Admiral ATB1710DRW refrigerator Parts

Admiral refrigerators, including the Admiral ATB1710DRW top-mount model, are a solid choice when you want straightforward cooling and simple features. “Good” mainly depends on fit and condition: temperature stability, door seal quality, and fan performance matter more than the badge.

What “good” means for an Admiral top-mount refrigerator

We judge a refrigerator like the ATB1710DRW on a few practical points that affect daily use:

• Consistent temperatures: fresh food stays around 37°F and freezer around 0°F.
• Even airflow: no warm spots in the refrigerator section.
• Quiet operation: evaporator fan and condenser fan run smoothly.
• Tight door seal: gaskets hold a dollar bill firmly when closed.
• Defrost reliability: no heavy frost buildup on the freezer back wall.

Quick checks before you decide it’s “good” (or worth keeping)

Use these simple checks to evaluate performance on your ATB1710DRW:

Check	What you want to see	What it usually means if it fails
Freezer makes ice and stays hard-frozen	0°F target	Cooling system or airflow issue
Refrigerator holds 35 to 40°F	Stable temps	Thermistor, damper, or airflow problem
No puddles under/inside	Dry floor and crispers	Drain restriction or defrost water issue
Doors close easily and don’t pop open	Good alignment and seal	Leveling or gasket problem

Common “not good” symptoms and the usual fixes

If you are seeing any of these, the refrigerator can still be a good unit, it just needs the right repair:

• Warm refrigerator but freezer is OK: often an airflow or evaporator fan issue; see how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
• Frost buildup on freezer panel: defrost system problem (heater, thermostat, control).
• Bad smells: cleaning and airflow improvements help; see how to get rid of refrigerator smells.
• Water leaking/puddles: commonly a clogged drain; see how to get rid of refrigerator puddles.

Why it matters

A “good” refrigerator is one that holds safe food temperatures efficiently. When airflow, door sealing, and defrost are working correctly, a top-mount like the Admiral ATB1710DRW cools evenly, runs less, and helps prevent spoilage.

Last updated: January 2026

Top-mount refrigerators like the Admiral ATB1710DRW are reliable and simple, but the main disadvantages are convenience and storage layout: you bend more to reach fresh food, the freezer can be less accessible for some users, and premium features (like in-door ice and water) are less common.

Common disadvantages (what most owners notice)

• More bending for daily items: the refrigerator section is lower, so produce drawers and lower shelves get used less.
• Less flexible organization: fewer split shelves, deli drawers, and wide pantry-style bins compared with many bottom-freezer designs.
• Freezer ergonomics: stacked items can be harder to see and reach, especially in deeper top-freezer compartments.
• Fewer built-in dispenser options: many top-mount models do not include an external water dispenser or factory ice maker.
• Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the freezer often can introduce warm air that may slightly affect freezer stability.

Quick comparison: top mount vs bottom freezer

Feature	Top mount (like ATB1710DRW)	Bottom freezer
Fresh food access	Lower, more bending	Eye-level, easier access
Freezer access	Higher, easier for some	Lower drawer, can be heavy
Storage layout	Simpler, fewer zones	Often more zones and bins
Dispenser/ice options	Less common	More common
Typical cost/complexity	Lower, simpler	Higher, more complex

When a top mount is still the better choice

• You want a simpler refrigerator with fewer features to maintain.
• You prefer freezer-at-eye-level access.
• You have limited kitchen space and need a straightforward footprint.
• You plan to add filtration at the water line instead of using an in-door system.

Why it matters

Most households open the fresh-food section far more than the freezer. If bending for milk, produce, and leftovers is a daily annoyance, a bottom-freezer layout usually feels more comfortable. If you value simplicity and cost, a top mount often wins.

For water and filtration decisions, use our how to replace the water filter in an Admiral refrigerator guide to understand common filter locations and replacement basics.

Last updated: January 2026

In an Admiral ATB1710DRW top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically called the freezer compartment (or simply the freezer). It is the colder zone designed to keep foods frozen and, on many models, it also supports ice-making.

What you will usually find in the upper (freezer) compartment

• Freezer shelves or a wire rack for frozen food storage
• A freezer door bin for smaller items
• An ice tray or an optional ice maker assembly (if equipped)
• An air outlet that circulates cold air to the fresh food section
• A temperature control setting that affects overall cooling

Quick terminology guide

Common name	Where it is	What it does
Freezer compartment	Top section (top-mount)	Freezes food and helps chill the refrigerator section
Fresh food compartment	Bottom section (top-mount)	Keeps food cold but not frozen
Evaporator area	Behind the freezer back panel	Produces cold air for both compartments

Why it matters

Knowing the correct name helps when troubleshooting symptoms like warm refrigerator temperatures, frost buildup, or poor airflow. Many cooling problems start in the freezer area because that is where the evaporator and airflow system typically operate.

Related DIY help (common freezer-related issues)

• If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, airflow is often the issue; use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
• If you are dealing with odors after food thawing or spills, use how to get rid of refrigerator smells.

Last updated: January 2026