Bottom freezer stainless steel refrigerator with ice maker

Q: Do bottom freezers dispense ice?

An ice and water dispenser isnt a necessity, but its a common feature in bottom freezer fridges, including models with French doors or a multiple-door design. Typically, a bottom freezer refrigerator with water dispenser is located on the door of a model and dispenses ice and water at the push of a button.

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Table of Contents Show

Capacity
Ice and water dispenser
Easy-open freezer handle
Factory-installed ice maker
Bottle and can storage
Can you get an ice maker in a bottom freezer refrigerator?
What is the most reliable refrigerator with ice maker?
Is a bottom freezer refrigerator better?
Do bottom freezers dispense ice?

The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

A bottom freezer refrigerator is ideal for those who prefer the convenience and organizational possibilities of having a pull-out freezer drawer. We've spent hours researching and testing models from the top appliance brands, evaluating quality, features, energy efficiency, and overall value.

Our best overall pick, the Whirlpool WRB322DMBM Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, has a 6.45 cubic foot freezer—plenty of storage capacity for a family of four—LED interior lighting, and a temperature system that cools foods quickly.

Here are the best bottom freezer refrigerators.

Courtesy of Lowe's

What We Like

Spacious refrigerator
Deli drawer
Airflow technology

What We Don't Like

No butter keeper
Not smart home compatible

Who else recommends it? Consumer Reports and Bob Vila both picked the Whirlpool 22.07 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator with Ice Maker.

What do buyers say? 9,900+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

For a well-designed and functional bottom freezer refrigerator, look no further than the Whirlpool WRB322DMBM. This appliance has it all, and that's why it's our top pick.

This bottom freezer refrigerator boasts a sleek and simple exterior that'll be easy to match to your other kitchen appliances. It has a temperature control system that'll bring your groceries to their ideal temperature without wasting a boatload of energy. It will work to keep your produce fresher for longer as well, using its FreshFlow technology, which absorbs any excess gas that would make your food spoil. Ultimately, that technology will help you save money, too.

Given its more affordable price point, the WRB322DMBM also offers a generous amount of space for your groceries. Its total capacity is 22 cubic feet, with almost 16 cubic feet of that space in the refrigerator portion. The five shelves in the fridge allow you to keep your goods organized, and the freezer has sliding baskets for bulky items that'll allow you to access tucked-away items.

The bottom freezer drawer pulls out for easy access, and it also has LED lighting to help you quietly retrieve your midnight ice cream snack. While this refrigerator isn't smart home compatible, we believe it gets you the most bang for your buck.

Courtesy of Lowe's

What We Like

Spacious interior
Pizza box slot
Stylish handles

What We Don't Like

Very expensive
Ice maker can leak
Some noticeable running noise

If your budget allows you to add a pricier bottom freezer refrigerator to your space, then the KitchenAid KRFF507HBS is a sleek choice. It features a stainless steel exterior paired with slim, stainless steel handles. In addition to an external ice and water dispenser, this combination will give any kitchen a gourmet look and feel.

This fridge is an attention-getter for guests when entertaining. It gets high praise for its spacious interior that is perfect for storing many side dishes at once. With a 27-cubic-foot interior, this fridge doesn't skimp on space. The refrigerator takes up about 19 cubic feet of space, including five glass shelves, two produce crispers, and a pizza box slot for putting away leftovers efficiently and adequately. The freezer has just under 8 cubic feet of space with tiers and dividers that'll make organizing your long-lasting items a total breeze.

One issue you may run into with this fridge is that the ice maker may leak or have ice buildup around it. The model may also run a bit noisy. Otherwise, this fridge is a great, high-end addition to your home.

What We Like

Can easily store wine bottles
Lots of shelving in refrigerator
Has a removable tray in freezer

What We Don't Like

No water or ice dispenser
Not as spacious as other models

For a counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerator, the GE GLE12HSPSS is a great option. This slim refrigerator has an eye-catching stainless steel finish and offers 11.9 cubic feet of total space. The counter-depth design means it will sit flush with your countertops, making your kitchen appear very high-end.

But while this appliance is stylish, it's also quite functional. The refrigerator has a total of seven shelves for organizing your fresh food. A temperature-controlled drawer separates the fridge and freezer portions and is the perfect spot to store easy-to-reach snacks or drinks. A bottle storage rack can even store your bottles of wine, eliminating the need for a separate wine cooler. Most notably, the freezer features a removable tray, so you can maximize this section and make sure your most-used items are right on top. With a lower-than-normal price tag, it's a pick that's hard to beat, assuming you don't want a water and ice dispenser.

