Jeff Flowers on March 3, 2016 23 Comments Few appliances are harder working than the ordinary, everyday refrigerator. Working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep your food cold and safe is a pretty big job. Although most refrigerators are functional, new models of refrigerators aim to go beyond the standard features and offer consumers a host of high-end options. One common feature that is growing in popularity is the bottom freezer. A bottom freezer refrigerator offers consumers several advantages over a traditional top freezer or side-by-side model, but also a few drawbacks. I personally own one of these refrigerators and wanted to discuss some of the pros and cons to give you a better idea of whether this refrigerator style is the best fit for you and your family. The Pros First, let’s look at some of the advantages of refrigerators that feature a freezer down below. 1. Space Saving Design Unfortunately, side-by-side refrigerator/freezer combinations have a reputation of being space hogs. It’s not uncommon for people to complain that they have trouble fitting larger items, especially in a cramped freezer. By comparison, the bottom freezer utilizes the lesser-used space at the basement of your refrigerator. Unlike top freezers that house the ice maker, the ice maker in a bottom freezer refrigerator stays in the top section, which frees up more freezer space down at the bottom. Most come with a variety of space-saving features as well. From pull out drawers to adjustable shelves, newer refrigerators offer customizable space to allow their owners to determine what works best for them. 2. Convenience For most people, the refrigerator gets heavy daily use, whereas the freezer is opened far less frequently. By moving the freezer to the bottom, the refrigerator portion occupies more easily accessible space. Putting food closer to eye level not only means that it’ll be easier to reach, it will also be less likely to get lost in a dark corner at the bottom of the refrigerator. Additionally, most bottom freezers come equipped with handy pull out baskets, making storage and access even more convenient. We use the large space in the freezer for items like frozen pizzas and family-sized meals, and then keep our frozen veggies or fruits stored in the rolling storage drawer in the top. This not only helps us stay organized, but also is a more efficient use of the space. 3. Variable Temperature Settings The advantages to this newer style of refrigerator doesn’t stop at the freezer, either. Several models feature a convenient pull out drawer directly above the freezer. This drawer can be stocked with frequently eaten snacks or beverages and set at a different temperature than the main portion of the refrigerator. My family uses this drawer for a variety of drinks, including water bottles, juice boxes and sodas, and then changed the temperature to a pre-set “drink setting” that is featured on the drawer itself. In essence, this eliminates the need to have a separate beverage fridge. Likewise, some models also allow for the vegetable crisper drawers to be set at a different temperature than that of the main refrigerator. This helps keep your produce fresh for longer, helping you waste less food and save money. 4. Smaller Footprint For people who need a smaller refrigerator, several models that feature bottom freezers are small enough to slide into a tight space. If you live in an apartment or have a small kitchen with limited space for a refrigerator but want a better-than-basic model, you may find a good option in a bottom-mounted freezer. The Cons Now that we know of some of the advantages, let’s now look at some of the disadvantages of refrigerators that feature a freezer at the bottom. 1. Cost By far, the biggest drawback of a bottom freezer refrigerator is the cost. Obviously, the total cost is always dependent on the size, brand and features within the unit, but as a whole, this type of refrigerator tends to be more on the expensive side. On top of that, the higher costs don’t stop at the purchase price either. Many bottom freezer refrigerators opt for French door access for the top section. Unfortunately, this design is not as energy efficient as other styles. As a result, the monthly usage cost may be slightly higher. While these costs are going to be minimal, they do add up when you consider the overall life expectancy of your average refrigerator. 2. Heavier Items at the Bottom Frozen foods, like turkeys and hams, can be quite heavy. Having them nestled in a bottom freezer means more bending to get to them. This is obviously something that should be of concern for the elderly, as lifting these heavier items may pose problems. Additionally, if you or anyone in your family has a bad back, bending and lifting heftier items can often be a dangerous combination. However, if you’re like me and only buy a frozen turkey at Thanksgiving, then this may not be a major concern or factor in your decision. If you or anyone in your family fit into either of these categories, then a bottom freezer refrigerator may not be a best choice for you. Types of Bottom Freezer Models If you do opt for a bottom freezer refrigerator, you will have several models and styles to choose from. The freezer component comes in two basic choices. It is either a pull out drawer or a swing-door freezer. For the refrigerator design, you typically have to choose from the following three options: Single door top refrigerator. Dual French-door top refrigerator. French-door with additional pull out drawer in the middle. Like other refrigerators, those featuring a bottom freezer are available in a range