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The best bottom freezer refrigerator stainless steel models give a modern finish that matches stainless ranges and dishwashers. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are worth looking for, since standard stainless shows smudges at kid height.
We compared stainless bottom freezer refrigerators on Amazon on finish, capacity, width and features.
Quick Answer: The Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Stainless Steel
- Best OverallWhirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer
- Best Fingerprint-ResistantKenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer
- Best Built-In LookGE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom
- Best 24-InchSummit FFBF181 24" Bottom Freezer
- Best 28-InchSummit FFBF279 28"
- Best BudgetHamilton Beach 11.5 Bottom
Whirlpool WRB329DMBM is the best bottom freezer refrigerator stainless steel pick for most kitchens: 18.5 cubic feet, ENERGY STAR, SpillGuard shelves and FreshFlow. Kenmore 17.8 has a fingerprint-resistant finish and counter-depth fit, GE GBE17HYRFS has recessed handles, Summit FFBF181 is a 24-inch stainless model with an ice maker, Summit FFBF279 has stainless doors at 28 inches and Hamilton Beach 11.5 is the budget pick.
Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Stainless Steel Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer | Best Overall | 30-inch bottom freezer | Stainless, ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| Kenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer | Best Fingerprint-Resistant | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | FPR stainless | Check Price |
| GE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom | Best Built-In Look | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Recessed handles | Check Price |
| Summit FFBF181 24" Bottom Freezer | Best 24-Inch | 24" counter-depth bottom-freezer refrigerator | Stainless, ice maker | Check Price |
| Summit FFBF279 28" | Best 28-Inch | 28" bottom-freezer refrigerator | Stainless doors | Check Price |
| Hamilton Beach 11.5 Bottom | Best Budget | 24-inch bottom freezer | Stainless finish | 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 looks sharp and keeps produce fresh.
👍 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.
FreshFlow.
2. Kenmore 17.8 Cu. Ft. 31" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
2. Kenmore hides smudges.
👍 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.
Counter-depth.
3. GE GBE17HYRFS 17.7 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
3. GE looks streamlined.
👍 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.
4. Summit FFBF181ES2IM 24" Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator with Ice Maker
4. Summit fits narrow spaces.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Factory ice maker
- Counter-depth 24-inch body
- Bottom freezer keeps fresh food at eye level
- Stainless steel
Cons
- 78 inches tall
- Premium price
- Higher listed kWh
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 11.7 cu ft
- Dimensions: 23.38" W x 23.75" D x 78.38" H
- Freezer: Bottom mount with ice maker
- Listed energy use: 464 kWh/year
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Extras: Spill-proof glass shelves, crisper
Summit’s FFBF181ES2IM fits 11.7 cubic feet into a 24-inch-wide, counter-depth body. The bottom freezer has an ice maker and slide-out storage, while the fridge section has spill-proof glass shelves and a large crisper.
Counter-depth.
5. Summit FFBF279SSXIM 28" Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator with Ice Maker
5. Summit adds an ice maker.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 14.6 cu ft under 27 inches deep
- Factory ice maker
- Bottom freezer
- Stainless doors
Cons
- Premium price
- Highest listed kWh here
- 28-inch width needed
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 14.6 cu ft
- Dimensions: 27.63" W x 26.75" D x 67.63" H
- Freezer: Bottom mount, factory ice maker
- Listed energy use: 507 kWh/year
- Finish: Stainless steel doors
- Lighting: LED
Summit’s FFBF279SSXIM brings 14.6 cubic feet to kitchens that cannot take a full-depth fridge: it is under 27 inches deep. It has a bottom freezer with a factory ice maker, LED lighting and stainless doors.
LED lighting.
6. Hamilton Beach HBFR-152 11.5 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Mount Freezer Refrigerator, Stainless
6. Hamilton Beach is affordable.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very shallow 20.5 inches
- Low price
- Glass shelves
- 24-inch width
Cons
- Manual defrost listed
- Few reviews
- Basic features
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 11.5 cu ft
- Dimensions: 24" W x 20.5" D x 69" H (listed)
- Shelves: 3 removable glass shelves
- Defrost: Manual (listed)
- Finish: Stainless
- Use: Kitchens, offices, small spaces
Hamilton Beach’s 11.5 cubic foot bottom freezer is only about 20.5 inches deep, which suits tight kitchens.
20.5 in. deep.
How We Chose the Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Stainless Steel
To choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator stainless steel, 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 Stainless Steel
Real vs look
Some finishes are stainless-look.
Fingerprint resistance
Saves cleaning.
Matching
Compare tones with other appliances.
Magnets
May not stick to all stainless.
Handles
Recessed handles look cleaner.
Cleaning
Use stainless-safe cleaners.
Size
Measure first.
Energy use over the years
A refrigerator runs around the clock, so listed yearly energy use matters. ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use less energy than the federal minimum standard requires, and an inverter compressor can help hold steadier temperatures.
Delivery, haul-away and warranty
Check whether delivery includes bringing the fridge inside, connecting the water line and removing the old unit. Most full-size refrigerators come with at least a one-year warranty, and some brands cover sealed-system parts longer.
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.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Wipe with the grain. Fewer streaks.
- Use microfiber. No scratches.
- Avoid abrasive pads. Protect finish.
- Set 37–40°F. Food safety.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best bottom freezer refrigerator stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bottom freezer refrigerator stainless steel pick?
Whirlpool WRB329DMBM.
Is fingerprint-resistant stainless worth it?
Yes if you have kids or a busy kitchen.
Are 24-inch stainless bottom freezers available?
Yes, from Summit and Sharp.
Do magnets stick to stainless fridges?
Not always.
How do I clean stainless steel?
Mild soap or stainless cleaner, wiping with the grain.
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 stainless steel pick for most kitchens, with Kenmore for fingerprint resistance and Summit for narrow spaces. Match your appliances with the best bottom freezer refrigerator stainless steel model.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
