Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
For most households, a bottom-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MFT2772HEZ04 is better for everyday convenience because fresh food sits at eye level and you bend less. A top-mount is often the better pick when you want a simpler layout and typically lower purchase cost.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower shelves require more bending | Most-used items are at eye level |
| Freezer access | Easiest access | More bending unless it’s a pull-out drawer |
| Organization | Usually simpler, fewer drawers | Often more drawers and zones |
| Space use | Can feel more compact | Often feels roomier for fresh food |
| Typical buyer | Value-focused, basic needs | Convenience-focused, frequent fresh-food use |
How to choose for your kitchen
- Choose bottom-mount if you use the refrigerator section most, meal prep often, or want easier access to produce and leftovers.
- Choose top-mount if you want a straightforward design, don’t use the freezer as often, or want a model that’s typically less expensive.
- If you have limited door-swing clearance, measure carefully; French-door bottom-mount units can need more side clearance.
- If you store lots of frozen bulk items, compare freezer drawer capacity and basket layout.
- If odors are a concern, plan on replacing the air filter regularly; the refrigerator air filter W10311524 fits this Maytag model.
Why it matters
Bottom-mount designs usually match how people cook and snack: we reach into the fresh-food section far more than the freezer. That ergonomic difference can make a noticeable day-to-day improvement, especially in a busy kitchen.
Helpful ownership tip (applies to both styles)
Keeping filters current helps performance and taste:
- Replace the water filter on schedule if your model has one; see how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
- Replace the air filter when odors linger or on your normal maintenance interval.
- Purge air from the dispenser after filter changes if water sputters.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Maytag refrigerators?
Cooling performance problems are the most common issue we see on Maytag refrigerators like model MFT2772HEZ04: the fresh-food section not staying cold enough, temperature swings, or the unit running too long. The most frequent causes are airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, and door seal leaks; ice maker and dispenser issues are also very common.
Most common causes to check first
- Condenser coils are dirty (reduces heat removal and makes the compressor run longer).
- Air vents are blocked by food packages (prevents cold air from circulating).
- Door gaskets are leaking (warm air enters, causing frost and poor cooling).
- Evaporator fan is failing (weak airflow to the refrigerator section).
- Water filter is restricted (can reduce water flow to the dispenser and ice maker).
Quick troubleshooting steps (in order)
- Set temperatures to typical targets: 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer.
- Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser fan area is clear.
- Check door closing and gasket contact using the “paper test” (paper should drag when pulled).
- Make sure interior vents are not blocked and the air tower outlets are clear.
- If ice or water flow is weak, replace the filter and purge air from the water system.
Parts that commonly relate to these symptoms (MFT2772HEZ04)
| Symptom | Common area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, long run time | Airflow/control | Evap mtr/har W11578030 |
| Frost, moisture, poor sealing | Door sealing | Door gasket (gray) W10407212 |
| Bad taste/odor, weak water flow | Filtration | Refrigerator cartridge wrap assembly EDR2RXD1 |
| Odors in fresh food section | Air filtration | Refrigerator air filter W10311524 |
Why it matters
Cooling issues usually get worse over time: the refrigerator can struggle to hold safe food temperatures, and the compressor may run excessively. Catching simple causes early (coils, airflow, gaskets, filter) often prevents bigger repairs.
For filter-related ice and water issues, we follow the steps in how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the advantage of a bottom mount fridge?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MFT2772HEZ04 keeps the fresh-food section at eye and waist level, so you reach everyday items with less bending. The freezer sits below, which is convenient if you access frozen foods less often.
Key advantages you will notice day to day
- Easier access to fresh foods (produce, dairy, leftovers) because shelves are higher.
- Less bending and squatting, which helps reduce back and knee strain.
- Wider refrigerator compartment layout is common, making it easier to organize trays and platters.
- Freezer drawers can hold bulky frozen items and slide out for visibility.
- Better “grab-and-go” convenience for frequently used items.
Bottom-mount vs top-mount: quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-mount refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Higher, easier reach | Lower, more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer(s) | Upper swing door |
| Best for | Fresh-food heavy households | Frozen-food heavy households |
Why it matters
Most households open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. With a bottom-mount design, we keep the most-used space (fresh food) in the most ergonomic position, which improves comfort and can make organization feel simpler.
Related maintenance tip for this style
If your refrigerator is working well but odors build up faster due to frequent door openings, replacing the air filter on schedule helps keep the fresh-food compartment smelling clean. For this model, see the refrigerator air filter W10311524.
Last updated: January 2026
Why does my Maytag bottom freezer build up ice on the bottom?
Ice building up on the bottom of the freezer in your Maytag MFT2772HEZ04 is usually caused by a clogged defrost drain. During defrost, meltwater can’t flow to the drain pan, so it refreezes on the freezer floor and gradually forms a thick ice sheet.
What to check first (fast diagnosis)
- Look for a solid ice layer under the freezer basket or on the freezer floor.
- Check for water dripping into the fresh food section or pooling under crisper drawers.
- Listen for the evaporator fan; heavy frost and poor airflow often happen alongside a drain issue.
- Inspect the freezer back wall for frost buildup (a sign defrost water is not draining correctly).
How to clear a clogged defrost drain (safe DIY steps)
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the freezer drawer/baskets to access the freezer floor and rear panel area.
- Melt the ice on the freezer bottom using a hair dryer on low or by placing towels and letting it thaw.
- Locate the drain opening (typically beneath the evaporator area) and flush it with hot water using a turkey baster.
- If water does not flow freely, gently clear the drain with a flexible plastic tube or pipe cleaner (avoid sharp tools).
Helpful DIY guide
- Follow our step-by-step tips in how to get rid of refrigerator puddles.
Parts that can be involved
A clogged drain is often caused by ice, food debris, or sludge. If the problem keeps returning, airflow and defrost performance should be checked.
| Symptom you see | Most common cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Ice sheet on freezer floor | Defrost drain clogged/frozen | Thaw and flush drain |
| Water under crisper drawers | Drain partially blocked | Flush drain, confirm flow to drain pan |
| Frost on back freezer wall plus warm temps | Defrost system or airflow issue | Check evaporator fan operation |
If you suspect an airflow issue, the evaporator fan motor circuit can be involved; for this model, see evap mtr/har W11578030.
Why it matters
When defrost water can’t drain, it refreezes and can eventually block airflow, reduce cooling performance, and cause leaks into the refrigerator section.
Last updated: January 2026





