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Is admiral fridge good?
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
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.
- 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.
| 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 |
- 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.
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
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
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.
- 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
| 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 |
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.
- 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
