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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 Kirkland ST14CKXHW00 is in 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 top freezer (side-swing doors)
How to confirm you have a top-freezer design
- The freezer compartment is physically above the refrigerator section
- There are typically two separate doors (one for freezer, one for fresh food)
- The refrigerator controls are often inside the fresh-food section
- The evaporator fan and defrost system are usually located behind the freezer’s rear panel
Why the name matters (parts and troubleshooting)
Knowing the style helps you match the right repair steps and parts categories. For example, top-freezer models commonly use a freezer-mounted evaporator fan motor and a timer-based defrost system.
| What you’re looking at | Typical name | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Fan that circulates cold air from the freezer | Evaporator fan motor | Evaporator motor WPW10189703 |
| Component that cycles defrost on older-style systems | Defrost timer | Defrost timer WP2183400 |
| Seal that keeps warm air out | Refrigerator door gasket | Refrigerator door gasket 2188462A |
Related tip for this refrigerator type
If you ever notice the freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, the evaporator fan and airflow paths are the first things we check on top-freezer units. The guide how to fix your evaporator cooling fan walks through common symptoms and fixes.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Kirkland ST14CKXHW00 top-mount refrigerator, the upper compartment is typically called the freezer compartment (or simply the freezer). It is designed to keep foods frozen and is usually the coldest section of the appliance.
Common names you may hear
- Freezer compartment
- Freezer section
- Upper freezer
- Freezer box (informal)
- Freezer door (refers to the door, not the compartment)
What the upper freezer does (and what’s usually inside)
In most top-mount refrigerators like the ST14CKXHW00, the freezer section:
- Maintains below-freezing temperatures for long-term storage
- Helps cool the fresh food section by circulating cold air
- May include an ice maker (if equipped) or space for ice trays
- Uses an evaporator and fan system to move cold air
If you’re troubleshooting weak cooling or warm temperatures, the freezer airflow system is a common place to start. Our DIY guide how to fix your evaporator cooling fan walks through typical symptoms and checks.
Quick reference: top vs bottom compartments
| Compartment location | Common name | Typical temperature range |
|---|---|---|
| Upper (top-mount models) | Freezer compartment | 0°F to 5°F |
| Lower | Fresh food (refrigerator) compartment | 34°F to 40°F |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct compartment name helps when ordering parts and diagnosing problems. For example, if the freezer door is not closing tightly, a worn gasket can cause frost buildup and poor cooling in both sections. For gasket-related issues, see refrigerator door gasket 2188462A as a model-matched replacement option.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most expensive part to replace on a refrigerator?
On most refrigerators (including the Kirkland ST14CKXHW00 top-mount), the sealed-system components are typically the most expensive to replace, especially the compressor. On this model’s parts list, a common high-cost item is the refrigerator compressor W10823815.
What usually costs the most (and why)
Sealed-system repairs cost more because they involve refrigerant handling, specialized tools, and longer labor time.
- Compressor replacement is often the highest parts-and-labor total
- Refrigerant leaks can require multiple sealed-system parts
- Evaporator or condenser replacement can be labor-intensive
- Diagnosis time is longer when cooling performance is inconsistent
- Repairs often require a qualified technician for safe, correct service
Typical “most expensive” parts: quick comparison
| Part type | What it does | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Pumps refrigerant through the system | Highest |
| Evaporator | Absorbs heat inside the freezer/refrigerator | High |
| Condenser | Releases heat to the room air | High |
| Ice maker (if equipped) | Produces ice | Medium to high |
| Defrost components | Prevents frost buildup on the evaporator | Medium |
Model-specific examples from ST14CKXHW00
These are examples of higher-cost parts we commonly see on this model’s parts list:
- Refrigerator compressor W10823815
- Refrigerator condenser WP2252730
- Refrigerator evaporator WP2263919
- Ice maker W11700559
Why it matters
If your refrigerator is warm, running constantly, or not cooling evenly, it is smart to rule out simpler issues first (airflow blockage, dirty condenser area, door seal leaks, or a failed fan). That can prevent replacing a high-cost sealed-system part when a lower-cost fix restores normal temperatures.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Kirkland ST14CKXHW00 are reliable and space-efficient, but the main tradeoffs are convenience and organization: fresh-food items sit lower (more bending), freezer access is higher, and premium features like in-door ice and water are less common.
Common disadvantages (what you notice day to day)
- More bending for fresh food: the refrigerator compartment is below eye level, so you crouch more for produce drawers and lower shelves.
- Less flexible organization: many top-mount designs have fewer adjustable bins, deli drawers, and wide pantry-style storage.
- Freezer ergonomics: the freezer is at the top, but it is often a single cavity with fewer dividers, so small items can get buried.
- Fewer built-in dispenser options: in-door water and ice are less common on this style.
- Temperature swings with frequent freezer use: opening the top freezer repeatedly can introduce warm air that may slightly affect freezer temps.
Quick comparison: top mount vs bottom freezer
| Feature | Top mount (ST14CKXHW00 style) | Bottom freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier access |
| Freezer organization | Often simpler | Often more drawers/baskets |
| Typical cost to buy/repair | Often lower | Often higher |
| Dispenser availability | Less common | More common |
Why it matters
If your household uses fresh foods more than frozen foods, the lower refrigerator section can feel inconvenient over time. If you use frozen foods heavily, the simpler freezer layout can also make organization harder.
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Keep everyday items on the middle shelves to reduce bending.
- Use clear bins to group snacks, dairy, and condiments.
- If the door does not seal well, fix it early to prevent temperature and moisture issues; see how to fix a fridge door seal.
- If you notice warm spots or weak airflow, the evaporator fan system is a common place to check; see how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
- For cooling performance issues tied to airflow, the evaporator motor WPW10189703 is a model-compatible part to consider when diagnosing.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the difference between top mount and bottom mount refrigerators?
A top-mount refrigerator (like your Kirkland ST14CKXHW00) has the freezer on top and the fresh-food section below; a bottom-mount flips that layout so the refrigerator section is at eye level and the freezer is on the bottom. The best choice depends on how often you access each compartment.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used area at eye level | Freezer | Fresh-food section |
| Typical ergonomics | More bending for fridge items | Less bending for fridge items |
| Common value/price point | Often lower | Often higher |
| Freezer access | Easier | Requires bending more |
How to choose for your kitchen and habits
- If you use fresh foods daily, bottom-mount keeps shelves and crisper drawers closer to eye level.
- If you use frozen foods often, top-mount keeps the freezer easiest to reach.
- If you want a simpler layout with fewer moving parts, top-mount designs are typically straightforward to maintain.
- If you are tight on budget, top-mount models are commonly the better value.
- If you have limited door swing space, measure carefully; either style can vary by model.
Why it matters
The compartment layout affects comfort, organization, and energy use habits. For example, if you open the refrigerator door far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount design can feel more convenient day to day. If you are troubleshooting cooling or door-seal issues on a top-mount like the ST14CKXHW00, the layout also helps you narrow where symptoms show up first (freezer vs fresh-food section).
Related parts and maintenance tips for a top-mount like ST14CKXHW00
- If the interior light stays on or does not come on, check the door switch such as the refrigerator light switch W11384469.
- If doors do not seal well, inspect the gasket for gaps or tears; common replacements include refrigerator door gasket 2188462A or refrigerator door gasket 2188448A (match by location and fit).
- If cooling is uneven between freezer and refrigerator sections, the evaporator fan is a common suspect; see how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Last updated: February 2026
