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Shoppers searching for the best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports guidance usually want independent, test-style comparisons. We are not affiliated with Consumer Reports and do not reproduce its ratings. Instead, we compare bottom freezer refrigerators on criteria independent testers commonly weigh: temperature steadiness, energy use, noise, convenience and fit.
Our comparison uses Amazon listing specs and manufacturer information. For Consumer Reports’ own test scores, check its website directly.
Quick Answer: The Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Consumer Reports
- Best OverallKenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer
- Best EfficiencyGE 21 Bottom Freezer
- Best Produce CareWhirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer
- Best FitGE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom
- Best NarrowSharp 11.5 24" Bottom Freezer
- Best CapacityKenmore 22.3 Bottom Freezer
Kenmore 17.8 is our top best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports-style pick: an inverter compressor for steady, quiet cooling, ENERGY STAR listing, an ice maker and a counter-depth cabinet. GE GBE21DYKFS lists 488 kWh a year, Whirlpool WRB329DMBM has FreshFlow, GE GBE17HYRFS is counter-depth, Sharp SJB1255GS fits 24-inch spaces and Kenmore 22.3 is the large inverter pick.
Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Consumer Reports Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 17.8 Bottom Freezer | Best Overall | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Inverter, counter-depth | Check Price |
| GE 21 Bottom Freezer | Best Efficiency | 30-inch bottom freezer | 488 kWh/yr | Check Price |
| Whirlpool 18.5 Bottom Freezer | Best Produce Care | 30-inch bottom freezer | FreshFlow | Check Price |
| GE 17.7 Counter-Depth Bottom | Best Fit | 31-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | Counter-depth | Check Price |
| Sharp 11.5 24" Bottom Freezer | Best Narrow | 24-inch counter-depth bottom freezer | 24 in. | Check Price |
| Kenmore 22.3 Bottom Freezer | Best Capacity | 31-inch standard-depth bottom freezer | 22.3 cu ft | 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. Scores below are our own BRD Scores, not Consumer Reports ratings.
1. Kenmore 17.8 Cu. Ft. 31" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
1. Kenmore runs quietly and steadily.
👍 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.
ENERGY STAR.
2. GE GBE21DYKFS 21 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, ENERGY STAR
2. GE uses little power for its size.
👍 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. Whirlpool WRB329DMBM 18.5 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Stainless
3. Whirlpool keeps produce 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.
4. GE GBE17HYRFS 17.7 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
4. GE sits flush.
👍 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.
Recessed handles.
5. Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 Cu. Ft. 24" Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
5. Sharp suits 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. Kenmore 22.3 Cu. Ft. 31" Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR
6. 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.
Inverter.
How We Chose the Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Consumer Reports
To choose the best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports, 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 Consumer Reports
Temperature steadiness
Inverter compressors help.
Energy
Compare listed kWh.
Noise
Inverters run quieter.
Convenience
Drawers, bins and lighting.
Fit
Depth and width.
Reliability
Check warranty and service.
Independent tests
See Consumer Reports for its scores.
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.
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.
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.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Verify temps at home. Thermometer.
- Register warranty. Support.
- Read the manual. Clearances.
- Keep the box briefly. Damage claims.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports readers would like?
Kenmore 17.8 is our top pick on test-style criteria.
Is this article from Consumer Reports?
No; we are independent and do not reproduce its ratings.
What do testers check?
Temperature, energy, noise and convenience.
Do inverter compressors help?
They keep temperatures steadier and run quieter.
Where are Consumer Reports scores?
On Consumer Reports’ own website.
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
Kenmore 17.8 is our top best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports-style pick, with GE for efficiency and Whirlpool for produce care. Check independent scores too before choosing the best bottom freezer refrigerator consumer reports readers trust.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
