Maytag MTB2455DRW refrigerator Parts

A top-mount refrigerator is a classic refrigerator layout where the freezer compartment is on top and the fresh-food (refrigerator) compartment is below. Your Maytag MTB2455DRW uses this design to keep everyday refrigerated items at easy reach while storing frozen foods above.

How a top-mount layout is organized

In most top-mount refrigerators (including Maytag models like MTB2455DRW), you will typically see:

• A top freezer section with shelves or a bin for frozen foods
• A lower fresh-food section with adjustable shelves and crisper drawers
• A temperature control system that cools the freezer first, then routes cold air to the refrigerator
• Door bins in both sections for frequently used items

Top-mount vs. other refrigerator styles

Here is a quick comparison to help you identify what you have and why it feels different day to day:

Style	Freezer location	What it’s best for	Common tradeoff
Top-mount	Top	Simple layout, usually lower cost, easy freezer access	Bending more for fresh-food items
Bottom-mount	Bottom	Fresh-food items at eye level	Frozen items lower down
Side-by-side	Left or right side	Narrow door swing, easy access to both sections	Narrower shelves for wide items

Why it matters for troubleshooting and parts

The “top-mount” design affects how cooling and airflow problems show up. For example, if the freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, the issue is often related to airflow between compartments (such as frost buildup, a weak evaporator fan, or blocked vents).

• If you hear unusual fan noise or the refrigerator side is warming up, use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan
• If you are dealing with odors after a spill or power outage, use how to get rid of refrigerator smells
• If you want to reduce temperature swings and improve performance, use how to use your refrigerator efficiently

Last updated: February 2026

Top-mount refrigerators like the Maytag MTB2455DRW are reliable and straightforward, but the main disadvantages are less convenient fresh-food access (you bend more), fewer built-in organization features than many bottom-freezer styles, and fewer dispenser options on many models.

Common disadvantages (what you notice day to day)

• More bending for fresh food: the refrigerator section sits lower, so produce drawers and shelves are accessed from a lower position.
• Less flexible organization: many top-mount designs have fewer specialty drawers, dividers, and wide pantry-style storage than some bottom-mount layouts.
• Freezer at eye level can feel cramped: the upper freezer is convenient for frozen items, but can be tighter for bulky boxes.
• Fewer exterior features on many models: through-the-door water and ice are less common on top-mount units.
• Temperature swings from frequent freezer use: opening the top freezer often can slightly affect overall airflow, especially if vents get blocked.

Quick comparison: top mount vs. bottom freezer

Feature	Top mount (like MTB2455DRW)	Bottom freezer
Fresh-food access	Lower, more bending	Higher, easier access
Freezer access	Convenient, upper level	Lower drawer, easier for large items
Organization	Often simpler	Often more configurable
Dispensers	Less common	More common on many models

How to reduce the downsides

• Keep everyday items on the upper refrigerator shelves to reduce bending.
• Avoid blocking air vents with tall containers; airflow issues can make temps uneven.
• Use bins to group foods (snacks, deli, breakfast) so you open the door for less time.
• If you have a water system, replace filters on schedule to keep flow and taste consistent; see how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Why it matters

Most “disadvantages” are really about ergonomics and storage style. If you shop often for fresh foods, the lower fridge access is the biggest tradeoff; if you use frozen foods more, the upper freezer can be a benefit.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Maytag refrigerators, including top-mount models like MTB2455DRW, typically last 12 to 15 years with normal household use. Consistent cleaning, good airflow around the cabinet, and fixing small cooling or water issues early are the biggest factors that keep a refrigerator running longer.

Typical lifespan ranges (what to expect)

Refrigerator life varies most by usage, maintenance, and how hard the compressor has to work.

Refrigerator type	Typical lifespan	Notes
Top-mount (freezer on top)	12 to 15 years	Often a strong value for longevity and efficiency
Side-by-side	10 to 14 years	More doors and features can mean more wear points
French door	9 to 13 years	More seals, drawers, and airflow paths to maintain

What shortens lifespan fastest

These are the most common conditions that push a refrigerator to fail earlier.

• Dirty condenser area (dust and pet hair make the system run hotter and longer)
• Poor ventilation (tight enclosure, blocked rear or bottom airflow)
• Door seal leaks (warm air intrusion causes long run times and frost issues)
• Overloading or blocking vents inside (reduces airflow to the fresh food section)
• Ignoring early symptoms (warm temps, unusual noises, water leaks)

Maintenance that adds years

A few simple habits reduce compressor run time and prevent common failures.

• Keep the condenser area clean and maintain clearance for airflow
• Set stable temperatures (avoid frequent dial changes)
• Keep door gaskets clean and ensure doors close fully
• Level the refrigerator so doors self-close and seals seat evenly
• Replace water filtration on schedule if your unit uses one (see how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator)

Why it matters

A refrigerator usually wears out from heat and long run times. When airflow is restricted or seals leak, the sealed system works harder, which accelerates wear on the compressor and cooling components.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Maytag top-mount refrigerator like model MTB2455DRW, the model number is typically printed on a rating label inside the fresh food compartment, most often on the upper left interior frame or near the control housing.

Where to look first (fastest checks)

• Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door and check the upper left interior frame.
• Look along the side wall just inside the door opening.
• Check the underside or edge of the temperature control housing (control panel area).
• If you do not see it in the refrigerator section, check the freezer compartment side walls.
• Look for a label that includes both model and serial numbers.

What the label looks like

Most Maytag rating labels include:

• The word Model followed by letters and numbers (example format: MTB2455DRW)
• A Serial number
• Electrical info (volts/amps)
• Sometimes a bar code

What you need	Why it matters	Example
Model number	Ensures parts fit your exact refrigerator	MTB2455DRW
Serial number	Helps match production series and revisions	Varies

Why it matters

Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator parts (like a door gasket, evaporator fan motor, or water filter) and helps us match diagrams and compatible replacements.

Related DIY help

If you are tracking down parts related to water and ice, our Maytag-specific guide can help you identify and service common filter setups: how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Last updated: February 2026

Maytag refrigerator dimensions vary by model and configuration; for your Maytag MTB2455DRW top-mount refrigerator, the most reliable way to size it is to measure the cabinet and doors directly (including handles) and plan installation clearances around those measurements.

How to measure your MTB2455DRW (the numbers you actually need)

Use a tape measure and record each dimension twice: once for the cabinet only, and once including doors and handles.

• Height: floor to the top of the hinge cover (also note height with leveling legs adjusted)
• Width: widest point with doors closed (include door edges if they protrude)
• Depth: back of cabinet to front; measure without handles and with handles
• Door swing: measure how far the doors need to open to clear shelves and drawers
• Ventilation clearance: leave space behind and above for airflow

Typical top-mount size range (for planning only)

If you are estimating before measuring, most full-size Maytag top-mount refrigerators land in these bands:

Dimension	Typical range	What to measure on yours
Height	65 to 70 in.	To top of hinge cover
Width	29 to 33 in.	Widest point with doors closed
Depth	30 to 34 in.	With and without handles

Fit and clearance checklist

These checks prevent “it fits in the opening but not in real life” problems:

• Compare opening width to refrigerator width plus side clearance
• Confirm depth so doors and handles do not block walkways
• Verify overhead clearance so the unit can be rolled in and leveled
• Measure the delivery path (doorways, turns, stairs)

Why it matters

Exact dimensions affect door swing, airflow, and whether drawers can open fully. If your MTB2455DRW has a water filter, service access space matters too; see how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator for typical filter locations and clearance needs.

Last updated: February 2026