Is a top mount fridge better than a bottom mount?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Estate TT18TKXSQ00 is usually the better choice when you want a lower purchase price, simpler design, and easy access to the freezer; a bottom-mount is usually better when you want the fresh-food section at eye level for everyday use.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | You bend more often | More at eye level |
| Freezer access | More at eye level | You bend more often |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Often simpler | Often more features |
| Best for | Budget, basic storage | Frequent fresh-food use |
How to choose for your kitchen and habits
- If you use the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount usually feels more convenient day to day.
- If you want a straightforward, reliable layout and value, a top-mount is typically the better fit.
- If you have limited space, measure door swing and aisle clearance; either style can work, but layout matters.
- If you store heavy frozen items often, consider whether lifting them down from a top freezer is comfortable.
- If you want fewer electronics and simpler airflow paths, top-mount designs are commonly less complex.
Why it matters
The “better” style is the one that matches how you reach for food. Most households access fresh foods many times per day, so putting that compartment at eye level (bottom-mount) can reduce bending; top-mounts often win on value and simplicity.
Related maintenance tip
If your decision is tied to water and ice features, filter upkeep matters for taste and flow. Use our guide: how to replace the water filter in an Estate refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Estate TT18TKXSQ00 are usually affordable and reliable, but the main tradeoffs are convenience and features: fresh-food items sit lower (more bending), freezer space can be less organized, and premium options like in-door ice and water are less common.
Common disadvantages (what you’ll notice day to day)
- More bending for fresh food: the refrigerator section is below the freezer, so you reach down more often.
- Less freezer organization: many top-mount freezers have fewer bins and dividers than bottom-mount designs.
- Fewer “premium” features: in-door water and ice dispensers are less typical on this style.
- Harder access for heavy items: large produce drawers and lower shelves can be awkward to load.
- Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the top freezer often can affect airflow to the fresh-food section.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-mount
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-mount refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Eye-level, easier access |
| Freezer access | Eye-level | Lower drawer |
| Organization | Often simpler | Often more flexible |
| Common features | Basic, fewer dispensers | More feature-heavy |
Why it matters
If you use the fresh-food section most (milk, produce, leftovers), a top-mount design can feel less convenient over time. If you prioritize value, simpler repairs, and straightforward storage, a top-mount can still be a great fit.
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Keep everyday items on the upper refrigerator shelves to minimize bending.
- Use clear bins to “zone” foods (snacks, deli, breakfast) for faster access.
- Avoid blocking vents; good airflow helps prevent warm spots.
- If doors do not close evenly, check the rollers and leveling; see how to align the doors on a french door refrigerator with adjustable rollers video for the general approach.
Last updated: January 2026
What is a fridge with freezer on top called?
A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Estate model TT18TKXSQ00 is this style: the freezer compartment sits above the fresh-food section, with separate side-swing doors.
Common names you will see
- Top-freezer refrigerator
- Top-mount refrigerator
- Freezer-on-top refrigerator
- Two-door top-freezer (side-swing doors)
Quick comparison of common refrigerator styles
| Style name | Freezer location | Typical door layout | Common reason people choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer (top-mount) | Top | Two side-swing doors | Simple design, efficient use of space |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Fridge door(s) plus freezer drawer/door | Easier access to fresh food |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Two tall doors | Narrow door swing, more vertical storage |
| French door | Bottom | Two fridge doors plus freezer drawer | Wide fridge shelves, premium layout |
Why it matters when ordering parts
Refrigerator styles share some parts, but many components and layouts differ by design and model. When you are troubleshooting cooling or airflow issues on a top-mount like TT18TKXSQ00, these parts are commonly involved:
- Evaporator fan components (moves cold air through the refrigerator)
- Defrost system parts (helps prevent frost buildup)
- Condenser fan (removes heat from the sealed system)
If you are chasing a “warm fridge, cold freezer” symptom, we often start by checking the evaporator fan area, including the refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142.
Helpful related DIY guidance
Last updated: January 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On an Estate top-mount refrigerator like model TT18TKXSQ00, the upper section is typically the freezer compartment. It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep foods frozen and help support ice production when an ice maker is installed.
What you’ll usually find in the upper (freezer) section
- Freezer shelves or a wire rack for frozen foods
- An evaporator area behind an interior panel (where cold air is made)
- Air vents that send cold air down to the fresh food compartment
- A door gasket that seals the freezer door to prevent warm air leaks
- Optional ice maker components (if equipped)
Related refrigerator terms (quick glossary)
| Term | What it means | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | The upper cold storage area on a top-mount | Top section |
| Fresh food compartment | The main refrigerator section for chilled foods | Bottom section |
| Evaporator | Coil that absorbs heat to create cold air | Usually behind freezer panel |
| Condenser | Coil that releases heat | Back or underneath |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re ordering parts or troubleshooting cooling issues. For example, if the freezer is warm but the refrigerator section is warmer than normal, we often focus on airflow and fan operation.
Parts that commonly relate to freezer cooling and airflow
If you’re diagnosing weak cooling, unusual noise, or poor airflow in the freezer area, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Evaporator motor WPW10188389 (drives the evaporator fan)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 (moves air across the evaporator)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WP4387490 (helps protect the defrost circuit)
Helpful DIY guidance
Last updated: January 2026





