Is it better to have a freezer on top or bottom of the refrigerator?
For most households, a bottom-freezer design like the Maytag MBF2255KEB is the better everyday choice because fresh-food items sit at eye level and you bend less for the things you use most. Top-freezer models can be slightly more efficient and often cost less.
| Layout | Best for | Common tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom freezer (like MBF2255KEB) | Frequent fresh-food use, easier access to refrigerator shelves | Freezer items are lower, drawer can feel heavy when full |
| Top freezer | Budget-focused, simple layout, frequent freezer use | You bend more for fresh food, refrigerator shelves are lower |
- How you cook and shop: If you use fresh foods daily, bottom-freezer access usually feels more convenient.
- Kitchen ergonomics: Bottom-freezer models reduce bending for produce, milk, and leftovers.
- Freezer organization: A bottom drawer can keep frozen foods more stable in temperature, but it can also hide items if it is overpacked.
- Energy use habits: Door-opening time and good airflow matter as much as freezer position.
- Temperature control basics: On MBF2255KEB, the freezer control turns the cooling system on; setting it to OFF stops cooling in both compartments.
We recommend these habits because they improve cooling consistency and efficiency regardless of freezer location:
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate.
- Avoid overloading the freezer with warm food at one time.
- Keep the freezer about two-thirds full for efficient operation.
- Avoid storing hard-to-freeze items (like ice cream) in door shelves.
- Clean door gaskets regularly so the doors seal tightly.
Freezer location is mostly about convenience, but day-to-day performance depends on airflow, door seals, and correct control settings. If temperatures drift, start by confirming the control settings and loading practices in the MBF2255KEB owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer?
A bottom-freezer refrigerator like the Maytag MBF2255KEB keeps fresh food at eye level, but the tradeoff is that frozen items sit lower and are usually stored in deeper bins or drawers. That can mean more bending, more digging for items, and sometimes more door-open time.
- You often need to bend or squat to reach frozen foods, especially items at the bottom of the drawer.
- Freezer drawers can hide items under others, so organization takes more effort.
- Heavy frozen items (bulk meat, large bags) can be awkward to lift out of a low drawer.
- If the freezer is overpacked, airflow can be restricted and temperatures can fluctuate.
- More door-open time while searching can make the refrigerator run longer and waste energy.
We recommend setting up the freezer so you can grab what you need quickly.
- Keep the freezer about two-thirds full for best efficiency.
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate.
- Store “soft” or temperature-sensitive items (like ice cream) in the freezer interior, not on the door.
- Avoid adding a lot of warm food at once; it slows freezing and can raise freezer temperature.
| Issue | What causes it | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Hard to find items | Deep drawer stacks | Use bins, label bags, keep a “top layer” for frequent items |
| More bending | Low freezer location | Store heavy items higher in the drawer when possible |
| Temperature swings | Overpacking, frequent openings | Improve organization, minimize open time |
Bottom-freezer models are convenient for fresh-food access, but freezer layout and airflow matter more. Better organization reduces door-open time, helps maintain 0°F (-17°C) freezer temps, and supports efficient operation.
For model-specific features and storage guidance, follow the freezer and temperature sections in the MBF2255KEB owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Maytag refrigerators?
The most common Maytag refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint: the fresh food section is not cold enough, temperatures swing, or the unit runs too long. On the Maytag MBF2255KEB, the most frequent root causes are airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, door seal leaks, or a failing evaporator fan system; ice maker water-supply issues are also common. See the MBF2255KEB owner's manual for the model’s troubleshooting checks and control settings.
- Fridge warm, freezer OK: airflow problem (blocked vents), damper issue, or evaporator fan problem
- Both sections warm: dirty condenser coils, compressor/start device issue, or control problem
- Runs constantly: dirty coils, door not sealing, warm room temps, or frequent door openings
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply/filter restriction, frozen fill tube, or ice maker failure
- Frost buildup in freezer: door gasket leak or defrost system issue
- Confirm temperature settings and allow 24 hours after any adjustment.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking air vents in the fresh food or freezer sections.
- Clean condenser coils (a top cause of poor cooling and long run times).
- Check door closing and gasket contact all the way around.
- If the ice maker is slow or empty, verify the household water supply valve is fully open.
If basic checks do not help, these model-matched parts are often involved:
| Symptom | Common suspect part | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fresh food, freezer OK | Airflow control or fan issue | Refrigerator electronic damper WPW10196393 or evaporator motor WPW10128551 |
| No ice or intermittent ice | Ice maker assembly | Refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q |
| Clicking, hard starting, warm temps | Compressor start components | Refrigerator start device W10613606 |
| Temperature swings | Sensor/control issue | Refrigerator temperature sensor 12002355 or refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278 |
Cooling and ice maker problems usually start small (restricted airflow, dirty coils, minor seal leaks) but they force longer run times, warmer food temps, and more wear on the compressor. Catching the cause early helps protect food and reduces strain on major components.
Last updated: January 2026





