What Is a Bottom Mount Fridge? Pros, Cons and Best Models
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 opposite of the traditional top-freezer fridge and has become increasingly popular in Australia as buyers recognise the ergonomic advantages. Here's everything you need to know about bottom mount fridges.
How Is a Bottom Mount Different?
In a standard top-mount fridge, the freezer sits above the fridge compartment. In a bottom mount fridge, the positions are reversed: the larger refrigerator section is at eye level and the freezer is a pull-out drawer at the bottom. French door fridges are a variation of bottom mount design with two fridge doors instead of one.
Advantages of Bottom Mount Fridges
1. Most-Used Compartment at Eye Level
Most people access the fridge compartment far more often than the freezer (daily multiple times vs a few times per week). Having the fridge at eye level means you can see everything clearly without bending. This reduces the chance of food being forgotten at the back and reduces the energy lost per door opening (less cold air spills out).
2. Better Visibility Inside the Fridge
With the fridge at eye level, you have a much clearer view of all your food. Everything is visible at a glance, reducing food waste from items pushed to the back and forgotten.
3. Ergonomically Comfortable
Eliminating the need to bend to reach fridge contents (the most frequent access) reduces physical strain, particularly important for older Australians or those with back concerns.
4. Freezer Drawer Organisation
The pull-out freezer drawer format allows good organisation of frozen items. Most models include dividers and multiple zones.
Disadvantages
- Bending is required for the freezer — a consideration if you use the freezer frequently
- Pull-out drawer mechanism can eventually wear (more moving parts than a hinged door)
- Slightly narrower freezer capacity than a side-by-side in equivalent footprints
Who Should Choose a Bottom Mount Fridge?
Bottom mount fridges are ideal for:
- Households that use the fridge far more than the freezer
- Older Australians who find bending uncomfortable
- Kitchen designs where visual clarity and food freshness are priorities
- Those who want the aesthetic of a French door fridge in a single-door format
Best Bottom Mount Fridges in Australia 2025
Fisher & Paykel E521BRXFDU5 (519L): Fisher & Paykel's flagship bottom mount with ActiveSmart cooling, digital display and stainless interior. Excellent quality and organisation. Around $1,899–$2,199.
Electrolux EBE5300SC (528L): Large-capacity bottom mount with TasteLock humidity-controlled crispers, AirFresh odour filter and smooth-glide freezer drawer. Good value. Around $1,299–$1,499.
LG GB-B5837SWJW (587L): LG's large bottom mount with Linear Inverter compressor, Door Cooling+ and smart ThinQ app connectivity. Around $1,499–$1,699.
Shop Bottom Mount Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We stock bottom mount fridges from Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, Hisense and more. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park (open 7 days), call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au.