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Is top mounted refrigerator better than bottom mounted?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire LFHT2117LW2 is better when you want strong energy efficiency, a lower purchase price, and easy access to the freezer. A bottom-mount is better when you want the fresh-food section at eye level and less bending for everyday items.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, less bending |
| Freezer access | Eye to chest level | Lower, often a pull-out drawer |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
| Energy use | Often lower | Often higher |
| Best for | Frozen-food heavy households | Fresh-food heavy households |
How to decide for your kitchen and habits
- Choose top-mount if you use the freezer daily, want simpler storage, and prefer a straightforward design.
- Choose bottom-mount if you cook often, want produce and refrigerated foods at eye level, and want less bending.
- Measure your space and plan airflow; many refrigerators need small clearances for ventilation.
- Plan for door swing and leveling; a refrigerator that is not level can cause door sealing issues.
- If you have an ice maker or water line, plan the plumbing and recheck connections for leaks after installation.
For model-specific setup details like recommended clearances, leveling, and door sealing checks, follow the LFHT2117LW2 installation guide.
Why it matters
The “better” style is the one that matches how you use food storage. If you open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount can reduce daily bending. If you rely on frozen foods and want efficiency and value, a top-mount is often the better fit.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common problem we see with Frigidaire refrigerators like model LFHT2117LW2 is a cooling complaint: the fresh food section gets warm, the freezer temperature drifts, or temperatures swing. In many cases, the root cause is airflow restriction, a door not sealing, or a defrost-related issue.
Quick checks that fix many “not cooling” calls
- Confirm the doors seal fully on all sides and close without bouncing.
- Set the fresh food and freezer controls, then wait 24 hours before changing settings again.
- Make sure the refrigerator is level and tilted slightly front to back so doors self-close.
- Verify the toe grille is installed and vents are not blocked.
- If you have an ice maker, confirm the water line connections are dry and leak-free.
Common symptoms and the most likely causes
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food warm, freezer OK | Airflow problem (blocked vents, fan issue) | Clear vents; listen for evaporator fan |
| Freezer warm, fridge warm | Dirty condenser area or sealed-system issue | Clean airflow path; check for steady compressor run |
| Frost buildup on back wall | Defrost problem | Inspect for heavy frost; plan defrost system checks |
| Moisture, sweating, or warm edges | Door seal not sealing | Inspect gasket contact and door alignment |
Parts that often relate to these problems
If you confirm a defrost or airflow issue, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (defrost temperature sensing)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854401 (moves cold air through the compartments)
- Universal/multiflex Frigidaire refrigerator door gasket (white) 242193213 (prevents warm air leaks)
Why it matters
Cooling problems usually get worse over time. A small door-seal gap or a defrost failure can lead to heavy frost, poor airflow, longer run times, and food temperature safety issues.
For model-specific control settings, leveling guidance, and door-seal checks, follow the LFHT2117LW2 installation guide.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Frigidaire LFHT2117LW2 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the colder area designed to keep foods frozen, and it often houses freezer shelves, door racks, and (on some setups) an ice maker.
What you’ll find in the upper (freezer) compartment
Common components in the top freezer area include:
- Freezer shelves and shelf supports
- Freezer door bins or racks
- The ice maker area (if equipped)
- Air vents that circulate cold air to the fresh food section
- The freezer door gasket that seals the door to prevent warm air leaks
Why the name matters when ordering parts
Parts lists and diagrams typically separate items by freezer (upper) vs. fresh food (lower) sections. Using the right section name helps you match the correct door bins, gaskets, and internal trim for LFHT2117LW2.
| Section name | Location on LFHT2117LW2 | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | Upper | Freezes food and helps drive overall cooling |
| Fresh food compartment | Lower | Keeps food cold (not frozen) |
Quick checks if the upper section is not working right
If the freezer (upper part) is warm or frosty, these steps help narrow it down:
- Confirm the temperature controls are set and then wait a full 24 hours after changes
- Make sure the freezer door closes and seals on all sides
- Verify the refrigerator is level and slightly tilted back (about 1/4 inch front to back)
- Keep vents clear so air can move between compartments
- If equipped, turn the ice maker OFF if the water supply is not connected
For model-specific setup details like leveling, clearances, and control adjustment timing, use the LFHT2117LW2 installation guide.
Related DIY help
If your model has an electronic display and you’re seeing a fault, use Frigidaire refrigerator error codes to identify the issue before replacing parts.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Frigidaire top mount freezer not freezing?
If your Frigidaire LFHT2117LW2 top-mount freezer is not freezing, the usual causes are warm control settings, restricted airflow (blocked vents or dirty condenser coils), a door that is not sealing, or a defrost or evaporator fan failure. Use the LFHT2117LW2 installation guide to confirm leveling, clearances, and control setup.
Quick checks first (fastest wins)
- Set the freezer control colder, then wait 24 hours before judging results.
- Make sure packages are not blocking freezer air vents.
- Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser area has good airflow.
- Verify the freezer door closes fully and seals all the way around.
- Confirm the cabinet is level and tilted back about 1/4 inch (6 mm) so doors self-close.
Airflow and fan problems
If the freezer is warm and you do not hear the fan running, or you see weak airflow, check the evaporator fan area for ice buildup or a stalled fan.
Helpful parts for this model:
Frost buildup points to a defrost issue
A thick frost layer on the back freezer panel often means the evaporator is iced over and air cannot circulate.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy frost on freezer back wall | Defrost system not clearing ice | Defrost components, airflow |
| Freezer warm and fridge warming | Airflow problem or sealed system issue | Fan operation, coil cleaning |
A common defrost component for this model is the refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202.
Why it matters
A freezer that cannot hold 0°F risks food spoilage and forces the compressor to run longer. Fixing airflow, leveling, and door sealing first restores cooling faster and prevents unnecessary part replacement.
Last updated: January 2026
