Benefits of Choosing a Bottom Mount Fridge
Bottom mount refrigerators position the freezer compartment below the fresh food section, placing frequently accessed items at eye level.
Bottom Mount Fridges eliminate bending or squatting to reach everyday essentials like milk, fresh produce, and leftovers. This configuration suits households that access the fridge compartment more frequently than the freezer.
Key advantages:
Fresh food at eye level for easy viewing and retrieval
Reduced bending frequency during daily kitchen tasks
Larger fridge capacity compared to equivalent-sized top mount models
Organised freezer with pull-out drawers or baskets instead of stacking
Suitable for households prioritising fresh food storage over frozen
Capacity ranges from approximately 300 litres for 1-2 person households through to just under 500 litres for larger families. Leading brands include LG, Westinghouse, Haier, Samsung, Hisense, and Fisher & Paykel.
Bottom Mount Fridge Styles and Designs
Bottom mount refrigerators come in various widths, typically ranging from 600mm to 800mm to fit standard kitchen cabinetry. Heights span 1600mm to 2000mm depending on capacity and brand.
Design options:
Finish choices: Stainless steel, white, black, or fingerprint-resistant coatings
Door styles: Single fridge door with single or double freezer drawers
Handle types: Recessed, bar, or integrated handles matching kitchen aesthetics
Interior lighting: LED illumination for improved visibility throughout compartments
Control panels: External digital displays or internal mechanical controls
Door swing direction matters in galley kitchens or spaces with limited clearance. Some models offer reversible door hinges for installation flexibility, whilst others have fixed hinging requiring consideration during purchase.
Freezer drawer configurations vary between single deep drawers and multiple shallow drawers. Multiple drawer systems help separate different frozen food types but reduce maximum item height accommodation.
Energy Efficiency in Bottom Mount Refrigerators
Energy star ratings indicate annual electricity consumption, with higher star ratings representing greater efficiency. Bottom mount models typically achieve 3-5 star ratings depending on capacity, compressor type, and insulation quality.
Efficiency factors:
Inverter compressors adjust cooling output based on demand, reducing energy waste
Multi-airflow systems distribute cold air more efficiently than single-point cooling
Thick insulation minimises temperature fluctuation and compressor cycling frequency
LED lighting consumes less power than traditional bulb systems
Door seals quality affects cold air retention when opening compartments
Compare models of similar capacity when assessing energy efficiency—larger refrigerators naturally consume more electricity regardless of star rating. Calculate estimated annual running costs by checking the energy label's kilowatt-hour figure against your electricity rate.
Placement affects efficiency. Avoid positioning near ovens, dishwashers, or direct sunlight. Maintain recommended clearance around the unit for proper ventilation and heat dissipation from rear-mounted condensers.
Organizing Your Bottom Mount Refrigerator
Fridge Compartment Storage
Position frequently used items like milk, juice, and condiments on door shelves for quick access. Store raw meat on the lowest fridge shelf to prevent drip contamination onto other foods.
Crisper drawers maintain higher humidity for vegetables and fruits, extending freshness. Some models include separate humidity controls for different produce types—leafy greens require higher humidity whilst apples and stone fruits prefer lower levels.
Adjustable shelving accommodates tall items like wine bottles or cake containers. Glass shelves contain spills better than wire alternatives, preventing liquid from dripping onto lower shelves.
Freezer Drawer Organisation
Separate frozen items by category using drawer dividers or baskets where provided. Group similar items—meats in one section, vegetables in another, prepared meals separately—for efficient retrieval without prolonged drawer opening.
Label and date frozen items to track storage duration. Most frozen foods maintain quality for 3-6 months, though this varies by food type.
Avoid overloading drawers beyond capacity markings. Packed freezers restrict airflow, reducing cooling efficiency and potentially causing ice buildup on drawer sides.
Bottom Mount Refrigerator Dimensions and Space Requirements
Standard bottom mount widths suit most kitchens, though verification before purchase prevents installation issues.
Dimension considerations:
Width: 600-800mm to match standard cabinetry openings
Depth: 600-700mm excluding door and handle protrusion
Height: 1600-2000mm depending on capacity requirements
Door swing: Allow 90-110 degrees clearance for full door opening
Ventilation: Maintain 50-100mm clearance at rear and sides where specified
Measure the installation space including doorway access paths. Some refrigerators require door removal for tight entries, whilst others navigate standard doorways intact depending on width and depth.
Check bench height if installing under overhead cabinetry. Top-mounted control panels or ice makers may require additional clearance above the unit.
Bottom Mount Fridges for Different Kitchen Layouts
Galley Kitchens
Narrow galley kitchens benefit from slimmer 600-650mm width models that maintain walkway clearance when doors open. Consider reversible hinging or check door swing direction relative to workflow patterns.
Open Plan Kitchens
Larger open layouts accommodate wider models up to 800mm. Stainless steel or black finishes suit contemporary open-plan aesthetics where the refrigerator remains visible from living areas.
Compact Kitchens
Apartments or small homes suit smaller capacity bottom mount models around 300-350 litres. These provide bottom mount convenience without excessive floor space consumption.
Family Kitchens
High-traffic family kitchens benefit from fingerprint-resistant finishes and robust door seals that withstand frequent opening. Larger capacities above 450 litres accommodate bulk shopping and meal preparation for multiple household members.
