We already know that finding the perfect bottom freezer refrigerator is not as easy as it seems. For one, there are lots and lots of bottom freezer refrigerators in the market to choose from. And that’s not without the risk of buying a substandard product. But we think that shouldn’t discourage you from shopping for one.
In this buying guide, we will let you in on the benefits and drawbacks of bottom freezer refrigerators, the different types, and how to find the best for you.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
Here are some of the benefits of having a bottom freezer refrigerator:
They provide extra storage space.
If you are familiar with side-by-side refrigerators and top-freezer refrigerators, you may already know that their freezer compartments are usually not so big. Bottom freezer refrigerators, on the other hand, maximize storage spaces.
Also, while top freezer refrigerators usually have the ice makers in the freezer compartment, the ice maker in the bottom freezers is usually located in the top section. This means you have ample storage space to use in the freezer compartment.
Some bottom freezer models also come with space management features like adjustable shelves and drawers for storage purposes. With such features, you can even customize your storage configuration to accommodate your food items.
They take up less floor space.
The other good thing about bottom freezer refrigerators is that they are usually small enough to fit in. while we can’t ignore the fact that they take up some space, we must also let you know that the space they take up is relatively smaller.
So if you have a large family, for instance, and your kitchen isn’t so big, buying a bottom freezer is an option you may want to consider.
They feature adjustable temperature settings.
Much more than additional storage space and interior space management, bottom freezers also offer the flexibility of being able to change the temperature settings.
In some cases, the freezer comes with a particular drawer that is usually situated above it. You can choose to store beverages, snacks, and other items that you use frequently in this drawer. Often times, you can change the temperature to suit that compartment.
If you eventually get a model with this feature, then you may not even need to buy a beverage refrigerator.
Some models also come with vegetable drawers that are specifically designed to maintain certain humidity levels. The purpose is to avoid vegetable wilting and damage. That way, your vegetables remain fresh and last longer. You also get to avoid food wastage and save some bucks.
They are convenient.
Refrigerators seem to be the most used appliances in the home because they run 24/7. But of the two compartments, the freezer section is opened less frequently.
The fact that you can have your more frequently used food items at eye level makes reaching the items in the fresh foods section of a bottom freezer unit easier. Also, you are less likely to forget a particular item in the dark corner of the refrigerator if you see it at eye level frequently.
What’s more? Bottom freezers also come with baskets that make access and storage easy peasy. You can take advantage of the large spaces in the freezer compartment to store large containers of meals and pizzas and the pull-out compartment in the top section for fruits and blanched vegetables.
Types of Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
There are a good number of styles and designs to go for when choosing a bottom freezer refrigerator. You may decide to go for models that have their freezers in the drawn-out fashion. You may alternatively choose to go for the ones that feature freezers in the swing-out style.
The common bottom freezer refrigerator styles are:
- A single door top section.
- A French door top section with freezer at the bottom.
- French door top section with a section between the top and the bottom freezer.
You’ll also find out that bottom freezers also come in different colors and finish. Their finishes also vary with brand and model.
Check out these other in-depth articles…
KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Cooling [How to Fix]
How to Reset an Amana Refrigerator [In Minutes]
How to Reset a Magic Chef Fridge [In Minutes]
Zanussi Refrigerator Not Cooling [How to Fix]
How to Buy the Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Buying bottom freezer refrigerators can be pretty straightforward and stress-free if you know what to look out for. The following tips and factors will guide you on how to find the best bottom freezer refrigerator for you.
This is not an attempt to provide hard and fast rules on how to go about your shopping but it will help you a lot.
Refrigerator Size and Your Space
In the first place, you need to be able to have the space to accommodate a new refrigerator. That is too obvious a point to mention, isn’t it? So, we thought too. But people forget this important bit of information.
Of course, there’s absolutely no way you can tell how big a refrigerator is by just looking at it online. You need to measure your own space first and get more information about the dimensions of the refrigerator you want.
If you are not sure about the dimensions of that fridge, the rule is, don’t go for it.
