Bottom Freezer vs Top Freezer: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?

You’d think picking out a modern refrigerator would be as simple as, well, picking out a fridge. But once you’re standing in an appliance showroom or scrolling through fridge models online, you quickly realize there are a lot of choices. One of the biggest questions you’ll ask yourself is: Should I go with a bottom freezer or a top freezer?

Freezer placement actually impacts your daily kitchen experience. If you're on the fence, here’s a breakdown to help you figure out which freezer style fits your kitchen best.

 

 

What's the Difference Between a Bottom Freezer and Top Freezer Refrigerator?

Here’s a simple look at the differences between bottom freezers and top freezers:

• Bottom freezer refrigerators give you easy access to your fresh items at eye level, and frozen foods live in a drawer or compartment below.
  
  

• Top freezer refrigerators flip that. They have the freezer compartment above the fridge. You open the main door, and your frozen goods are up top, with fresh food storage below.

Looking for a comparison of other fridge styles? Check out our French Door vs. Side-by-Side Refrigerator Guide to see how they stack up.

Why Are Bottom Freezers Popular?

There’s a reason bottom freezer fridges have gained popularity, especially in the last few years.

• Convenience for daily use: You probably open your fridge way more often than your freezer. With a bottom freezer model, your produce, leftovers, and drinks are all within reach—no crouching required.
  

• Better visibility: Bottom freezer drawers slide out, making it easier to see and organize your frozen foods without digging through an avalanche of frozen peas.
  

• Modern style: A lot of newer models come in bottom freezer formats, so they tend to offer sleeker finishes and high-end features.

They’re not perfect for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

• More bending for freezer items: If you’re someone who uses the freezer all the time, maybe you’re a smoothie addict or batch-cook meals, you’ll be bending down more than you'd like.
  
  Can cost a bit more: Bottom freezer fridges often have more features and design touches, which can bump the price up compared to simpler top freezer models.
  

• Drawer organization can be tricky: Some bottom freezers have drawers instead of shelves, which can make it harder to stack or organize flat items.

→ Our Pick: GE® Bottom-Freezer Drawer Refrigerator

Model: GDE25EYKFS

This Energy Star-certified GE Bottom-Freezer Drawer Refrigerator is a customer favorite. It’s got a sliding snack drawer, LED interior lighting, and a bottom freezer drawer that slides out smoothly. 

 

 

Are Top Freezers Worth It?

Just because bottom freezers are trendy doesn’t mean top freezers are out of the game. Top freezer refrigerators are classic for a reason:

• Budget-friendly: They’re usually less expensive, making them a great pick for first-time homeowners, rentals, or secondary fridges in the garage.
  

• More freezer space: In many cases, you’ll actually get more usable freezer room in a top freezer layout. This is great for storing big frozen pizzas or bulk Costco hauls.
  

• Reliable and simple: Fewer bells and whistles mean fewer things to break. They tend to be some of the most dependable fridge designs on the market.

They’re a solid pick, but not for everyone. A few things to keep in mind:

• Less convenient fridge access: Since the fridge is on the bottom, you’ll be bending down more often to grab everyday items like milk or produce.
  

• Basic features: Top freezer models usually stick to the essentials. That’s great for simplicity, but if you want Wi-Fi connectivity or a sleek touch display, you might not find it here.
  

• Older aesthetic: While dependable, the design can feel a little dated compared to modern bottom freezer or French door refrigerators. If you’re going for a streamlined kitchen look, it might not be the right vibe.

→ Our Pick: Whirlpool 33” Top Freezer Refrigerator 

Model: WRT541SZDM

The Whirlpool 33” Top Freezer Refrigerator is a solid, no-fuss fridge with electronic temperature controls, frameless glass shelves, and humidity-controlled crispers. Great for garages or small kitchens.

Which Refrigerator Style Is Best?

It really comes down to your priorities. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

A bottom freezer model will feel like a serious upgrade if you’re looking for modern features and everyday convenience. A top freezer will serve you well if you just want something dependable and cost-effective.

Find Your Next Refrigerator at Standard

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, and that’s kind of the point. Your fridge should work for you, not the other way around. If you’re designing a new kitchen or replacing an old appliance, the team at Standard TV & Appliance can help you weigh your options. We carry a wide variety of top freezer and bottom freezer refrigerators from other trusted brands like KitchenAid, Bosch, Sub-Zero, and Monogram.

To get started, visit one of our appliance store locations in Portland, OR, or contact us. We’ll help you find the right fridge suited for your space. At Standard, we offer a wide variety of other home appliances, including dishwashers, cooking appliances, laundry appliances, and more. Visit us in-store or shop online today.

Related readings from our blog:

• Chest, Upright, Or Frost-Free: Which Freezer Type Is Right For You?

• What Makes GE Profile Refrigerators Stand Out?

• The Advantages Of Built-In Appliances

 

 

FAQs: Common Top Freezer vs Bottom Freezer Questions

1. Is a bottom freezer better than a top freezer?
It depends on your habits. If you open the fridge more than the freezer, bottom freezers are more convenient. If you use the freezer daily, a top freezer might suit you better.

3. What is the most efficient fridge freezer design?
Top freezer fridges are generally the most energy-efficient, though newer bottom freezer models are closing the gap, especially ENERGY STAR-certified ones.

4. Are GE bottom freezer refrigerators good?
Yes! GE makes reliable, well-designed bottom freezer models. Look for features like spill-proof shelves, LED lighting, and quiet compressors.

5. Which shelf in the fridge is the coolest?
Usually, it’s the bottom shelf—cold air sinks. But temperature distribution can vary, so always check your manual and use a fridge thermometer to be sure.