What Are the Pros and Cons of a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?

Bringing a new refrigerator into your kitchen is a big commitment, and with all the types of refrigerators available, it's a good idea to do a deeper dive into your options before you decide the winner. We're here to help with this article about the pros and cons of a bottom freezer refrigerator.

PROS

The Space

If you're looking for the most versatile and accommodating of refrigerator spaces, look no further! These models provide a large block of storage space for both the refrigerator and freezer sections, allowing contents in a variety of sizes and widths to easily fit inside. This offers a great deal more versatility for storage that you simply can't get from models like a side by side refrigerator.

The Layout

Many people prefer the convenience of having the refrigerator section directly at eye level since it makes it easier to quickly find what they need. The taller folks among us will appreciate not having to lean over and dig through the inside, as would be necessary for styles like a top-freezer model. What's more, most models include a drawer-style freezer which is another layout that offers easy visibility of all contents. Instead of crouching down for the fridge and freezer as you'd need to do with a model like a side-by-side style, nearly everything in the fridge or freezer will be easily visible to you.

The Look

We all love the retro charm of the classic top freezer fridge. However, if you're looking to bring a modern look into your kitchen, the bottom freezer style is the way to instantly update your décor. A refrigerator is the centerpiece of your kitchen, and bringing a more modern look into your kitchen can easily transform the entire room.

Great benefits, right? Before you get too carried away in the hunt for your new fridge, here are some possible drawbacks of the bottom freezer model.

You do get what you pay for, and the modern good looks of the bottom freezer fridge tend to come with a slightly higher price tag than other refrigerator styles. It's not every day you buy a new fridge, so if the other benefits are worth it, investing in the bottom freezer model might be worth the extra bucks. Keep in mind that there are plenty of great deals to be found when shopping refrigerators on sale.

Yes, we know this was also listed as a “pro,” but it's not a mistake! Depending on your own physical needs, a bottom freezer fridge might not be the best option in terms of layout. If you've got a bad back or have other mobility issues, leaning over into the freezer may be a difficult task, especially when it comes to heavy items like a frozen turkey or a bag of ice.

If you're looking at a standard-issue bottom-freezer fridge, you must take into account the swing space for the door as well as the pullout space for the freezer drawer. To ensure adequate swing space for the refrigerator door, there should be at least two inches of room on its hinged side. You'll also need roughly four feet of clearance in front of the fridge for standing space. If your refrigerator is going to be placed in a kitchen that's being remodeled, be sure to take into account the placement of any islands or peninsulas that may be added later. Before you even start browsing for your new fridge, grab a tape measure and measure your space to determine the best fridge dimensions for your kitchen. If space is at a premium in your kitchen, a wide array of apartment size fridges are available to fit perfectly into whatever space you have available.

If a bottom freezer fridge looks like the best choice for you and your kitchen, congratulations on making your decision, and enjoy your search for the perfect model!