Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator like LG model LTCS24223B is usually the better choice when you want lower upfront cost, strong energy efficiency, and a simpler design. A bottom-mount is usually better when you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier access to the refrigerator section.
Quick comparison: top mount vs bottom mount
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Freezer is easiest to reach | Refrigerator section is easiest to reach |
| Typical cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Organization | Simple, fewer drawers | Often more drawers and bins |
| Energy use | Often very efficient | Can be efficient, varies by design |
| Repairs | Often simpler systems | Can be more complex depending on features |
How we recommend choosing
- Choose top mount if you use the freezer often, want a straightforward layout, and prefer a value-focused refrigerator.
- Choose bottom mount if you cook frequently and want fresh-food shelves and crisper drawers at a more comfortable height.
- If you have back or knee discomfort, bottom mount often reduces bending for daily refrigerator use.
- If you want fewer features to maintain, top mount designs are typically simpler.
- If door swing and kitchen layout are tight, compare door clearance and handle depth in the LTCS24223B owner's manual.
Why it matters
The “better” style is the one that matches how you use the refrigerator every day. Most households open the fresh-food section far more than the freezer, so bottom mount can feel more convenient, while top mount often wins on simplicity and overall value.
Related maintenance tip (applies to either style)
Keeping doors sealing properly helps temperatures stay stable and reduces run time. If you notice warm spots, frost, or moisture around the door, follow the steps in how to fix a fridge door seal.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the LG LTCS24223B put the freezer on top and the fresh-food section below; the biggest disadvantages are more bending to reach everyday items, fewer premium convenience features, and less flexible organization compared with many bottom-freezer designs. See the LTCS24223B owner's manual for layout and feature details.
Common disadvantages (what most owners notice)
- Fresh-food access is lower: you bend more for produce drawers, deli items, and drinks.
- Freezer is easiest to reach: helpful if you use frozen foods often, but not ideal if you mainly use the refrigerator section.
- Organization can be simpler: many top-mount models have fewer adjustable bins, dividers, and specialty storage zones.
- Fewer built-in dispenser options: top-mount designs are less likely to include through-the-door ice and water.
- Door storage can feel tighter: tall bottles and bulky containers may limit usable bin space.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday fresh-food access | Lower (more bending) | Higher (less bending) |
| Freezer access | Higher (easy reach) | Lower (more bending) |
| Typical feature set | More basic | Often more feature-rich |
| Organization flexibility | Moderate | Often higher |
When a top-mount is still a great choice
- You want a simple, reliable layout with fewer complex features to maintain.
- You use the freezer frequently and prefer it at eye level.
- You want straightforward storage and easy cleaning.
Why it matters
Choosing a refrigerator style affects daily comfort and food visibility. If you open the fresh-food section many times a day, the lower placement in a top-mount can be the main long-term annoyance, even when cooling performance is excellent.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of a 190 liter fridge?
Most 190 liter refrigerators average 12 to 15 years of service life with normal use and basic maintenance. For an LG top-mount refrigerator like LTCS24223B, keeping the doors sealing tightly and the temperatures stable is what most directly protects compressor and cooling-system life; see the LTCS24223B owner's manual for model-specific care and cleaning guidance.
Typical lifespan and what changes it
A 190 liter fridge is a compact-to-mid size unit; its lifespan is driven more by usage and environment than by capacity.
- 12 to 15 years is the typical range for standard freestanding refrigerators
- Heavy use (many door openings) can shorten life by stressing the cooling cycle
- Poor airflow around the cabinet can raise compressor run time
- Dirty condenser area can reduce efficiency and increase wear
- Weak door sealing can cause temperature swings and moisture issues
Quick checklist to help your fridge reach 12 to 15 years
- Set and maintain steady temps (about 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer)
- Keep vents inside the refrigerator and freezer unblocked
- Leave space behind and above the refrigerator for air circulation
- Clean spills promptly to prevent odors and gasket contamination
- Confirm the doors close fully; adjust leveling if the door drifts open (a worn refrigerator leveling leg 4779JA3001E can contribute)
Common “end-of-life” symptoms vs. fixable issues
| Symptom | Often fixable? | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, freezer OK | Yes | Check airflow and damper operation |
| Frost buildup in freezer | Yes | Check defrost system and door sealing |
| Door not closing, light stays on | Yes | Inspect switch and hinges |
| Loud humming, poor cooling | Sometimes | Check fans, condenser cleanliness |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is running longer than normal to hold temperature uses more energy and puts extra load on the compressor. Simple maintenance and sealing issues are the most common reasons a fridge “feels old” before it actually is.
Last updated: January 2026
Are LG water filters worth it?
LG water filters are worth it when you want consistent taste and odor reduction and you want a filter that fits your LG LTCS24223B correctly without adapters. For most households, replacing the filter on schedule helps protect water quality and reduces dispenser and ice maker issues; see the LTCS24223B owner's manual for the exact replacement interval.
What “worth it” usually means for an LG refrigerator
We see customers judge value based on a few practical factors:
- Fit and sealing: correct fit helps prevent leaks and bypassing
- Water taste and odor improvement (especially chlorine taste)
- Ongoing cost: filters are a recurring expense
- Convenience: easy, tool-free replacement on most LG designs
- System protection: helps reduce sediment that can affect valves and lines
When an LG filter is a good buy
An LG filter is typically a good choice if any of these are true:
- You use the water dispenser daily or make a lot of ice
- Your tap water has noticeable chlorine taste or odor
- You want to avoid compatibility problems from off-brand filters
- You have had slow dispensing and want to rule out a restricted filter
- You prefer following LG’s maintenance schedule for the LTCS24223B
When it may not feel worth it
There are also situations where the value is lower:
- You do not use the dispenser or ice maker often
- You already have high-quality filtration at the sink or whole house
- Your main concern is cost per gallon rather than convenience
Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| LG OEM-style filter | Fit, reliability, fewer leak complaints | Higher ongoing cost |
| Off-brand “compatible” filter | Lower upfront price | Fit and performance can vary |
| External filtration (sink/inline) | Lower long-term cost, broader filtration | More installation effort and space needed |
Why it matters
A restricted or poorly fitting filter can reduce water flow, affect ice production, and sometimes contribute to leaks. Keeping filtration maintained is one of the simplest ways to keep an LG refrigerator’s water system running smoothly.
For step-by-step replacement guidance, use how to replace the water filter in an LG refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026





