Is a top or bottom mount fridge better?
A “better” fridge depends on how you use it: for most households, a bottom-mount design like the Frigidaire FGHB2868TF5 is better for everyday convenience because fresh-food items sit at eye level, while a top-mount is often better if you want the simplest layout and typically lower energy use.
Quick comparison (what most owners notice)
| Feature | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) | Top-mount (freezer on top) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier (less bending) | More bending for fridge items |
| Freezer access | More bending | Easier |
| Organization | Usually more drawers/baskets | Usually simpler shelving |
| Energy use (typical) | Often slightly higher | Often slightly lower |
| Price/complexity | Often higher/more features | Often lower/simpler |
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You use the refrigerator section more than the freezer.
- You want better day-to-day ergonomics (less bending for milk, produce, leftovers).
- You like drawer-style freezer storage for frozen foods.
- You want more “zones” for organizing groceries (bins, baskets, adjustable storage).
When a top-mount is the better choice
- You want a simpler, budget-friendly layout.
- You prefer easier access to frozen foods.
- You prioritize straightforward maintenance and fewer convenience features.
Why it matters
The “best” mount style is the one that matches your habits. Most people open the fresh-food doors far more often than the freezer, so bottom-mount models can feel more comfortable and efficient in daily use. For model-specific use, care, and setup details (including leveling and door clearance guidance), follow the FGHB2868TF5 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the advantages of bottom mount refrigerators?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire FGHB2868TF5 keeps the fresh-food section at eye and waist level, so we reach everyday items with less bending. It also supports wide drawer and basket storage, and it is designed to allow full door opening for easy access.
Key advantages in daily use
- Less bending for fresh food: the refrigerator compartment is on top, where we use it most.
- Better organization: wide shelves and crisper drawers make it easier to group foods.
- Freezer storage is more “drawer-like”: bottom freezers typically use baskets that help separate items.
- Good access planning: installation guidance emphasizes positioning for easy access to counters and full opening of drawers and freezer baskets.
- Efficient operation habits: keeping doors closed and avoiding blocked vents helps maintain steady temperatures.
What to plan for during installation (so you get the benefits)
Bottom-mount designs work best when the refrigerator is leveled correctly and has proper airflow clearance.
| Setup item | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling | Level side-to-side; slightly higher in front | Helps doors and drawers close tightly |
| Air circulation | Keep the toe grille unblocked | Supports proper cooling airflow |
| Clearances | Allow space at sides/top and rear | Helps ventilation and connections |
| Door swing | Ensure doors can fully open | Full access to drawers and freezer baskets |
For the exact leveling steps and clearance guidance for FGHB2868TF5, use the FGHB2868TF5 installation guide.
Why it matters
Most households access fresh food far more often than frozen food. With a bottom-mount layout, we spend less time bending and searching, which helps reduce door-open time and supports more consistent cooling.
Quick tip for best performance
- Keep food from blocking interior air vents.
- Leave small gaps between packages so cold air circulates.
- Keep the refrigerator out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Last updated: January 2026
How to fix a Frigidaire bottom ice maker?
On the Frigidaire FGHB2868TF5 bottom-mount refrigerator, most “bottom” (freezer) ice maker issues come from the ice maker being off, a closed/kinked water supply, a mis-seated or clogged water filter, or ice clumps in the bin. Start with the quick checks below, then clean and reset.
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Make sure the freezer ice maker is turned on; the wire signal arm must be down and free to move.
- Confirm the refrigerator is connected to the water line and the shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect the water supply line for kinks or pinches behind the unit.
- Reseat the water filter; a filter that is not fully locked in can stop water flow.
- If cubes are stuck together, remove the bin and loosen with warm water (never use sharp tools).
Clean and reset the freezer ice maker
Cleaning helps when ice is clumping, the bin is jammed, or the ice maker has been off for a while.
- Turn off the ice maker.
- Remove the ice bin.
- Wash the bin with mild detergent, rinse, and dry completely.
- Reinstall the bin and turn the ice maker back on.
For model-specific operating details and ice maker tips, use the FGHB2868TF5 owner’s manual.
Water supply and filter steps that solve “no ice”
If the ice maker cycles but you get no cubes (or tiny hollow cubes), focus on water flow.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all | Ice maker off, water valve closed, kinked line | Turn ice maker on, open valve, straighten line |
| Slow ice production | Low water flow, partially clogged filter | Replace/seat filter, verify supply pressure |
| Ice maker fills inconsistently | Air in line after filter change | Dispense water to purge air, check for leaks |
If you suspect the filter is restricting flow, replace the refrigerator filter assembly EPTWFU01. For step-by-step filter replacement, use how to replace the water filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator.
Why it matters
An ice maker depends on steady water pressure and a clear path through the filter and inlet valve. A kinked line, mis-seated filter, or clumped ice in the bin can stop production even when the freezer is cold.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Frigidaire refrigerators?
Cooling and ice maker performance issues are the most common problems we see on Frigidaire refrigerators like model FGHB2868TF5. In many cases, the root cause is airflow restriction (dirty coils, weak fan, leaky door gasket) or a water supply issue (kinked line, clogged filter, low pressure) that affects ice and water.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Fridge warm, freezer OK (or vice versa): airflow problem, evaporator fan issue, frost buildup
- Ice maker not making ice: ice maker turned off, water valve closed, kinked supply line, filter not seated or clogged
- Small or hollow ice cubes: restricted water supply or clogged water filter
- Doors not closing well: unit not level, door opened by “slam close,” gasket not sealing
- Odd-tasting water: water sat too long in the line; purge several glasses
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm doors fully close and the refrigerator is level (a tilted cabinet can cause warm temps and sweating).
- Check the water line behind the unit for kinks; use copper or stainless braided tubing (¼-inch plastic is not recommended for this model’s water supply connection).
- Reseat or replace the water filter if ice or water flow is weak.
- If ice is clumping or jamming, empty the bin and let it dry; frequent use helps prevent refreezing.
- Review the troubleshooting chart in the FGHB2868TF5 owner’s manual.
Common causes vs. what you’ll notice
| What you notice | Most likely cause | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| No ice production | Ice maker off, water valve closed, kinked line, clogged filter | Verify settings, open valve, straighten line, replace filter |
| Hollow/small cubes | Restricted water supply | Replace filter; check supply valve fully open |
| Door won’t close | Not level, obstruction, gasket not sealing | Level unit; clear bins; inspect gasket |
| Ice dispenser jam | Melt/refreeze around auger | Remove bin, thaw, clean, dry |
Parts that commonly solve these problems
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these are common replacements for FGHB2868TF5:
- Refrigerator ice maker 243297613 (no ice, intermittent harvest)
- Refrigerator filter assembly EPTWFU01 (slow water, small cubes, poor taste)
- Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly 242253002 (no fill to ice maker, weak dispense)
- Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206 (warm temps, weak airflow)
Why it matters
Cooling and ice maker issues often start small (slower ice, warmer shelves) but can lead to food spoilage, leaks, or repeated ice jams. Catching airflow and water-supply problems early usually prevents bigger repairs.
Last updated: January 2026





