Top Freezer vs Bottom Freezer - Which Is Better?

To find the refrigerator that best meets your household’s needs, you’ll need to consider a range of factors, including the placement of the freezer. Since both top and bottom freezer options have their advantages (and some drawbacks!), it’s best to compare a bottom freezer vs top freezer so that you can find a choice that’s right for you.  

Browse the full selection of freezers at Coast Appliances to learn more about your options. 

In this article, we’ll cover: 

  • What Is a Top Freezer? 
    • Top Freezer Pros 
    • Top Freezer Cons 
  • What Is a Bottom Freezer? 
    • Bottom Freezer Pros 
    • Bottom Freezer Cons
  • Top Freezer vs. Bottom Freezer Comparison

What Is a Top Freezer? 

As the name suggests, a top freezer refrigerator is a type of fridge with a freezer located on top. Typically, these refrigerators measure between 30 and 33 inches wide, making them a suitable size for many kitchens. They also have large doors that swing outward whenever the refrigerator or freezer is opened. 

Top Freezer Pros 

Top freezer refrigerators are a consistently popular option thanks to their compact design and reasonable price point. Some benefits of a top freezer fridge include:  

  • Energy efficient: Refrigerators with a freezer on top tend to be more energy efficient than other fridge models. This can lead to significant savings over time. 
  • Lots of usable refrigerator storage: In spite of their compact design, these refrigerators offer plenty of usable storage and can easily store wider items like trays of food. 
  • Affordability: Not only are these refrigerators inexpensive to operate, but they’re usually available at a lower price point than other types of fridges. 

Top Freezer Cons 

While this refrigerator style is popular for a reason, it does have some drawbacks. Disadvantages of a top freezer unit include:  

  • Fewer features: It can be more difficult to find some of the convenience features like ice or water dispensers on this type of refrigerator. 
  • Wide door swing: Both the refrigerator and the freezer are opened by a single door that swings outwards. Opening these doors may be difficult in a kitchen that’s narrow or cramped. 
  • Less freezer storage: While a top freezer fridge may give you more usable refrigerator storage, freezer space can be limited. 

What Is a Bottom Freezer? 

A bottom freezer refrigerator has a large pull-out freezer drawer at the bottom of the fridge. These sleek, modern refrigerators are available in an array of designs and styles. Double-door French door refrigerators are an especially popular option, but some of the fridges with bottom freezer designs may also have a single refrigerator door on the top half of the appliance.  

Bottom Freezer Pros 

Having a freezer drawer on the bottom can definitely come in handy, especially if you regularly freeze food. Perks of a bottom freezer fridge include:  

  • More organization options: Pull-out freezer drawers allow you to store frozen foods in a variety of ways. You can even stack items on top of each other. 
  • Plenty of freezer space: A bottom freezer unit will give you more freezer capacity, making it easy to store frozen foods. 
  • Appealing features: These refrigerators are known for having a modern design and features, including water and ice dispensers, automatic alerts if doors are left open, and digital temperature control features. 

Bottom Freezer Cons 

Although the fridge bottom freezer design provides lots of freezer space, it may not be the best option for all households. Some of the cons include:  

  • Higher upfront price point: Prices vary, but bottom freezer refrigerators tend to be more expensive than their top freezer counterparts. 
  • Increased energy costs: On average, these refrigerators have higher energy bills and operating costs. The U.S. Dept. of Energy reports that a top freezer model can use 10 - 25% less energy than a bottom freezer style.  
  • Freezer compartments can be difficult to access: Freezer doors can be convenient, but they can also be difficult for some users to reach, especially if they have a hard time crouching or bending over. 

Top Freezer vs. Bottom Freezer Comparison 

When you compare bottom freezer vs top freezer refrigerators, you’ll quickly see that the differences between each style of refrigerator aren’t just about freezer placement. Upfront costs, storage options, and energy expenses can all vary based on the style and model of refrigerator that you choose.  

Top freezer refrigerators have a simple, compact design that works well in kitchens of any size. Bottom freezer fridges are larger and offer more freezer space, as well as a wider assortment of features. You’ll want to look closely at what both styles of refrigerators have to offer before choosing the best option for your home.

 

Product Attributes Top Freezer Fridge Bottom Freezer Fridge

More refrigerator space

     

More freezer space

     

Lower pricing 

     

Energy efficient 

     

More features 

     

Flexible organization options  

     

Compact 

     

Many styles to choose from  

     

Simple design 

     

Modern design 

     


FAQs About
Top Freezer vs. Bottom Freezer 

Which type of freezer is more energy efficient? 

Some of the best bottom freezer refrigerator models have an energy efficient design, but it’s still likely that you might see more energy savings from a model with a freezer on top.    

Which type of freezer is more expensive? 

If you compare bottom freezer vs top freezer models, you’ll find that bottom freezer refrigerators are usually sold at a higher price point.

Why are top freezers less expensive? 

A simple design and limited features help keep the cost of the top freezer refrigerator down. And for the budget-minded consumer, lower energy and maintenance costs can also lead to long-term savings. 

Which type of freezer has better storage? 

Most top freezer fridges offer more refrigerator storage, while some bottom freezer refrigerators can have significantly more freezer space. It’s important to consider how you’ll be using your refrigerator and freezer when choosing your appliance. 

Which type of freezer is better for small spaces? 

Refrigerators with a top freezer are usually smaller and more compact. However, these refrigerators often have wide doors that can be difficult to open in narrow kitchens. 

Which type of freezer is better for families? 

Bottom freezer fridges tend to be the best option for families because they offer flexible options for food storage. While children may not be able to reach a top freezer, they can easily access a bottom freezer drawer. 

Are bottom freezer refrigerators reliable? 

Reliability can vary based on the overall quality of the fridge. It’s best to choose a model from a leading brand, like Frigidaire, Whirlpool, or LG. 

Both top and bottom freezer refrigerators have advantages and disadvantages. To ensure that you’re satisfied with the fridge you choose, you’ll want to look closely at both styles and think carefully about the needs of your household.  

Take the time to browse our full selection of freezers and check out some of the many options available!  

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