Top freezer vs. bottom freezer refrigerators

What is a top freezer refrigerator?

A top freezer refrigerator, also known as a top mount refrigerator, is a well-known style. This configuration’s main feature is a cabinet-style freezer compartment located above the refrigerator section of the appliance that typically includes shelves and racks for your frozen items. Keep reading to learn its pros and cons.

Top freezer fridge pros

• Traditional design that can fit with a variety of kitchen styles.

• Often the most budget-friendly option, thanks to its simpler design and fewer extra features.

• Provides easy access to your family’s favorite frozen foods.

• Excellent option for smaller kitchens.

• Offers ample refrigerator storage. With the freezer on top, more of the appliance is dedicated to refrigerated groceries, making it easier to store everyday essentials along with oversized items like pizza boxes, party platters and tall containers.

Top freezer fridge cons

• Large door clearances require more open space in front of the appliance

• Accessing fresh items on lower shelves requires bending

• Water and ice dispenser options may not be available

• May not suit a sleek, modern kitchen aesthetic

• The freezer compartment may offer fewer storage and organization options

Shop Whirlpool^® Top Freezer Refrigerators

Whirlpool brand offers a selection of top freezer refrigerators designed to help manage the storage of your favorite frozen and refrigerated groceries.

What is a bottom freezer refrigerator?

A bottom freezer refrigerator, sometimes called a bottom mount refrigerator, has a freezer at the very bottom of the appliance. These models offer either cabinet or drawer-style freezer doors, with a cabinet-style refrigerator door. This style puts fresh ingredients closer to eye level for easy access. Like top freezer options, these models often take up minimal floor space. Below, discover some of the model’s pros and cons.

Bottom freezer fridge pros

• Many models offer built-in ice makers.

• Generally feature a modern appearance, so they can help give your kitchen an updated feel.

• Drawer-style bottom freezers allow for a bird’s-eye view of your frozen items.

• Refrigerator compartment reduces the need to bend or crouch to reach items. With fresh foods kept at eye level, bottom freezer refrigerators can make everyday essentials easier to see and access. They also often include flexible storage features like adjustable shelves, door bins and pull-out freezer drawers for simple organization.
• Bottom freezer refrigerators offer flexible upper refrigerator layouts, including single-door, French door and multi-door designs, giving you plenty of options to match your kitchen space, storage needs and style preferences.

Bottom freezer fridge cons

• Bending is required to access frozen items, which can be less convenient for frequent freezer use, meal prep or storing bulk items.

• Lifting heavy frozen foods from a lower position can be challenging
• Cost upfront can be higher depending on the model. With added features, such as enhanced storage options, bottom mount refrigerators may be more expensive than top mount models

Shop Whirlpool^® family size capacity refrigerators

Select Whirlpool^® Bottom Freezer Refrigerators offer family size capacity and features such as an Interior Filtered Water Dispenser, which provides a sleek look and fresh, filtered water plus dedicated space with enough room to rest bottles, pitchers, pots, glasses and measuring cups under the dispenser, so you can access filtered water with ease. 

Other family size capacity models from Whirlpool brand, such as this French door model, provide Dual Ice Makers that store more than twice the ice with a secondary icemaker in the freezer so you always have plenty on hand. With an EasyReach Zone and adjustable divider, other bottom freezer refrigerators from Whirlpool brand offer countless ways to keep tall items organized. With more than a foot of space for tall items, you can store two 1-gallon milk jugs and two 2-liter soda bottles at the same time.

Differences between a bottom freezer vs. top freezer refrigerator

The primary difference between a bottom freezer refrigerator and a top freezer refrigerator is the location of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. A bottom freezer refrigerator has the fresh food compartment located at eye level, while a top mounted fridge positions the freezer at eye level instead.

Another difference between the two refrigerator styles is overall cost. Bottom freezer refrigerators typically sit at a higher price point compared to top freezer fridges due to the modern design and large capacity options.

Top vs. bottom freezer refrigerator FAQs

Although both top and bottom freezer refrigerators are handy for storing your frozen foods, they go about it in slightly different ways. Below are answers to some common questions, including how these refrigerator styles compare and whether bottom freezer models include features like ice makers.

Do bottom freezers have ice makers?

Yes, many bottom freezer refrigerators include built-in or optional ice makers. Select Whirlpool^® bottom freezer models come with factory-installed ice makers, while others can be paired with an EZ Connect icemaker kit for added convenience.

Do bottom freezer refrigerators have less freezer capacity?

Not always. Bottom freezer refrigerators often offer comparable or even greater freezer capacity, especially with deep bins and pull-out drawers that maximize storage. Capacity depends more on the model and layout than the freezer’s location.

Are top freezer refrigerators more reliable?

Top freezer refrigerators are often considered a reliable option because their simpler design typically includes fewer moving parts and advanced features. Fewer components can theoretically mean fewer potential repairs, though reliability ultimately depends on the specific model and maintenance.

Should I choose a top freezer or bottom freezer for my kitchen?

Whether a top or bottom mount refrigerator is the right choice for you depends on several factors, such as budget, space limitations and personal preferences. Top freezer models are often a more budget-friendly option and can be a practical choice if you use your freezer frequently, since frozen foods are right at eye level. Bottom freezer refrigerators keep fresh foods at eye level, which can make everyday items like produce, drinks and after-school snacks easier to see and access, especially for families with children.

Ergonomics also matter. If you live with elderly family members, a top mount refrigerator might be a better fit as lifting heavy frozen items from a bottom freezer typically requires more strength and bending. Choosing the best fit comes down to how your household uses the refrigerator most often.

Shop Whirlpool^® Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer refrigerators from Whirlpool brand give you an easy way to keep your frozen food fresh. Select Whirlpool^® Bottom Freezer Refrigerators offer a 24-inch depth, which is built to fit with your cabinets,¹ and specially designed True Clearance Hinges that allow the doors to open fully at 135°. Stand out without sticking out and get a better fit than the top-selling counter depth model.²

Browse bottom freezer refrigerators from Whirlpool brand that are designed to provide effortless access to your staple foods. With a refrigerator compartment located at eye level and layered storage in the bottom freezer, this refrigerator style helps keep your family’s fresh foods and frozen dishes organized and ready for mealtime.