Ever open your refrigerator and realize the milk is hiding behind a giant jar of pickles? We’ve all been there! Finding what you need quickly in a standard fridge can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when the best items are always on the bottom shelf.
That is why bottom-freezer refrigerators have become so popular. They flip the script, putting the fresh food you use every day right at eye level. But choosing the right one is still tricky. Do you need a drawer style or a door? How big should it be? These choices affect your kitchen life every single day.
In this guide, we cut through the confusion. We will show you the best features, the pros and cons of each style, and exactly what to look for so you buy the perfect fit for your family. Get ready to organize your kitchen like a pro!
Top Refrigerators With Bottom Freezer Recommendations
No. 1
BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer, Apartment Size Fridge with Bottom Freezer, for Apartment, Office, Kitchen and Garage, Stainless Steel, Silver
- Space-saving and enough capacity: this apartment fridge with bottom freezer, 21.3" W x 20.7" D x 56"H, With a bottom freezer capacity of 1.65 Cu.Ft and a refrigerated section capacity of 5.45 Cu.Ft. This aprtment refrigerator is designed to optimize space while providing ample room for storing your favorite food and beverages.It is ideal for apartments,bedroom,office,and kitchen.
- 5 temperature settings: The refrigerator has five temperature settings with excellent cooling performance. The freezer ranges from -5.6°F to 15.1°F and the refrigerator,from 32°F to 50°F. The temperature settings range from 1 (warmest) to 5 (coldest), with 3 being the optimal temperature. You can store various foods including meat, eggs, milk, beer,coffee,vegetables, fruit, and ice cream. Enjoy optimal food preservation with our adjustable temperature fridge.
- Efficient internal compartments: the 7.1 cu.ft fridge has a double-door design with a separate freezer and refrigerator. The refrigerated section includes removable glass shelves, you can freely adjust the height of the compartment in this area to meet your storage needs. The crisper drawer provides a separate storage area for fruits and vegetables. The side door racks offer beverage storage. There are two drawers in the freezer, which provides more storage space and is more tidy and orderly.
- Energy-efficient and quiet: This refrigerator is designed to save energy and operates at an average of 39 dB during normal use, which won't disturb your daily life.Please note that due to transport, the refrigerator may experience some bumps, so it's recommended to place it upright for 6-12 hours before plugging it in to ensure its quiet operation and longer lifespan.
- Enhanced details: BANGSON apartment size fridge comes with reversible doors to fit your preference. The automatic night light in the refrigeration compartment makes it easy to locate items in the dark. The bottom leveling legs allow it for stable placement on uneven surfaces. It also includes an ice tray, a defrost tool, and an egg shelf.
No. 2
Upstreman 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer, Apartment Fridge with Freezer, Energy-efficient, Large Capacity, Adjustable Thermostat, Refrigerator for Apartment, Kitchen, Dorm,Silver(BM71)
- 7.1 Cu.Ft Large Capacity Fridge: This space-saving double-door (21.46"W x 55.91"H x 21.46"D) refrigerator packs serious storage. Top 5.45 Cu.Ft fridge enable you could grab eggs, beverages and vegetables at eye level – no bending! While the bottom 1.65 Cu.Ft Freezer let you could lift heavy frozen goods (5-lb chicken packs, 12" pizzas) from waist height – reduces back strain. Removable shelves fit gallon jugs vertically and party platters flat! Suitable for apartments, dorms, and busy families
- Precise 5 Temperatures Control: The refrigerator compartment maintains an ideal temperature range of 35°F to 50°F, keeping food fresh and flavorful, while the freezer operates at a frosty -5.6°F to 15.1°F. Customize cooling for beverages, party platters, or energy-saving needs – all with one-touch adjustments
- Energy-Efficient & Quiet Operation: Designed for efficiency and tranquility, this fridge with bottom freezer consumes around1 kWh per day (Saves $44/year), delivering performance without excess energy use. It runs equal to a whisper (39dB). Suitable for open kitchens and light sleepers
