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What is a fridge with freezer on top called?
A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator (also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator). Your Whirlpool ET18NKXDW01 is this classic style, with the freezer compartment above the fresh-food compartment.
Common names you will see
- Top-freezer refrigerator
- Top-mount refrigerator
- Freezer-on-top refrigerator
- Two-door, side-swing top-freezer style
How to confirm you have a top-freezer design
A top-freezer refrigerator like the Whirlpool ET18NKXDW01 typically has these traits:
- Freezer door is the upper door
- Refrigerator door is the lower door
- Doors open from the side (not a pull-out freezer drawer)
- Temperature controls are usually inside the fresh-food section
Why it matters when ordering parts
Refrigerator styles share some parts, but many parts are style-specific (door gaskets, shelves, drawers, and defrost components). Matching the style to your model helps you choose the right replacement parts the first time.
| Refrigerator style | Freezer location | Typical door layout |
|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer (top-mount) | Top | Two side-swing doors |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Upper door + lower drawer/door |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Two tall side-swing doors |
| French door | Bottom | Two upper doors + lower freezer drawer |
Parts that commonly come up on top-freezer models
If you are troubleshooting cooling, frost, or door-seal issues on ET18NKXDW01, these part categories are common:
- Defrost system parts (timer, defrost thermostat)
- Door gaskets and hinges
- Shelves and crisper drawers
For example, a defrost issue on this style often involves the refrigerator defrost timer W10822278 or the refrigerator defrost bi-metal WP4387503.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Whirlpool ET18NKXDW01 are reliable and space-efficient, but the main disadvantages are convenience and organization: you bend more to reach fresh-food items, the freezer can be harder to organize, and many models do not include built-in ice and water features.
Common disadvantages (what most owners notice)
- Less convenient fresh-food access: the refrigerator section sits lower, so you bend more for everyday items.
- Freezer organization can be basic: fewer drawers and dividers than many bottom-freezer designs.
- Limited built-in features: many top-mounts skip in-door ice and water dispensers.
- More temperature variation: top shelves can run a bit warmer than lower shelves if airflow is blocked.
- Smaller freezer opening: bulky frozen items can be harder to load and unload.
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 sort |
| Organization | Often simpler | Often more bins/drawers |
| Ice/water options | Less common | More common |
What you can do to reduce the downsides
- Keep everyday items at waist to chest height in the fresh-food section.
- Avoid overpacking; blocked vents reduce airflow and can cause warm spots.
- Use bins to group foods in the freezer so items do not get buried.
- If doors do not seal well, fix it early to prevent frost and temperature swings (see how to fix a fridge door seal).
Why it matters
Most “top-mount complaints” are really about ergonomics and airflow. Better organization and good door sealing help your Whirlpool ET18NKXDW01 hold steadier temperatures, reduce frost, and keep food quality more consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
How do you reattach an ice maker arm?
To reattach the ice maker shut-off arm on your Whirlpool ET18NKXDW01 top-mount refrigerator, unplug the refrigerator, remove the ice bin for access, then seat the arm’s rear end in the fill-cup area and snap the front end back into the ice maker module so it pivots freely and lifts to the OFF position.
Steps to reattach the ice maker arm
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off power at the breaker).
- Pull out and remove the ice bin to expose the ice maker.
- Locate the arm’s pivot points: the rear end near the fill cup and the front end at the control/module.
- Insert the rear end of the arm into its pocket/slot near the fill cup.
- Swing the arm down and press the front end into the module until it snaps in place.
- Lift the arm up and let it drop down to confirm it moves smoothly and is not binding.
Quick checks after reattaching
If the arm is installed correctly, these checks usually look like this:
| Check | What you want to see | What it means if it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Arm lifts to OFF | Arm stays up (or clicks into an up position) | Arm not seated in the module or bent |
| Arm drops to ON | Arm falls freely without rubbing | Arm misrouted or hitting the ice maker cover |
| Ice bin fits back in | Bin slides in without pushing the arm | Arm position is correct |
Why it matters
The shut-off arm is the ice maker’s “bin full” sensor. If it is not attached correctly, the ice maker can stop making ice, overfill the bin, or jam because the arm cannot move through its full range.
When to replace parts
If the arm will not stay clipped in, the mounting point in the ice maker module can be worn or cracked. In that case, we recommend inspecting the ice maker assembly and related hardware, and ordering the correct replacement parts for ET18NKXDW01 from Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I use a generic filter in my Whirlpool?
Yes, you can use a generic water filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator, but it must match the exact filter style your model uses and be independently certified (NSF/ANSI) for the claims you care about. For the Whirlpool ET18NKXDW01, confirm first whether your refrigerator is even equipped for a water filter.
First: does ET18NKXDW01 use a water filter?
Many top-mount refrigerators like the ET18NKXDW01 were sold without a built-in water dispenser or filter housing. If you do not see a filter cartridge in the grille, ceiling, or upper corner of the fresh food section, your unit may not use a cartridge filter at all.
Check these common setups:
- No dispenser/ice maker water line: no filter needed
- Ice maker only: may use an inline filter on the supply line (optional)
- Dispenser + ice maker: usually uses a cartridge-style filter (model-specific)
For help choosing the right filter approach, use our DIY guide: how to replace the water filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator.
What to look for in a generic (off-brand) filter
A good generic filter is one that fits correctly and is certified for performance.
Use this checklist:
- Matches the exact filter type/part number your refrigerator requires
- Has NSF/ANSI certification for the standards you want (commonly 42 and 53)
- Installs without forcing; no wobble, cross-threading, or loose fit
- Does not drip after installation and purge
- Comes from a reputable seller with clear packaging and labeling
Quick comparison
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Generic certified filter | Lower cost, can perform well | Fit and seal quality varies by brand |
| Generic non-certified filter | Cheapest | Higher risk of poor filtration or leaks |
| No filter (when not required) | No restriction to water flow | No contaminant reduction |
Why it matters
A poor-fitting filter can cause leaks that lead to water damage, and a low-quality filter can reduce flow or fail to remove contaminants as expected. Getting the correct fit and certification protects your refrigerator’s water system and your water quality.
Last updated: February 2026
