WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATOR
Bottom-freezer refrigerators place the refrigerator compartment up top so fresh ingredients are at eye level, keeping the foods you reach for most within easy view. With a pull-out drawer or swing-door freezer tucked below, this layout blends thoughtful design with everyday convenience. Use this guide to explore the features, benefits and trade-offs of bottom-freezer refrigerators.
5 FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BOTTOM- FREEZER FRIDGE
To help decide whether a bottom-freezer refrigerator is the right fit for your kitchen, think through key factors like size and capacity, organization options and the features you’ll use most. Considerations may include:
1. DESIGN AND STYLE
Bottom-freezer refrigerators, sometimes referred to as bottom-mount refrigerators, flip the classic top-freezer refrigerator layout, placing a full-width refrigerator compartment on top and a pull-out or swing-door freezer below. These models may be available in counter-depth, standard-depth, freestanding or built-in styles, offering flexible options for a range of kitchen designs.
Some other types of refrigerators, like select KitchenAid® bottom-mount French door refrigerators, may sometimes feature a bottom freezer as part of the design. However, they typically offer additional features and often sit at a higher price point than a true bottom-freezer refrigerator.
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2. SIZE AND CAPACITY
Bottom-freezer refrigerators come in both standard and compact sizes, making them a practical fit for kitchens big or small. Many align with standard refrigerator dimensions, which are typically 24 to 40 inches wide, 61 to 72 inches tall and 28 to 35 inches deep. Capacity and dimensions for bottom-freezer refrigerators often fall within the following ranges:
Width: 24-33 inches
Depth: 24-33 inches
Height: 65-69 inches
- Capacity: 11-25 cubic feet
3. STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION
Bottom-freezer refrigerators help put fresh ingredients right at eye level, helping make it easy to grab what you need while you navigate the kitchen. The spacious refrigerator compartment is ideal for households that keep plenty of produce, herbs, dairy and everyday essentials on hand. Wide doors offer extra room for sauces, condiments, beverages and all the little extras that bring flavor to the table.
Some models offer more than ample refrigerator space. For instance, Humidity-Controlled Crispers on select KitchenAid® bottom-freezer refrigerators provide a dedicated storage option with adjustable humidity levels. They let you select the high humidity that keeps romaine crisp, or the arid environment that helps figs and apricots stay fresh. Or, the Full-Width Pantry on some KitchenAid® refrigerator models lets you properly store everything from meats to produce in a full-width compartment.
4. FEATURES
Bottom-freezer refrigerators can feel like a step up from classic top freezer models, offering a layout that fits the rhythm of daily life. Fresh ingredients are right where you need them, with an interior that keeps everything from milk to mustards within easy reach in the full-width door.
Some models include features that help keep food fresh and organized. For instance, select KitchenAid® bottom-freezer refrigerators include the ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management System that helps maintain optimal temperatures for fresh and frozen food. This single evaporator system uses sensors to continually monitor temperature levels in both the refrigerator and freezer and adapts the flow of cold air between them.
5. COLOR AND FINISH
Bottom-freezer refrigerators can come in a range of colors and finishes to suit your kitchen’s style, whether that’s classic white, bold black or a sleek stainless steel. For a more custom look that blends seamlessly with your cabinets, a panel-ready option like this compact bottom-mount refrigerator from KitchenAid brand offers a clean, built-in feel.
SHOP KITCHENAID®BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS
KitchenAid® bottom-freezer refrigerators offer the capacity and convenience you need to store ingredients for your most inspired dishes. Opt for a KitchenAid® bottom freezer for a streamlined, clean aesthetic, and take advantage of the ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management System on select models that helps maintain optimal temperatures for fresh and frozen food.
BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATOR PROS AND CONS
Choosing a refrigerator often comes down to balancing trade-offs and finding what fits your household best. Bottom-freezer models offer generous fresh food storage at eye level, but may include fewer features than other styles. Here are a few other pros and cons of a bottom-freezer refrigerator to consider:
PROS
Large refrigerator compartment: Bottom-freezer refrigerators dedicate most of their space to the refrigerator compartment, creating an ideal setup for storing fresh ingredients, meal prep staples and bulk grocery hauls.
Generous in-door storage: Plenty of in-door storage makes it easy to keep drinks, condiments, and sauces organized and within reach. With a full-width refrigerator door, bottom-freezer models free up shelf space for larger items like platters, meal prep containers or that extra batch of leftovers.
Fresh ingredients at eye level: With the refrigerator compartment at eye level, there can be less crouching to reach the milk or produce. Everything from herbs to leftovers can stay visible and within arm’s reach.
- Standard and compact model options: Bottom-freezer refrigerators come in standard sizes that fit seamlessly into a kitchen built for cooking, as well as compact options that work well as overflow storage for entertaining, or as a secondary fridge in smaller spaces or rooms beyond the kitchen.
CONS
Fewer premium features: Bottom-freezer refrigerators often focus on the essentials, offering a streamlined set of features that may not work well for those who prefer the added convenience and flexibility of some higher-end features.
- Bending required to access frozen foods: Frequent bending to find or reorganize frozen items may be a drawback for those who use the freezer frequently.
SHOULD I BUY A BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATOR?
If fresh ingredients take center stage in your kitchen, or you keep condiments and beverages well-stocked, a bottom-freezer fridge might be a great choice. If a clean, uncomplicated set of features appeals to you, a bottom-mount refrigerator could be the right fit for you.
ARE BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS ENERGY EFFICIENT?
Not all refrigerators are built the same, and energy efficiency and performance can vary from one model to the next. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR® certified models, like this KitchenAid® bottom-freezer refrigerator, that exceed government standards for energy efficiency, supporting sustainability and helping to save money on utility bills.
You can learn more about a specific model’s energy efficiency, and how it compares to similar models, by reading through the Energy Guide label—a yellow label located on or inside of a new appliance.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATOR
Choosing the best bottom-freezer refrigerator for your space means accounting for your family’s daily routines, cooking habits, kitchen layout and aesthetic. Narrow down your search by considering:
Capacity: Think of the fresh and frozen items you like to keep stocked, as well as the number of people you typically cook for, when determining if a refrigerator has enough capacity to accommodate the way you shop and create.
Dimensions: Measure your refrigerator cutout to make sure it can accommodate the bottom-freezer refrigerator of your choosing, accounting for the height, width and depth of the space. Be mindful of the clearance you’ll need to open and close the refrigerator door.
Features: While bottom-mount refrigerators often keep things simple, features can vary from model to model. Look for options that help make the most of your groceries—whether it’s helping to keep ingredients fresh or helping to make it easier to stay organized while prepping meals. Some models, like select KitchenAid® bottom-freezer refrigerators, also offer easy upgrades, including optional ice maker kits for added convenience.
Color and finish: Choose an appliance in a color and finish that suits your kitchen’s style and sparks creativity, complementing your cabinets and other appliances.
- Energy efficiency: Keep an eye out for the yellow Energy Guide label that can give you an idea of how much energy the bottom-freezer fridge will use compared to similar models, and learn how much you may pay to run the refrigerator.
