What is a fridge with freezer on top called?
A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Roper RT14BKXSQ00 is this classic style, with the freezer compartment above the fresh-food section and separate doors.
Common names you will see
- Top-freezer refrigerator
- Top-mount refrigerator
- Freezer-on-top refrigerator
- Two-door top-freezer fridge
Why the name matters when buying parts
Using the right style name helps you match the correct diagrams and parts for airflow, defrost, and door sealing. For example, top-mount designs commonly use an evaporator fan in the freezer to circulate cold air into the refrigerator section.
Parts that often relate to top-mount cooling and airflow
If you are troubleshooting warm temperatures, weak airflow, or unusual fan noise, these model-matched parts are common checks:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142
- Evaporator motor WPW10189703
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WP4387490
- Refrigerator heater WP2263749
Quick comparison: top-freezer vs other common styles
| Refrigerator style | Freezer location | Typical benefits | Common service focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer (top-mount) | Top | Efficient, simple layout | Evaporator fan, defrost system, door gaskets |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Fresh food at eye level | Drawer slides, ice maker, airflow |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Narrow door swing | Ice/water system, door seals |
| French door | Bottom drawer | Wide shelves | Door alignment, ice maker, seals |
Why it matters
When you describe your RT14BKXSQ00 as a “top-freezer” or “top-mount,” you are more likely to get the right replacement parts (like a freezer evaporator fan component) and the right troubleshooting steps for cooling and defrost issues.
Last updated: January 2026
Is top mount or bottom mount better?
For most kitchens, a top-mount refrigerator like the Roper RT14BKXSQ00 is better when you want lower cost, simpler design, and strong reliability; a bottom-mount is better when you want the fresh-food section at eye level and more convenience for daily use.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | You bend more | More eye-level access |
| Freezer access | Easier reach | Often pull-out drawer |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Simpler | More features, more parts |
| Best for | Value, basics, reliability | Convenience, organization |
When a top-mount is the better choice
A top-mount is usually the best fit if you prioritize value and straightforward performance.
- You want a simpler refrigerator with fewer convenience features to maintain
- You use the freezer often and prefer it at chest or eye level
- You want a layout that is easy to service (common parts like the evaporator fan are straightforward)
- You are replacing an older unit and want a familiar configuration
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
A bottom-mount is usually the better fit if you use the refrigerator section far more than the freezer.
- You want everyday items (milk, produce, leftovers) at eye level
- You prefer pull-out freezer storage for organization
- You want more premium layout options (varies by model)
Why it matters
The “better” choice comes down to how you use the refrigerator daily. If you open the fresh-food door many times a day, bottom-mount convenience can be worth it. If you want a dependable, budget-friendly layout, top-mount designs like RT14BKXSQ00 are a strong long-term choice.
Related DIY help
If cooling performance is part of your decision (or you are comparing because your current fridge is warming), start with evaporator fan basics: how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the advantages of a top mount fridge?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Roper RT14BKXSQ00 puts the freezer on top and the fresh-food section below; this layout is simple, space-efficient, and typically gives you a wide, easy-to-organize refrigerator compartment with straightforward cooling and fewer complex features to maintain.
Key advantages in everyday use
- More usable fresh-food space: The refrigerator section is usually a single, wide cavity that fits large platters and tall items easily.
- Easy access to frozen foods: The freezer is at eye level, so you do less bending for frozen items.
- Simple design: Fewer specialty doors and mechanisms means fewer adjustment points over time.
- Often lower operating cost: Many top-mount designs are efficient for their size when seals and airflow are in good shape.
- Typically easier to service: Common wear items (like door gaskets and fan components) are straightforward to inspect and replace.
What to consider before choosing top-mount
Top-mount is a great fit when you want maximum fresh-food space and a traditional layout. If you access the refrigerator far more than the freezer, you will bend more often for produce, drinks, and leftovers.
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer access | Eye level | Lower, often a pull-out drawer |
| Fresh-food access | Lower | Eye level |
| Layout complexity | Usually simpler | Often more complex |
| Best for | Traditional storage, wide shelves | Frequent fresh-food access |
Why it matters
The “best” refrigerator style is the one that matches how you cook and shop. If you want a reliable, traditional layout and easy organization, a top-mount like RT14BKXSQ00 is a strong choice. If you want less bending for fresh foods, a bottom-freezer style can be more comfortable.
Helpful maintenance tip (keeps the advantages working)
Good airflow and tight door seals help any top-mount cool evenly and run efficiently.
- Keep vents inside the refrigerator and freezer unblocked.
- Clean spills quickly so drawers and shelves slide freely.
- Check for warm air leaks around the door perimeter.
- If the door does not seal well, inspect the gasket for gaps or tears.
For door-seal troubleshooting steps, see how to fix a fridge door seal.
Last updated: January 2026