- Built-in light & Reversible Door: Built-in light ensures you find what you need instantly, even at midnight.The reversible door adapts to any kitchen layout - install it to swing left or right! Adjustable feet keep your items steady on uneven floors. Say goodbye to spills and wobbles
- For Better Performance: Allow your refrigerator to stand upright for at least 6 hours after delivery before plugging it in. This settling period protects the cooling system from transportation bumps, ensuring optimal operation and longevity
No. 3
Kenmore 30" Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer - Adjustable Shelving, Humidity-Controlled Crispers, LED Lighting, ENERGY STAR Certified, 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity - Fingerprint Resistant Metallic Steel
- Spacious Yet Compact: This 30-inch, fingerprint resistant metallic steel refrigerator offers 18.1 cu. ft. of standard-depth storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries without crowding your garage or smaller kitchens
- Adjustable Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Edge-to-edge tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall, wide or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 4 clear refrigerator door bins and 1 gallon-sized door bin holds gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers & Inverter Compressor: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. The inverter compressor quietly and efficiently maintains a consistent temperature to keep food fresh
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities
No. 4
HAMILTON BEACH Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer, 9.2 cu. ft, Stainless
- UNIQUE DESIGN - Our RFR9004 features a unique design with the freezer compartment at the bottom as opposed to the top. It provides comfortable access so you won’t have to worry about getting a larger capacity refrigerator and not being able to reach the freezer.
- ADAPTABLE - Our refrigerator has a large capacity of 9.2 Cu. Ft but due to its sleek build, it takes up minimal space and can easily fit in your dorm room, kitchen or office. It also has a dual-tone color scheme that helps enhance the appearance of your decor.
- REMOVABLE SHELVES - It comes with three removable shelves that make it easy to clean and make space for additional storage. It has glass shelves so you won’t have to worry about cleaning them as well, just use a damp cloth or wash them in the sink.
- STORAGE - Our refrigerator door features a rack that can hold 355ML beverages/cans. There are three removable glass shelves which if you organize according to your needs can help create more space for your groceries. The Crystal Crisper with Tempered-Glass Shelf Cover Helps Prolong Freshness of Fruits and Veggies.
- FREEZER COMPARTMENT - The freezer compartment has three sections that are slightly different in size from one another making it easy for you to organize.
No. 5
Frigidaire Retro 9.2 Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer, 9.2 cu. ft, Black
- UNIQUE DESIGN - Our RFR9004 features a unique design with the freezer compartment at the bottom as opposed to the top. It provides comfortable access so you won’t have to worry about getting a larger capacity refrigerator and not being able to reach the freezer.
- ADAPTABLE - Our refrigerator has a large capacity of 9.2 Cu. Ft but due to its sleek build, it takes up minimal space and can easily fit in your dorm room, kitchen or office. It also has a dual-tone color scheme that helps enhance the appearance of your decor.
- REMOVABLE SHELVES - It comes with three removable shelves that make it easy to clean and make space for additional storage. It has glass shelves so you won’t have to worry about cleaning them as well, just use a damp cloth or wash them in the sink.
- STORAGE - Our refrigerator door features a rack that can hold 355ML beverages/cans. There are three removable glass shelves which if you organize according to your needs can help create more space for your groceries. The Crystal Crisper with Tempered-Glass Shelf Cover Helps Prolong Freshness of Fruits and Veggies.
- FREEZER COMPARTMENT - The freezer compartment has three sections that are slightly different in size from one another making it easy for you to organize.
