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Which is better, top mount or bottom mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MRT118FFFH08 is usually the better choice when you want lower upfront cost, simple design, and strong efficiency; a bottom-mount is usually better when you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier daily access. The “better” option depends on how you use your refrigerator most.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Freezer is easiest to reach | Fresh food is easiest to reach |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Organization | Simple, fewer drawers | Often more drawers and bins |
| Ergonomics | More bending for fridge items | Less bending for fridge items |
| Repair complexity | Often simpler | Often more complex features |
When a top-mount is the better fit
- You use the freezer often (frozen meals, ice, bulk storage)
- You want a straightforward refrigerator with fewer “extras” to maintain
- You prefer lower purchase cost and typically lower repair costs
- You have limited kitchen space and want a classic layout
- You want a design that is usually easier to keep cooling evenly
When a bottom-mount is the better fit
- You use fresh food more than frozen food (produce, dairy, leftovers)
- You want less bending for daily items in the refrigerator section
- You like more drawer-style organization for freezer storage
- You are willing to pay more for convenience and layout
Why it matters
The layout changes how often you bend, what you reach for most, and how you organize food. If you are troubleshooting cooling or airflow issues on a top-mount like the MRT118FFFH08, the freezer section is also where key airflow components live, such as the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539, which helps move cold air through the compartments.
Practical buying tip (based on real use)
- If you open the freezer multiple times a day, top-mount usually feels more convenient.
- If you cook daily and live out of the fresh-food section, bottom-mount usually feels more comfortable.
- If you want fewer maintenance headaches, choose the simpler layout and features.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Maytag refrigerator?
A Maytag refrigerator typically lasts about 10 to 15 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. For your Maytag MRT118FFFH08 top-mount refrigerator, keeping airflow clear, temperatures steady, and door seals tight helps you reach the high end of that range.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
Most refrigerators fail early due to heat buildup, poor airflow, or temperature control issues. These factors have the biggest impact:
- Condenser cleanliness (dust and pet hair make the compressor run hotter)
- Door seal condition (warm air leaks increase run time and frost)
- Room temperature and ventilation (tight cabinets trap heat)
- Usage habits (frequent door openings, overpacking shelves)
- Cooling system health (fans and sensors keeping temperatures stable)
Quick maintenance that extends life
These are the highest-value steps we recommend for a top-mount refrigerator like the MRT118FFFH08:
- Vacuum and brush the condenser area every 6 to 12 months
- Keep the refrigerator not overpacked so air can circulate
- Set stable temps (typical targets: 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer)
- Check for a tight door seal using the “paper test” (paper should resist pulling out)
- Listen for the evaporator fan; a stalled fan can cause warm temps and heavy frost
Parts that commonly relate to “aging” symptoms
If you are troubleshooting warming, noise, or inconsistent temperatures, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for MRT118FFFH08 |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer, frost buildup | Evaporator fan not moving air | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539 |
| Temps swing, runs too long/too short | Temperature sensor drifting | Thermistor, refrigerator W11438736 |
| Moisture, warm spots, excess run time | Door seal leaking | Refrigerator door gasket (white) W10861499 |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs hot or can’t hold temperature wears out the compressor faster and increases energy use. Catching airflow and sealing problems early is one of the simplest ways to protect the cooling system.
Last updated: January 2026
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 Maytag MRT118FFFH08 is in 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 (one door for freezer, one for refrigerator)
How to confirm you have a top-freezer design
If your refrigerator matches these traits, it is a top-freezer style:
- Freezer compartment is physically above the refrigerator section
- Separate freezer door and refrigerator door
- Doors open from the side (not a pull-out freezer drawer)
| Refrigerator style | Freezer location | Typical door layout |
|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer (top-mount) | Top | Two side-swing doors |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Fridge door(s) plus freezer drawer |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Two tall side-swing doors |
| French door | Bottom | Two fridge doors plus freezer drawer |
Why it matters
Knowing the style helps you match the right parts and troubleshooting steps, especially for airflow and temperature issues that often involve the evaporator area and door sealing.
Parts that commonly relate to top-freezer performance
- Evaporator fan motor (moves cold air through the compartments)
- Evaporator fan blade (pushes airflow across the evaporator)
- Thermistor (helps the control sense temperature)
- Door gasket (prevents warm air leaks)
If you are chasing a cooling or airflow problem on this model, start with the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539 and the how to fix your evaporator cooling fan guide.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the top part of a refrigerator called?
On a Maytag top-mount refrigerator such as model MRT118FFFH08, the top compartment is typically called the freezer compartment (or simply the freezer). It’s the section designed to hold frozen food and, on some setups, it can also support an optional ice maker.
Common names you’ll see
- Freezer compartment
- Freezer section
- Freezer cabinet (less common)
- Freezer liner (refers to the interior shell, not the whole compartment)
What the top compartment does
The freezer compartment is responsible for maintaining temperatures cold enough to keep food frozen and to help the refrigerator section stay evenly cooled.
| Term | What it means | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | The full top section for frozen food | Top (on top-mount models) |
| Refrigerator compartment | Fresh-food section | Bottom |
| Evaporator fan | Circulates cold air from the evaporator area | Typically behind the freezer rear panel |
Related parts that affect freezer performance
If the “top part” is not staying cold, these parts are commonly involved in airflow and temperature control:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315539 (moves cold air through the freezer and into the fresh-food section)
- Thermistor, refrigerator W11438736 (senses temperature so the control can regulate cooling)
- Defrost heat W11562215 (helps prevent frost buildup that can block airflow)
Why it matters
Using the right term helps when you’re ordering Maytag refrigerator parts, describing a cooling problem, or troubleshooting symptoms like warm freezer temperatures, frost buildup, or weak airflow.
Last updated: January 2026
