Amana ART318FFDB06 top-mount refrigerator Parts

For most households, a bottom-mount freezer is better for everyday convenience because the fresh-food section sits at eye level. A top-mount freezer like the Amana ART318FFDB06 is often the better value and can be very energy-efficient, especially if you use the freezer frequently.

Quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount freezer	Bottom-mount freezer
Fresh-food access	Lower shelves require more bending	Most-used items are at eye level
Freezer access	Easy reach for frozen items	Often a pull-out drawer, easier to organize
Typical cost	Usually lower	Usually higher
Energy use	Often slightly lower	Often slightly higher
Best for	Frozen-food heavy households, budget shoppers	Fresh-food heavy households, meal prep

How we recommend choosing

• Choose top-mount if you want a simpler design, lower purchase cost, and quick access to frozen foods.
• Choose bottom-mount if you want less bending for daily refrigerated items and better fresh-food visibility.
• If you open the refrigerator door far more than the freezer, bottom-mount usually feels better day to day.
• If you store lots of bulky frozen items, top-mount shelves can be easier to see at a glance.
• If you have kids grabbing snacks, bottom-mount keeps refrigerated items more accessible.

Why it matters

The “better” layout is the one that matches how you actually use your refrigerator. Door openings, food habits, and kitchen ergonomics affect perceived performance more than small differences in design.

Related maintenance tip

No matter which style you choose, keeping seals tight and temperatures stable helps food last longer and reduces run time. If you notice warm spots, frost buildup, or unusual fan noise, start by checking airflow and the evaporator fan system (for this model, see the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539).

Last updated: January 2026

On the Amana ART318FFDB06 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically called the freezer compartment. It’s the colder zone designed to keep foods frozen and, on many models, it’s also where ice is made (with trays or an optional ice maker).

Common names you’ll hear

• Freezer compartment (most common)
• Freezer section
• Freezer cabinet
• Freezer liner (refers to the interior walls)
• Freezer door (the door that seals the upper compartment)

What the upper compartment does (and what parts support it)

The freezer’s job is to maintain below-freezing temperatures and circulate cold air. If temperatures swing or you hear unusual fan noise, these parts are often involved:

• Evaporator fan motor (moves air through the freezer and into the fresh food section)
• Fan blade (attaches to the fan motor)
• Thermistor (senses temperature so the control can regulate cooling)
• Defrost heater (melts frost off the evaporator so airflow stays strong)

If you’re troubleshooting airflow or warm freezer issues, start with the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539.

Quick terminology guide

Term	What it means	Where it is
Freezer compartment	The whole upper cold-storage area	Top section
Evaporator	Cold coil that absorbs heat	Behind freezer rear panel
Evaporator fan	Fan that circulates cold air	Freezer area
Door gasket	Seal that prevents warm air leaks	Around the door perimeter

Why it matters

Using the right term helps you match diagrams and order the correct refrigerator parts for ART318FFDB06, especially when you’re diagnosing cooling problems, door sealing issues, or ice maker performance.

Last updated: January 2026

A top-mount refrigerator is a classic fridge layout where the freezer is on top and the fresh-food (refrigerator) section is below. Your Amana ART318FFDB06 is a top-mount style, designed for straightforward storage, easy access to frozen foods, and reliable cooling.

How a top-mount layout is set up

• Freezer compartment on top: shelves or a bin for frozen foods
• Fresh-food compartment below: main shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins
• Single cooling system: cold air is produced at the evaporator and circulated through both sections
• Temperature controls: typically adjust overall cooling and airflow balance between sections

Top-mount vs. other refrigerator styles

Style	Freezer location	Best for	Common tradeoff
Top-mount	Top	Value, simplicity, easy freezer access	Fresh-food shelves sit lower
Bottom-mount	Bottom	Frequent fresh-food access	Freezer access requires bending
Side-by-side	Left/right	Narrow door swing, organized zones	Less wide shelf space

Why it matters for parts and troubleshooting

Knowing the configuration helps narrow down likely causes when temperatures are off. For example, in many top-mount refrigerators, weak airflow from the evaporator area can affect both compartments.

If you are chasing a “warm fridge, warm freezer” or “freezer cold, fridge warm” symptom, the evaporator fan system is a common place to start, including the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539 and the fan blade.

Quick signs your top-mount airflow needs attention

• Freezer is cold but refrigerator section is warm
• Frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer
• Little or no air coming from the refrigerator vents
• Unusual buzzing or rattling from the freezer area
• Temperatures swing more than normal

For step-by-step help, use our how to fix your evaporator cooling fan guide.

Last updated: January 2026