Pros vs Cons: Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer refrigerators are great for people or families who want to have the refrigerated portion of the fridge more accessible than the freezer. These are also great options for people who have a separate freezer or do not utilize the freezer as much.

Benefits of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

There are many benefits associated with a bottom freezer refrigerator, including:

• Ease of access to refrigerated items. If your family regularly has fresh food, this is ideal. This refrigerator type eliminates the need to bend over to search through the bottom of refrigerator shelves.
• More arrangement options. Bottom freezer refrigerators offer more options, such as drawers and shelves in the freezer section of the refrigerator allowing you to customize the storage to meet your needs.
• Wide shelving options. As opposed to a side-by-side refrigerator, bottom freezer styles can offer full-width shelves, allowing you to store pizza boxes or wide items more easily.
• Aesthetics: Users often find top freezer refrigerators to be more aesthetically pleasing than other models, such as top freezers. Bottom freezer fridges can give your kitchen a modern and built-in appearance.
• Low price point. Bottom freezer refrigerators start at a lower price point than French Door refrigerators.

Disadvantages of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

With every option in life, there are pros and cons. With a bottom freezer refrigerator, some of the drawbacks include:

• Difficult access to frozen items. You will need to bend over to access all your frozen items, and due to the setup and drawers these freezers have, it can be difficult to see items in your freezer because you will often need to stack them.
• Limited freezer space. The number of drawers included in bottom freezers takes up precious space, limiting the amount of space you will have to store frozen items. If you purchase a large amount of frozen items regularly, you may want to consider a second freezer.
• Limited features. Generally speaking, bottom freezer refrigerators lack additional features like water and dispensers in the door. These can be options, but often require added expense.
• Cost: While bottom freezers come at a lower price point than French doors, they are pricier than top freezer refrigerators, and most side-by-side refrigerators.

Ready for a New Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?

If you’re still on the fence about which type of refrigerator is best for your home, we suggest taking a look at our refrigerator buying guide. The experts at Howard’s are also ready and waiting to help you make the decision on what is best to meet your needs.

Stop into a Howard’s appliance location near you to have one of our experts help you find the perfect model. Browse online, give us a call, or visit any of our appliance store locations and experience why we are the best appliance store in California.

Related Readings:

- The Best Refrigerator Brands

Frequently Asked Questions: Bottom Freezers

Are the fridges with freezers in the bottom good?
Yes, bottom freezer fridges are excellent! They offer convenient access to fresh food at eye level, making it easier to see and reach the items you use most often. Additionally, they tend to be more affordable than French doors.

What is the life expectancy of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
A bottom freezer refrigerator typically lasts between 12 to 15 years. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and timely repairs, can extend its lifespan. Keep in mind that certain brands tend to last longer than others.

What are the benefits of a bottom freezer?
Bottom freezers provide several benefits:

• Convenience: Fresh food is at eye level
• Organization: More storage space and better organization options
• Efficiency: Many find it easier to organize and access frozen items in drawers.

What are the disadvantages of bottom freezers?
While they have many advantages, there are a few cons:

• Cost: They tend to be more expensive than top freezer models.
• Energy Use: They can use slightly more energy than top freezers, depending on the model.
• Freezer space: They tend to offer less space in the freezer compartment than side-by-side models.

Are bottom freezer refrigerators energy efficient?
Bottom freezer refrigerators can be energy efficient, especially newer models with advanced technology. However, they may use slightly more energy than top freezer models due to the mechanics involved in keeping the freezer cold. Always look for Energy Star-rated models to ensure optimal efficiency.

LG 12 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator

Whirlpool 33-inches wide Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator with SpillGuard™ Glass Shelves - 22 cu. ft

Fisher and Paykel Freestanding Refrigerator Freezer, 32", 17.1 cu ft, Ice