At a Glance:
What is a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?
Assessing the Efficiency of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
5 Featured Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
How to Make Your Refrigerator More Energy-Efficient
How to Choose an Energy Efficient Refrigerator
It’s amazing how many times a refrigerator door will open each day, and each time is another opportunity for a refrigerator to waste energy. That’s because when cold air escapes a fridge, the appliance goes to work to adjust the internal temperature settings. The good news is certain styles, such as bottom freezer refrigerator models, are better at being efficient, and we explain why in this guide. Follow along to learn about bottom freezer refrigerators, including how they work, how they stay efficient, and which models are the ones we recommend to keep your utility bill down.
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Shop NowWhat is a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?
Refrigerators are categorized by their layout, which makes it easier to choose styles that meet your lifestyle needs. A bottom freezer refrigerator is made with the freezer section in a lower compartment, either as a pull-out drawer or as a second door below the refrigerator. These models differ from side-by-side refrigerators where the two sections are split vertically or top freezer refrigerators where the freezer section is built into the top.
However, true bottom mount freezers have a single door that opens like a traditional top-freezer refrigerator. As a result, the door clearance for bottom freezer refrigerators is greater than French door models. Still, many users like the layout because it places fresh food at eye level for easy access.
Technically speaking, a French-door refrigerator can be labeled a bottom freezer refrigerator. The French doors are dedicated to the refrigeration section on the top while the freezer is located below. This allows for certain standard French door refrigerator models to have the same energy-saving benefits as standard bottom freezer configurations.
Assessing the Efficiency of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
The two most efficient refrigerator styles are top-freezer and bottom-freezer models. Top-freezer refrigerators are efficient because the freezer section is placed far from the motor, which is usually located in the lower back part of the appliance. Motors run hot and can affect the cooling functions of refrigerators, so it makes sense to put the freezer far away from it.
On the other hand, a refrigerator with bottom freezer drawers is efficient because heat rises. Cool air stays in the lower section, putting less stress on the system.
Meanwhile, side-by-side refrigerators have more external surface area, which allows heat out, whereas French-door refrigerators come with bonus features that require extra electricity (for example, the motor on an ice maker or water dispenser will use more energy), and more doors means a greater chance for air cold air to escape.
Before you sweat over different refrigerator styles and the energy they use, consider how much energy your refrigerator uses. On average, it costs $20 per month to run a refrigerator, which is roughly 66 cents each day. A slightly more efficient refrigerator might only save a few dollars each month.
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Pros & Cons of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
Every refrigerator option has benefits and drawbacks, and that goes for bottom freezer refrigerators too. While the design may work for one household, it might not be ideal for another. Here are a few pros and cons of buying a bottom freezer refrigerator.
Pros
✅ They are ideal if you don’t eat a lot of frozen food. The majority of a bottom freezer refrigerator’s capacity is in the fresh food compartment. That’s a plus for households that don’t carry much frozen food.
✅ They’re affordable: If a freezer drawer is more your pace but you don’t want to pay the hike in price of a French door refrigerator, a bottom freezer fridge is a cheaper alternative.
✅ This is a popular design. You can buy a bottom freezer refrigerator from almost any brand and in any size.
Cons
✖ They can be difficult for tall homeowners. A side-by-side model might be better for accessing both compartments equally.
✖ They aren’t ideal for small spaces. You need enough space for the door to swing open unless you have a French-door model.
5 Featured Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
There are multiple bottom-freezer refrigerator options that can meet your storage needs while reducing your electricity consumption. Here are six of the best models to consider for your home.
GE® 33 in. 24.8 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This GE refrigerator bottom freezer is a great family-size appliance. It is large enough to store your groceries but is also designed to be efficient. The freezer section comes with an ice maker that has advanced water filtration, plus a Turbo Cool setting to quickly get food down to temperature, saving money and time. With nearly 25 cubic feet of capacity, this is a roomy pick, but at 33” wide, it has a smaller footprint than a standard refrigerator.
⭐Featured GE GDE25EYKFS Review:
“Love the amount of shelving and door space. The freezer is well-designed and kid-friendly too!”
Whirlpool® Gold® 33 in. 22.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This Whirlpool Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
With over nearly 9,000 reviews, including nearly 7,500 5-star ratings, this top-rated bottom freezer refrigerator is an all-around winner. Standout features include the FreshFlow™ produce preserver that prevents bacteria and mold from building up in your refrigerator. Best of all, this model not only saves energy, but you can waste less food with this system. The LED lights also make it easy to find your produce.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WRB322DMBM Review:
“Just love our Whirlpool refrigerator! Very spacious and holds everything! This refrigerator keeps everything so cold. The freezer is wonderful, I love that I can see it everything inside easily. I would highly recommend this model and style.”
GE® 31 in. 17.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This counter depth bottom freezer refrigerator is a perfect match for smaller kitchens. Despite its size, this model still comes with lovely upgrades like bright LED lights and crisper drawers to store produce. But our favorite feature is the Mult-Zone Air Tower, which blows cool air evenly across all shelf levels to preserve food better than standard refrigerators, all while maintaining an ENERGY STAR rated performance.
