Are bottom mount fridges better?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MFX2571XEM2 is “better” for many kitchens because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so the items you use most are easier to see and reach. The tradeoff is that frozen foods are stored lower in pull-out drawers.
Bottom-mount designs tend to fit households that cook often and want quick access to fresh foods.
- Fresh foods are easier to access without bending as much.
- Shelves in the refrigerator section are easier to organize and scan.
- Freezer drawers can hold bulky items, but you bend more to reach them.
- Cold air stays in the freezer well when drawers are closed.
- Some layouts reduce the chance of forgetting produce in back corners.
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier (at eye level) | Requires more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawers | Easier (upper door) |
| Organization | Strong for fresh foods | Simple, often fewer compartments |
| Typical cost | Often higher | Often lower |
We typically recommend a bottom-mount layout when these priorities match your home:
- You use the refrigerator section more than the freezer.
- You want better visibility for produce, dairy, and beverages.
- You prefer wide shelves over stacked freezer shelves.
- You are trying to reduce bending for everyday items.
Refrigerator style affects comfort, food visibility, and how consistently temperatures recover after door openings. Choosing a layout that matches how you cook and shop helps reduce food waste and improves daily convenience.
For model-specific features (storage layout, controls, and care tips), use the MFX2571XEM2 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How to lower wheels on Maytag refrigerator?
To lower the wheels (and level) your Maytag MFX2571XEM2 refrigerator, we adjust the front leveling legs behind the toe grille. Turning the legs counterclockwise lowers the front (more weight on the wheels); turning clockwise raises it.
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker for safety.
- Remove the toe grille (kick plate) at the bottom front to access the leveling legs.
- Use a wrench or nut driver on the left and right front leveling legs.
- Turn both legs counterclockwise in small, equal increments to lower the front.
- Recheck door swing and cabinet stability; the refrigerator should not rock.
- Reinstall the toe grille.
Most bottom-mount refrigerators are set so the cabinet is level side-to-side and slightly higher in front-to-back (so doors close on their own).
| Check | Target result | Quick test |
|---|---|---|
| Side-to-side | Level | Bubble level across the cabinet or shelf |
| Front-to-back | Slight front tilt | Doors close smoothly without slamming |
| Stability | No rocking | Push gently on top corners |
- Doors won’t stay closed: raise the front slightly (turn legs clockwise a bit).
- Refrigerator rocks: lower one side slightly or raise the opposite side until stable.
- Toe grille won’t fit: legs may be too low; raise slightly and refit.
- Floor marks or drag: confirm the legs are not over-lowered and catching the floor.
Proper leveling helps the doors seal correctly, reduces vibration noise, and supports consistent cooling performance in both the fresh food and freezer compartments.
For model-specific access points and leveling details, follow the instructions in the MFX2571XEM2 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 (fresh food section not cold enough, freezer too warm, or the unit runs constantly). On the Maytag MFX2571XEM2, the most frequent root causes are airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, and temperature control or fan-related issues; ice maker and water dispenser problems are also very common.
- Fridge warm, freezer OK: damper stuck, evaporator fan issue, blocked vents, overpacked shelves
- Freezer warm, fridge warm: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan problem, sealed system/compressor issue
- Runs all the time: dirty coils, door not sealing, warm room, frequent door openings
- No ice or slow ice: clogged filter, low water pressure, inlet valve issue, frozen fill tube
- Water dispenser weak: air in line, clogged filter, kinked water tube
- Confirm settings: fridge about 37°F, freezer about 0°F.
- Make sure air vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils (dust buildup is a top cause of poor cooling).
- Check door gaskets for gaps and make sure doors close on their own.
- If water or ice is affected, replace the filter or install a bypass to test flow.
| Problem area | What fails most often | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food too warm | Airflow control (damper) | Refrigerator damper control assembly WPW10196393 |
| Warm temps, noise, or no airflow | Evaporator fan motor | Evaporator motor W11334745 |
| No ice or no water | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WPW10270395 |
Cooling and ice maker complaints often start as simple maintenance issues (coils, airflow, filter). Fixing those early helps prevent food spoilage, reduces run time, and avoids unnecessary replacement of higher-cost parts like a compressor.
- Use the MFX2571XEM2 owner's manual for temperature settings, airflow guidance, and maintenance intervals.
- For water and ice issues, follow how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator to restore flow and reduce clogs.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On a Maytag bottom-mount refrigerator like model MFX2571XEM2, the bottom area is commonly called the machine compartment (or compressor compartment). It houses the cooling-system hardware such as the compressor, condenser components, and a drain pan area that helps manage defrost water.
Different people use different terms depending on what they are pointing to:
- Machine compartment: the enclosed lower rear area where the cooling system runs
- Compressor compartment: focuses on the compressor and its electrical start components
- Base grille (front) or rear access cover (back): the panels you remove to reach the compartment
- Drain pan: the pan underneath that catches defrost water so it can evaporate
- Condenser area: where heat is released from the sealed system
For model-specific panel locations and access steps, use the MFX2571XEM2 owner's manual.
Here are examples of bottom-area components you may see on MFX2571XEM2-STYLE refrigerators:
| Component | What it does | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Pumps refrigerant through the sealed system | Warm fridge/freezer, clicking, no cooling |
| Condenser section | Releases heat from the refrigerant | Poor cooling, long run times |
| Electrical start components | Help the compressor start and run | Clicking, intermittent cooling |
| Drain pan | Collects defrost water for evaporation | Water under unit, odors |
If you are looking at the “bottom part” because something seems wrong, these checks help narrow it down:
- Warm temperatures: confirm the condenser area is not packed with dust
- Clicking or humming then stopping: points toward compressor start components (often electrical)
- Water under the refrigerator: check the drain pan and drain path for overflow or blockage
- Burning smell or hot floor area: shut the unit off and inspect for dust buildup and airflow blockage
Knowing the correct name (machine compartment, compressor compartment, base grille) helps you match diagrams, follow service steps, and choose the right replacement parts for your Maytag MFX2571XEM2.
Last updated: January 2026





