7 Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
The best best bottom freezer refrigerator is the Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom, offering a great balance of capacity and features for everyday use. Its stainless steel finish also adds a touch of modern style to any kitchen.
Looking for something a bit sleeker? The GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate is a solid runner-up, especially if you appreciate its fingerprint-resistant finish, though it comes with a slightly higher capacity.
This guide will help you navigate the world of bottom freezer refrigerators, showing you what to look for beyond just cubic feet. We'll also point out who might be better served by a different fridge configuration entirely.
Everything you'll find below is based on current product specifications and aggregated owner feedback from Amazon. We haven't personally tested these units in our kitchens, but we've done our homework to give you the most useful information.
Quick Answer: The Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
The best best bottom freezer refrigerator is the Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom, featuring a robust capacity for most families.
- Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom (Best Overall): Dependable capacity and classic stainless steel appeal.
- GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate (Best Capacity): Offers more room and a fingerprint-resistant finish.
- Anypro Double Door Fridge Bottom Freezer (Best Compact): Ideal for smaller spaces with adjustable temperatures.
- Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft Counter Depth (Best Counter-Depth): Sleek profile for kitchens with limited depth.
- BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu Ft French Door (Best Value): A budget-friendly option with a built-in ice maker.
- Dorm Size Fridge Freezer 4.3 Cu (Best Mini Fridge): Perfect for dorms, offices, or as a secondary fridge.
- Frigidaire 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer (Best Apartment Size): Compact design for tight living spaces.
Thinking about a side-by-side or top-freezer setup instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom | Everyday Family Kitchens | 9.1/10 | Check price → |
 | GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate | Larger Households | 8.8/10 | Check price → |
 | Anypro Double Door Fridge Bottom Freezer | Small Kitchens & Dorms | 8.5/10 | Check price → |
 | Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft Counter Depth | Space-Saving Counter Depth | 8.7/10 | Check price → |
 | BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu Ft French Door | Budget-Conscious Buyers | 8.2/10 | Check price → |
 | Dorm Size Fridge Freezer 4.3 Cu | Minimal Space Needs | 8.0/10 | Check price → |
 | Frigidaire 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer | Studio Apartments | 7.9/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31″ Bottom: Best Overall for Everyday Family Kitchens
GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate: Best Capacity for Larger Households
Anypro Double Door Fridge Bottom Freezer: Best Compact for Small Kitchens & Dorms
Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft Counter Depth: Best Counter-Depth for Space-Saving Kitchens
BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu Ft French Door: Best Value for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Dorm Size Fridge Freezer 4.3 Cu: Best Mini Fridge for Minimal Space Needs
Frigidaire 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer: Best Apartment Size for Studio Apartments
Buying Guide: Capacity, Features, and Dimensions
Choosing the right bottom freezer refrigerator means looking beyond just the cubic footage. You'll want to consider how you use your fridge, the space you have available, and any specific features that are important to you.
Capacity That Fits Your Life
The capacity of a refrigerator, measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.), is probably the first thing most people look at. It gives you a general idea of how much food you can store.
- For 1-2 people: Around 10-14 cu. ft. is usually sufficient.
- For families of 3-4: 15-18 cu. ft. is a good range.
- For larger families or avid cooks: 19 cu. ft. and above will offer more flexibility.
For example, the Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom offers a solid mid-range capacity perfect for many households. If you need more, the GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate provides significantly more room.
Features That Matter
Beyond basic cooling, refrigerators come with various features that can make your life easier:
- Adjustable Shelving: This allows you to customize the interior space to fit larger items like pitchers or platters.
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers: These drawers help maintain optimal humidity levels to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Ice Makers: Some models have built-in ice makers, which can be a huge convenience. Consider if you need a standard or high-capacity ice maker.
- Finish: Stainless steel, black stainless, white, and slate are common finishes. Consider which will best match your kitchen's style and how easy it is to keep clean. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a plus for busy households.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star certified models, as they use less energy and can save you money on electricity bills.
Dimensions and Kitchen Fit
It's crucial to measure your kitchen space accurately before buying.
