What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the Frigidaire FRT22IRSHB0 typically cost less and are reliable, but the main disadvantages are less convenient fresh-food access (more bending), fewer premium storage features, and fewer dispenser options compared with bottom-freezer or side-by-side designs.
Common drawbacks (what you will notice day to day)
- More bending for fresh food: the refrigerator section is lower, so you reach down more often.
- Less “eye-level” organization: many top-mounts have simpler bins and fewer adjustable features.
- Limited dispenser features: many top-mount models do not include an external water or ice dispenser.
- Freezer access can be crowded: the upper freezer can feel tight when storing bulky items.
- Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the top freezer often can slightly affect overall airflow.
Quick comparison: top-mount vs. bottom-freezer
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Lower, more bending | Higher, easier access |
| Freezer access | Eye-level | Lower drawer |
| Storage/organization | Often simpler | Often more flexible |
| Dispensers | Less common | More common |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
When a top-mount is still the better choice
A top-mount can be a great fit if you prioritize value and simplicity, or if you use the freezer more than the fresh-food section.
- You want a straightforward design with fewer features to maintain
- You do not need an external water/ice dispenser
- You prefer a lighter door load (no dispenser hardware)
- You want to keep repair costs predictable (common parts are widely available)
Why it matters
Choosing the right layout affects daily comfort and food visibility. If you access fresh foods many times per day, a bottom-freezer layout can reduce bending. If you mainly want dependable cooling at a lower upfront cost, a top-mount like FRT22IRSHB0 is often a practical choice.
If you are comparing repair costs or planning a fix, browsing model-matched parts like the refrigerator thermostat 5303917954 can help you understand what is serviceable on this refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
Is a top mount or bottom mount fridge better?
Neither style is universally “better”; it depends on how you use your Frigidaire refrigerator and what you want easiest to reach. A top-mount (like model FRT22IRSHB0) keeps frozen foods at eye level, while a bottom-mount puts fresh-food items at eye level and reduces bending for everyday fridge access.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount refrigerator | Bottom-mount refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Most convenient access | Freezer items | Fresh-food items |
| Typical freezer layout | Shelf-style | Pull-out drawer |
| Best for | Frequent freezer use | Frequent fresh-food use |
| Bending down | More for fridge section | More for freezer section |
How to choose for your kitchen and habits
- If you use frozen foods daily, a top-mount usually feels faster and simpler.
- If you cook with fresh ingredients often, a bottom-mount keeps the most-used shelves closer to eye level.
- If you have mobility or back concerns, bottom-mount designs typically reduce bending for the refrigerator section.
- If you like quick visibility of frozen items, top-mount shelves can be easier to scan than a deep drawer.
- If you store bulky frozen items, a bottom freezer drawer can be easier to load and organize.
What “better” looks like in real life
Most households open the refrigerator section more than the freezer. That is why many people prefer bottom-mount designs for day-to-day convenience. Top-mount models remain a strong choice when freezer access and straightforward storage matter most.
Why it matters
Choosing the right layout helps you avoid overbuying, reduce food waste, and make daily loading and unloading easier. It also affects how often you bump shelves, door bins, and handles during normal use.
If you are refreshing worn storage or hardware on your FRT22IRSHB0, matching parts by model helps ensure proper fit, such as the refrigerator door rack 215516220.
Last updated: January 2026
Should the arm on a Frigidaire ice maker be up or down?
On the Frigidaire FRT22IRSHB0 top-mount refrigerator, the ice maker wire shutoff arm should be down for ice production (ON). Lift the arm up to stop ice making (OFF), such as when the bin is full or you want to pause ice.
What the arm positions mean
- Arm down (ON): Ice maker is allowed to cycle and fill the ice bin.
- Arm up (OFF): Ice maker is shut off and should not harvest or refill.
- Arm moves up by itself: This usually happens when the ice bin is full and the arm is blocked by ice.
Quick checks if you are not getting ice
- Confirm the ice bin is installed fully and pushed back into place.
- Make sure the arm is not stuck on a chunk of ice or the freezer wall.
- Verify the freezer is cold enough; most top-mount units make ice best around 0°F.
- Look for a frozen fill tube or ice jam in the ice maker.
- If the ice maker cycles but does not release cubes, the mold or drive components may be worn.
Common symptoms and what they point to
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No ice and arm is up | Ice maker is turned off | Lower the arm to ON |
| Ice overflows or keeps making | Arm not moving freely | Clear ice obstruction and recheck |
| Cycles but cubes do not eject | Mold or drive issue | Inspect ice maker components |
| Ice is small or hollow | Water fill issue | Check for frozen fill tube or low water flow |
Parts that may help (when the arm is down but ice still will not drop)
If the ice maker is on but cubes are not forming or releasing normally, these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:
- Ice maker mold 241798231 (forms the cubes)
- Gear 5304469403 (drives the ejector mechanism)
Why it matters
The shutoff arm is the ice maker’s simple on/off control. Keeping it down ensures normal ice production; lifting it prevents overfilling, reduces clumping, and is the right step before servicing the ice maker.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
Cooling problems are the most common issue we see with Frigidaire refrigerators, including the Frigidaire FRT22IRSHB0. In most cases, the root cause is restricted airflow (dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, or a weak fan) or warm air leaking in through a door seal.
Most common symptoms (and what they usually point to)
- Fresh food section warm but freezer cold: airflow problem from the freezer to the refrigerator
- Freezer warm and refrigerator warm: condenser coils clogged, condenser fan issue, or sealed-system/compressor problem
- Frost building up on the back wall of the freezer: defrost system issue
- Temperature swings: thermostat/control issue or airflow blockage
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply issue or ice maker component failure
Quick checks we recommend first (10 to 20 minutes)
- Check the settings: set the refrigerator to about 37°F and the freezer to about 0°F.
- Inspect airflow: make sure food packages are not blocking vents in either compartment.
- Clean the condenser area: dust buildup under or behind the cabinet commonly causes poor cooling.
- Listen for fans: you should typically hear a fan running when the compressor is running.
- Check door closing and sealing: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or doors that do not self-close.
Parts that commonly relate to “not cooling” complaints
If basic checks do not restore normal temperatures, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
| Problem area | What it affects | Example part for FRT22IRSHB0 |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature control/defrost sensing | Can cause warm temps or frost buildup | Refrigerator thermostat 5303917954 |
| Compressor (sealed system) | Both sections warm, long run times | Refrigerator compressor 5304478809 |
| Ice maker mechanism | No ice or small/irregular cubes | Ice maker mold 241798231 |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that cannot move heat efficiently will run longer, struggle to hold safe food temperatures, and can lead to frost buildup or ice maker issues. Addressing airflow and heat removal first solves the majority of “Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling” complaints.
Last updated: January 2026





