What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge and Is It Right for You?
The bottom mount fridge is one of the most popular fridge styles in Australia — and for good reason. This guide explains what a bottom mount fridge is, how it works and whether it's the right choice for your home.
What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge?
A bottom mount fridge (also called a bottom freezer fridge) has the refrigerator section on top and the freezer compartment at the bottom. This is the opposite of the older "top mount" style where the freezer sits above the fridge.
In Australia, bottom mount fridges have largely replaced top mount models as the standard choice for households, because the fridge section — which you access dozens of times a day — is at eye level, while the freezer (accessed less often) is at the bottom.
Bottom Mount vs Top Mount vs French Door
| Style | Fridge Location | Freezer Location | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Mount | Bottom | Top | $500–$1,000 |
| Bottom Mount | Top | Bottom (pull-out drawer) | $900–$2,500 |
| French Door | Top (two doors) | Bottom (drawer) | $1,500–$5,000+ |
Advantages of a Bottom Mount Fridge
1. Easy access to fresh food
Everything in the fridge section is at eye level. No more bending down to find the butter or the leftover dinner. This makes daily use significantly more comfortable, especially for older Australians or those with back issues.
2. Ergonomic freezer access
The freezer drawer at the bottom is a pull-out design in most bottom mount fridges. While you do need to bend down to access it, most people access the freezer far less often than the fridge, making this a reasonable trade-off.
3. Better food visibility
With the fridge at eye level, shelves are more visible from the front. You're less likely to forget about food hiding at the back.
4. Great value
Bottom mount fridges offer a good balance of storage capacity and price. Many excellent models are available between $1,000 and $2,000.
Disadvantages
- Bending required to access the freezer — this may not suit everyone
- Freezer drawers can be harder to organise than a shelf-style freezer
- Some older kitchens were designed for top-mount fridges with less vertical clearance
Who Is a Bottom Mount Fridge Best For?
Bottom mount fridges are ideal for:
- Most Australian families who want practical, comfortable daily use
- Buyers who want good fridge capacity without spending French door prices
- Renters who want a reliable, affordable option
- Older Australians who struggle to bend and find the eye-level fridge section much easier
Popular Bottom Mount Fridge Brands
We stock bottom mount fridges from Samsung, LG, Westinghouse, Hisense, Fisher & Paykel and Haier. Sizes range from 350L to 600L+.
Shop Bottom Mount Fridges at Oceania Appliances
Browse our full range of bottom mount fridges online or visit our Wetherill Park showroom. Free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance.