Are bottom mount fridges better?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Amana ABC2037DPS is better for many households because the fresh-food section sits at eye level, so you reach everyday items with less bending. It is a strong choice when you use the refrigerator compartment more often than the freezer.
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You want fresh food (produce, drinks, leftovers) easier to see and grab
- You prefer less bending during daily use (freezer is lower)
- You like wider refrigerator shelves at a comfortable height
- You want a layout that supports quick door-open time (helps efficiency)
When it might not be “better” for you
- You use the freezer more than the refrigerator (you will bend more)
- You want the lightest lifting for frozen foods (top-freezer can be easier for heavy items)
- You have limited space; clearances and door swing can matter more than layout
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (ABC2037DPS style) | Top-freezer style |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Best (eye level) | Lower shelves require more bending |
| Freezer access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier reach |
| Typical daily convenience | Strong for most families | Strong for freezer-heavy use |
Why it matters (comfort and performance)
We see fewer day-to-day frustrations when the compartment you use most is easiest to access. Also, keeping door-open time short helps the refrigerator run efficiently. Your owner's manual includes installation and clearance guidance (for example, allowing space at the top and behind for airflow), which helps any configuration perform its best.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer?
A bottom-freezer refrigerator like the Amana ABC2037DPS keeps fresh food at eye level, but it can be less convenient if you use frozen foods often because you have to bend and pull out a heavy drawer. The freezer section can also feel tighter to organize than a top-freezer layout.
Common disadvantages you may notice
- More bending and reaching to access frozen items in the lower drawer
- Heavier freezer drawer when fully loaded, which can stress slides, rollers, and door alignment over time
- Harder organization because items stack in a deep bin; small packages can get buried
- More cold air loss during access since a wide drawer is open at once
- Potentially higher repair costs if drawer hardware, door seals, or airflow parts wear out
How to reduce the downsides (practical tips)
- Keep the freezer about two-thirds full for best efficiency and steadier temperatures.
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate.
- Store “soft” or temperature-sensitive frozen foods (like ice cream) in the freezer interior, not the door area.
- Keep door seals clean so the doors close tightly; poor sealing can cause temperature swings and moisture.
| Issue | What you see | What helps most |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer is hard to use | Bending, heavy pull | Organize with bins; don’t overload |
| Food gets lost | Items buried in back | Label bins; rotate older items forward |
| Temperature swings | Frost, soft ice cream | Reduce door-open time; keep airflow gaps |
| Moisture/condensation | Droplets, sweating | Clean gaskets; confirm doors close securely |
Why it matters
Bottom-freezer designs are great for everyday refrigerated items, but the freezer drawer gets the most mechanical stress. Keeping good airflow and stable temperatures helps protect food quality and reduces strain on cooling components.
For model-specific use and storage guidance, follow the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
The bottom area of an Amana ABC2037DPS refrigerator is commonly called the machine compartment; it typically houses key cooling components like the compressor, condenser fan, and related electrical parts.
What you will usually find at the bottom
Depending on the design, the lower rear or lower front area can include:
- Compressor (the pump that circulates refrigerant through the sealed system)
- Condenser coil and condenser fan (removes heat from the refrigerant)
- Start components and wiring (helps the compressor start and run)
- Drain pan (catches defrost water so it can evaporate)
Bottom-front parts you might be thinking of
On many bottom-mount refrigerators, the “bottom part” people see most often is the toe grille (also called a kick plate). In the ABC2037DPS, the toe grille is removed during leveling and some service steps; our owner's manual shows how it unclips and snaps back into place.
Quick identification guide
| What you see/feel | Common name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Slotted cover at the very bottom front | Toe grille (kick plate) | Covers access area; helps airflow |
| Warm area and a low hum from the back bottom | Machine compartment | Houses compressor and condenser parts |
| Shallow tray near the bottom | Drain pan | Collects defrost water |
Why it matters
Knowing whether you mean the toe grille (front) or the machine compartment (usually back/bottom) helps you troubleshoot correctly. For example, cooling issues often point to airflow or compressor-start problems, while rattling can be a fan blade or loose mounting.
Parts that relate to the bottom cooling area (if you are troubleshooting)
If your issue is noise, warm temperatures, or the compressor not starting, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator start device W10613606 (helps the compressor start)
- Blade, cond W10156818 (condenser fan blade)
- Refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278 (controls cooling functions)
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of an Amana refrigerator?
Amana refrigerators typically last 10 to 15 years with normal use and basic maintenance. For your Amana ABC2037DPS bottom-mount refrigerator, keeping airflow clear, temperatures set correctly, and seals clean helps you reach that expected service life; major failures usually involve cooling or defrost components.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
Most refrigerators in this class reach their full lifespan when these conditions are met:
- Stable cabinet temperatures (avoid garages or hot utility rooms)
- Clean condenser area so the compressor does not overwork
- Doors sealing tightly so the unit runs fewer hours per day
- Proper loading (no overpacking that blocks air circulation)
- Routine filter changes if your model uses a water filter
Maintenance that extends life (high impact)
We recommend these practical steps from the care and efficiency guidance in the owner's manual:
- Clean condenser coils about every 3 months to improve cooling performance and efficiency.
- Clean door gaskets about every 3 months so the doors seal properly.
- Keep the refrigerator not overcrowded to maintain even airflow.
- Limit warm food loads; large warm loads slow cooling and increase run time.
- Confirm doors close securely; leveling helps doors self-close.
Quick reference: lifespan vs. common “end-of-life” symptoms
| What you notice | What it often points to | What we check first |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fresh food section, freezer OK | Airflow/evaporator fan issue | Frost buildup, fan noise, vents blocked |
| Frost blanket on freezer back wall | Defrost system problem | Defrost heater, defrost thermostat |
| Clicking, then no cooling | Start device or compressor issue | Start device, compressor operation |
| Water/ice issues | Filter/valve/ice maker issue | Filter age, inlet valve, ice maker |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs longer than it should (dirty coils, poor door seal, blocked airflow) puts extra stress on the sealed system and electrical components. Simple upkeep reduces run time and helps your ABC2037DPS reach the 10 to 15 year lifespan.
Parts that commonly come up as a refrigerator ages
If you are troubleshooting symptoms, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278 (cooling control issues)
- Refrigerator start device W10613606 (clicking, hard-start symptoms)
- Refrigerator defrost heater WP67002493 and refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WP67003426 (frost buildup)
- Refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1 (slow water flow, taste/odor complaints)
Last updated: February 2026





