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Is a top or bottom mount fridge better?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MTB1954ARW is better when you want the freezer at eye level and a typically lower purchase and repair cost; a bottom-mount is better when you want the fresh-food section at waist height for easier everyday access.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | More bending for fridge items | Less bending for fridge items |
| Freezer access | Easier to see and reach | Often a pull-out drawer |
| Organization | Simple shelves and bins | Drawer can organize frozen foods well |
| Typical cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Best for | Frequent freezer use | Frequent fresh-food use |
How we recommend choosing
- Choose top-mount if you use the freezer often, want simple storage, and prefer a straightforward design.
- Choose bottom-mount if you cook often and want the refrigerator section (milk, produce, leftovers) at the most comfortable height.
- If you have back or knee discomfort, bottom-mount usually feels easier day to day.
- If you store bulky frozen items (pizza boxes, large bags), compare drawer space and how far the drawer opens.
- If you have limited kitchen clearance, check door swing and drawer pull-out space before switching styles.
Why it matters
Most households open the refrigerator door far more than the freezer. Putting fresh food at a comfortable height can reduce bending and help you see what you have, which can cut down on food waste and improve temperature stability from shorter door-open time.
Related DIY help
If your decision is driven by water and ice features, maintenance matters as much as layout. Our guide on how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator helps you keep water flow and taste consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Maytag MTB1954ARW are reliable and space-efficient, but the main disadvantages are convenience and storage layout: you bend more to reach fresh food, the freezer can be less organized, and many models do not include built-in water or ice dispensing.
Common drawbacks you may notice
- More bending for daily use: the fresh-food section sits lower, so you reach down more often.
- Freezer organization can be limited: fewer drawers and dividers compared with many bottom-freezer designs.
- Less “eye-level” access to produce: crisper drawers and deli items are typically low.
- Fewer premium features: many top-mounts skip exterior water/ice dispensers.
- Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the top door often can affect freezer temps more quickly.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier access |
| Freezer access | Eye-level | Lower, often drawers |
| Organization | Often simpler | Often more flexible |
| Typical cost/complexity | Often lower/simpler | Often higher/more features |
What we recommend if these drawbacks bother you
- Set frequently used items (milk, leftovers, snacks) on the upper refrigerator shelves.
- Use bins to “zone” foods (breakfast, lunch, condiments) to reduce digging.
- Keep the freezer efficient with labeled bags and a simple first-in/first-out rotation.
- If you have a water system, keep it performing well by following how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
Why it matters
Most households open the fresh-food door far more than the freezer. With a top-mount layout, that extra bending and searching adds up, so improving organization can make the MTB1954ARW feel much more convenient day to day.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
In most top-mount refrigerators like the Maytag MTB1954ARW, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It is the colder compartment designed to keep foods frozen and, on many models, it also supports ice-making.
Common names you will hear
- Freezer
- Freezer compartment
- Upper freezer section
- Freezer box (informal)
- Freezer cavity (service term)
What the upper (freezer) compartment typically includes
Even when layouts vary, the upper freezer area commonly contains these components:
- Freezer door gasket (helps seal cold air in)
- Shelves or wire rack(s)
- Evaporator cover (rear panel inside the freezer)
- Evaporator fan (moves cold air through the freezer and into the fresh-food section)
- Air vents/damper pathway to the refrigerator section
Quick temperature targets (typical)
| Compartment | Typical setting | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper) | 0°F | Keeps food safely frozen |
| Refrigerator (lower) | 37°F | Keeps food cold without freezing |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when troubleshooting symptoms like warm refrigerator temperatures, frost buildup, or fan noise. Many cooling problems start in the freezer because that is where the evaporator and airflow system do most of the work.
Related DIY help
If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, airflow is often the issue; our guide on how to fix your evaporator cooling fan walks through common causes and fixes.
Last updated: February 2026
