What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Frigidaire GLRT83TES2 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep foods frozen long-term, while the lower compartment is the fresh food (refrigerator) section. See the GLRT83TES2 owner's manual for your model’s compartment features and storage guidance.
What you’ll typically find in the upper (freezer) compartment
In a top-mount refrigerator like the GLRT83TES2, the freezer is built for frozen storage and airflow circulation.
- Freezer shelves or racks for frozen foods
- Freezer door shelves (best for items less sensitive to temperature swings)
- Space for ice trays or an optional automatic ice maker (if equipped)
- Cold-air circulation paths that help freeze food evenly
Best storage practices for the freezer (quick tips)
We recommend these habits to keep temperatures steady and reduce freezer burn:
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate
- Avoid overloading the freezer door shelves with hard-to-freeze items
- Store ice cream and juice deeper inside the freezer (more stable temperature)
- Keep the door closed as much as possible to prevent warming
Freezer vs. refrigerator: what’s the difference?
| Compartment | Typical purpose | Typical temperature range |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper) | Long-term frozen storage | 0°F to 5°F |
| Refrigerator (lower) | Fresh food storage | 34°F to 40°F |
Why it matters
Knowing that the upper section is the freezer helps with proper food placement. Items stored on freezer door shelves can warm slightly during door openings, so placing temperature-sensitive foods deeper inside helps maintain quality.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common problem we see with Frigidaire refrigerators like model GLRT83TES2 is a cooling complaint: the refrigerator or freezer is too warm, too cold, or temperatures swing. In many cases, the fix is a basic check of power, control settings, airflow, and door sealing as outlined in the GLRT83TES2 owner's manual.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Refrigerator not running at all: loose plug, tripped breaker, blown fuse, or temperature control set to 0 (compressor off).
- Too warm in fresh food or freezer: restricted airflow (overpacked shelves), door not sealing, or a fan/defrost issue.
- Too cold: control set too cold; adjust warmer and allow time to stabilize.
- Noisy or vibrating: cabinet not level or floor is weak.
- Odors: interior needs cleaning; uncovered foods.
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm the plug is fully seated in the outlet and the circuit is on.
- Verify the temperature controls are not set to 0.
- After any control change, allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure doors close easily and gaskets contact the cabinet all the way around.
- Keep vents clear inside the refrigerator and freezer for proper airflow.
Common causes and typical next steps
| Problem you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Unit does not run | Power issue or control set to 0 | Check outlet/breaker; set control colder than 0 |
| Temps swing | Normal stabilization after adjustment | Wait 24 hours, then fine-tune |
| Warm fridge, freezer OK | Airflow/evaporator fan issue | Check for blocked vents; inspect fan area |
| Odors | Spills or uncovered food | Clean interior; wrap foods |
Why it matters
Cooling problems can lead to food spoilage and extra compressor run time. Starting with the basic checks (power, settings, leveling, door seal, airflow) prevents unnecessary part replacement and gets temperatures back to normal faster.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Frigidaire top mount freezer not freezing?
If your Frigidaire GLRT83TES2 top-mount freezer is not freezing, the most common causes are incorrect temperature control settings, blocked airflow, dirty condenser area, or a failed fan/defrost component. Set the freezer for 0°F or lower and make only small adjustments, then allow 24 hours to stabilize (see the GLRT83TES2 owner's manual).
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the freezer control is set colder (not at “0/off”).
- Wait a full 24 hours after any control change before judging results.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking cold air vents; airflow is required to maintain temperature.
- Avoid overloading the freezer with warm food; it slows freezing and raises temperatures.
- Verify the freezer door closes tightly and the gasket seals all the way around.
Airflow and fan problems (very common)
This refrigerator uses a fan to circulate air through both compartments. If the evaporator fan is not running, the freezer can warm up and the refrigerator section may also struggle.
What you may notice:
- Little to no air movement from vents
- Warmer freezer, soft ice cream, thawing food
- Unusual quiet (no fan sound) or loud rubbing noise
Parts that often relate to this symptom
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for GLRT83TES2 |
|---|---|---|
| No airflow, fan not spinning | Evaporator fan | Refrigerator evaporator motor 5303918549 |
| Fan blade damaged or rubbing | Fan blade | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 |
Defrost and temperature control causes
If frost builds up on the evaporator behind the freezer panel, airflow gets restricted and freezing performance drops.
- A stuck defrost system can point to a timer issue such as refrigerator defrost timer 215846602.
- If temperatures swing or the unit will not maintain cold, the control can be involved (for example refrigerator temperature control thermostat 241537103).
Why it matters
A freezer that cannot hold 0°F risks food spoilage and forces the compressor to run longer, which increases energy use and can accelerate wear on cooling components.
Last updated: January 2026
Is Frigidaire Professional high end?
Yes. Frigidaire Professional is Frigidaire’s higher-end lineup; it’s positioned above the brand’s basic offerings and typically emphasizes a pro-style appearance, upgraded finishes, and more feature-focused designs compared with standard Frigidaire models.
How this relates to your refrigerator model
Your refrigerator model GLRT83TES2 is a Frigidaire top-mount refrigerator model number; it is not automatically part of the Frigidaire Professional series just because it’s a Frigidaire product. Use the GLRT83TES2 owner’s manual to confirm the exact features, controls, and care instructions for your specific configuration.
- Model numbers identify the exact product configuration
- Series names (like “Professional”) describe a product line or styling tier
- Parts, shelves, and door bins must match the exact model number
- Care steps (cleaning, temperature settings) can vary by configuration
Quick tier comparison (typical positioning)
| Frigidaire tier | Typical positioning | What you usually see |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Frigidaire | Value and everyday use | Core cooling features, practical storage |
| Frigidaire Gallery | Mid-range | More convenience features and styling |
| Frigidaire Professional | High end within Frigidaire | Pro-style design cues, upgraded finishes, feature-forward builds |
| Luxury brands (varies) | Premium luxury | Built-in designs, premium materials, highest price tier |
Why it matters for parts and maintenance
Series names help set expectations, but model number matching is what prevents ordering the wrong part. For example, if you’re replacing a broken or missing door bin on GLRT83TES2, use the exact part listing such as the Frigidaire refrigerator door bin 240338101 and confirm it’s shown for your model before ordering.
Helpful troubleshooting resource
If you’re diagnosing cooling or control issues, we use the Frigidaire refrigerator error codes guide to narrow down likely causes and next steps.
Last updated: January 2026