What We Like

Plenty of freezer room
Automatically defrosts
Ice maker

What We Don't Like

Exterior isn't fingerprint-resistant
No ice and water dispenser

This LG Electronics model maximizes your refrigerator and freezer space and doesn't make compromises in the process. It comes with modern amenities such as easy-to-clean shelves, LED lighting, and an ice maker. The 8.3 cubic feet of frozen food storage may be the most notable part of this appliance, and it will hold tubs of ice cream, meat cuts, and frozen vegetables with ease. The two provided baskets help keep you organized, and the refrigerator section has a deli drawer and gallon container door storage.

The modern technology of this appliance ensures that no matter how much you pack it with grocery store goods, everything remains at its ideal temperature. The automatic defroster reduces frost buildup, and electronic temperature controls also give the appliance more control over the environment.

Although the stainless steel exterior may not stop a child from leaving their mark on this fridge, any prints will easily wipe off, and this purchase is an ultimate win.

Courtesy of Home Depot

What We Like

Factory-installed ice maker
Operates quietly
Solid bin in freezer

What We Don't Like

Interior water dispenser can leak
No smart features

Do you prefer a French door refrigerator—with two doors that sweep open? If so, the Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ is a great choice that's big in size and style.

This French door-style refrigerator with a bottom freezer offers 25 cubic feet of total space and a fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel finish. The sides of the fridge are a textured gray—typical for most stainless-steel fridges. Some well-loved features of this refrigerator include the interior water dispenser and in-freezer ice maker. Typically, a water dispenser can be a difficult feature to find on a bottom freezer fridge. But this Whirlpool's French door design makes it possible.

The 7.4 cubic feet of freezer space isn't as large as other bottom freezer fridges, but most households will likely find it large enough. The drawer in the freezer is a solid bin instead of a wire basket so that small items won't slip through. If you have the space to install a piece with wide-swinging doors, this mid-priced, full-featured model from Whirlpool is undoubtedly a quality choice.

What We Like

Factory-installed ice maker
Plenty of refrigerator room
Blue-tinted produce bins

What We Don't Like

Wide and tall build
Freezer isn't very spacious

Being able to open up your refrigerator and pour yourself a glass of water is a luxury this Haier appliance understands. It has an internal water dispenser and ice maker, which is already installed in the model. When having your fridge delivered and set up, you will want to ensure a water line connection kit is included. Plan on having someone hook it up for you, or you will have to hook it up yourself for an amenity like ice that is made quickly and regularly.

The most significant selling point of this freezer, other than its dispensers, is how spacious it is. With 27 cubic feet of space and five refrigerator shelves, you can easily keep your produce and fresh goods organized. Each shelf is adjustable, making it easy to customize your fridge's layout. In addition, the bins of this model are slightly blue-tinted, and the interior has bright LED lighting, so you'll feel as cool as a cucumber when locating a snack.

The downsides are that the freezer is not as customizable or as spacious as the fridge section, and it is significantly wider and taller than others on the market, so measure your space ahead of time.

Overall, it's a great pick for those looking for a functional and luxurious fridge that's able to provide filtered water and meet your ice needs on demand.

Final Verdict

For a well-designed, reliable, and straightforward bottom freezer refrigerator, the Whirlpool WRB322DMBM is your best option. This selection is our top overall pick because it has a simple exterior that's easy to match, as well as a spacious interior that will easily store your fresh and frozen goods. If you can afford to spend a bit more, the KitchenAid 27 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator has double doors, a large capacity, and a water dispenser.

Type

A bottom freezer refrigerator is often defined by its door design and depth. The right fit for your home depends on the layout of your kitchen, your budget, and your personal preferences. When it comes to door design, your model can have a single door, two French doors, or multiple compartments that can be used as freezer or fridge space. When it comes to depth, you can choose from a standard-depth or counter-depth model, which will sit flush with your counters. If you want to spend less, then consider a single-door model. Consider a counter-depth model if your kitchen is tight, but know it'll likely cost a bit more.

Capacity

The capacity of a bottom freezer refrigerator refers to the amount of space in all of the compartments combined and is measured in cubic feet. Capacity can range from 11.9 cubic feet in narrow models to 27 cubic feet in larger ones. You'll want to consider not only the total capacity of a fridge but how this number breaks down between the fridge and freezer compartments. An average-sized household can typically fit a week's worth of groceries in a model with around 15 cubic feet of fresh food storage and 6 cubic feet of frozen food storage. Also, keep in mind: The amount of space a fridge has is affected by its depth. So, a large household should consider a standard-depth model over a counter-depth one to maximize its interior.

