Error Codes
Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag PTB1753FRW is typically the better choice for lower upfront cost, simple design, and strong energy efficiency. A bottom-mount is typically better for everyday convenience because fresh food sits at eye level and the freezer is easier to organize.
Quick comparison: top mount vs bottom mount
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | You bend more often | More at eye level |
| Freezer access | Easy to reach | Easier for large drawers, but lower |
| Cost | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Repairs | Often simpler, fewer features | Often more features, more complexity |
| Best for | Budget, reliability, basic storage | Convenience, frequent fresh-food use |
When a top-mount is the better fit
- You want a dependable, straightforward refrigerator with fewer “extras” to maintain.
- You use the freezer often and want it at a comfortable height.
- You prefer a layout that is usually easier to service (fans, defrost system, controls).
- You want a good balance of capacity and efficiency in a classic design.
When a bottom-mount is the better fit
- You open the fresh-food section many times per day and want less bending.
- You like wide shelves and better visibility for produce, leftovers, and drinks.
- You prefer pull-out freezer drawers for organizing frozen foods.
Why it matters
“Better” comes down to how you use the refrigerator. If your priority is value and a proven layout, a top-mount like the Maytag PTB1753FRW usually wins. If your priority is daily ergonomics and fresh-food access, a bottom-mount usually feels better to live with.
For maintenance that helps either style run its best (especially models with filtration), follow a regular filter-change routine using our guide: how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag PTB1753FRW typically costs less and is simple to use, but its main disadvantages are less convenient fresh-food access (you bend more), fewer premium organization features, and fewer dispenser options compared with many bottom-freezer or French-door designs.
Common drawbacks you may notice
- More bending for everyday items: the refrigerator section is lower, so produce, drinks, and leftovers often require more reaching.
- Less flexible organization: many top-mount layouts have fewer adjustable bins, deli drawers, or wide pantry-style storage than higher-end styles.
- Fewer built-in features: water and ice dispensers are less common on top-mount models.
- Freezer access can be less ergonomic: bulky frozen items can be harder to see and stack neatly.
- Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the top freezer often can slightly affect overall airflow and temperature stability.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs. bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Eye-level, easier access |
| Freezer access | Eye-level | Lower drawer, easier to organize |
| Typical features | Simpler, fewer add-ons | More premium options |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
What to check before you decide it is a “disadvantage”
Some issues are really setup or maintenance problems, not the refrigerator style.
- If food spoils quickly, verify temperature settings and airflow (do not block vents).
- If doors do not seal well, inspect and clean the gasket and make sure the cabinet is level; see how to fix a fridge door seal.
- If you have water or ice issues (on models equipped), check for air in the line and supply problems; see how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Why it matters
Most households open the fresh-food section far more than the freezer. If bending down several times a day is inconvenient, a bottom-freezer layout usually feels better long-term. If you want simple storage and lower upfront cost, a top-mount like the PTB1753FRW is often a strong fit.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the top part of a refrigerator called?
On a Maytag PTB1753FRW top-mount refrigerator, the top section is the freezer compartment (often just called the “freezer”). It’s the area designed to keep food frozen and, on some models, it also supports an ice maker setup.
Common names you’ll hear
- Freezer compartment
- Freezer section
- Freezer cabinet (less common)
- Upper compartment (generic term)
What the top freezer does (and what’s usually inside)
In a top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag PTB1753FRW, the freezer is built to maintain sub-freezing temperatures and circulate cold air.
Typical freezer components include:
- Freezer door and door gasket (helps prevent warm air leaks)
- Shelves or wire rack
- Evaporator cover (panel at the back in many designs)
- Evaporator fan (moves cold air through the freezer and into the fresh-food section)
- Ice maker (optional on some configurations)
Quick comparison: freezer vs. refrigerator section
| Section | Location | Main purpose | Typical temperature range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | Top | Freeze and store frozen foods | 0°F to 5°F |
| Fresh-food compartment | Bottom | Keep foods cold (not frozen) | 34°F to 40°F |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re troubleshooting symptoms (for example, “freezer cold but refrigerator warm” often points to airflow issues like an evaporator fan problem) and when you’re searching for the right repair guidance.
Related DIY help
Last updated: February 2026
What is the top mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator (like the Maytag PTB1753FRW) has the freezer compartment on top and the fresh-food (refrigerator) section below. This layout is a common, space-efficient design that keeps everyday refrigerated items at a comfortable reach while still providing full freezer storage.
How a top-mount layout is organized
In a top-mount refrigerator, cold air is produced at the evaporator and circulated to both compartments; temperature controls manage how much cooling the fresh-food section gets versus the freezer.
Typical features you will see:
- Freezer on top with a shelf or bin system
- Fresh-food section below with adjustable shelves and crisper drawers
- A center divider and air vents that help balance temperatures
- Door gaskets on both doors to keep warm air out
Top-mount vs. other refrigerator styles
Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the right configuration.
| Style | Freezer location | Best for | Common tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-mount | Top | Value, simple storage, smaller kitchens | Bending more for crisper drawers |
| Bottom-mount | Bottom | Frequent freezer use, easier freezer access | Often higher cost |
| Side-by-side | Left/right | Narrow door swing, organized freezer shelves | Less wide shelf space |
| French door | Bottom drawer | Wide fresh-food storage, entertaining | More complex features to maintain |
Why it matters for troubleshooting and parts
Knowing you have a top-mount design helps narrow down likely causes when temperatures are off. For example, airflow restrictions, a weak evaporator fan, or a door seal leak can affect the fresh-food section differently than the freezer.
Common top-mount symptoms and what they usually point to:
- Freezer cold but refrigerator warm: airflow or evaporator fan issue
- Frost buildup on freezer back wall: defrost system problem
- Water under the refrigerator: defrost drain issue
- Musty odors: spills, old food, or stagnant airflow
For step-by-step DIY help that applies to many Maytag refrigerators, use how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator when your model has filtration, and how to fix your evaporator cooling fan for cooling and airflow problems.
Last updated: February 2026
