Maytag MRT118FZEM00 refrigerator Parts

A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator, also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator. Your Maytag MRT118FZEM00 is this style: 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 top freezer

How to identify it quickly

• The freezer is the upper compartment
• The refrigerator section is below
• Two separate doors that usually hinge on the side
• Cooling is shared through an evaporator and fan system (cold air is moved from the freezer into the refrigerator section)

Top-freezer vs other common refrigerator styles

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

Why it matters

Knowing the style helps you match the right Maytag MRT118FZEM00 parts and troubleshooting steps, since airflow, defrost components, and door gasket designs differ by refrigerator type.

For model-specific features and compartment details, use the MRT118FZEM00 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026

A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MRT118FZEM00 is usually the better choice if you want lower upfront cost, simple reliability, and strong energy efficiency; a bottom-mount is usually better if you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier day-to-day access. For exact features and capacities, use the MRT118FZEM00 owner's manual.

Quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount (freezer on top)	Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom)
Fresh-food access	Requires more bending	More convenient, eye-level
Freezer access	Easier, higher up	Often pull-out drawer
Typical price	Lower	Higher
Complexity	Simpler design	More moving parts (drawers, rails)
Best for	Budget, reliability	Convenience, organization

How we recommend choosing

• Choose top-mount if you want a straightforward Maytag refrigerator with fewer parts to maintain.
• Choose bottom-mount if you use the refrigerator section far more than the freezer.
• Measure your kitchen clearance; door swing and depth matter as much as total capacity.
• Think about household habits: kids grabbing freezer items often prefer top-mount access.
• Compare storage style: bottom-mount models often have more flexible refrigerator shelving and bins.

Why it matters

The “better” layout is the one that fits how you load groceries and how often you access each compartment. A layout that matches your routine helps keep doors closed longer, improves temperature stability, and reduces food spoilage.

Helpful reference

If you are deciding based on water and filtration features, our how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator guide helps you understand common filter locations and replacement basics.

Last updated: January 2026

Most Maytag refrigerators, including the Maytag MRT118FZEM00 top-mount refrigerator, typically last 12 to 15 years with normal household use. Consistent maintenance (clean airflow paths, good door sealing, and stable temperatures) is what most often separates a 10-year fridge from a 15-year fridge.

What affects lifespan the most

• Condenser cleanliness and airflow: Dust buildup makes the compressor run hotter and longer.
• Door gasket condition: Air leaks force longer run times and can cause frost and temperature swings.
• Temperature settings and loading: Overpacking blocks vents; warm food raises run time.
• Power quality: Frequent outages or surges can stress the start device and control board.
• Ice and water system upkeep (if equipped): Leaks and mineral buildup can create secondary damage.

Typical lifespan expectations (what we see most often)

Appliance type	Typical lifespan	Notes
Top-mount refrigerator	12 to 15 years	Often longer with clean coils and good seals
Compressor (sealed system)	10 to 15 years	Heavy run time shortens life
Fan motors and sensors	5 to 12 years	Wear items; usually repairable

Maintenance that helps your Maytag MRT118FZEM00 last longer

• Vacuum dust from the condenser area every 6 to 12 months.
• Keep doors closing tightly; clean and inspect the gasket, and replace it if torn or warped.
• Set temps to common targets: 37°F to 40°F fresh food, 0°F freezer.
• Leave space around vents inside the cabinet so cold air can circulate.
• If you notice warm temps or odd noises, address it early; a struggling fan or sensor can overwork the compressor.

When a repair is worth it (quick rule)

If the refrigerator is under ~10 years old, repairs like an evaporator fan motor, thermistor, or door gasket are commonly cost-effective. If it is 15+ years old and needs a sealed-system repair (compressor/evaporator), replacement is often the better value.

Parts that commonly impact cooling performance

• Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539
• Refrigerator thermistor WPW10383615
• Refrigerator door gasket (white) W10861499

Why it matters

A refrigerator that runs longer than it should uses more electricity and puts extra wear on the compressor and start components. Simple upkeep and quick fixes help protect the most expensive parts.

For model-specific care and cleaning guidance, use the MRT118FZEM00 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026

On a Maytag MRT118FZEM00 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically the freezer compartment. It’s the coldest area of the appliance and is designed to keep foods frozen while supporting overall cooling for the fresh food section.

Common names you’ll hear

• Freezer compartment (most common)
• Freezer section
• Freezer cabinet
• Upper freezer (on top-mount models)

What the upper (freezer) compartment does

The freezer compartment is more than just a storage box; it helps the refrigerator maintain stable temperatures.

• Freezes and stores food long-term
• Helps circulate cold air to the refrigerator section (through vents/damper)
• Houses key cooling components on many designs (evaporator area behind panels)
• Supports ice production if your model has an ice maker kit installed

Quick terminology guide

Term	What it means	Where it is on a top-mount refrigerator
Freezer compartment	Frozen food storage area	Top
Fresh food compartment	Main refrigerator area	Bottom
Evaporator fan	Fan that moves cold air	Usually behind freezer back panel
Door gasket	Rubber seal that prevents air leaks	Around freezer and fridge doors

Why it matters

Using the right term helps when you’re troubleshooting cooling problems, ordering parts, or following diagrams in the documentation. For example, if the freezer is warm but the refrigerator is also warming up, we often focus on airflow and components like the evaporator fan motor.

For model-specific compartment layout and airflow details, use the MRT118FZEM00 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026