of colors and finishes. Whether you are looking for a sleek stainless steel refrigerator or one with a black or white finish, they are all available in this type of fridge. Buying Tips We have another article that discusses what you need to know when buying a refrigerator, and if you are currently shopping for one, I would strongly recommend you give that a read. But, just in case you’re reading this while standing at the store looking at refrigerators, I’ve compiled a quick checklist to help you evaluate refrigerators. Here are a few things to make sure are on your list to check: 1. Energy Efficiency Rating Refrigerators are sold with the Energy Star ratings and average annual operating cost clearly marked. Don’t just look at the rating, however, because efficiency standards actually vary widely between types of refrigerators. Instead, compare the annual expected operating costs, which will give you a better comparison between different types of refrigerators. Be sure to look at a variety of floor models so that you can compare the costs associated with each choice. Take your time analyzing how efficient each model is, because it will play a role in what you have to pay on a monthly basis. 2. Measure Your Space It’s easy to get caught up in the latest bells and whistles. However, even the most loaded model will be a major disappointment if you get it home, and it won’t fit. To avoid these unpleasant surprises, measure your space carefully before heading out to shop. Be sure to measure height, width, and depth. Check the specifications for each model to make sure they match the space you have available. I especially want to highlight the importance of measuring the depth. This is because I failed to do so when buying our refrigerator. After going through the process of selecting the one I thought was right, I got it home and discovered that it protruded out past the cabinets and eats up some of the space when you walk by. I’ve bumped into it and stubbed my toes on countless occasions. Don’t make the same mistake as me; make sure you measure the depth. If you haven’t done that, go home and do so. 3. Budget Don’t forget to set a budget for your purchase before you go shopping. Faced with shiny new refrigerators, it is easy to get carried away and spend far more than you were intending. After doing a bit of online research, you should be able to identify a price range that won’t break the bank. Add that magic number to your list before you head to the store, and then stick to it. When the shopping excitement fizzles and you see your bank account drop like a rock, you’ll be happy you did. Takeaways When you are in the market for a new refrigerator, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not considering one with a freezer at the bottom. Consider your needs and your typical use when selecting which model is best for you. Visit a showroom and compare bottom freezer refrigerators with other styles in person. This will give you a better idea of whether or not it’s the right fit for your kitchen.
Tony Bidwell says May 18, 2016 at 1:48 pm I’ve had all 3 types of refrigerators & the downside of the top or bottom mount freezers for me was that I wasn’t able 2 get 2 the food in the freezers! With my Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator, the problem of me getting into the freezer is a thing of the past! Reply
Wine girl says September 15, 2016 at 12:24 pm We bought a bottom freezer stainless steel frig as that was what everyone raved about. Hate stainless steel and would never buy again. Too hard to keep clean. And the freezer on the bottom is terrible. Nothing but a big junk drawer of food. No organization like the top freezer or side by side. Leaving this frig when we sell house – don’t want it. And it cost us an arm and a leg. Reply
Hello Lady. says January 14, 2017 at 11:31 pm thanks for the comment.. we are about to purchase one and i dont want to break my back getting to the freezer with the bottom freezers.. we have side by side Kenmore and it’s wearing down and need to start researching pros and cons.. Reply
Deborah Plaisance says November 12, 2017 at 12:32 pm They also gave freezer on the bottom with compartments. Reply
Bonnie Tolson says April 17, 2017 at 8:11 pm I recently sold my home. I had a bottom freezer and loved it!! I hated to leave it there but, I just bought another one with bottom freezer for my new place and wouldn’t have anything else!! You’re in the refrigerator more than the freezer. It’s sooo nice to have your refrigerator eye level. You can also organize the freezer. Some people can’t accept change and that’s ok. I highly recommend a bottom freezer. Hope I helped if you’re trying to make a decision. Reply
Mary Lou Oster says October 26, 2018 at 5:31 pm I totally agree with you. We had a bottom mount freezer all of my growing up years, and for the 1st 40 years of my marriage. When our last frig quit, my husband convinced me we should have a top mount. It’s been 2 yrs now and I STILL hate it.(and I still haven’t forgiven him for it) Reply
