Bottom mount fridges

A bottom mount fridge keeps the freezer down the bottom and the fridge section up top, so everything you reach for most is right there at eye level. That means easy access to the fresh food you grab every day.

As for the frozen food? Instead of fixed shelves like you’ll find in top mount fridges, bottom mount models use freezer drawers that slide out towards you, so you can see what’s inside without digging around the back.

Could be, but energy efficiency is not just about where the freezer sits. What really matters is what’s going on behind the scenes. The simplest way to check? Look for the energy rating sticker. More stars = less power use.

Next, take a peek at the refrigeration tech inside. Fridges with inverter systems don’t blast cold air all day. They adjust power based on how much cooling is actually needed. That means better energy efficiency, steadier temps and no wasted power.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fridges. The best bottom mount fridge is the one that fits your kitchen, your habits, and how chaotic your grocery runs get. Here’s what to look out for:

• Capacity and litres – Got a big crew to feed? Something like the LG GB-455WL 420L or the Westinghouse WBE4302AC-R gives you heaps of room without taking over your kitchen. Need more space? The Electrolux EBE5002SD-R pushes you up into the 500L+ zone.
• Adjustable shelving – Nothing worse than trying to cram a tall bottle onto a short shelf. Models like the Westinghouse WBE5300SC-R come with adjustable glass shelving, so you can shuffle things around when life throws you a giant cake or three trays of leftovers.
• Humidity control – Want your veggies to last the week instead of going soggy by Wednesday? Fridges like the Fisher & Paykel RF505BRNX1 come with dual humidity-controlled crisper drawers that give your greens a fighting chance.
• Ice and water convenience – Love a cold drink on demand? Some bottom mount fridges include a built-in ice maker, while the Haier HRF420BHC has a water dispenser built into the door.
• Smart connectivity – Yes, even your fridge can be smart. Models like the Samsung SRL4200S come with Wi-Fi, so you can tweak the temp, all from your phone.
• Finish options – Black stainless steel, dark graphite, white. You name it. Whether you want something sleek and subtle or bold and shiny, there’s a finish that fits. Models like LG’s GB-455PL (Stainless Steel) and GB-455MBL (Matte Black) show how the right finish can tie your whole kitchen together, while Hisense’s PureFlat fridges keep things clean and modern.

Still not sure what matters most? Our fridge buying guide breaks down all the key features in plain English so you can compare features, weigh up functionalities and lock in the right model that actually works for you.

That depends on how big your household is and how much room you’ve actually got to fit the thing. It’s not just about litres on a label. You want something that works for your family and your kitchen layout. Here’s a rough guide:

• 250L - 350L suits singles or couples
• 350L - 500L works for small families
• Anything 500L+ is great for busy households or serious snackers.

But fridge capacity is only half the story. You’ve also got to check if the fridge will fit your space. That means measuring the width, height and depth of your fridge cavity, and leaving room around the sides and back for ventilation.

Most fridges in this range are freestanding units, so you’ve got flexibility with placement. But if your kitchen’s built around integrated fridges, double-check that you’re not restricted by cabinetry. French door fridges and side by side fridges also tend to be wider overall, so if you’re switching to a bottom mount model, you might gain some breathing room.