Which is better, bottom or top freezer?

Author: Hermann Greenholt MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Bottom Freezer refrigerators generally offer more storage and organization options compared to Top Mount models. The pull-out drawer design of Bottom Freezers makes it easier to see and access stored items without having to reach over or dig through a single shelf.

Why is a bottom freezer better than a top freezer?

Bottom. Cool air tends to move down, so it's best to to buy bottom freezer as the cooling will be stored more efficiently and it'll not lose it's air. A top freezer wastes a lot of cooling when it is opened.

What is the disadvantage of bottom freezer refrigerator?

Higher Cost

One of the biggest drawbacks of a bottom freezer fridge is these models tend to cost more than freezer-on-top models. If you choose a bottom-mounted freezer refrigerator with French doors, you can expect an even greater cost.

Which is better top mount or bottom mount freezer?

Energy Efficient - Top-mount freezers are typically more energy-efficient than bottom-mounted freezers. This is because the compressor, which helps to keep the fridge and freezer cool but tends to generate heat, is located at the bottom of the refrigerator.

Should the freezer be on top or bottom?

Freezer is that part of the refrigerator which is at the lowest temperature,it is kept at the top so that internal circulation of air happens readily. The cooler air which surrounds the freezer becomes dense and goes downwards. The warmer air at the bottom then moves upwards and the cycle continues.

Top Freezer Vs. Bottom Freezer | Which is Best For You?

Why is the bottom freezer refrigerator not popular?

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.

Where is the best place to put a deep freezer?

Make sure to find a place at home that has little to no humidity. A space with more humidity will require more energy to cool since the water molecules in the air also require cooling. It will also work in your favour to find a cool room so that you don't need to set the temperature of your deep freezer too low.

Which style freezer is best?

The best freezer type depends on your needs. Chest freezers are ideal for bulk storage and energy efficiency, while upright freezers offer convenience and organization. Frost-free models provide hassle-free maintenance.

What are the benefits of bottom mount refrigerators?

With the fridge section at eye level, bottom mount fridges enable easy access to everyday fresh food items without needing to bend over, which can be a big plus if you suffer from back or joint problems.

What should go in the bottom drawer of a freezer?

The bottom freezer drawer for frozen fruit and vegetables – peas, sweetcorn, broccoli, oven chips, berry mixes, etc. The middle freezer drawer for frozen meat, fish and dairy products – chicken breasts, chicken nuggets, beef mince, battered fish, salmon fillets, ice cream, frozen milk, cheese, etc.

What is the life expectancy of a bottom freezer refrigerator?

Bottom freezer refrigerators can last for a decade or more if they are cared for. They will continue to keep your groceries cool and maintain an even temperature – even if you open the doors frequently. This makes them a good investment for your home.

What is the least problematic refrigerator?

Which refrigerator brand is most reliable? All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.

Should I get a fridge with freezer on bottom or top?

Bottom freezers are generally more roomier than top freezers and can adapt better to larger frozen items, such as that massive bird we mentioned earlier. Energy Efficiency Winner: Top FreezerIn general, top freezers are more energy efficient than bottom freezers.

What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?

Bottom freezer fridge cons
  • Bending is required to access frozen items.
  • Cost upfront can be higher depending on the model.
  • Lifting heavy frozen foods from a lower position can be challenging.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

What type of freezer is more efficient?

Chest freezers are more efficient than upright models because they typically have more insulation and cold air does not sink out of them when they are opened. Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products.

Why do people like bottom freezers?

Storage for larger items

Many bottom-freezer fridges—especially French door refrigerators—offer more storage space than top-freezer options, thanks to their inherent wider build. That makes it easy to store large items in the fridge without any fuss, like pizza boxes or party-sized platters.

What is better top or bottom mount fridge?

A top mount is also a better choice if you use your freezer regularly. If you prefer to regularly cook using fresher ingredients, and mostly use your freezer for longer-term storage, then a bottom mount fridge may be more your style. You can access all of your everyday items without bending over.

Do bottom freezers have ice makers?

Unlike top freezers that house the ice maker, the ice maker in a bottom freezer refrigerator stays in the top section, which frees up more freezer space down at the bottom. Most come with a variety of space-saving features as well.

What to look for when buying a freezer?

We have compiled a list of the most popular features to consider while you shop.
  1. Capacity.
  2. Defrost Drain.
  3. Counterbalance lid (chest freezer only)
  4. Storage (drawers, shelves, baskets, etc.)
  5. Internal lighting.
  6. Temperature range.
  7. Garage ready (can operate in significant temperature fluctuations)
  8. Door Lock.

What are the disadvantages of a frost free freezer?

The Potential Drawbacks of Going Frost-Free
  • Higher Initial Cost. It's true that frost-free freezers typically come with a higher price tag than their manual defrost counterparts. ...
  • Slightly Higher Energy Consumption. ...
  • Potential for Freezer Burn. ...
  • Noise Considerations.

What brand fridge freezer is best?

The Bosch Series 4 is our pick for the best fridge freezer this year. It scores highly on storage, interior features, technology and energy efficiency.

Where not to put a freezer?

Do not install the freezer near an oven, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 40°F or exceed 110°F. Allow at least 3" (7.5 cm) of air space at the top and on both sides of the freezer and 2" (2.5 cm) between the back of the freezer and the wall.

Is it better to have a freezer on the top or bottom of a fridge?

The compressor is much closer on a bottom freezer unit, so it can be harder to keep heat out. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, top freezers use about 10 to 25 percent less energy than bottom freezers, which helps reduce your energy bill, electricity consumption, and carbon footprint.

What is the difference between a garage ready freezer and a regular freezer?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GARAGE READY FREEZER AND A REGULAR FREEZER? A regular freezer is designed to work within a smaller temperature range in a controlled interior environment, like a house. Garage ready freezers are equipped to handle a larger fluctuation of external temperatures, with a range of 0-110°F.

Previous article
How many rooms will a 10x10 storage unit hold?
Next article
What happens if you leave a heater on all day?