Vicki Z. says July 20, 2017 at 9:25 pm I bought a brown bottom freezer in the early 80s it had French doors. I loved it although the french door seals needed replacing a few times. In the late 80s I bought another only black and moved the 1st. to the garage. One of the things I found convenient was the ease to child proof the bottom area which was used so less often then the top. The brown one retired in the mid 2000s where the black one is still working and now in my sons kitchen… both were textured and easy to wipe clean. My last one was a normal everyday white fridge with an upper freezer and I hated it. I hate the bottom drawers to get things out of and keep clean and it never seemed to fail how I always managed to hit my head on the freezer handle when taking stuff out. Now I’ve got a black side by side and as others stated it looks so big but handles such small amts. and sizes, I shut off the ice maker so I have some place to toss frozen vegetables. its full and it’s hard to say what’s in there. If I ever have to use a normal top freezer again perhaps I’ll change the freezer door to open the opposite way from the fridge door, that just might save my head injuries. It seems to me that I’m usually only grabbing an item at a time from the freezer anyways. If I could choose again it would be textured black, maybe white french upper doors with a couple lowers freezer drawers. Reply
Steve Struchen says July 21, 2017 at 8:09 am Your idea of having the doors open in opposite directions will not work because the common center hinge is needed by both doors for their pivot points. Reply
Carmela Ho says December 27, 2017 at 6:18 pm We bought a bottom freezer refrigerator about a year ago and for the most I love it. I love the space I seem to have with the french door refrigerator over the side by side refrigerators. My only problem with the freezer is the freezer drawer keeps getting stuck and doesn’t want to pull out. We’ve had the technician come out several times regarding this and they just tell us that we have to thaw the metal tracks to the drawer because it keeps getting iced. That’s some major flaw in design. Reply
Jean Sloss says June 7, 2019 at 9:19 am Carmela, can I ask what the Brand and model is so I DON’T buy it and have the same problem? Thanks for alerting others. I hope you don’t have anymore problems. Jean Reply
SONIA VERA says January 17, 2018 at 4:52 pm Were you looking at my list of question? You answered each one of them. Thanks Reply
Sharon Bowers says January 21, 2018 at 2:25 pm Great q and A. I am a former home economics teacher and have always done a lot of research on my appliances. I had the first model of the Amana original microwave in 1975! I am getting older and widowed and moving into a smaller home where I need to buy all new kitchen appliances and it is quite daunting. I have a Kitchenaid freezer on the bottom of the refrigerator now it’s about 15 years old and has been wonderful. I am surprised however how much more expensive they are than the freezer on the top and not sure the extra cost is worth the pros. I would love the bottom freezer with the French doors but they are too wide for the space I have. I am considering going back to white and want to know your thoughts on whether that’s considered very old fashioned. I don’t want the black or the black stainless because it’s too dark. I would love the bottom freezer with the French doors but they are too wide for the space I have. Also would you advise if I should buy all of the kitchen appliances in the same brand and would you consider I purchase the extra years warranty for them. Thank you. Reply
Ron says February 12, 2018 at 7:27 am We had a space problem too but found a French door GE that fit our needs but has SS that shows fingerprints (I hate it and wish we could have gotten white; but it fit). Go to the appliance store AFTER carefully measuring the width and height of the opening and see what they have for your needs. Reply
Margo Reding says January 22, 2018 at 6:56 pm We are updating our kitchen appliances and are strongly leaning towards the GE slate finish. It is not glossy. My husband has tried to leave prints on it (he’s a messy) and could not leave a mark! The only reason to get all in one brand is for color consistency. I truly wish the textured finish was still available. They put it on the sides now but not the front. It is the best ever for non shine and print-free. Reply
Laurie Haas says March 28, 2018 at 5:39 pm how do you clean the coils on a bottom freezer? is it easier to do or harder than a side by side, Reply
dmusty1 says May 18, 2018 at 5:20 pm My question is: if the concern for a bottom freezer is that elderly people may have trouble lifting out heavy items and a top freezer is better for that reason, then how do you suppose that heavy turkey gets lifted up and stored in the top freezer? Reply
JFKS says June 22, 2018 at 3:37 pm Lol, bad backs are from bending over and lifting heavy. The heavy turkey into the top probably never was down very low in the first place. Reply
G.K says July 13, 2018 at 2:11 am The argument that bottom freezers are harder on your back is ridiculous. Are you only considering elderly short folks that only eat frozen dinners? I’m a Dutch mother with a tall teenage son. 6’3″. We are all tall. So bending down for my veggies in the bottom is a pain. My kids never look at the bottom shelf. And our freezer is used to store meat, frozen veggies and sometime ice cream. So it’s not opened daily. I just wish there was a medium sized plain white bottom freezer economy style fridge. Don’t need, nor can afford all these top of the line, stainless steel wide frills. I just want a bottom freezer model for the same price as a top model. What’s so hard about that? Why can they make these in Europe but not in the USA? Reply
Tyler says June 7, 2019 at 4:14 am I had a bottom mount freezer but didn’t like it. They put the motor and other mechanicals in the space with the freezer drawer. It made a huge bulge in the drawer taking up space that we couldn’t use. Reply
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Rupali Kombade says January 1, 2020 at 11:13 pm Are bottom fridger refrigerator consume more power as compared to normal refrigerator?? Reply
