What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge and Is It the Right Choice for You?
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 in contrast to a traditional top mount fridge where the freezer is on top. Bottom mount fridges have become increasingly popular in Australia. Here’s why, and whether one is right for your home.
How Is a Bottom Mount Different From a Top Mount?
In a top mount fridge, the freezer occupies the top half and the fridge is below. This means you have to bend down to access the most-used fridge compartment. In a bottom mount fridge, the reverse is true: the fridge compartment is at eye level (the most convenient position) and the freezer is in a pull-out drawer at the bottom. Since you use the fridge far more often than the freezer, bottom mount designs are more ergonomic for most people.
Bottom Mount vs French Door
A French door fridge is essentially a wide bottom mount fridge with two side-by-side fridge doors on top and a large freezer drawer (or two stacked drawers) at the bottom. A standard bottom mount has a single fridge door. French door models are wider (typically 820–900mm vs 600–750mm for standard bottom mount) and have significantly more total storage.
Advantages of Bottom Mount
- Ergonomics: Eye-level access to your most-used fridge compartment means no bending to reach food
- Energy efficiency: Cold air sinks naturally — a fridge compartment above the freezer (bottom mount) loses less cold when the door is opened than a fridge that must be cooled from below
- Width variety: Bottom mount models come in widths from 540mm to 750mm, fitting a wider range of kitchen recesses than French door models
- Cleaner design: Typically a single fridge door gives a cleaner visual line in smaller kitchens
Disadvantages of Bottom Mount
- The freezer drawer requires bending to access — a minor inconvenience for most but a consideration for people with back or mobility issues
- Standard bottom mount models have less total storage than equivalent-height French door models
Who Should Choose a Bottom Mount?
Bottom mount is ideal for: individuals and couples who want a right-sized fridge without the bulk of a French door model; renovations with 600–750mm fridge recesses; households that use the fridge far more frequently than the freezer; and buyers on a mid-range budget who want good ergonomics.
Top Bottom Mount Models in Australia
Bosch, Electrolux, Samsung and Fisher & Paykel all offer strong bottom mount ranges. Bosch’s VitaFresh Plus bottom mount series is particularly well regarded for European kitchen integration. Electrolux’s UltimateTaste bottom mount models offer excellent value.
Shop Bottom Mount Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We carry a full range of bottom mount fridges from all major brands at our Wetherill Park showroom. Free delivery across Sydney. Call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au or visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.