Why? Well, apart from the fact that you need to be sure that it can fit into your available space, you also need to know if it can get through your doorway and hallways.
It always helps to find the height, width, and length of the fridge you intend to buy. For instance, knowing the dimensions will help you prepare the space for the unit before it comes.
Now let’s talk about the depth a little more. These days, most people want their kitchen appliances counter-depth or somewhere close to it. Really, if you’ve got what it takes to have a Zen style kitchen, by all means, go for it! But if you miss out on the depth of the fridge, you may not have the desired outcome eventually.
If the unit is deeper than the available space, then some parts of the fridge will protrude out of the cabinets.
Storage Capacity
Capacity is also an important factor to consider while shopping. You need to be able to tell how much storage space you can get from the refrigerator. And to a large extent, that will depend on the size of your household. It could also depend on the purpose that you want the refrigerator to serve.
Families with 3 to 4 people will need about 300 to 450 liters. And if there are more than 5 people in your home then you should be looking for 450 liters or even more.
That said, the capacity is usually related to the size of the fridge. So, typically, large refrigerators have more storage capacity than the smaller models. But large could also mean higher energy consumption.
It always helps to go for a refrigerator with a bigger capacity than you need to prevent surprises. You also get to enjoy the benefits of extra space whenever people visit or you host an event in your home.
While you are at it, you may also want to look out for bottom freezer refrigerators with adjustable shelves for more storage options. These shelves could be made of glass or plastic. But we will choose glass any day because they are sturdier and will retain cold air well. Spill-proof shelves could be a plus as well.
Energy Efficiency
This is one important factor that you need to consider before you eventually make a choice. And without wasting time, we should let you know that the easy way to ensure you have an energy-efficient one is to check the certification. Going for an Energy Star-certified refrigerator should not even be debated at all.
But beyond looking at ratings, you should also look at the estimated yearly operating cost. This is because the standards of the efficiency vary with refrigerator types.
If, however, you are able to determine how much it will cost you to maintain and keep the refrigerator running, then that’ll be awesome. This is information in itself will help you compare costs among preferred models so that an easy choice can be made.
Cost
The temptation to go for more than you planned because of all the hard-to-ignore features in a refrigerator can be strong. But you need to stay focused and find something within your budget.
Of course, as you may already know, the price of bottom freezer refrigerators vary with features, styles, and designs. But with all the information we’ve given you already finding a good one that your budget can handle shouldn’t be a big deal.
Trust us when we say that the excitement of those enticing but way-out-of-your-budget refrigerators will fizzle away in no time. Best be careful and disciplined than sorry with wrong financial decisions. Oh, yeah, bottom freezer refrigerators are investments too. So, yours had better be a smart one.
Ventilation
Refrigerators produce quite a lot of heat and may even overheat in poorly ventilated areas. Say, you didn’t get the dimensions of the fridge before getting it in and the available space is barely enough to install the refrigerator. In such areas, the ventilation is poor because of a lack of clearance.
This is why we emphasize double-checking the refrigerator’s dimensions before you buy it. That way you can plan the location and space that can accommodate it. You also get to create clearances from ample air circulation. The risk of overheating and destroying the refrigerator could be eliminated when there’s enough ventilation.
Check out these other articles…
Amana Fridge Freezing Food [Solved]
Samsung Refrigerator Noise [How to Fix]
Fisher and Paykel Fridge Freezing Food [Solution]
Haier Refrigerator Dispenser Problems [Solutions]
Samsung Refrigerator Doors [Issues and Fixes]
Conclusion
We hope that you saw clearly in this buying guide that the benefits of having a bottom freezer refrigerator outweigh the costs. So, the only person stopping you from getting a good one will be yourself.
However, while shopping, don’t forget to work within your budget, measure your available space, and get the dimensions of the refrigerator. Don’t forget the storage capacity options as well as the ventilation.
You can also choose from any of the 3 different styles of bottom freezer refrigerators based on your own personal reference.
Pingback: Best Refrigerators Under $1000 - In-depth Refrigerators Reviews