What is a top mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator is a refrigerator design with the freezer compartment on top and the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment below. Your Frigidaire FFTR1814QW8B uses this classic layout to keep frozen items at eye level and everyday refrigerated items within easy reach.
How a top-mount layout is set up
In a top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire FFTR1814QW8B:
- The freezer door is the upper door.
- The refrigerator door is the lower door.
- Cold air is produced at the evaporator and circulated to both sections.
- Many models use a simple airflow control to balance freezer vs. fresh food temperatures.
Why people choose a top-mount refrigerator
Top-mount models are popular because they are straightforward and space-efficient.
- Typically lower purchase and repair cost than more complex styles
- Wide shelves and bins for everyday groceries
- Freezer storage is easy to access without bending
- Fewer electronic features means fewer failure points
- Works well in many kitchens, apartments, and garages (when allowed by the manual)
Quick comparison: top-mount vs. other common styles
| Refrigerator style | Freezer location | Most noticeable benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Top-mount | Top | Simple, classic layout with easy freezer access |
| Bottom-mount | Bottom | Fresh food at eye level, less bending for daily items |
| Side-by-side | Left/right | Narrow door swing, easy access to both sections |
| French door | Bottom drawer | Wide fresh food space, premium storage layout |
Why it matters for use and troubleshooting
The freezer-on-top design affects airflow and door sealing. If doors do not close and seal correctly, temperatures can drift and frost can build up. The FFTR1814QW8B installation instructions emphasize leveling the cabinet so doors close freely and seal properly; we recommend following the steps in the FFTR1814QW8B installation guide.
Helpful related reading
If you ever see a display code or suspect a control issue, use Frigidaire refrigerator error codes to narrow down the problem before replacing parts.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Frigidaire top mount freezer not freezing?
If your Frigidaire FFTR1814QW8B top-mount freezer is not freezing, the most common causes are incorrect control settings, restricted airflow, dirty condenser coils, or a defrost problem. Start by confirming the freezer control is set colder and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after any adjustment (per the troubleshooting guidance in the FFTR1814QW8B owner's manual).
Quick checks we recommend first
- Make sure the freezer control is not set too warm; adjust colder and wait 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Confirm the refrigerator/freezer control is not set to “0” (off).
- Check that the doors close fully and the gasket seals all the way around.
- Look for blocked vents or overpacked shelves that prevent cold air circulation.
- Clean condenser coils and make sure the condenser fan area is not blocked by dust or debris.
What to look for based on symptoms
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer is warm but fridge seems OK | Freezer control set too warm or airflow issue | Set freezer colder; clear vents; wait 24 hours |
| Both sections are warm | Cooling system not running or stuck in defrost | Check power, control not at “0”; wait 20 minutes if in defrost |
| Frost or ice buildup on freezer back wall | Defrost system problem | Inspect defrost components; consider replacing the refrigerator defrost heater 242044008 |
| Freezer temp swings a lot | Door leak or frequent openings | Inspect gasket, reduce door openings, verify door alignment |
Parts that commonly relate to “not freezing”
If you find heavy frost buildup or the freezer warms up over time, the defrost system is a frequent culprit.
- Refrigerator defrost heater 242044008 (melts frost off the evaporator)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 (helps control defrost heating)
- Evaporator fan motor (if the fan is not running, cold air will not circulate properly)
Why it matters
A freezer that is not freezing is often an airflow or defrost issue. When frost blocks the evaporator, the refrigerator can run but cannot move enough cold air, so temperatures rise and food safety becomes a concern.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common problem we see on Frigidaire refrigerators like model FFTR1814QW8B is a cooling complaint (refrigerator or freezer not cold enough). In many cases, the root cause is restricted airflow, a fan problem, or a door that is not sealing, all of which make temperatures unstable.
Quick checks that fix many “not cooling” complaints
- Confirm the refrigerator has run with doors closed for at least 8 hours after setup before judging temperatures.
- Make sure the controls are not set to “0” (off).
- Verify the unit is installed in a suitable space; operation below 55°F can cause temperature problems.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; if it is silent or noisy, airflow can drop.
- Check door closure and gasket contact all the way around.
Common causes and what they look like
| Symptom | Most likely area | What you typically notice |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food warm, freezer OK | Airflow from freezer to fridge | Weak airflow at vents, uneven temps |
| Freezer warm, fridge warm | Cooling system or airflow | Long run times, little to no cold air |
| Frost buildup on freezer back wall | Defrost system | Temps rise over days, then improve after manual defrost |
| Condensation, warm spots near door | Door seal | Moisture, sweating, food spoils faster |
Parts that commonly relate to these problems on FFTR1814QW8B
If troubleshooting points to a specific failure, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 242219204 (no/weak airflow, squealing, intermittent cooling)
- Refrigerator defrost heater 242044008 (heavy frost, blocked airflow)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 (defrost not completing correctly)
- Frigidaire refrigerator door gasket (white) 242193206 (air leaks, condensation)
Why it matters
Cooling problems are usually airflow or sealing related, and they can cause food safety issues quickly. Using the correct control settings and keeping airflow paths clear helps the compressor maintain stable temperatures.
Model-specific guidance
For FFTR1814QW8B control settings, operating temperature limits (55°F to 110°F), and the “before you call” checklist, follow the FFTR1814QW8B owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Frigidaire FFTR1814QW8B top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the insulated area designed to keep foods frozen and, on some models, it can also support an automatic ice maker when connected to a water supply (if equipped).
What the freezer compartment does
The freezer compartment is built to maintain below-freezing temperatures and to share cold air with the fresh food section through vents and airflow.
- Keeps frozen foods at safe storage temperatures
- Helps cool the refrigerator section through air circulation
- Houses freezer shelves/bins and the freezer door seal
- May include an ice maker (some models)
For model-specific operating details and control locations, use the FFTR1814QW8B owner's manual.
Common terms you may see
Different guides and parts diagrams may use slightly different names for the same “upper part.”
| Term | What it usually means | Where you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | The entire upper frozen-food section | Manuals, troubleshooting |
| Freezer section | Same as freezer compartment | General instructions |
| Freezer door | The upper door that seals the freezer | Parts lists, repairs |
| Auxiliary freezer control | A knob/control that fine-tunes freezer temp on some units | Use and care info |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps you pick the right parts and follow the right troubleshooting steps. For example, temperature adjustments can affect both compartments, and blocking air vents can reduce cooling performance in the freezer and refrigerator.
If you’re diagnosing cooling issues or airflow problems, we also recommend how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Last updated: January 2026





