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The best bottom freezer refrigerator puts the fresh-food section at eye level, where you reach most often, and moves the freezer to a pull-out drawer below. Single-door bottom freezers are usually narrower and less expensive than French door models, which makes them a smart fit for 30 to 31-inch openings.
We compared single-door bottom freezer refrigerators on Amazon on capacity, width, depth, ice features and listed energy use.
Quick Answer: The Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
- Best OverallWhirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer
- Best EfficientGE 21 Bottom Freezer
- Most CapacityKenmore 22.3 Bottom Freezer
- Best Counter-DepthKenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer
- Best NarrowSharp 11.5 24" Bottom Freezer
- Best GE Counter-DepthGE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom
Whirlpool WRB329DMBM is the best bottom freezer refrigerator for most kitchens: 18.5 cubic feet, ENERGY STAR, SpillGuard glass shelves and a FreshFlow produce preserver. GE GBE21DYKFS is the ENERGY STAR 21 cubic foot pick, Kenmore 22.3 is the largest, Kenmore 17.8 is counter-depth with an ice maker, Sharp 11.5 fits 24-inch spaces and GE GBE17HYRFS is the counter-depth GE.
Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer | Best Overall | 30-inch bottom freezer | FreshFlow, ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| GE 21 Bottom Freezer | Best Efficient | 30-inch bottom freezer | 488 kWh/yr, ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| Kenmore 22.3 Bottom Freezer | Most Capacity | 31-inch standard-depth bottom freezer | 22.3 cu ft | Check Price |
| Kenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer | Best Counter-Depth | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | 17.8 cu ft, ice maker | Check Price |
| Sharp 11.5 24" Bottom Freezer | Best Narrow | 24-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | 24 in. wide | Check Price |
| GE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom | Best GE Counter-Depth | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Recessed handles | Check Price |
The 6 Bottom Freezer Refrigerators We Recommend
Measure the opening width, height and depth, plus the door swing and the path through your entry doors, before you order a full-size refrigerator. Specs below come from each Amazon listing.
1. Whirlpool WRB329DMBM 18.5 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Stainless
1. Whirlpool keeps produce fresh longer.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- FreshFlow produce preserver
- SpillGuard shelves
- ENERGY STAR
- Whirlpool service network
Cons
- Standard depth
- No ice maker listed
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.5 cu ft
- Dimensions: 29.63" W x 33.35" D x 67" H (listed)
- Shelves: SpillGuard glass
- Produce: FreshFlow produce preserver
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
- Finish: Stainless steel
Whirlpool’s WRB329DMBM uses a FreshFlow produce preserver and SpillGuard shelves in a 30-inch bottom-freezer design.
SpillGuard shelves.
2. GE GBE21DYKFS 21 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, ENERGY STAR
2. GE is efficient at 21 cubic feet.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ENERGY STAR
- Fits 30-inch openings
- Humidity crispers
- LED lighting
Cons
- Standard depth
- No dispenser
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 21 cu ft
- Width: 29.75"
- Energy: 488 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR
- Lighting: LED
- Crispers: Humidity-controlled
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
GE’s GBE21DYKFS is a 30-inch-class bottom freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified at a listed 488 kWh a year.
Humidity crispers.
3. Kenmore 22.3 Cu. Ft. 31" Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
3. Kenmore holds the most.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large capacity
- Inverter compressor
- Ice maker
- ENERGY STAR
Cons
- Standard depth
- Few reviews
- Single fridge door
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 22.3 cu ft
- Dimensions: 31.3" W x 34.7" D x 67.9" H (listed)
- Compressor: Inverter
- Ice: Ice maker (cubed)
- Storage: Gallon bin, 2 crispers
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
Kenmore’s 22.3 cubic foot bottom freezer adds space in a 31-inch width with an inverter compressor.
Inverter compressor.
4. Kenmore 17.8 Cu. Ft. 31" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
4. Kenmore fits flush.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth
- Inverter compressor
- Ice maker
- ENERGY STAR
Cons
- Single fridge door
- 31-inch width
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.8 cu ft
- Dimensions: 31.2" W x 27.5" D x 68" H (listed)
- Compressor: Inverter
- Ice: Ice maker (cubed)
- Storage: 5 clear bins incl. gallon bin, 2 crispers
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
Kenmore’s 17.8 cubic foot bottom freezer is counter-depth at about 27.5 inches deep, with an inverter compressor and ice maker.
