Owner’s manual
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What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Maytag MTF1893ARS top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It is the area designed to keep foods frozen, and it often houses freezer shelving or a slide-out basket for organizing frozen items.
What you will typically find in the upper (freezer) compartment
Common freezer-area features on top-mount refrigerators include:
- Freezer temperature control (some models place controls in the fresh food section)
- Adjustable freezer shelf (on some models)
- Slide-out freezer basket (select models)
- Ice tray or automatic ice maker components (if equipped)
- Airflow from the evaporator fan that circulates cold air
Quick terminology guide
| What people say | Correct name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| “Upper part of the fridge” | Freezer compartment | Freezes food and helps cool the refrigerator section |
| “Fridge section” | Fresh food compartment | Keeps food cold (not frozen) |
| “Temp dial” | Freezer control / fresh food control | Adjusts cooling levels in each compartment |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct compartment name helps when you are adjusting temperature controls, describing a cooling problem, or looking up storage and control locations in the documentation for the Maytag MTF1893ARS.
Helpful reference for your model
For control locations and recommended initial temperature settings, use the MTF1893ARS owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How to put shelves back in Maytag refrigerator?
To put shelves back in your Maytag MTF1893ARS refrigerator, align the shelf with its side rails or rear support openings, then slide it in and lower it until it seats fully. Push down where needed so the shelf snaps and locks into place.
Before you reinstall shelves
- Remove food items so you can see the shelf supports clearly.
- Check that the shelf rails, hooks, and support ledges are not cracked or bent.
- Wipe spills off the shelf edges and interior wall supports so the shelf seats flat.
- Confirm you are reinstalling the shelf in the fresh food compartment (refrigerator section) or freezer section.
Reinstall steps by shelf type (MTF1893ARS)
Door shelves (bucket-style)
- Hold the door shelf at both ends.
- Slide the shelf in and down.
- Push down on the interior center of the shelf until it snaps completely into place.
Full-width wire or glass shelves on molded side rails
- Grasp each side of the shelf.
- Slide the shelf into the compartment and position it on the molded rails.
- If you are moving it, pull the shelf forward about 1 inch, lift up from underneath, then move it to the alternate rail position.
Shelves that hook into rear support rails/openings
- Tilt up the front edge of the shelf.
- Insert the rear hooks into the desired frame openings.
- Lower the shelf and make sure the rear is securely locked.
Quick checks: is the shelf installed correctly?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf rocks or tips | Not seated on both sides | Reseat; confirm both sides are on the same rail level |
| Shelf slides forward too easily | Rear hooks not locked | Lift front, reinsert hooks, then lower to lock |
| Door shelf pops loose | Not snapped in | Push down on the center until it clicks |
Why it matters
A shelf that is not fully seated can crack, spill food, or block airflow in the fresh food compartment, which can lead to uneven cooling and temperature swings.
For diagrams and the exact shelf styles used in your unit, follow the shelf and bin section in the MTF1893ARS owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the advantages of a top mount fridge?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MTF1893ARS puts the freezer on top and the fresh-food section below, which typically gives you more usable refrigerator shelf space and a simpler, proven layout. It is also easy to level and set up for steady cooling performance.
Key advantages you will notice day to day
- More usable fresh-food space: The refrigerator compartment is often roomier and easier to organize with shelves, crispers, and door bins.
- Easy access to frozen foods: The top freezer keeps many frozen items closer to eye level.
- Straightforward design: Fewer complex door mechanisms than many French door styles, which can mean simpler maintenance.
- Good airflow and installation flexibility: You can plan for proper ventilation at the base grille and around the cabinet.
- Easier to keep running efficiently: A consistent layout helps you avoid blocking vents and overpacking.
Setup details that support the benefits
Proper installation helps a top-mount fridge deliver the steady temperatures it is designed for.
| Setup item | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | Keep the room at 55°F (13°C) or warmer | Colder rooms can reduce run time and affect freezer temps |
| Clearance | Allow about 1/2 inch on sides, top, and back | Helps airflow and makes service easier |
| Leveling | Adjust the front leveling/lock screws | Helps doors close correctly and supports performance |
Why it matters
Top-mount refrigerators are popular because they balance storage, accessibility, and reliability. When the cabinet is level and airflow is unobstructed, you get more consistent cooling, better door sealing, and fewer temperature swings.
Helpful references
- For model-specific setup, leveling, and temperature control guidance, use the MTF1893ARS owner’s manual.
- For efficiency tips that apply to most refrigerators, see how to use your refrigerator efficiently.
Last updated: January 2026
