Bottom mount fridges are the most popular fridge style sold in Australia in recent years. Here's exactly what they are, how they compare to top mount fridges, and whether one is right for your home.
What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge?
A bottom mount fridge (also called a bottom freezer fridge) has the refrigerator compartment on top and the freezer drawer at the bottom. This is the reverse of the traditional top mount design where the freezer is at the top.
Bottom Mount vs Top Mount: The Key Differences
Ergonomics: This is the main reason bottom mount fridges have grown in popularity. The fridge section — which you access multiple times per day — is at eye level, so you don't bend down constantly to find items. The freezer (accessed less frequently) is at the bottom. For most people's daily habits, this is more comfortable than the traditional top mount design.
Energy efficiency: Cold air sinks, which means it naturally settles in the bottom freezer section of a bottom mount fridge. This can be slightly more energy-efficient for the freezer section. However, in practice, the difference is marginal and shouldn't be the deciding factor.
Fridge capacity: Bottom mount fridges typically offer more usable fridge space in a given overall height because the full-width fridge section uses the space more efficiently than a top mount that has the freezer (and its insulation) at the top.
Freezer access: The freezer in bottom mount fridges is a pullout drawer, not a traditional swing door. This makes it easy to see everything in the freezer, but items at the bottom of the drawer are harder to access than items in a swing-door freezer.
When a Top Mount Makes More Sense
Budget: Top mount fridges are generally less expensive than equivalent-capacity bottom mount models.
Tight spaces: In kitchens with limited floor space or restricted door swing, a top mount may fit better.
Specific use cases: If you use your freezer constantly (meal prep households, those cooking in bulk), easy standing access to the freezer may matter more than the fridge ergonomics argument.
French Door vs Bottom Mount
French door fridges are a variation of the bottom mount concept but with two narrow doors on the fridge section instead of one full door. French door models offer better ventilation and preserve cold air better when you open one door (since you're not exposing the whole fridge). They typically cost more than single-door bottom mount models.
Bottom Mount Fridges to Consider
Popular bottom mount models in Australia: Fisher & Paykel E521BRXFDU5, LG GBB60PZGFB, Samsung RT50K6531SL/SA. These cover the major price ranges.
Find Bottom Mount Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We stock bottom mount, top mount, and French door fridges. Shop at oceaniaappliances.com.au/collections/fridges. Free Sydney delivery, 3-month warranty on certified refurbished models.