What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge and Why Do Australians Love Them?

The bottom mount refrigerator — also called a bottom freezer fridge — has become the most popular fridge configuration in Australian homes over the past decade, overtaking the traditional top-mount (top freezer) model that dominated kitchens for generations. Here’s why Australians love them and whether one is right for your home.

What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge?

A bottom mount fridge places the main refrigerator compartment at the top and the freezer below. This flips the arrangement from the traditional design where the freezer sits above the fridge. The freezer is typically accessed via a full-width pull-out drawer at the bottom, often split into two or three separate bins.

Why Bottom Mount Became Australia’s Favourite

1. The Fridge Section Is at Eye Level

You use your fridge far more than your freezer — several times a day compared to once every few days. Having the fridge compartment at comfortable reach height means no bending to access your fresh food, drinks and daily ingredients. This is simply more ergonomic for most adults.

2. Better Fresh Food Organisation

The wide, full-width refrigerator section of a bottom mount typically has more door shelving, more crisper drawers and more flexible shelf arrangements than top-mount models at the same price point. Fisher & Paykel’s ActiveSmart models, in particular, have an excellent fridge organisation layout.

3. Modern Aesthetic

Bottom mount fridges have a more contemporary look than top-mount models. The clean, horizontal lines and stainless door fronts fit modern and contemporary kitchen aesthetics better than the boxy traditional look of a top-mount.

4. Great Value for the Capacity

Bottom mount fridges in the 350–480L range represent the best value for money in the Australian market. Models like the Westinghouse WBE4500BA (425L), Fisher & Paykel E402BRXFDU5 (403L) and Hisense HRCD463TW (463L) deliver exceptional capacity at mid-range prices.

Drawbacks of Bottom Mount

Bending for the Freezer

If you use your freezer daily — for frozen meals, ice cream or regular frozen ingredients — accessing the bottom drawer requires bending. For users with back problems or mobility limitations, this can be a consideration.

Freezer Organisation

Drawer-style freezers require stacking items rather than arranging them on shelves. Some models have two separate drawers for better organisation, but it’s not as intuitive as a shelf-based upright freezer.

Who Is a Bottom Mount Best For?

Bottom mount fridges are ideal for:

• Households that use the fridge significantly more than the freezer
• Families who value fresh food storage and organisation
• Buyers who want a modern aesthetic
• Most average Australian households (1–4 people)

See Our Bottom Mount Range

Oceania Appliances stocks over 20 bottom mount fridge models at our Wetherill Park showroom. Come in to compare capacity, features and brands. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.

Call: (02) 9999 9999 | 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park