Maytag PTB1753GRW refrigerator Parts

A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Maytag PTB1753GRW is in this classic style, with the freezer compartment above the fresh-food compartment.

What “top-freezer” (top-mount) means

A top-freezer design is defined by the layout and door style:

• Freezer compartment is above the refrigerator compartment
• Typically has two separate doors (one for freezer, one for fresh food)
• Doors usually swing open from the side (not a pull-out drawer)
• Uses a shared cooling system that distributes cold air to both sections

Why this matters when shopping for parts and troubleshooting

Knowing the style helps narrow down the most common systems and symptoms we see on top-mount units like the Maytag PTB1753GRW:

• Cooling complaints often involve airflow between freezer and refrigerator
• Frost buildup can point to defrost system or door seal issues
• Warm refrigerator but cold freezer often suggests an airflow or evaporator fan problem
• Water leaks are commonly tied to a clogged defrost drain or ice maker supply issues

Quick comparison of common refrigerator styles

Style name	Freezer location	Common door layout
Top-freezer (top-mount)	Top	Two swing doors
Bottom-freezer	Bottom	Upper swing door + lower drawer
Side-by-side	Left side	Two tall swing doors
French door	Bottom	Two upper swing doors + lower drawer

Helpful next step for top-mount owners

If you are diagnosing cooling or airflow issues on a top-mount refrigerator, start with evaporator fan checks and frost pattern clues in the freezer section: how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Maytag PTB1753GRW (a top-mount refrigerator), “better” depends on how you use the fridge: top-mount models usually cost less and can be more energy-efficient, while bottom-mount models put fresh food at eye level for easier daily access.

Quick comparison (top-mount vs bottom-mount)

Feature	Top-mount refrigerator	Bottom-mount refrigerator
Fresh food access	Lower; you bend more	Higher; less bending
Freezer access	Higher; easier reach	Lower; more bending
Typical price	Usually lower	Usually higher
Energy use	Often lower (simpler layout)	Often higher (varies by design)
Best for	Budget, freezer use, simple storage	Fresh-food heavy households, back comfort

How to choose what is “better” for your kitchen

• If you open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount can feel more convenient.
• If you use the freezer often (frozen meals, bulk storage), a top-mount keeps it at a comfortable height.
• If you have back or knee pain, bottom-mount designs reduce bending for everyday items like milk and produce.
• If you want a simpler, lower-cost layout with fewer features to maintain, top-mount is usually the better fit.
• If you are tight on space, measure door swing and aisle clearance; either style can be a problem if the doors cannot open fully.

Why it matters

The mount style changes your daily ergonomics (how often you bend or reach) and can affect operating cost over time. Picking the layout that matches your habits helps food stay organized, doors seal properly, and temperatures stay stable.

Helpful DIY reading

If your decision is driven by efficiency and performance, we recommend starting with how to use your refrigerator efficiently.

Last updated: January 2026

A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag PTB1753GRW is reliable and straightforward, but the main disadvantages are less convenient fresh-food access (you bend more), fewer premium organization features, and fewer built-in dispenser options compared with many bottom-freezer designs.

Common drawbacks you may notice

• More bending for daily items: Fresh food is below the freezer, so you reach down more often.
• Less “grab-and-go” freezer access: The freezer is at eye level, but the refrigerator section is not.
• Fewer built-in features on many models: External water and ice dispensers are less common on top-mount units.
• Organization can feel simpler: Many top-mount layouts have fewer adjustable bins, deli drawers, or split shelves than feature-heavy styles.
• Temperature swings with frequent freezer use: Opening the freezer door often can affect airflow and temperatures in the cabinet.

Top-mount vs. bottom-freezer: quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount refrigerator	Bottom-freezer refrigerator
Fresh-food access	Lower, more bending	Higher, more convenient
Freezer access	Higher, easier reach	Lower, often drawers
Built-in dispenser options	Less common	More common
Typical cost to buy/own	Often lower	Often higher

Why it matters

Most households use the fresh-food section far more than the freezer. If you want less bending, more premium storage, or dispenser convenience, a different configuration may fit better. If you want simpler design and typically lower ownership cost, a top-mount like PTB1753GRW is often a strong choice.

Tips to reduce the downsides

• Keep everyday items on the top refrigerator shelf to reduce bending.
• Use clear bins to group snacks, dairy, and condiments for faster access.
• Avoid overpacking; blocked vents can reduce cooling performance.
• If you have water/ice concerns, review how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.

Last updated: January 2026

On a Maytag PTB1753GRW top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically the freezer compartment. It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep food frozen; many models also place the ice maker (if equipped) in this top section.

What you’ll find in the top (freezer) section

• Freezer shelves or a wire rack for frozen foods
• Door bins for smaller frozen items
• An air vent that circulates cold air to the fresh food section
• A temperature control or airflow control (varies by configuration)
• An evaporator fan area behind an interior panel (not user-accessible without disassembly)

Freezer vs. refrigerator: quick comparison

Section	Main job	Typical temperature target	Common issues when it’s not working
Freezer (upper)	Freeze and store food long-term	0°F	Frost buildup, warm freezer, noisy fan
Fresh food (lower)	Keep food cold without freezing	37°F	Warm fridge, freezing produce, water pooling

Why it matters

When the freezer section has airflow or cooling problems, the refrigerator section often warms up too because many top-mount designs cool the fresh food compartment by moving cold air down from the freezer.

Helpful DIY guidance

If the upper section is not cooling well or you hear unusual fan noise, these resources walk through common causes and fixes:

• How to fix your evaporator cooling fan
• Diagnosing refrigerator evaporator fan problems video

Last updated: January 2026