Top Mount vs Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Choosing the right refrigerator style impacts how you cook, store food, and use your kitchen every single day. Top mount and bottom freezer refrigerators are two of the most popular configurations on the market, and while they may look simple, each one offers unique advantages depending on your family’s habits, budget, and kitchen space.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about top mount vs bottom freezer refrigerators, including storage differences, energy efficiency, accessibility, price considerations, and which style is best for different households. Whether you’re upgrading an older appliance or designing a kitchen layout, this comparison will help you choose confidently.

 

 

What Is a Top Mount Refrigerator?

A top mount refrigerator (also called a top freezer refrigerator) places the freezer at the top and the refrigerator section below it. This classic layout has been around for decades, and for good reason. It’s simple, reliable, and efficient, making it one of the most budget-friendly refrigerator types on the market.

Key Characteristics of Top Mount Refrigerators:

• Freezer compartment located above the refrigerator section

• Wide refrigerator shelving for easy access

• Energy-efficient design

• Typically more affordable than other styles

• Ideal for smaller kitchens because of its narrower footprint

 

What Is a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?

A bottom freezer refrigerator places the refrigerator section up top, right at eye level, and the freezer at the bottom, often in a pull-out drawer configuration. This style is designed for convenience, making your most-used food items easier to see and reach.

Key Characteristics of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators:

• Refrigerator section at eye level for maximum visibility

• Freezer stored below, often in a sliding drawer

• More modern layout and premium storage features

• Excellent for large households and frequent cooks

• Often available with flexible shelving, humidity-controlled drawers, and wider designs

 

Top Mount vs Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: A Complete Comparison

Below, we break down how each refrigerator style performs in the areas that matter most: efficiency, convenience, storage capacity, installation, and price.

 

 

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Top Mount Refrigerators

Top mount models require you to bend or crouch to reach items in the refrigerator section, where most people store the majority of their food. However, freezer items remain at eye level, which is convenient if you use frozen foods frequently.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer models excel in accessibility. Your produce, leftovers, drinks, and everyday items are at eye level, reducing the amount of bending required. Because the freezer sits lower, it’s best for people who don’t access frozen foods constantly.

Best Choice for Convenience: Bottom freezer refrigerators. If you’re tired of bending to find what’s in the back of your fridge, this layout makes daily life much easier.

 

2. Storage Organization and Layout

Top Mount Refrigerators

These models tend to have:

• A spacious, simple freezer compartment

• Wide shelves and door storage

• Fewer adjustable options than bottom freezer styles

They work well for storing basics without complicated organization needs.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer units typically offer:

• Adjustable refrigerator shelves

• Full-width crisper drawers

• Pull-out freezer baskets for better organization

• Wider designs that can accommodate larger platters and trays

Best Choice for Organization: Bottom freezer refrigerators. For meal preppers, large families, or households that store a variety of fresh foods, this layout offers superior flexibility.

 

3. Energy Efficiency

Top Mount Refrigerators

Top mount refrigerators are often the most energy-efficient style available thanks to their simple design and smaller compressor load. Many ENERGY STAR® models fall into this category, making them ideal for energy-conscious buyers.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer models can also be energy-efficient, but typically use slightly more energy due to the larger freezer compartment and additional mechanical components.

Best Choice for Energy Savings: Top mount refrigerators. If keeping energy usage low is a priority, top mount wins.

 

4. Cost and Budget Considerations

Top Mount Refrigerators

These are typically the most budget-friendly refrigerators on the market. Their long-standing design makes them affordable to purchase, repair, and maintain.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer units tend to cost more because of their upgraded layout, larger storage spaces, and modern features. However, many homeowners find the added convenience worth the investment.

Best Choice for Budget Buyers: Top mount refrigerators. These units offer great performance at a lower cost.

 

5. Space, Size, and Kitchen Layout

Top Mount Refrigerators

Top mount models are often slimmer and ideal for small kitchens, galley kitchens, apartments, and tight installations.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

These models are often wider and deeper, which can be a better match for open kitchen layouts or homes with more storage needs.

Best Choice for Small Spaces: Top mount refrigerators.
Best Choice for Larger Kitchens: Bottom freezer refrigerators.

 

Which Refrigerator Style Is Best for You?

Choose a top mount refrigerator if:

• You’re looking for the most affordable option

• You want strong energy efficiency

• You have a smaller kitchen

• You don’t mind bending for fresh foods

• You frequently access frozen items

Choose a bottom freezer refrigerator if:

• You want improved organization and visibility

• You store a lot of fresh food

• You prefer modern refrigerator layouts

• You want easier everyday access to essentials

Both styles offer great performance, but your household’s habits will determine which one fits best.

 

 

Upgrade Your Kitchen at DeWaard & Bode

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a top mount refrigerator or the convenience of a bottom freezer refrigerator, DeWaard & Bode carries a wide range of refrigeration options and styles to match your kitchen and lifestyle, including French door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, specialty refrigeration, and more.

Our team is here to help you compare features, answer questions, and find the model that fits your home perfectly. Discover the best refrigeration appliances for you from top brands and with personalized service. Contact us or visit one of our appliance stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to speak with our appliance experts. We also offer delivery and installation services to ensure your kitchen appliances are installed with care and professionalism into your home living space. 

Related readings from our blog:

• Benefits of an Upright Freezer

• Top 5 Sub-Zero Refrigerators for Modern Kitchens

• The Best Refrigerators for Families

 

FAQs: Top Mount vs Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Are top mount refrigerators more reliable?

Top mount refrigerators have a long history of reliability thanks to their simple mechanics and efficient layout. They're known for durability and low maintenance needs.

Is a bottom freezer refrigerator worth the extra cost?

If you value easy access to fresh foods, wider shelves, and better organization, many homeowners find the investment worthwhile.

Which style has more freezer space?

Bottom freezer refrigerators typically offer more usable freezer space because of their drawer-style design and wider layout.

Do bottom freezer refrigerators use more energy?

They can use slightly more energy than top mount models, but ENERGY STAR® options are available for both styles.

Which refrigerator lasts longer?

Both styles can last a decade or more with proper maintenance. Reliability depends more on brand build quality and usage than on configuration alone.