Bottom mount freezers: worth the cost?
By: Steve Brannan - September 1st, 2006
Q: I’ve heard about the new fridges in which the freezer compartment is on the bottom. What are the pros and cons of this design?
A: The first thing you’ll notice about the “bottom mount” model is the price. They are more expensive than the more conventional top mount models. Word on the street is that the only reason for the big price tag is lack of competition. Manufacturers can get away with charging more because product selection and competition is limited. The last time I checked there were only two or three manufacturers providing the basic box and components that make a bottom mount refrigerator. Brand name companies buy the box and then add the shelving and door configurations depending on the model they want to sell. Then they put their name on it and ship it out.
The main advantage to having a freezer on the bottom is better accessibility and organization in the fresh food section. Your back will get a rest—no more deep knee bends to get veggies out of the crispers, or discovering long lost condiments at the back of the bottom shelf. Being able to see your food means it gets used before it spoils. This model is also easier to clean. Ice cube addicts may complain about having to reach down and deep for their ice, but hey, a little stretching is good.
The freezer section is about the same size a regular freezer. Many models now have a door/drawer that pulls out—a nice design touch.
One drawback may be the occasional freezing of fresh fruit and vegetables when they are stored (where they belong) in the bottom-most crisper bins. This happens when the bins are too close to the freezer section. Keeping an eye on your temperature controls will usually eliminate this problem. If you have young children they may have trouble reaching items on the top shelves of the fresh food section. You can compensate by keeping commonly used items in the large door bins. (Personally, I prefer to keep my milk and juice on the top shelf where it is nice and cold.) Energy efficiency is better in all new refrigerators, so don’t worry too much if the model you like uses a little more hydro.
I think you either love this design or hate it. Start by visiting a few appliance stores and testing out the different models. If you like the way the bottom-mount feels, then it’s worth the extra money.
Steve - I enjoy your show. I started out with GE in 1948 and spent about six months on major appliances, part of my training. I have had nothing but GE appliances all my life. I have a GE dryer that is 44 years old and runs beautifully. I have other trafic appliances that range from 1958 through 1965 and all work perfectly. Needless to say I have always done my own repairs and never had a service man in the house in over 50 years of married life, with wife and five children. Agree with you that appliances in the last five years are made to look at not to use as they will never last like the old tried and true.
My wife wishes you to know however that we recently had need to purchase a new refrigerator (other one 36 years old). The old one -
GE- had a door and pull out basket on the bottom freezer. It was difficult to find one with this as most seem to have a full pull out. However we found one and are very happy as we age, to have to door and then a lighter drawer to pull out.
Keep up the good work.