French Door vs Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: Which Is Better?

Choosing a new refrigerator can transform how your kitchen works for you. If you like meal prepping for the week or need to organize an avalanche of groceries, your fridge is the MVP of your kitchen.

French door and bottom freezers are both customer favorites. But depending on how you use your kitchen, one might be a better fit than the other. Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of each so you can make an informed decision.

French Door vs Bottom Freezer: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into pros and cons, here’s a quick refresher:

• French Door Refrigerators: These have two doors on top that open to a wide fridge space, plus a pull-out freezer drawer on the bottom. Some models include extra drawers or compartments in the middle.
  

• Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: As the name suggests, the fridge is on top and the freezer is below. You get one big fridge door (or two, depending on the model) and a pull-out drawer-style freezer.

Visually, they look kind of similar, but the layout and function can be pretty different.

Benefits of a French Door Refrigerator

Think of French door fridges as the cool, modern cousin in the refrigeration family. They look sleek, maximize your fresh food space, and come with all kinds of high-tech perks.

✅ Pros of French Door Fridges

• Fridge at eye level: Perfect for families that are in and out of the fridge all day.
  

• Wide interior: Great for storing party platters, pizzas, and awkward leftovers.
  

• Less cold air loss: Opening one door at a time means your fridge stays cooler.
  

• Smart features: Many models offer touchscreens, autofill water pitchers, and app control.

❌ Cons of French Door Fridges

• More expensive: You’ll often pay a little more for those extras.
  

• Freezer access: Digging through a deep drawer for frozen peas? Not everyone’s favorite.
  

• Wider doors: You’ll need enough space in your kitchen for them to fully open.

Benefits of a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Bottom freezer refrigerators are kind of the unsung heroes. They’re practical, easy to use, and a total win if your kitchen is more about function than flash.

✅ Pros of Bottom Freezer Fridges

• Fresh food is right where you need it: No bending to grab the milk or your favorite salad kit.
  

• Spacious freezer storage: Great for bulk shoppers and frozen meal stockers.
  

• Simple and streamlined: Fewer bells and whistles, which can be a plus for many.

❌ Cons of Bottom Freezer Fridges

• More bending for frozen food: Especially if you’re rummaging through bags of veggies and ice cream.
  

• Fewer smart features: Many models are more straightforward than flashy.
  

• Narrower fridge space: Larger platters or trays might not fit as easily.

Best French Door and Bottom Freezer Refrigerators at DeWaard & Bode

We’ve got both styles on display, and here are a few top picks we’re loving right now:

French Door Favorites

Frigidaire 17 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator
Model: FRQG1721AV

• Four-door flexibility in a counter-depth design
  

• Great for smaller kitchens that still want a built-in look
  

• Adjustable shelves and a sleek finish

Café™ ENERGY STAR® 28.3 Cu. Ft. Smart Quad-Door Refrigerator
Model: CAE28DM5TS5

• Stunning platinum glass finish (yes, it's as pretty as it sounds)
  

• Dual-dispense AutoFill pitcher and WiFi connectivity
  

• Middle drawer converts from fridge to freezer based on your needs

Bottom Freezer Favorites

KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Bottom Mount Refrigerator
Model: KRBR102ESS

• Smooth full-depth design with classic KitchenAid craftsmanship
  

• Pull-out freezer with adjustable dividers
  

• Humidity-controlled crispers keep produce fresh longer

Fisher & Paykel 17.1 cu. ft. Series 7 Refrigerator Freezer
Model: RF170WLHUX1

• Elegant design and quiet operation
  

• Simple and sophisticated
  

• ActiveSmart™ technology adjusts temperature based on usage

💡 Learn more: Side-by-Side Refrigerators vs. Bottom Freezer: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?

How to Decide Between a French Door and Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Here’s where it gets personal. Take some time to assess your kitchen needs before you upgrade your refrigerator. Here’s what you should consider:

• Do you cook a lot with fresh ingredients? French door or bottom-freezer both work, but French door models offer more room for large platters.
  

• Need better freezer access? Go with a bottom freezer fridge. Less rummaging required.
  

• Tight on kitchen space? A bottom freezer fridge may have a slimmer footprint.
  

• Love tech and convenience? French doors win with smart features and flexible storage.

At the end of the day, your fridge should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Shop Refrigerators Near You at DeWaard & Bode

Whether you’re team French door or bottom freezer, we’ve got the right fridge for your kitchen and your life. Contact us or visit one of our appliance stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to speak with our appliance experts. 

We’ll help you choose a refrigerator that makes everyday meals and grocery runs easier and more efficient. We also offer side-by-side refrigerators, top-freezer refrigerators, freezers, and more.

Related Readings:

• Top 5 Best French Door Refrigerators Of 2025

• Top 5 Sub-Zero Refrigerators for Modern Kitchens

• Top 5 Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerators of 2024

FAQs: French Door vs Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Questions

1. What is the life expectancy of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
Most bottom freezer refrigerators last between 12 and 15 years with regular maintenance and proper care.

2. Are bottom freezer refrigerators reliable?
Yes, bottom freezer models are known for their reliability and simple design. Many come from trusted brands with strong customer satisfaction ratings.

3. Do you have to open both doors on a French door refrigerator?
Not always. You can open just one door at a time to access the side you need, which helps keep cold air in and energy use down.

4. Can a French door fridge go against a wall?
It can, but you’ll want to make sure there’s enough space for both doors to open fully. Otherwise, accessing drawers and shelves might be tricky.

5. What is the middle drawer for on a French door refrigerator?
The middle drawer, also called a flex or convertible drawer, is typically used for snacks, drinks, deli items, or anything you want to keep easily accessible. Some models even let you adjust the temperature to use it as a mini fridge or freezer.