Inverter compressor.
5. Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 Cu. Ft. 24" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
5. Sharp fits small kitchens.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bigger freezer for 24 inches
- Vacation mode
- Converter drawer
- Wine rack
Cons
- Tall
- Single fridge door
- Price varies
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 11.5 cu ft (4.2 cu ft freezer)
- Dimensions: 23.6" W x 27" D x 72.8" H (listed)
- Modes: Vacation mode
- Drawer: Fresh converter drawer (chiller or crisper)
- Extras: Removable wine rack
- Ratings: 61 on Amazon
Sharp’s SJB1255GS adds a 4.2 cubic foot freezer, vacation mode and a converter drawer to a 24-inch bottom freezer.
Vacation mode.
6. GE GBE17HYRFS 17.7 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
6. GE has a built-in look.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Counter-depth
- Recessed handles
- Clean look
- GE support
Cons
- No ice maker listed
- Premium price
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.4–17.7 cu ft (listed)
- Dimensions: 31.13" W x 27" D x 68" H (listed)
- Handles: Recessed
- Design: Fits nearly flush with cabinets
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
- Defrost: Frost free
GE’s GBE17HYRFS is a counter-depth bottom freezer with recessed handles for a built-in look.
Fingerprint-resistant.
How We Chose the Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
To choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator, we compared full-size refrigerators sold on Amazon in the U.S. on total capacity, outside width, depth and height, door layout, freezer location, ice and water features, listed energy use, ENERGY STAR status and warranty. We checked whether each model is standard depth or counter depth, whether the ice maker and water dispenser are inside or on the door, and how much clearance the doors need. We read owner reviews for recurring problems such as ice maker failures, uneven cooling, noisy fans and delivery damage, and we left out listings whose specifications contradicted themselves.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Why bottom freezer
Fresh food at eye level; less bending.
Width
24, 30 and 31-inch models are common.
Depth
Counter-depth options sit flush.
Freezer drawer
Baskets keep frozen food organized.
Ice maker
Some include one; check the listing.
Energy
Bottom freezers are often efficient.
Door swing
Single doors need more clearance.
Measure the path, not just the opening
Check doorways, hallways and turns on the delivery route. Many full-size refrigerators are about 30 to 36 inches deep with doors, and removing doors or handles may be needed to get through narrow entries.
Leave room for air and hinges
Manufacturers usually ask for a small gap at the top, sides and back for airflow, plus extra space on the hinge side so doors can open far enough for crisper drawers to slide out.
Standard depth vs counter depth
Standard-depth refrigerators usually stick out several inches past the counters but hold more food. Counter-depth models sit closer to flush for a built-in look, with less capacity for the same width.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Organize the freezer drawer. Use bins.
- Keep produce in crispers. Humidity control.
- Set 37–40°F and 0°F. Food safety.
- Clean coils yearly. Efficiency.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best bottom freezer refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bottom freezer refrigerator?
Whirlpool WRB329DMBM for most kitchens.
Are bottom freezer fridges better than top freezer?
They put fresh food at eye level but usually cost more.
Do bottom freezer fridges have ice makers?
Some, like Kenmore 17.8 and 22.3.
How wide are bottom freezer fridges?
Often 24, 30 or 31 inches.
Are they energy efficient?
Many are ENERGY STAR certified.
How long should a new refrigerator run before I add food?
Many manufacturers suggest waiting several hours, and some up to 24 hours, for the fridge and freezer to reach set temperature before loading groceries.
What temperature should a refrigerator be set to?
Keep the fresh-food section at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F, which is the guidance food safety agencies give for home refrigerators.
How much clearance does a refrigerator need?
Follow the installation guide for your model; many ask for about an inch at the top and back and enough room on the hinge side for the doors to open fully.
Final Verdict
Whirlpool WRB329DMBM is the best bottom freezer refrigerator for most kitchens, with GE for efficiency and Kenmore for capacity. Measure the opening to choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator for you.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