No. 6
Carlton 10.5 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Adjustable Cooling Zones, Reversible Doors in Stainless Steel
- Maximized Storage: Adjustable glass shelves extend wall to wall, optimizing space for all your essentials
- Convenient Door Storage: Three integrated door shelves provide easy access to frequently used items
- Precise Temperature Control: Intuitive settings maintain optimal cooling in both the refrigerator and freezer year round
- Bright LED Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting in the refrigerator and freezer
- Stable Installation: Adjustable feet provide stability on uneven floors for easy installation
No. 7
Frigidaire, 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer Combo, 7.5 cu ft, Platinum Series, Stainless, 23" D x 21.5" W x 55.5" H
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: With a generous 7.5 cu. ft. capacity, this platinum refrigerator ensures you have ample space for all your essentials, making it easy to keep everything at your fingertips.
- ORGANIZED CONVENIENCE: Equipped with removable glass shelves, a transparent crisper, and a full-width door bin, this small upright fridge offers organized and convenient storage for all your food and beverage items.
- DEDICATED FREEZER: Enjoy the convenience of a separate freezer compartment with ample space for your frozen goods, along with an adjustable thermostat and interior lighting for both compartments.
- SLEEK DESIGN: Featuring a sleek and durable platinum design with chrome trim and handles, this small fridge freezer adds an upscale retro look that will elevate your space.
- FLEXIBLE CONFIGURATION: The adjustable/removable shelves offer flexibility to customize the interior layout according to your needs, accommodating items of various sizes with ease. A reversible door also allows for flexible opening to best suit your space
No. 8
BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer, Apartment Size Fridge with Bottom Freezer, Large Capacity, Energy Saving, Adjustable Thermostat, Low Noise, Black
- Space-saving and enough capacity: this apartment fridge with bottom freezer, 21.3" W x 20.7" D x 56"H, With a bottom freezer capacity of 1.65 Cu.Ft and a refrigerated section capacity of 5.45 Cu.Ft. This aprtment refrigerator is designed to optimize space while providing ample room for storing your favorite food and beverages.It is ideal for apartments,bedroom,office,and kitchen.
- 5 temperature settings: The refrigerator has five temperature settings with excellent cooling performance. The freezer ranges from -5.6°F to 15.1°F and the refrigerator,from 32°F to 50°F. The temperature settings range from 1 (warmest) to 5 (coldest), with 3 being the optimal temperature. You can store various foods including meat, eggs, milk, beer,coffee,vegetables, fruit, and ice cream. Enjoy optimal food preservation with our adjustable temperature fridge.
- Efficient internal compartments: the 7.1 cu.ft fridge has a double-door design with a separate freezer and refrigerator. The refrigerated section includes removable glass shelves, you can freely adjust the height of the compartment in this area to meet your storage needs. The crisper drawer provides a separate storage area for fruits and vegetables. The side door racks offer beverage storage. There are two drawers in the freezer, which provides more storage space and is more tidy and orderly.
- Energy-efficient and quiet: This refrigerator is designed to save energy and operates at an average of 39 dB during normal use, which won't disturb your daily life.Please note that due to transport, the refrigerator may experience some bumps, so it's recommended to place it upright for 6-12 hours before plugging it in to ensure its quiet operation and longer lifespan.
- Enhanced details: BANGSON apartment size fridge comes with reversible doors to fit your preference. The automatic night light in the refrigeration compartment makes it easy to locate items in the dark. The bottom leveling legs allow it for stable placement on uneven surfaces. It also includes an ice tray, a defrost tool, and an egg shelf.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Refrigerators with Bottom Freezers
Bottom freezer refrigerators are popular. They put the fridge section at eye level. This makes grabbing daily items easy. The freezer is below. This guide helps you choose the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at these features. They make a big difference in how you use your fridge.
- Capacity: Think about how much food your family eats. Small apartments need smaller fridges (under 18 cubic feet). Large families need bigger ones (over 25 cubic feet).
- Ice and Water Dispensers: Some models have external dispensers for ice and water. This is super convenient. Others keep the ice maker inside the freezer drawer. External dispensers save you from opening the door often.
