisture issues. The installation checklist for this Frigidaire model calls out door seals closing fully and the cabinet being level with a slight tilt (front to back), which supports consistent cooling and fewer frost or condensation problems.
Helpful tip for either style
- Keep doors sealing tightly and shelves/bins seated correctly.
- Allow airflow clearance around the cabinet.
- After changing temperature controls, wait about 24 hours before adjusting again.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common Frigidaire refrigerator problem is a cooling issue: the fresh food section gets warm, the freezer temperature drifts, or temperatures swing. On the Frigidaire LFHT1817LF4 top-mount, the fastest wins are verifying control settings and airflow, then checking door sealing and the evaporator fan.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the temperature controls are set correctly; after any change, wait 24 hours before adjusting again (a common cause of “it’s not cooling” complaints). See the LFHT1817LF4 owner's manual.
- Make sure the doors close and the gasket seals on all sides.
- Avoid blocking vents with food packages; poor airflow mimics a failed cooling system.
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the compressor is on (freezer area).
- Check for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (points to a defrost problem).
Most common causes and what they look like
| Symptom | Most likely area | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer OK | Airflow from freezer to fridge | Clear vents, check evaporator fan operation |
| Frost buildup, weak cooling | Defrost system | Inspect/diagnose defrost heater and thermostat |
| Moisture, warm spots, long run times | Door not sealing | Clean/reshape gasket, level cabinet |
| No lights, no cooling | Power/controls | Verify outlet, settings, and basic power checks |
Parts that commonly solve cooling-related complaints
If you find a specific failure, these are common repair parts for this model:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301 (fan not running or noisy)
- Refrigerator defrost heater 242044008 (frosted evaporator, poor cooling)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (defrost not cycling correctly)
- Refrigerator gasket 242193213 (warm temps, condensation, poor door seal)
Why it matters
Cooling problems usually get worse quickly: food safety, excess frost, and compressor overwork can follow. Starting with controls, door sealing, and airflow helps you avoid replacing parts that are still good.
Last updated: January 2026
Is Frigidaire Professional high end?
Yes. Frigidaire Professional is Frigidaire’s higher-end line; it sits above standard Frigidaire models with more premium styling and features. Your Frigidaire LFHT1817LF4 is a standard Frigidaire top-mount refrigerator model, not a Frigidaire Professional series unit; use the LFHT1817LF4 owner’s manual to confirm the exact features and configuration.
What “high end” means for Frigidaire Professional
Frigidaire Professional appliances are positioned as a step up within the Frigidaire brand family. Depending on the appliance type, that usually includes:
- More premium exterior finishes and coordinated design
- More feature-rich controls and convenience options
- Higher-capacity or performance-focused components
- Styling meant to match a “pro” kitchen package
- A higher price tier than standard Frigidaire
How to tell which line your refrigerator is
Use these quick checks to identify whether a refrigerator is a Professional model or a standard Frigidaire model like LFHT1817LF4:
- Look for “Professional” badging on the door or inside the cabinet
- Check the model tag inside the fresh food compartment for the exact model number
- Compare your control layout and interior features to the LFHT1817LF4 owner’s manual
- Review installation details (clearances, leveling, door seal checks) in the installation guide
Quick comparison
| Line | Typical positioning | Typical identifiers |
|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire | Core, value-focused | Standard model prefixes, basic feature sets |
| Frigidaire Professional | Higher-end within Frigidaire | “Professional” badging, upgraded styling/features |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct product line helps you set expectations for features and ensures you follow the right setup and care steps. For LFHT1817LF4, correct leveling, door sealing, and control settings directly affect cooling performance and energy use.
Last updated: January 2026