⭐Featured GE GBE17HYRFS Review:
“I needed a fridge for a small built in cabinet space. It was ordered sight unseen. I love it. I love the LED lights inside, I love the fridge on top and the freezer is just the right amount of space. It also wipes down with no marks left on the stainless steel.”
Whirlpool® 19 Cu. Ft. Black Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This Whirlpool Black Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This refrigerator is not only designed for efficiency, but it comes with bonus features to conserve energy. The Adaptive Defrost system maintains optimum temperatures without using an excessive amount of power. This fridge also has SpillGuard shelves to keep messes to a minimum. With just under 20 cubic feet of capacity, it’s ideal for smaller households such as couples.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WRB329DMBB Review:
“This is the first refrigerator I've owned with a bottom freezer. We love it. You're only in the freezer once or twice a day so being seniors, it's really helpful not to do constant bending down.”
Samsung 11.3 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This Samsung Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This space-saving bottom freezer refrigerator sits at a cozy 24” that fits in any size kitchen. Instead of a freezer drawer, the bottom compartment opens up to three independent drawers for maximum freezer organization. Finished in a stainless steel finish, this stylish pick keeps it efficient with an ENERGY STAR performance.
How to Make Your Refrigerator More Energy-Efficient
You don’t have to buy a new refrigerator if you want to maximize the efficiency of your current appliance. There are multiple ways to make sure your refrigerator uses less electricity without a complete change to user habits. Here are a few steps to take:
✔ Make sure there is room around your fridge. Refrigerators need ventilation, so leave at least an inch of space between your refrigerator and surrounding cabinets.
✔ Keep your kitchen cool. Your refrigerator works harder during the hot months. Keep it in a cool space so it performs at its best.
✔ Choose the right settings. An optimal refrigerator temperature is 37 degrees while an ideal freezer temperature is 0 degrees. Check your settings to make sure you aren’t overworking your appliance.
✔ Check the seals. Make sure you close each section fully each time and regularly inspect your refrigerator gaskets to prevent cold air from getting out.
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator
If you are in the market for a refrigerator with a bottom freezer, it’s important to kow how to identify energy-efficient models. Here are a few best practices to follow to maximize your electricity savings.
Look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star certification confirms when an appliance uses less energy.
Choose the right refrigerator for your needs. Smaller refrigerators use less energy. Refrigerators with more capacity store more, but they run a higher energy bill.
Look for basic models. The fewer the features, the less electricity your appliance will use.
Buy from trusted brands. Use our guides to choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator models that will save energy and last for years.
If you’re shopping for refrigerators with bottom freezers in Western New York, Orville’s Home Appliances is the place to go for the most efficient models. With the largest selection of refrigerators, bottom freezer models and other styles are ready for you to explore and compare from top brands. Shop online or visit us today!
FAQs
Do bottom freezer refrigerators have more problems?
No. Bottom-freezer refrigerators are known for their durability and performance. If you are looking for a reliable refrigerator, consider a bottom freezer model.
Are bottom freezer refrigerators good?
Bottom freezer refrigerators are good for most homeowners. You can find an appliance with a standard freezer door or a pull-out drawer. This layout makes sense if the majority of your groceries are stored in the refrigerator.
How long do bottom freezer refrigerators last?
Most refrigerators are designed to last a decade. However, some high-quality bottom freezer refrigerators will last more than 15 years if they are well-cared for.
Where to buy bottom freezer refrigerators near me?
If you live in Western New York, near Buffalo or Rochester, visit Orville’s Home Appliances. You can shop our wide selection of bottom freezer refrigerators and choose the perfect model for your home. Take your new refrigerator home today or ask one of our helpful service technicians to deliver it on your schedule.
Why Trust Orville’s?
For nearly 60 years, Orville's has been synonymous with excellence in the home appliance industry. With eight appliance showrooms and a 110,000-square-foot warehouse stocked with 25,000+ major home appliances, we offer the largest selection of kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances in Western New York.
Every Orville’s location showcases over a 1,000 different appliance models, with products from today’s best appliance brands. From outlet deals to scratch and dent, we always ensure our customers receive the best value with a Low Price Guarantee. A continuously refreshed catalog of in-stock appliances awaits, ready and available for the region’s fastest delivery and installation service. Experience the Orville's difference today. Visit one of our local appliance stores and discover why we're your trusted source for home appliances in Western New York.
Shop Bottom Freezer Refrigerators at Orville’s Home Appliances
As a family-owned and operated business since 1965, Orville's is deeply rooted in the WNY, Genessee Valley, and Finger Lakes community. We're proud to have been serving the appliance needs of Rochester, Buffalo, and beyond for over five decades, and we remain committed to providing exceptional service and support to our loyal customers. Our appliance specialists are always happy to answer any questions about the most efficient bottom freezer refrigerator models on the market.
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