Maytag MTB1943ARW top-mount refrigerator Parts

A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MTB1943ARW is “better” when you want strong energy efficiency, a lower purchase cost, and simpler access to the freezer. A bottom-mount is “better” when you want everyday fresh-food items at eye level and easier organization in the refrigerator section.

Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-mount

Feature	Top-mount refrigerator	Bottom-mount refrigerator
Fresh-food access	Lower shelves require more bending	Most-used items are higher and easier to reach
Freezer access	Freezer is at eye level	Freezer is lower (drawer style on many models)
Energy use (typical)	Often lower	Often higher (varies by size and features)
Cost (typical)	Often less expensive	Often more expensive
Storage layout	Simple, fewer specialty drawers	Often more bins, drawers, and organization

When a top-mount is the better choice

A top-mount is usually the right fit if these matter most:

• You want a straightforward, reliable layout with fewer “extras” to maintain
• You use the freezer frequently and want it higher up
• You want a refrigerator that typically costs less to buy and repair
• You prefer a lighter door and simpler hinges compared with many drawer freezers
• You have limited kitchen space and want a classic footprint

When a bottom-mount is the better choice

A bottom-mount is usually the better fit if:

• You use the refrigerator section more than the freezer
• You want produce, dairy, and leftovers at a more comfortable height
• You like more compartmentalized storage (bins, deli drawers, wide shelves)
• You are trying to reduce bending for fresh-food access

Why it matters

“Better” comes down to how you use the appliance every day. For many households, a top-mount like the Maytag MTB1943ARW delivers efficient cooling with a simple design; a bottom-mount prioritizes convenience for fresh-food access and organization.

For water and ice performance on Maytag refrigerators, we also recommend reviewing how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Last updated: January 2026

A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Maytag MTB1943ARW is in this category: the freezer compartment sits above the fresh-food compartment, typically with two side-swing doors.

Common names you will see

• Top-freezer refrigerator
• Top-mount refrigerator
• Freezer-on-top refrigerator
• Traditional two-door refrigerator

How to identify it quickly

• Freezer is the upper compartment
• Fresh-food section is below
• Usually two separate doors (one for freezer, one for refrigerator)
• Often uses a single evaporator system with airflow routed to the refrigerator section

Top-freezer vs other refrigerator styles

Style	Freezer location	Typical door layout	Common reason people choose it
Top-freezer (top-mount)	Top	Two side-swing doors	Value, simple layout, efficient use of space
Bottom-freezer	Bottom	Fridge door(s) plus freezer drawer	Easier access to fresh food at eye level
Side-by-side	Left side	Two tall doors	Narrow door swing, easy freezer access
French door	Bottom	Two fridge doors plus freezer drawer	Wide fridge space, modern layout

Why it matters

Knowing the style helps us match the right troubleshooting steps and maintenance tasks for your Maytag MTB1943ARW, such as airflow checks, frost patterns, and common cooling-fan or defrost-related symptoms.

If you are working on water or ice features, we also recommend starting with how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Last updated: January 2026

A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MTB1943ARW typically trades convenience for simplicity: the freezer is at eye level, but you bend more to reach fresh foods, and storage features are usually less flexible than many bottom-freezer designs.

Common disadvantages (what most owners notice)

• More bending for daily use: fresh food is lower, so you crouch more for produce drawers and lower shelves.
• Less “grab-and-go” organization: many top-mount layouts have fewer adjustable bins, deli drawers, and wide pantry-style storage.
• Harder access for kids and shorter users: the freezer is higher, so reaching the back can be awkward.
• Fewer premium features: through-the-door ice and water is less common on top-mount models.
• Freezer temperature swings: frequent freezer door openings can affect freezer temps more noticeably in some kitchens.

Top-mount vs bottom-freezer: quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount (MTB1943ARW style)	Bottom-freezer (typical)
Fresh food access	Lower, more bending	Higher, easier access
Organization	Usually simpler	Often more flexible
Cost to buy/repair	Often lower	Often higher
Energy use	Often efficient	Varies by design

Why it matters

Most households open the fresh-food section far more than the freezer. If you want easier everyday access to milk, produce, and leftovers, a bottom-freezer layout usually feels more comfortable. If you want a straightforward, reliable layout with fewer “extras,” a top-mount can be a great fit.

Tips to reduce the downsides

• Keep everyday items on the middle shelf to reduce bending.
• Use clear bins to group snacks, lunch items, and condiments.
• Set the refrigerator to 37°F and the freezer to 0°F for best food safety and performance.
• If you have water/ice features, follow how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator on schedule.

Last updated: January 2026

On a Maytag MTB1943ARW top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically the freezer compartment. It’s the colder zone designed to keep foods frozen and, on many models, it’s also where the ice maker (if equipped) is located.

What you’ll usually find in the upper (freezer) section

• Freezer shelves or a wire rack for frozen food storage
• A freezer door bin for smaller items
• An ice maker and ice bin (on models with an automatic ice maker)
• Air vents that help circulate cold air through the refrigerator section
• A temperature control or airflow control (design varies by model)

Quick terminology guide

What people call it	Common name	What it does
Upper part of the fridge	Freezer compartment	Stores frozen foods at the coldest temperatures
Main lower section	Fresh food compartment	Keeps refrigerated foods cold but not frozen
Rubber seal around door	Door gasket	Helps prevent warm air leaks and frost buildup

Why it matters

Knowing the correct name helps when you’re troubleshooting cooling issues (like frost buildup or warm temperatures) and when you’re looking up maintenance steps for airflow, ice production, or odors.

Helpful DIY resources we recommend

• How to fix your evaporator cooling fan
• How to get rid of refrigerator smells
• How to fix a fridge door seal

Last updated: January 2026