Is top mounted refrigerator better than bottom mounted?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire FFTR1814LBH is better when you want lower purchase cost, strong energy efficiency, and simple, reliable storage. A bottom-mount is better when you want the fresh-food section at eye level and easier access to everyday items.
Quick comparison (top-mount vs bottom-mount)
| 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 cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Organization | Simpler layout | Often more drawers and bins |
| Ergonomics | More bending for fresh food | Less bending for fresh food |
| Efficiency | Often very efficient | Varies by design |
When a top-mount is the better choice
A top-mount is usually the best fit if you prioritize value and straightforward storage.
- You use the freezer often (frozen foods are at a comfortable height)
- You want a simpler design with fewer specialty compartments
- You want strong efficiency for the size
- You prefer easier installation flexibility (clearances and leveling are straightforward)
- You want fewer features to maintain over time
For model-specific setup details like required clearances (3/8 inch at sides and top, 1 inch at the back) and leveling guidance, follow the FFTR1814LBH installation guide.
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
A bottom-mount is usually the better fit if you spend more time in the fresh-food section.
- You want milk, produce, and leftovers at eye level
- You want wider shelves and more “grab-and-go” organization
- You dislike bending to reach crisper drawers and lower shelves
Why it matters
“Better” depends on how you use your refrigerator day to day. If you open the fresh-food door far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount can feel more convenient. If you want a practical, efficient layout with a lower overall cost, a top-mount like the FFTR1814LBH is often the smarter choice.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Frigidaire FFTR1814LBH typically make fresh-food access less convenient because the refrigerator section sits lower, and they often offer fewer premium organization and dispenser features than many bottom-freezer designs.
Common disadvantages (what you may notice day to day)
- More bending for fresh food: you reach down more often for produce, drinks, and leftovers.
- Less “eye-level” organization: shelves and bins can feel less convenient to sort and see.
- Fewer built-in features on many models: water and ice dispensers are less common on basic top-mounts.
- Freezer is easiest to access: great if you use frozen foods a lot, but not ideal if you mainly use fresh foods.
- Door swing and placement limits: if the hinge side is near a wall, you may need extra clearance to open the door wider.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, less bending |
| Freezer access | Eye-level | Lower drawer |
| Dispenser options | Less common | More common |
| Typical cost | Often lower | Often higher |
Why it matters
If you open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a top-mount layout can feel less ergonomic over time. If you use the freezer frequently and want a simpler, often more budget-friendly design, a top-mount can still be a strong fit.
Tips to reduce the downsides on FFTR1814LBH
- Level the cabinet so doors close smoothly and shelves sit correctly (a refrigerator should be level side-to-side and slightly tilted back).
- Keep heavier, most-used items on the upper refrigerator shelves to reduce bending.
- Use crisper drawers for produce and group items by zone to improve visibility.
- Confirm recommended clearances for airflow and door swing during placement.
For model-specific setup details (leveling, clearances, and final checks), follow the FFTR1814LBH installation guide.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Frigidaire FFTR1814LBH top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the insulated area designed to keep foods frozen, and it often houses the ice maker (if your model is equipped and connected to a water supply).
What the freezer compartment does
- Maintains freezing temperatures for long-term food storage
- Helps keep ice cream and frozen foods solid
- Can support ice production when an ice maker is installed and turned ON
- Works with the refrigerator’s airflow system to help stabilize temperatures
Common “upper section” terms you may hear
| Term | What it usually means | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | Main frozen-food storage area | Top section on a top-mount refrigerator |
| Freezer door | The door that seals the freezer | Upper door |
| Ice maker | Automatic ice-making assembly (if equipped) | Typically inside the freezer |
| Temperature control | Dial or electronic setting that adjusts cooling | Inside fresh food section or control housing (varies) |
Quick checks if the freezer is not working right
We recommend these basic checks before chasing parts:
- Confirm the unit is level and the doors close freely
- Make sure the toe grille area is not blocked (airflow matters)
- Wait 24 hours after changing temperature controls before adjusting again
- If you have an ice maker but no water hookup, keep the ice maker turned OFF
- Verify door seals are making full contact all the way around
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re looking up parts, troubleshooting cooling issues, or following setup steps like leveling and temperature adjustments in the documentation.
For model-specific setup and operating details, use the FFTR1814LBH owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common Frigidaire refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint: the FFTR1814LBH may run but not cool well, cool unevenly, or warm up because airflow is restricted, the unit is in a defrost-related issue, or the door is not sealing tightly. Use the FFTR1814LBH owner's manual troubleshooting list to narrow it down fast.
Most common symptoms we see
- Refrigerator section warm but freezer still cold
- Freezer warming up or ice cream soft
- Unit runs a lot, louder than normal, or cycles oddly
- Frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer
- Water leaks or puddles near the front
Quick checks that solve many “not cooling” calls
- Confirm the controls are not set to “0” (off) and allow 24 hours after any adjustment for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure the plug is fully seated; check the breaker or a 15-amp time-delay fuse if the refrigerator will not run.
- If the refrigerator seems “off” but lights still work, remember: turning controls to off can disable cooling without disconnecting power.
- Check door closing and gasket contact all the way around; warm air leaks cause long run times and frost.
- If you have an ice maker, verify the water supply is on and connections are not leaking.
Common causes and what they point to
| What you notice | Most likely area | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, freezer OK | Airflow/evaporator fan issue | Check for blocked vents; review how to fix your evaporator cooling fan |
| Frost on freezer back wall | Defrost system issue | Inspect for heavy frost; consider defrost heater/thermostat testing |
| Door not sealing, condensation | Door gasket issue | Clean and warm the gasket to reshape; see how to fix a fridge door seal |
| No ice or slow ice | Water supply/ice maker feed | Confirm shutoff valve is open; check line routing and leaks |
Parts that commonly relate to cooling complaints
If you confirm a fan or defrost issue, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301 (moves cold air through the compartments)
- Refrigerator defrost heater 242044008 (melts frost off the evaporator)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 (helps control defrost operation)
Why it matters
Cooling problems can spoil food quickly and force the compressor to run longer than normal. Catching airflow, defrost, or door-seal issues early helps the FFTR1814LBH cool more consistently and reduces wear on major sealed-system components.
Last updated: January 2026