- Adjustable Shelving: Can you move the shelves around? Flexible shelves let you fit tall items like big soda bottles or large platters easily.
- Temperature Control: Digital controls are better than knobs. They let you set the exact temperature you want for both the fridge and freezer sections.
- Drawer Organization: Check the freezer drawer. Does it have dividers or smaller bins? Good organization stops food from getting lost at the bottom.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long the fridge lasts and how it looks.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel is very common. It looks sleek. However, look for “fingerprint-resistant” stainless steel. Plastic finishes are cheaper but might scratch easier.
- Interior Linings: High-quality plastic liners inside are easy to wipe clean. Cheap plastics can sometimes crack over time, especially when very cold.
- Drawer Glides: The freezer drawer slides in and out. Make sure the glides feel sturdy. Smooth, heavy-duty glides show better build quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some features boost performance. Others might just add cost without much benefit.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Inverter Compressors: These compressors run more smoothly and quietly. They also save energy because they don’t constantly turn completely on and off.
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers: These drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer by managing moisture levels correctly.
- LED Lighting: Bright LED lights inside help you see everything clearly. They also use very little power and do not produce much heat.
Factors That Reduce Quality (or are just unnecessary):
- Excessive Touchscreens: While cool, very complex touchscreens sometimes break down before the main cooling system does. Keep it simple if you prefer reliability.
- Plastic Freezer Baskets: If the main freezer drawer relies heavily on thin plastic baskets instead of sturdy metal slides, organization suffers over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you live affects which fridge you should buy. Bottom-freezer models change how you interact with your kitchen.
The Daily User Experience:
Because the refrigerator section is up high, you look directly at your fresh food. You rarely bend down for milk or produce. This is great for people with bad backs. However, you must bend down every time you need frozen pizza or ice cream. Test how easily the heavy freezer drawer opens.
Best Use Cases:
- Busy Families: Parents love the easy access to kid-friendly items stored at eye level.
- Frequent Home Cooks: If you cook often, having fresh ingredients visible speeds up meal preparation.
- Kitchen Aesthetics: These fridges often look very streamlined and modern in a kitchen design.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
Q: Are bottom freezer refrigerators more expensive than top freezer models?
A: Yes, generally they are a bit more costly. The better organization and the drawer mechanism add to the price.
Q: Do bottom freezer refrigerators take up more space?
A: No, they take up the same amount of floor space. The difference is how the interior space is divided between the fridge and freezer sections.
Q: Is the freezer hard to use because it’s on the bottom?
A: Some people find it takes getting used to. You must bend down to access it. However, the drawer design usually helps keep things stacked nicely, which prevents deep digging.
Q: Which is more energy efficient, a top or bottom freezer?
A: Bottom freezer models are often slightly more energy efficient. Less cold air escapes when you open the main refrigerator door because cold air naturally sinks.
Q: What is the difference between a drawer freezer and a door freezer?
A: Drawer freezers pull out like a deep box, usually with one large compartment. Door freezers (sometimes called French door style, which is a type of bottom freezer) have a swinging door and often have shelves inside the door.
Q: How do I clean the freezer drawer?
A: You usually pull the drawer completely out or slide it open fully. Wipe down the interior plastic bins and the bottom of the drawer liner with mild soap and water.
Q: Should I get an external ice dispenser?
A: It is very convenient for daily use. The main downside is that the dispenser takes up some valuable space inside the refrigerator door.
Q: How long should the refrigerator section last?
A: A well-maintained refrigerator, regardless of the freezer style, should last between 10 and 15 years.
Q: Are bottom freezers noisier than top freezers?
A: Modern bottom freezers with inverter compressors are very quiet. Older or very budget models might make more noise when the compressor kicks on.
Q: What should I do if my freezer drawer won’t close all the way?
A: Check if food items are blocking the tracks or if a bag is sticking out. If the drawer still doesn’t seal, the glide mechanism might need adjustment or repair.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!