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The best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026 buyers can choose from includes newer inverter-compressor models, 24-inch counter-depth units for small kitchens and design-led retro options. We checked current listings for this year.
We compared current bottom freezer refrigerators on Amazon on compressor type, capacity, depth and features.
Quick Answer: The Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator 2026
- Best OverallKenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer
- Best LargeKenmore 22.3 Bottom Freezer
- Best EfficientGE 21 Bottom Freezer
- Best 24-InchSharp 10.3 24" Bottom Freezer
- Best Produce CareWhirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer
- Best DesignSmeg FAB38 Retro
Kenmore 17.8 is the best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026 pick for most kitchens: counter-depth at about 27.5 inches, an inverter compressor, an ice maker and ENERGY STAR listing. Kenmore 22.3 is the large inverter pick, GE GBE21DYKFS is ENERGY STAR at 488 kWh, Sharp SJB1045SNS is a 24-inch garage-ready option, Whirlpool has FreshFlow and Smeg FAB38 is the design pick.
Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator 2026 Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer | Best Overall | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Counter-depth, inverter | Check Price |
| Kenmore 22.3 Bottom Freezer | Best Large | 31-inch standard-depth bottom freezer | 22.3 cu ft, inverter | Check Price |
| GE 21 Bottom Freezer | Best Efficient | 30-inch bottom freezer | 488 kWh/yr | Check Price |
| Sharp 10.3 24" Bottom Freezer | Best 24-Inch | 24-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Garage ready (listed) | Check Price |
| Whirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer | Best Produce Care | 30-inch bottom freezer | FreshFlow | Check Price |
| Smeg FAB38 Retro | Best Design | Retro bottom-freezer refrigerator | Made in Italy | 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. Kenmore 17.8 Cu. Ft. 31" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
1. Kenmore is quiet and 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.
Ice maker.
2. Kenmore 22.3 Cu. Ft. 31" Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
2. Kenmore holds a lot.
👍 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.
ENERGY STAR.
3. GE GBE21DYKFS 21 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, ENERGY STAR
3. GE is efficient.
👍 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.
LED lighting.
4. Sharp SJB1045SNS 10.3 Cu. Ft. 24" Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
4. Sharp fits narrow spaces.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits 24-inch openings
- Counter-depth
- Garage ready per listing
- Reversible doors
Cons
- Small freezer
- Tall at 73 inches
- Smaller capacity
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 10.3 cu ft (7.4 fridge + 2.9 freezer)
- Dimensions: 23.6" W x 23.75" D x 73.2" H (listed)
- Cooling: Multi Air Flow, auto-defrost
- Design: Hidden hinges, recessed handles
- Use: Garage ready (listed)
- Ratings: 61 on Amazon
Sharp’s SJB1045SNS fits a full bottom-freezer layout into a 24-inch width and is listed as garage ready.
Hidden hinges.
5. Whirlpool WRB329DMBM 18.5 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Stainless
5. Whirlpool extends produce life.
👍 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.
6. Smeg FAB38 Retro Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Made in Italy, 18 Cu. Ft.
6. Smeg adds retro style.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Iconic design
- LifePlus zone
- Made in Italy
- Frost free
Cons
- Very high price
- Large footprint
- Manual ice maker
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18 cu ft (12.48 fridge + 5.47 freezer)
- Made in: Italy
- Zone: LifePlus zone 28–37°F
- Cooling: Multiflow
- Energy: 430 kWh/year (listed)
- Ice: Manual ice maker
Smeg’s FAB38 brings 1950s styling to a full-size bottom-freezer refrigerator made in Italy.
LifePlus zone.
How We Chose the Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator 2026
To choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026, 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 2026
Inverter compressors
Quieter and steadier.
Counter depth
More 2026 options.
24-inch models
For apartments and galley kitchens.
Ice makers
Included on some.
Design
Retro models cost more.
Energy
Compare kWh.
Delivery
Check haul-away.
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.
Ice makers and water lines
Ice makers and dispensers need a water line and a filter that is replaced every few months. If you do not have a nearby water supply, an ice-maker-ready model or one without a dispenser avoids plumbing work.
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.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Register the warranty. Support.
- Set 37–40°F and 0°F. Food safety.
- Use freezer baskets. Organization.
- Clean gaskets. Seal.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026?
Kenmore 17.8 for most kitchens.
What is new this year?
More inverter compressors and counter-depth options.
Are 24-inch bottom freezers available?
Yes, from Sharp and Summit.
Which is most efficient?
GE GBE21DYKFS lists 488 kWh a year.
Is Smeg worth it?
For design-led kitchens, yes; it costs much more.
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 often should I replace the water filter?
Many brands suggest about every six months, or sooner if water flow slows or the indicator light comes on.
Should I lay a refrigerator on its side to move it?
Upright is best. If it must be tilted or laid down, let it stand upright for several hours before plugging it in so compressor oil can settle.
Final Verdict
Kenmore 17.8 is the best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026 pick for most kitchens, with Kenmore 22.3 for space and Sharp for narrow spaces. Compare these to choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator 2026 offers.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
