Is a top or bottom mount fridge better?
For most households, a bottom-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MBR2258XES5 is “better” because it puts fresh-food items at eye level and typically offers easier organization with pull-out freezer storage. A top-mount can be the better pick if you prioritize lower upfront cost and simpler design; check the MBR2258XES5 owner's manual for features specific to your unit.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs. bottom-mount
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like MBR2258XES5) | Top-mount |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier, less bending | More bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer, pull-out baskets | Upper shelf access |
| Organization | Often more compartments and baskets | Often simpler layout |
| Energy use | Often slightly higher | Often slightly lower |
| Typical repairs | Drawer slides, door seals, fans | Door seals, defrost parts |
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You use the refrigerator section more than the freezer.
- You want better visibility and organization for produce, dairy, and leftovers.
- You prefer a pull-out freezer drawer for bulk items.
- You want easier access for kids to the fresh-food section.
When a top-mount is the better choice
- You want a simpler layout with fewer moving drawer components.
- You want a refrigerator that is often more energy-efficient in typical use.
- You prefer the freezer at chest or eye level.
- You want a design that is often less expensive to buy and maintain.
Why it matters
Choosing the mount style affects daily comfort (how often you bend), food visibility (wasted groceries), and long-term upkeep (drawer hardware and door sealing). If you already own the MBR2258XES5, keeping doors aligned and seals tight helps it run efficiently; our how to fix a fridge door seal guide is a practical place to start.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer?
A bottom-freezer refrigerator like the Maytag MBR2258XES5 keeps fresh food at eye level, but the tradeoff is that frozen items sit lower in a pull-out drawer, so you often have to bend, squat, and dig to reach what you need. Bottom-freezer models also tend to cost more than basic top-freezer designs.
Common drawbacks you may notice
- More bending for frozen food: Heavy items (bags of ice, frozen meat) can be awkward to lift out of a low drawer.
- Harder to organize: Deep baskets can hide smaller items unless you use bins or dividers.
- Drawer clearance needs: The freezer drawer needs space to pull out fully, which can be tight in narrow kitchens.
- Ice buildup can be more disruptive: Frost or a defrost issue can make drawers stick and reduce usable space.
- Repairs can be more involved: Accessing freezer components sometimes requires removing baskets and panels.
Bottom freezer vs top freezer (quick comparison)
| Feature | Bottom freezer | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Easier (less bending) | More bending |
| Frozen food access | More bending, drawer digging | Easier reach, shelf view |
| Organization | Often needs bins/dividers | Usually simpler shelves |
| Typical purchase price | Higher | Lower |
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Put heavy frozen items in the upper basket area when possible.
- Use small labeled bins to prevent “lost” items at the bottom.
- Keep the freezer no more than about 75% full for better airflow and easier sliding.
- If the drawer is sticking or you see water/ice, check for a drain issue and consider a drain repair such as the refrigerator drain tube kit W10619951.
- For model-specific features and storage setup, follow the MBR2258XES5 manual.
Why it matters
Most complaints about bottom freezers come down to ergonomics and organization. If you store lots of frozen food or have mobility concerns, planning your freezer layout (and keeping the defrost and drain system working well) makes a big difference in day-to-day use.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Maytag refrigerators?
Cooling complaints are the most common issue we see on Maytag refrigerators, including the Maytag MBR2258XES5: the refrigerator is not cold enough, temperatures swing, or it runs too long. The most frequent causes are airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, and simple component failures like a fan, thermistor, or defrost part.
Most common causes (and what to check first)
Start with the quick checks that solve a large share of “not cooling” and “runs constantly” calls.
- Confirm temperature settings and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes.
- Make sure vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils and the condenser fan area (dust buildup raises temps and run time).
- Check door gaskets for gaps, rips, or a door that will not fully close.
- Listen for the evaporator fan running in the freezer; weak airflow often points to a fan issue.
- Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall; that often indicates a defrost system problem.
For model-specific operating and care guidance, use the MBR2258XES5 owner's manual.
Common “problem” to “likely part/system” map
| Symptom | Most likely system | Example parts that often relate |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer OK | Airflow/damper | Refrigerator damper control assembly WPW10196393 |
| Both sections warm | Sealed system or controls | Refrigerator electronic control board WPW10503278, compressor system |
| Frost buildup, poor airflow | Defrost system | Refrigerator defrost heater WP12729128, refrigerator defrost bi-metal WP627985 |
| Noisy or no airflow in freezer | Evaporator fan | Refrigerator evaporator motor W11024089, refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 |
| Temps inconsistent | Temperature sensing | Refrigerator thermistor 12002355 |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that cannot move air correctly or cannot shed heat efficiently will run longer, waste energy, and struggle to hold safe food temperatures. Catching a dirty coil, a weak fan, or a defrost issue early also helps prevent ice buildup and repeat cooling failures.
Helpful DIY guidance
- If your issue involves airflow or a noisy freezer fan, use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
- If the complaint is ice maker or water related, use how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Last updated: January 2026
How to lower wheels on Maytag refrigerator?
On the Maytag MBR2258XES5 bottom-mount refrigerator, you typically lower the front by turning the front leveling legs to drop the cabinet and transfer weight off the wheels. This improves door closing and keeps the refrigerator stable; use the exact adjustment points shown in the MBR2258XES5 owner's manual.
How to lower the front (leveling legs)
- Remove the front base grille or toe grille (it usually snaps off or is held by a few screws).
- Locate the two front leveling legs at the lower left and right corners.
- Turn the leveling legs:
- Clockwise: raises the front
- Counterclockwise: lowers the front
- Adjust both sides a little at a time until the refrigerator is level side-to-side and slightly higher in front than the back.
Quick checklist
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power before working near wiring.
- Use a wrench or nut driver that fits the leveling leg hex.
- Make small adjustments (a quarter turn at a time).
- Reinstall the grille and confirm the doors close on their own.
What “lowering the wheels” usually means
On most bottom-mount refrigerators like the MBR2258XES5, the wheels are for moving the unit, while leveling legs are what set the final height and tilt.
| Adjustment goal | What to adjust | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lower the front | Front leveling legs | Cabinet sits lower and steadier |
| Improve door closing | Front leveling legs (raise front slightly) | Doors self-close more reliably |
| Reduce rocking | Both front leveling legs evenly | Less vibration and movement |
Why it matters
Proper leveling helps prevent warm air leaks at the door gasket, reduces vibration noise, and keeps the freezer drawer and fresh food doors aligned so they seal correctly.
Last updated: January 2026





