The Best Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

Compares bottom-freezer refrigerators, top-freezer refrigerators and side-by-side fridges. Which one is best?

Top Freezer Fridges

There are three main types of refrigerators. The first type is the top-freezer fridge, where the freezer compartment is on top of the fridge compartment. Top-freezer fridges are the most energy-efficient type of fridge (in equal first place with the bottom-freezer type). Top-freezer fridges are the most common type of fridge, and therefore the cheapest type of fridge. Their typical cost is between $300 - $1300.

Bottom Freezer Fridges

The second type of fridge is the bottom-freezer refrigerator. It is an upside-down version of the top freezer fridge. The freezer compartment below the fridge compartment. These fridges are the most energy-saving kind (in equal first place with top-freezer fridges). If you are trying to decide between a particular bottom-freezer fridge and a particular top-freezer model, you can use the yellow energy star rating system to help you.

One of the benefits of bottom-freezer fridges are that, because the fridge section is on top, commonly used items are at eye-level. This means no more bending down for items on the bottom shelf of the fridge. It also means you will save energy because the fridge door will be open for shorter periods when you look for items. Another benefit of bottom-freezer refrigerators is that they have larger freezer sections than side-by-side fridges (discussed below). If you freeze a lot of food, this may be important for you.

If you or your partner are tall (or dislike stooping), you may want a bottom freezer fridge with a freezer that slides out like a drawer. This means that you can easily reach items at the back of the freezer without having to get on your knees.

Bottom-freezer fridges are more expensive than top-freezer fridges. The price range for bottom-freezer models is between $900 - $2000 plus.

Side By Side Fridges

The third type of fridge is the side-by-side fridge. Another name for it is the French door fridge. It has two compartments side-by-side. The fridge is usually on the right and the freezer is on the left. Side-by-side fridges are less energy-efficient than either of the other two types of fridge (to the tune of about 10-20%). They also cost more (typical cost: $3000 - $5000).

The benefits of side-by-side fridges are that you can have exterior panels fitted to make the fridge blend in with the décor of your kitchen. However, a stainless steel bottom-freezer refrigerator can look stunning in the right setting. I’m not convinced exterior panels on fridges are always necessary or even good-looking. One of the drawbacks of side-by-side fridges is that the freezer compartments are very narrow. This makes it hard to store and retrieve items.

Some fridges are hybrid side-by-side and bottom-freezer fridges. They have two side-by-side doors on top (both open up to reveal refrigerator sections) and a freezer drawer below. The Maytag MFD2560H is an example of such a hybrid. It sells for around $1750.

Which Is Best?

Overall, all three styles of fridge have their pros and cons. Top-freezers are cheaper, but you have to bend to get to the items on the lower fridge shelves. Bottom-freezers make reaching items easier, but they are a little more pricey. Side-by-side fridges look stylish but are less energy-efficient and the freezer can be hard to use. They are also much more expensive than bottom-freezer models. My pick would be one of the matte stainless steel or brushed aluminum bottom-freezer refrigerators made by a good brand.