Top 5 Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Fridges: Review

Does your kitchen feel a little cramped when you open the refrigerator door? Maybe you love the look of sleek, built-in appliances but hate sacrificing precious storage space. You are not alone! Many homeowners face the tricky balancing act between style and function when picking out a new fridge.

Counter depth bottom freezer refrigerators offer a fantastic solution. They sit nearly flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a custom, high-end look. However, finding the perfect model that fits your family’s needs—and your budget—can feel overwhelming. You worry about door swing, freezer drawer organization, and, most importantly, keeping your groceries fresh without breaking the bank.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about these popular refrigerators. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a model that perfectly blends seamless design with powerful performance. Ready to find the refrigerator that finally makes your kitchen work for you?

Top Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Recommendations

No. 1
HAMILTON BEACH 11.5 Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer, 11.5 cu. ft, Stainless
  • UNIQUE DESIGN - 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 11.5 Cu. Ft but due to its sleek build, it takes up minimal space and can easily fit in your dorm room, kitchen or office.
  • 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. 2
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. 3
Avanti French Door Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer 30-Inch Wide​, Frost Free Technology, Large Capacity with Adjustable Shelves, Door Bins & Crisper Drawers, 17.5 Cu.Ft., Stainless Steel
  • LARGE CAPACITY: This 17.5 Cu.Ft. French Door Fridge provides ample storage space for fresh and frozen foods and beverages and is easily customizable with 3 glass adjustable shelves, 2 clear-view crisper drawers and 6 door bins. Product Dimensions 29.5"D x 29"W x 69"H.
  • FROST FREE TECHNOLOGY: Keep your frozen foods and beverages neatly arranged with the convenience of two freezer drawers proving 5.1 cu.ft. of freezer capacity. The frost-free technology of this Avanti French Door Refrigerator prevents the build-up of frost, eliminating the need for manual defrosting. Enjoy hassle-free maintenance and a clean freezer environment.
  • EASY VIEWING FRENCH DOORS: Customize the interior space to fit your needs and easily access your stored items with the convenient French doors. The dual doors provide separate compartments for the refrigerator and freezer, allowing you to organize your groceries and frozen goods with ease.
  • FRESH PRODUCT: Two clear-view crisper drawers ensure freshness of your fruits and vegetables. These see-through bins provide ample space for organizing and storing your produce, ensuring that they stay crisp and flavorful for longer. Easily locate and access your fresh items while adding a touch of convenience to your daily routine.
  • DELIVERY & INSTALLATION –Delivery & Installation Support (in select locations) – Let us do the heavy lifting with options for room-of-choice delivery, item unboxing and item hook-up/installation at checkout.
No. 4
KoolMore 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator with Three Doors and Deep Freezer in Stainless-Steel (KM-RERFDSS-18C)
  • Premium French Door Refrigerator – The KoolMore Stainless-Steel Refrigerator Provides All The Storage And Accessibility You Need With Plenty Of Room For Food And Drinks, And Double Crispers With Humidity Control
  • Spacious Capacity And Adjustable Shelving – At 18.5 Cu. Ft. This Refrigerator Clearance Lines Up With Your Kitchen Counters But Still Provides Two Large Freezer Drawers, 6 Door Bins, And Adjustable Glass Shelving For All Your Food Items.
  • Modern Stainless-Steel Design – A Flat Finish With Easy-Open Handles This Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator Fits In Seamlessly With Your Other Appliances And Sits At Just The Right Height And Depth For Contemporary Kitchens
  • Precision Temperature Control Designed with a double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control our stainless-steel fridge offers equal distribution of cool temperatures to keep fruit, vegetables, and meat fresher, longer.
No. 5
Kenmore 31" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Counter Depth - Ice Maker, Adjustable Shelving, Crisper Drawers, ENERGY STAR Certified, 17.8 cu. ft. Capacity, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
  • Counter Depth, Space-Saving Capacity: This 31-inch counter-depth bottom-freezer refrigerator offers 17.8 cu. ft. of interior space in a sleek, built-in look that fits flush with cabinetry, ideal for a modern kitchen layout
  • Quiet Cooling with Inverter Compressor: The Inverter Compressor maintains consistent temperatures for fresher food and less energy use, all while running quieter and with less wear than conventional models
  • Flexible, Spacious Storage: Easily customize your space with full-width, tempered glass shelves that adjust to fit everything from party trays to tall drink pitchers. Five clear bins, including a gallon bin, two crisper drawers, and a three-tier freezer that keeps fresh and frozen foods neatly organized and easy to grab
  • Ice Maker for Everyday Convenience: Enjoy ice on demand with the built-in ice maker that produces up to 3.5 lbs. of ice per day, perfect for drinks, entertaining, or daily use. No refills or trays required, just effortless, ready-when-you-need-it convenience
  • Energy-Efficient Cooling: ENERGY STAR certified for efficient performance, this refrigerator features long-lasting LED lighting to brighten every refrigerator shelf and Eco Mode to reduce power use when you’re away
No. 6
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. 7
Summit 24" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Counter Depth Refrigerator- Freezer, Energy Star, White - FFBF121W (Right Hand Door)
  • Save Space and Energy: This ENERGY STAR refrigerator features a spacious 11.7 cu.ft. of storage capacity in a slim counter depth fit. Includes three adjustable glass shelves, a humidity-controlled clear crisper, and three removable door racks. The unit's bottom door shelf accommodates gallon-sized containers.
  • Quality Refrigerator with Everything You Need: Innovative digital temperature control panel located inside the refrigerator makes it easy to manage the refrigerator and freezer temperature at the touch of a button.
  • Freezer you can depend on: Super Freeze setting allows you to rapidly cool the freezer section, which is ideal for newly loaded groceries. The lower freezer compartment features three slide-out drawers with plastic fronts to help protect stored items when the door is opened.
  • Modern features you expect: Energy Star Certified, 100% CFC free, CARB Compliant.
  • Dimensions & Build: 73.25" H x 23.5" W x 25.25" D, Capacity 11.7 cu.ft. (331 L).
No. 8
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.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

