Are top mount or bottom mount fridges better?
Top-mount and bottom-mount refrigerators are both “better” depending on what you value most: top-mount models (like the Frigidaire LFTR1835VF8) typically cost less and are simple and efficient, while bottom-mount models usually put fresh food at eye level and can feel easier to organize day to day.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-mount refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Lower (more bending) | Higher (less bending) |
| Freezer access | Higher (easy reach) | Lower (drawer style) |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Layout | Simple, classic | Often more “fresh-food first” |
| Best for | Value, simplicity | Convenience, frequent fridge use |
How we recommend choosing
- Choose top-mount if you want a straightforward layout, strong value, and you use the freezer often.
- Choose bottom-mount if you want fresh food at eye level and you open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer.
- If you have back or knee discomfort, bottom-mount usually feels better for daily use.
- If you want fewer moving parts and simpler service access, top-mount designs are often easier to live with long term.
What “better” looks like in real life
Here are the deciding factors we see most often:
- Ergonomics: bottom-mount wins for fresh-food access.
- Budget: top-mount usually wins.
- Kitchen space: bottom-mount freezer drawers need clearance to pull out fully.
- Food habits: meal-prep households often prefer bottom-mount organization.
- Maintenance: whichever style you choose, keeping door seals tight and airflow clear matters most for performance.
Why it matters
The “best” refrigerator is the one that matches how you actually use it. If you open the fridge 20 times a day and the freezer twice, putting fresh food higher (bottom-mount) can be a noticeable quality-of-life upgrade.
Parts and upkeep for your Frigidaire LFTR1835VF8
If you are maintaining a top-mount like the LFTR1835VF8, common wear items include door gaskets and cooling-fan related parts. You can order model-matched replacements from the parts list for this refrigerator, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with Frigidaire refrigerators?
The most common Frigidaire refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint: the fresh food section runs warm, the freezer may still feel cold, or temperatures swing. On the Frigidaire LFTR1835VF8 top-mount refrigerator, this usually traces to airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, or a failed cooling-control part.
What we check first (fast, no-parts steps)
- Confirm the controls are set correctly (aim for about 37°F in the refrigerator and 0°F in the freezer).
- Make sure food packages are not blocking air vents between compartments.
- Clean condenser coils and the area by the condenser fan (dust buildup is a top cause of weak cooling).
- Verify both doors close fully and the gaskets seal all the way around.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; it should run when the compressor is running and the door switch is closed.
Common causes and the parts that match them
If basic checks do not restore normal temperatures, these are the most common failure points for this model:
| Symptom you notice | Most likely area | Part that often fixes it (when failed) |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer cold | Poor airflow from freezer to fridge | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 242219206 |
| Temps too warm or too cold, won’t regulate | Temperature control issue | Refrigerator temperature control thermostat 5304522330 |
| Frost buildup on freezer back wall, airflow drops over time | Defrost system not clearing frost | Refrigerator defrost timer 5304526183 |
| Door won’t seal, moisture/frost, long run times | Air leak at door | Refrigerator door gasket 5304528903 or refrigerator freezer door gasket 5304528904 |
Why it matters
Cooling problems are usually airflow-related; when air cannot move across the evaporator and through the vents, the refrigerator section warms up first. Fixing the root cause protects food safety, reduces compressor run time, and helps prevent repeat frost and moisture issues.
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use our Frigidaire refrigerator error codes reference if your unit displays an error or you suspect a sensor/control issue.
- If you suspect the freezer fan is weak or noisy, follow the troubleshooting steps in how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
You can order replacement parts for your Frigidaire LFTR1835VF8 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire LFTR1835VF8 puts the freezer at eye level and the fresh-food section below; the main disadvantages are less convenient access to everyday refrigerated items, fewer organization features than some newer layouts, and fewer built-in dispenser options.
Common drawbacks you may notice
- You bend more often to reach fresh foods (produce drawers, deli items, beverages).
- Fresh-food shelves can feel less “grab-and-go” than a bottom-freezer design.
- Freezer organization is often simpler (fewer sliding bins and dividers).
- Many top-mount models do not include through-the-door ice or water.
- Door sealing and alignment matter more because warm air rises into the freezer area when doors are opened.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs. bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday fresh-food access | Less convenient (lower) | More convenient (higher) |
| Freezer access | More convenient (higher) | Less convenient (lower) |
| Typical organization features | Basic | Often more advanced |
| Dispenser options | Less common | More common |
Why it matters
If you use the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a top-mount layout can feel less ergonomic day to day. On the other hand, if you frequently access frozen foods, having the freezer on top can be a practical advantage.
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Keep most-used items on the upper refrigerator shelves to minimize bending.
- Use clear bins to group snacks, lunch items, and condiments.
- If doors do not close firmly, check the closer and hinge parts; a worn closer can cause temperature swings and moisture.
- For sealing issues (warm spots, condensation), inspect the gaskets for gaps or tears.
Parts that commonly help with door and seal issues (LFTR1835VF8)
- Refrigerator door gasket 5304528903
- Refrigerator door closer hook (gray) 5304522238
- Hinge,door ,upper 5304519646
For broader DIY guidance on sealing problems, we recommend how to fix a fridge door seal. If you need to order replacement parts for your LFTR1835VF8, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





