What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Whirlpool WRT108FZDM07 are usually affordable and reliable, but the main tradeoff is convenience: fresh-food items sit lower, so you bend more often, and the freezer can be harder to organize compared with bottom-freezer designs.
- Less convenient fresh-food access: the refrigerator section is below eye level, so you bend for produce, deli, and drinks.
- Freezer organization is simpler: many top-mount freezers have fewer bins and dividers than bottom-mount models.
- No built-in dispenser on many models: top-mount designs often skip external water and ice features.
- More temperature variation in the fridge: cold air originates in the freezer; airflow issues can make some shelves warmer than others.
- Can be noisier when airflow parts wear: a failing evaporator fan can add rattling or humming.
| Feature | Top mount (like WRT108FZDM07) | Bottom freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier reach |
| Freezer access | Higher, easier reach | Lower, more bending |
| Typical organization | Simpler | Often more drawers/bins |
| Dispenser options | Less common | More common |
If you’re seeing warm spots in the refrigerator section, heavy frost, or inconsistent cooling, the issue is often airflow related. For this model, a key airflow component is the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539.
- Confirm vents between freezer and fridge are not blocked by food packages.
- Set controls to mid-range and allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Listen for the evaporator fan running when the compressor is on.
- Check door seals for gaps or tearing (air leaks worsen temperature swings).
Top-mount refrigerators depend heavily on freezer-to-fridge airflow. When airflow is restricted (packing, frost buildup, or a weak fan motor), you feel the design’s downsides more: uneven temperatures, more frost, and more frequent adjustments.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with whirlpool refrigerators?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint: the fresh food section or freezer is too warm, temperatures swing, or the unit runs constantly. On the Whirlpool WRT108FZDM07 top-mount, the most frequent root causes are airflow problems, dirty condenser coils, or a failing fan motor.
- Refrigerator section warm but freezer seems closer to normal
- Freezer warm and ice cream soft
- Loud humming, rattling, or a “whooshing” fan noise
- Unit runs most of the day with little temperature improvement
- Frost buildup on the freezer back wall (defrost/airflow issue)
- Clean condenser coils (dust buildup reduces heat removal and cooling capacity).
- Confirm airflow: do not block vents with food packages; leave space around shelves.
- Check door seal contact: close a dollar bill in the door; it should drag when pulled.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer: it should run when the compressor is running.
- Verify temperature settings: aim for about 37°F in the refrigerator and 0°F in the freezer.
If the freezer fan is not running or is noisy, replacing the fan motor is a common repair for this model: refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539. If the door is not sealing, a gasket replacement is often the fix: refrigerator door gasket (white) W10861499.
| Problem you notice | Likely cause | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, freezer OK-ish | Weak airflow from freezer | Test/replace evaporator fan motor |
| Runs constantly, poor cooling | Dirty coils or restricted airflow | Clean coils, improve airflow |
| Moisture, warm spots near door | Door not sealing | Inspect/replace door gasket |
Cooling and airflow problems can spoil food quickly and overwork the compressor. Catching a dirty-coil issue, a failing evaporator fan, or a leaking door gasket early usually prevents bigger, more expensive repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
Are top mount or bottom mount fridges better?
Top-mount and bottom-mount refrigerators can both be “better”; it depends on how you use your kitchen. For a Whirlpool top-mount like model WRT108FZDM07, you typically get a lower upfront cost and simpler layout, while bottom-mount models usually make fresh-food access easier because the refrigerator section is at eye level.
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Requires more bending | Easier, fridge is higher |
| Freezer access | Easier, freezer is higher | Requires more bending |
| Cost and complexity | Typically lower and simpler | Typically higher and more complex |
| Organization | Straightforward shelves/bins | Often more drawers and zones |
| Best for | Budget, simplicity, smaller kitchens | Frequent fresh-food use, ergonomics |
- Choose top-mount if you want a simpler refrigerator, lower cost, and you use the freezer often.
- Choose bottom-mount if you cook frequently and want everyday refrigerated items at a more comfortable height.
- If you have back or knee discomfort, prioritize the layout that reduces bending for the foods you reach for most.
- If you meal prep and store lots of produce, bottom-mount layouts often make fridge organization easier.
- If you want fewer potential repair points, top-mount designs are typically more straightforward.
The “better” style is the one that matches your habits. Layout affects daily comfort (bending and reaching), how well you keep food organized, and long-term ownership costs.
Even the best layout will struggle if airflow is blocked or doors do not seal tightly.
- Keep vents clear so cold air can circulate.
- Do not overload shelves against the back wall.
- Check for warm spots or frost buildup that can point to airflow issues.
If you are troubleshooting poor cooling or uneven temperatures on WRT108FZDM07, common airflow-related parts to check include the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the life expectancy of a top freezer refrigerator?
A top-freezer (top-mount) refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRT108FZDM07 typically lasts 10 to 15 years. With steady temperatures, clean airflow, and good door sealing, many units reach the upper end of that range before major sealed-system or compressor repairs become likely.
Most top-freezer refrigerators last longer than more complex designs because they have fewer features and simpler controls.
What extends life:
- Keeping condenser airflow clear (dust and pet hair are the biggest killers)
- Keeping doors aligned so gaskets seal evenly
- Avoiding overpacking that blocks vents
- Using correct temperature settings (fresh food about 37°F, freezer about 0°F)
- Fixing small issues early (noise, frost buildup, warm spots)
- Vacuum the condenser area and grille every 6 to 12 months
- Confirm the freezer and refrigerator vents are not blocked by food
- Listen for the evaporator fan running; weak airflow often points to a fan issue
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or hardened sections
- Keep the unit level so doors self-close and seal
If cooling gets uneven, temperatures drift, or you hear new noises, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for WRT108FZDM07 |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, freezer OK | Weak airflow from freezer | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539 |
| Frost, moisture, or poor sealing | Worn or warped gasket | Refrigerator door gasket (white) W10861499 or refrigerator door gasket (white) W10838574 |
| No water to icemaker/dispenser (if equipped) | Valve not opening fully | Refrigerator inlet valve WPW10279909 |
Once a refrigerator gets past the 10 to 15 year window, efficiency and temperature stability usually decline first. Staying ahead of airflow and sealing problems helps protect the compressor and evaporator system, which are the most expensive repairs.
Last updated: February 2026