- Width: Standard refrigerators range from 28 to 36 inches wide. Counter-depth models are often around 24 inches deep to sit flush with cabinets.
- Height and Depth: Make sure the refrigerator will fit under overhead cabinets and that there's enough space to open the doors without obstruction. Always check the door swing direction to ensure it works with your kitchen layout.
- Clearance: Allow for proper ventilation around the sides, back, and top of the unit. The manufacturer's manual will specify the required clearances, typically at least 1-2 inches.
Who Should NOT Buy Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
While bottom freezer refrigerators are popular for their accessibility to fresh food, they aren't the best fit for everyone. There are a few scenarios where you might want to consider a different type of fridge altogether.
You Need More Freezer Space Than Fridge Space
If your primary concern is storing large quantities of frozen goods, a refrigerator with a larger freezer capacity might be more suitable. Models with top-mounted freezers often offer more substantial freezer volume. Similarly, if you find yourself constantly running out of freezer space, a dedicated chest freezer could be a better supplement to your primary refrigeration unit.
You Prefer a French Door or Side-by-Side Design
French door refrigerators offer wide refrigerator compartments and two freezer drawers, which some people find more organized. Side-by-side models give you easy access to both refrigerated and frozen items at eye level. If these configurations appeal more to your organizational style or accessibility needs, then exploring those categories would be a good next step.
Your Kitchen Space is Extremely Limited
For truly tiny kitchens, like those in micro-apartments or RVs, a compact refrigerator or even a mini-fridge might be the only practical option. While some of the smaller bottom freezer models we've reviewed are suitable for compact spaces, a slim-profile refrigerator or a dedicated mini-fridge might fit where these cannot.
Final Verdict
For most households seeking a reliable and spacious refrigerator, the Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom stands out as the top pick. Its balanced capacity, classic stainless steel finish, and dependable performance make it a solid choice for everyday family needs.
If your priority is maximizing storage and you appreciate a modern, easy-to-clean surface, the GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate offers impressive capacity and a fingerprint-resistant finish. For those needing to maximize kitchen aesthetics with a flush-fit design, the Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft Counter Depth is an excellent option.
For smaller spaces or budget-conscious buyers, consider the Anypro Double Door Fridge Bottom Freezer for its compact size and adjustable temperatures, or the BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu Ft French Door for its great value and included ice maker. If you're in a dorm or studio apartment, the Dorm Size Fridge Freezer 4.3 Cu or the Frigidaire 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer can provide essential cooling without taking up too much room.
Ultimately, the best refrigerator for you depends on your specific needs and kitchen layout. We encourage you to revisit the "Who Should NOT Buy" section to ensure a bottom freezer model is the right fit for your lifestyle.
FAQ
What's the best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator overall?
The Kenmore 17.8 cu ft 31" Bottom refrigerator is our top overall pick, offering a great balance of capacity, features, and reliability for most families.
Are bottom freezer refrigerators good for small kitchens?
Yes, many bottom freezer refrigerators come in compact sizes like the Anypro Double Door Fridge (4.0 cu. ft.) or Frigidaire 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer (7.5 cu. ft.) that are well-suited for smaller kitchens or studio apartments.
How much capacity do I need in a bottom freezer refrigerator?
For 1-2 people, 10-14 cu. ft. is usually enough. For 3-4 people, aim for 15-18 cu. ft. Larger families or those who cook a lot might prefer 19 cu. ft. or more.
What are the main advantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
The main advantage is easy access to the refrigerator compartment, as it's at eye level. This means less bending down to grab frequently used items.
Are bottom freezer refrigerators more energy-efficient?
Many modern bottom freezer refrigerators are Energy Star certified, indicating they meet energy efficiency standards. The GE GDE21EMKES 20.9 Cu Ft Slate is one such model.
What's the difference between counter-depth and standard-depth refrigerators?
Counter-depth refrigerators are shallower, designed to sit flush with your kitchen cabinets for a more built-in look. Standard-depth refrigerators are deeper and typically extend beyond the cabinet line. The Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft Counter Depth is an example of a counter-depth model.