Ice and water dispenser

A dispenser is not necessary, but it is a common feature in bottom freezer fridges with a French door or multiple door design. Typically, a dispenser is located on the door of a model and dispenses ice and water at the push of a button, and some dispense crushed and cubed ice. High-end fridges also have dispensers with auto-filling technology, which senses the size of your cup and fills it accordingly. Your budget and your household size will determine whether or not your model includes a dispenser and how advanced that dispenser is. Bottom freezer fridges with a dispenser can cost more, and that dispenser can take up interior space. If you have a large household, consider how one will impact the capacity of your model.

Easy-open freezer handle

It can be challenging to open the freezer portion of a bottom freezer refrigerator due to the weight of both the materials and your frozen food. Models with an easy-open freezer handle allow you to gently lift the handle before easily sliding out the entire compartment. This feature is convenient for larger households with high-capacity models, which are naturally bulkier and more packed.

Factory-installed ice maker

Factory-installed ice makers are already built into a bottom freezer refrigerator, so you don’t need to purchase or connect a separate kit. This option reduces the likeliness of needing repairs or dealing with leaks in your kitchen. A household with people who work from home, athletes, or avid water drinkers will find this feature most helpful, especially when paired with a water dispenser or built-in pitcher.

Bottle and can storage

Special storage for wine bottles and beer, seltzer, or soda cans is a convenient feature in many new refrigerators on the market. It keeps you from adjusting door bins to fit these taller items or designating another spot in your refrigerator for drinks. In addition, this organizational feature eliminates the need for a different wine or beer cooler; however, it isn’t suitable for wine connoisseurs who separately chill their whites and reds.

FAQ

How long do bottom freezer refrigerators last?
On average, a bottom freezer refrigerator lasts at least 10 years. You can lengthen its lifespan if you properly maintain the appliance, avoid troublesome features like an ice maker that isn't pre-installed, and address any needed repairs right away. Every six months, change the water filter if your unit has a dispenser. In addition, clean the condenser coils, check the temperature your fridge is at, and make sure the appliance is level.
How do you adjust the temperature on a bottom freezer refrigerator?
To adjust the temperature of your bottom freezer refrigerator, you'll first need to figure out if your unit has electric or manual controls. If it has electric controls, you can adjust the temperature using a digital pad on the exterior or within the unit's interior. If it has manual controls, you can gently turn a dial to your desired temperature. (If the dial uses numbered tick marks, "1" is usually considered the warmest.) To safely store food, set the refrigerator temperature to 35 F and the freezer to zero degrees.
Do bottom freezer refrigerators have more problems?
In comparison to other styles, bottom freezer refrigerators don't have more problems or require more repairs. However, they can cost more upfront, and some may be more expensive to operate per year compared to a top freezer or side-by-side refrigerators. In addition, since the freezer is on the bottom of the appliance, it can be a real workout to lift the pull-out drawer or heavy items out of the compartment.
What is better, a side-by-side refrigerator or a bottom freezer refrigerator?
When it comes to side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerators, there isn't one undeniably better style. A side-by-side fridge is typically narrower, so it's a better pick for small or tall kitchens and doesn't require you to bend over to reach your frozen food. In contrast, a bottom freezer refrigerator is usually more energy-efficient and can easily accommodate bulkier items like chicken nugget boxes or roasting chicken. To find the best one for you, figure out your priorities and see what style checks off the most boxes.

This article was written and updated by Marisa Casciano, who is the senior commerce editor for appliances, cleaning, and organization for The Spruce. Throughout her career, she's researched the ins and outs of air purifiers, dishwashers, cooktops, and more in the home and lifestyle space. She grew up with a French door refrigerator with a bottom freezer, and is a big advocate for keeping this part of her home clean and organized.

Can you get an ice maker in a bottom freezer refrigerator?

Unlike top freezers that house the ice maker, the ice maker in a bottom freezer refrigerator stays in the top section, which frees up more freezer space down at the bottom. Most come with a variety of space-saving features as well.

What is the most reliable refrigerator with ice maker?

Best Overall: Frigidaire Gallery® 21.8 Cu..

Extra tall ice and water dispenser..

PureSource Ultra II Ice & Water Filtration..

TwinTech Cooling System..

OpenAccess Door..

Custom-Flex Temp Drawer..

Energy Star certified..

Is a bottom freezer refrigerator better?

Which type of freezer has the best storage? Most of the time, bottom freezers have more storage. “Bottom freezers generally offer larger sizes, better organization [with features like] pull-out baskets, and varied configurations and colors.

Do bottom freezers dispense ice?

An ice and water dispenser isn't a necessity, but it's a common feature in bottom freezer fridges, including models with French doors or a multiple-door design. Typically, a bottom freezer refrigerator with water dispenser is located on the door of a model and dispenses ice and water at the push of a button.