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Is top mounted refrigerator better than bottom mounted?
A top-mount refrigerator like the GE A3316ABSARWW is “better” when you want lower upfront cost, strong energy efficiency, and a simpler layout; a bottom-mount is “better” when you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier access to the refrigerator section.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Top-mount (freezer on top) | Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | You bend more | More eye-level access |
| Freezer access | Easier | You bend more |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Simpler | Often more complex |
| Energy use | Often efficient | Varies by design |
When a top-mount is the better choice
- You use the freezer often and want it at chest or eye level.
- You want a simpler, proven design with fewer premium features.
- You want good capacity for the footprint in many kitchens.
- You prefer easier maintenance access for common cooling components.
- You want a budget-friendly replacement that still cools reliably.
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You use the refrigerator section most and want less bending.
- You prefer wide refrigerator shelves and easier organization.
- You want a pull-out freezer drawer for better visibility.
- You store lots of fresh produce and grab items frequently.
Why it matters
“Better” depends on how you use your refrigerator day to day. If you open the refrigerator door far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount can feel more convenient. If you want a straightforward, efficient layout and value, a top-mount like the A3316ABSARWW is usually the practical pick.
Parts note for long-term ownership
Whichever style you choose, keeping airflow and door sealing in good shape helps performance. For example, if you ever troubleshoot warm temperatures or unusual noise, common service items on this model include the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X31522 and door gaskets.
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 GE A3316ABSARWW 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 identify it quickly
- Freezer compartment is physically above the refrigerator section
- Two separate doors that open from the side (not a bottom drawer)
- Cooling air typically circulates from the freezer into the fresh-food section
Top-freezer vs. other common styles
| Refrigerator style | Freezer location | Typical door style |
|---|---|---|
| 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 drawer |
Why it matters
Knowing the style helps you match the right parts and troubleshooting steps for airflow, defrost, and door sealing. For example, if you are chasing warm temperatures or frost buildup, top-freezer models often point you toward evaporator airflow and defrost components such as the refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X31522 or refrigerator defrost heater WR51X10038.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the GE A3316ABSARWW top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is typically called the freezer compartment. It’s the colder zone designed to keep foods frozen, and it often houses the ice tray or ice maker (if equipped).
Common names you’ll see (and what they mean)
- Freezer compartment: The top section where temperatures stay below freezing.
- Freezer section: Another common term for the same upper area.
- Freezer cavity: Refers to the insulated interior space behind the freezer door.
- Freezer door: The door that seals the upper compartment.
- Freezer liner: The interior plastic walls inside the freezer.
What’s usually inside the upper (freezer) section
Most top-mount freezers include a mix of these components:
- Shelves or a wire rack
- Door bins (model dependent)
- An ice tray or optional ice maker area
- Air vents that circulate cold air to the fresh food section
- A light (some models place lighting in the fresh food section instead)
Related parts that affect the “upper section” performance
If the upper section is warm, noisy, or frosting up, these parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom in upper section | Common cause | Example part for A3316ABSARWW |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer warm, fridge warm | No airflow across evaporator | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WR60X31522 |
| Frost buildup on back wall | Defrost system issue | Refrigerator defrost heater WR51X10038 |
| Door not sealing, frost/ice at edges | Gasket leak | Refrigerator freezer door gasket WR24X10228 |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name (freezer compartment) helps you match the right GE parts and diagrams when you’re troubleshooting cooling problems, checking door seals, or ordering freezer-related replacement parts.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a top mount fridge?
Top-mount refrigerators like the GE A3316ABSARWW are reliable and cost-effective, but the main disadvantages are convenience and organization: fresh-food items sit lower (more bending), freezer access is higher, and many models have fewer premium features than bottom-freezer designs.
Common disadvantages to expect
- More bending for daily use: the refrigerator section is below the freezer, so you reach down more often for produce, drinks, and leftovers.
- Less fresh-food organization: many top-mount layouts have fewer drawer and shelf configurations than newer bottom-mount styles.
- Harder access for kids or shorter users: the freezer is at eye level or above, which can be inconvenient.
- Fewer built-in features on many models: external water and ice dispensers are less common on traditional top-mount designs.
- Freezer can feel cramped: stacking frozen items can make it harder to see what you have.
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 | Higher, easier reach | Lower, more bending |
| Organization | Often simpler | Often more flexible |
| Typical cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
When a “disadvantage” becomes a real problem
These drawbacks matter most when you:
- Use fresh food more than frozen food (daily cooking, meal prep)
- Have back or knee discomfort
- Need more door-bin and drawer organization
- Want dispenser-style convenience
Related part note (not a disadvantage, but common upkeep)
If you are comparing styles because your current unit is aging, basic maintenance parts can keep performance steady. For example, a worn door seal can cause temperature swings and longer run times; the refrigerator door gasket WR24X10230 is one option listed for this model.
Last updated: January 2026