A counter depth bottom freezer refrigerator offers a sleek look. It fits almost perfectly with your kitchen cabinets. This style also puts the fridge section at eye level. You look down to see your frozen goods. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, check these important features first. They make a big difference in how you use your fridge.

Capacity and Size

  • Cubic Feet: Look at the total space inside. A family of four usually needs 20 to 25 cubic feet.
  • Actual Depth: Counter depth means it sticks out less than standard fridges. Measure your cabinet depth carefully. Aim for a depth close to 24 inches for the best fit.

Freezer Organization

Since the freezer is on the bottom, organization matters greatly.

  • Drawers and Bins: Good models have multiple sliding drawers. These let you separate meats, veggies, and ice cream.
  • Ice Maker Location: Some ice makers sit inside the freezer drawer, taking up space. Others are slim and built into the door, saving room.

Cooling Technology

  • Dual Evaporators: This is a premium feature. It cools the fridge and freezer separately. This keeps food fresher longer.
  • Temperature Control: Digital temperature controls are best. They offer precise settings for both sections.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how it looks.

Interior Shelving

  • Spill-Proof Shelves: Choose tempered glass shelves. They stop spills from dripping onto food below.
  • Adjustability: Shelves that move up or down give you flexibility for tall items like milk jugs.

Exterior Finish

  • Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel: This finish looks modern. It resists smudges, which means less wiping for you.
  • Door Hinges: Strong hinges support heavy doors. Check that the doors close smoothly and firmly.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Certain aspects boost the quality of your experience. Others can cause frustration.

Quality Enhancers

  • Good Lighting: Bright LED lighting inside makes finding food easy.
  • Quiet Operation: Look for low decibel ratings. A quiet compressor won’t annoy you in an open-plan living area.
  • Water/Ice Dispenser: If you want one, internal dispensers save exterior space and keep the front sleek.

Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)

  • Plastic Drawers: Very thin plastic freezer drawers can crack easily when holding heavy frozen items.
  • Poor Sealing: If the door seals feel weak, air leaks in. This makes the fridge work harder and wastes energy.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how your family uses the kitchen daily.

The Bottom Freezer Advantage

Most people use the refrigerator section much more often than the freezer. This design puts frequently used items at eye level. You bend down less to grab milk or vegetables.

Ideal for Entertaining

Counter depth models look very built-in. They do not stick out into the walkway. This is great for smaller kitchens or open floor plans where space matters.

Family Needs

If you buy lots of fresh produce, look for excellent humidity-controlled crisper drawers. These drawers maintain the right moisture level to keep greens crisp.


Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator FAQ

Q: How much space do I really save with a counter depth model?

A: Standard refrigerators often stick out 4 to 6 inches past your cabinets. Counter depth models usually stick out only about 1 to 2 inches. This frees up floor space in your kitchen.

Q: Is the freezer space smaller in a counter depth model?

A: Yes, sometimes the total capacity is slightly less than a full-depth version of the same model line. However, smart internal design helps maximize the space available.

Q: Do these refrigerators have water dispensers?

A: Many do, but you must choose carefully. Some have external dispensers. Others hide the dispenser inside the fridge compartment to maintain a smooth exterior look.

Q: Are they harder to clean than standard fridges?

A: No, cleaning is similar. However, because the freezer is low, you might need to pull out the bottom drawers completely to clean the interior floor of the freezer section.

Q: What is the best temperature setting for the fridge?

A: Experts suggest setting the refrigerator section to 37°F (3°C). The freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C) for safe long-term food storage.

Q: Do counter depth models cost more?

A: Generally, yes. Because they require more precise engineering to fit the sleek look, they often cost slightly more than their full-depth counterparts.

Q: What is the benefit of a dual cooling system?

A: Dual cooling uses two separate fans and evaporators. This stops smells from the fridge, like fish, from transferring to the freezer, and it keeps humidity levels perfect in both sections.

Q: How durable are the bottom freezer drawers?

A: High-quality models use metal slides and sturdy plastic. Always check user reviews for complaints about drawers bending or breaking over time.

Q: Does the bottom freezer make it hard to find things?

A: Some users find it takes time to adjust to looking down. Using clear bins inside the freezer helps group items, making it much easier to see everything at a glance.

Q: Should I choose stainless steel or black stainless steel?

A: Black stainless steel often hides fingerprints better than traditional stainless steel. However, traditional stainless steel might match other existing appliances more easily.