Owner’s manual
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Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A “better” choice depends on how you use your refrigerator. A top-mount like the GE GTH17JBC2RWW typically costs less and is simple and efficient, while a bottom-mount puts fresh food at eye level for easier daily access and often offers more drawer-style organization.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Lower shelves require more bending | Most-used items are at eye level |
| Freezer access | Easy to reach | More bending, but often better baskets |
| Cost and complexity | Usually lower, simpler design | Usually higher, more complex |
| Organization | Traditional shelves and bins | Often more drawers and dividers |
| Best for | Budget, simplicity, smaller kitchens | Frequent fresh-food use, meal prep |
When a top-mount is the better fit
- You want a reliable, straightforward layout with fewer features to maintain.
- You use the freezer often and want it at a comfortable height.
- You prefer a lower purchase price and typically lower repair complexity.
- You have limited kitchen space and want a classic footprint.
- You are replacing an older top-mount and want a similar feel.
When a bottom-mount is the better fit
- You use fresh food more than frozen and want it at eye level.
- You like wide drawers for produce, deli items, and meal-prep containers.
- You want a freezer with pull-out baskets for better visibility.
- You are willing to pay more for convenience and organization.
Why it matters
Choosing the right configuration reduces door-open time and “search time,” which helps temperature stability and can reduce wear on cooling components over the long run. For model-specific use and care tips for the GE GTH17JBC2RWW, follow the guidance in the GTH17JBC2RWW owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
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 GE GTH17JBC2RWW is this classic style, with the freezer compartment above the fresh-food compartment.
Common names you will see
- Top-freezer refrigerator
- Top-mount refrigerator
- Freezer-on-top refrigerator
- Two-door, side-swing top-freezer (describes the door style)
How to confirm your style on GE GTH17JBC2RWW
Check these quick identifiers:
- Freezer compartment is physically above the refrigerator section
- Two separate doors (one for freezer, one for fresh food)
- Doors typically swing open from the side (not a pull-out freezer drawer)
For model-specific diagrams and compartment details, use the GTH17JBC2RWW owner's manual.
Top-freezer vs other common refrigerator styles
| Style | Freezer location | Typical door layout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer (top-mount) | Top | Two side-swing doors | Simple layout, good capacity for the footprint |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Upper door + lower drawer | Easier access to fresh food |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Two tall doors | Narrow door swing, organized freezer |
| French door | Bottom | Two upper doors + lower drawer | Wide shelves, fresh-food access |
Why it matters
Knowing the refrigerator style helps us match the right GE parts and troubleshooting steps for airflow, defrost, and door sealing. For example, top-freezer models commonly use an evaporator fan to move cold air down into the fresh-food section.
If you are diagnosing cooling or airflow issues, a common related part is the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X31522.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a GE refrigerator?
Cooling problems are the most common issue we see with GE refrigerators, including the GE GTH17JBC2RWW. In many cases, the root cause is restricted airflow (dirty coils, failed fan) or a defrost problem that lets frost block the evaporator, so temperatures rise.
Most common causes of poor cooling
Start with the items that fail most often and are easiest to check:
- Dirty condenser coils (heat cannot release, so cooling drops)
- Evaporator fan not running (little or no cold air circulation)
- Frost buildup from a defrost failure (airflow blocked at the evaporator)
- Door gasket leak (warm air enters, moisture creates frost)
- Compressor start components failing (compressor struggles to start)
If you suspect a fan issue on this model, the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X31522 is a common cooling-related part.
Quick checks we recommend first
These steps solve a lot of “not cold enough” complaints without parts replacement:
- Confirm controls are set correctly; allow 24 hours after any adjustment
- Make sure vents inside the fresh food section are not blocked by food packages
- Clean condenser coils and verify the condenser area has good airflow
- Listen for the evaporator fan when the freezer door switch is held closed
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or areas that do not seal
For model-specific operating and temperature guidance, use the GTH17JBC2RWW owner’s manual.
Symptom-to-likely-cause guide
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Airflow problem | Evaporator fan operation, blocked vents |
| Frost on back freezer wall | Defrost problem | Defrost heater circuit, heavy ice buildup |
| Both sections warm | Heat removal or compressor issue | Coils, condenser airflow, start components |
| Moisture or sweating around doors | Seal problem | Gasket fit, door alignment |
Why it matters
Cooling issues can quickly lead to food spoilage and can overwork the compressor. Catching airflow, gasket, or defrost problems early often prevents more expensive repairs later.
Last updated: January 2026
