Is a top mount or bottom mount fridge better?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire FFTR1814LB0 is better when you want the lowest cost, simpler design, and easy freezer access at eye level; a bottom-mount is better when you use fresh-food items most and want the refrigerator section higher to reduce bending.
Quick comparison (what changes day to day)
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, less bending |
| Freezer access | Easier, at chest/eye level | Usually a pull-out drawer |
| Organization | Simple shelves and bins | Drawer-style freezer storage |
| Typical cost and complexity | Lower and simpler | Higher and more complex |
| Best for | Frequent freezer use | Frequent refrigerator use |
Choose a top mount if you want
- A straightforward refrigerator with fewer moving parts
- Faster access to frozen foods (no deep drawer digging)
- A layout that works well in tighter kitchens
- A design that is typically easier to service and maintain
Choose a bottom mount if you want
- Less bending for everyday items like milk, produce, and leftovers
- A freezer drawer that can keep items grouped and contained
- Better ergonomics for households that rarely use the freezer
Why it matters for performance and upkeep
No matter which style you choose, installation and setup affect cooling and energy use. For a top-mount like FFTR1814LB0, correct clearances, leveling, and door sealing help prevent warm spots, frost buildup, and longer run times. We recommend following the setup steps in the installation guide so the cabinet sits solid, the doors seal on all sides, and the controls are set correctly.
Setup tips that help either style
- Level the refrigerator side-to-side and tilt it slightly back so doors close reliably
- Leave proper airflow clearance (sides/top and back) to avoid overheating
- Confirm the door gasket seals fully all the way around
- After changing temperature controls, wait 24 hours before adjusting again
Last updated: February 2026
What should go on the top shelf of your fridge?
In your Frigidaire FFTR1814LB0 top-mount refrigerator, we recommend using the top shelf for ready-to-eat foods and drinks because it stays one of the most consistently cold areas. Keep leftovers, deli items, and dairy there so they stay safe and easy to grab.
Best foods for the top shelf
- Leftovers in shallow, covered containers
- Ready-to-eat foods (deli meats, cooked foods, prepared salads)
- Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, sour cream)
- Drinks and opened beverages
- Desserts and other foods you will not cook again
What to keep off the top shelf
These items do better elsewhere in a top-mount refrigerator:
- Raw meat, poultry, and seafood (store low to prevent drips)
- Produce that needs humidity control (use the crisper drawers)
- Items that freeze easily (some leafy greens, eggs near cold air vents)
Quick placement guide (top-mount refrigerator)
| Fridge area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top shelf | Ready-to-eat foods, dairy, leftovers | Stable temperature, no cooking step needed |
| Lower shelf | Raw proteins (on a tray) | Prevents cross-contamination from drips |
| Crisper drawers | Fruits and vegetables | Better humidity control |
| Door bins | Condiments, juices, butter | Warmest area, frequent temp swings |
Why it matters
Top-shelf storage is mainly about food safety and quality. Putting ready-to-eat foods up high reduces the chance of contamination from raw-food drips and helps keep items at a steady temperature when the door opens.
Model-specific tips that help food stay cold
Your installation setup affects how evenly the refrigerator cools. For FFTR1814LB0, we follow the setup checks in the installation guide, including making sure the door seals completely and the cabinet is level.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Frigidaire top-mount refrigerator like model FFTR1814LB0, the upper compartment is the freezer. It’s the section designed to keep foods frozen and, on some setups, it can also support an ice maker when the water supply is connected.
What the freezer does (and what’s usually inside)
The freezer compartment is built to maintain temperatures below freezing so food stays safely frozen longer.
Common freezer features include:
- A freezer temperature control (sometimes shared with the fresh food control)
- Shelves or bins for frozen items
- An ice maker area on models equipped for it
- A door gasket that seals cold air in
For control locations and normal settings, follow the setup guidance in the installation guide.
Freezer vs. fresh food compartment
Here’s a quick way to tell the two sections apart on a top-mount refrigerator:
| Compartment | Location | Primary purpose | Typical temperature target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer | Top | Freeze and store frozen foods | About 0°F |
| Fresh food (refrigerator) | Bottom | Keep foods cold (not frozen) | About 37°F |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct compartment name helps when you’re troubleshooting cooling problems, checking door sealing, or ordering the right replacement parts (for example, a door gasket or door handle). A freezer door that does not seal can cause frost buildup and temperature swings.
Quick checks if the top section is not freezing well
If the freezer (upper section) is warm or frosting up, these basics often help:
- Confirm the freezer door seals completely on all sides
- Set controls and wait 24 hours before making more adjustments
- Make sure airflow is not blocked by overpacked items
- Verify the refrigerator is level (slight tilt back helps doors close)
- If you have an ice maker, keep it OFF until the water supply is connected
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Frigidaire FFTR1814LB0 put the freezer on top and the fresh-food section below, so you bend more often for everyday items and typically get fewer convenience features than higher-end layouts. They also tend to have less flexible organization options.
Common drawbacks you may notice
- More bending for fresh food: the refrigerator compartment is lower, so produce, drinks, and leftovers take more reaching.
- Less premium organization: fewer adjustable bins, drawers, and specialty zones compared with many bottom-freezer or French-door models.
- Fewer built-in dispenser options: many top-mount designs do not include an external water or ice dispenser.
- Freezer access can be awkward: bulky items can be harder to stack and retrieve in a top freezer.
- Door sealing and leveling matter more than you think: if the cabinet is not level, doors can swing or not seal consistently.
Quick checks that reduce day-to-day frustration
The installation guide for FFTR1814LB0 calls out door sealing and leveling as key final checks. Use these steps to improve performance and usability:
- Confirm the door seals completely on all sides.
- Level the refrigerator side-to-side and tilt it about 1/4 inch (6 mm) front-to-back so doors close more reliably.
- Make sure the cabinet sits solidly on all corners.
- Recheck water connections (if equipped with an ice maker) for leaks after 24 hours.
- Wait 24 hours after changing temperature controls before making more adjustments.
| Issue you see | What it usually means | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Door pops open or won’t stay shut | Cabinet not tilted back, weak seal | Level/tilt cabinet; inspect gasket contact |
| Uneven door gaps | Unit not level, hinge alignment | Level unit; check hinge hardware |
| Food dries out in fresh-food section | Airflow and humidity settings | Adjust crisper humidity controls |
Why it matters
Most “disadvantages” people attribute to top-mount fridges come down to ergonomics and features, but sealing and leveling directly affect temperature stability, frost buildup, and energy use. A properly leveled FFTR1814LB0 with good door seals runs more consistently and is easier to live with.
For model-specific setup details (leveling, door checks, control adjustment timing), follow the FFTR1814LB0 installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026





