Is your old refrigerator making strange noises or not keeping your food as cold as it should? Finding a new one can feel like a big task, especially when you’re looking for a specific size like an 18 cubic foot bottom freezer model. You want something that fits your kitchen, holds all your groceries, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s easy to get lost in all the different brands and features!
But don’t worry! Choosing the perfect 18 cubic foot bottom freezer refrigerator doesn’t have to be a headache. In this post, we’ll break down what makes these refrigerators a great choice and what you should look for. We’ll help you understand the benefits and guide you through the important things to consider so you can pick a model that will make your kitchen life much easier.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about your decision. We’ll cover everything from energy efficiency to storage solutions, making sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. Let’s dive in and find the best 18 cubic foot bottom freezer refrigerator for your home!
Our Top 5 18 Cu Ft Refrigerator Bottom Freezer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 18 Cu Ft Refrigerator Bottom Freezer Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 30 in. 18.2 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the Kenmore 30 in. 18.2 cu. ft. Refrigerator/Freezer in classic white. This fridge is a smart choice for your kitchen. It offers a good amount of space without taking up too much room. You’ll find it easy to organize your food with its thoughtful design.
What We Like:
- Spacious Yet Compact: It’s 30 inches wide, fitting nicely into many kitchens. The 18.2 cu. ft. capacity gives you plenty of room for all your groceries.
- Adjustable Glass Shelves: The tempered glass shelves are strong and you can move them around. This makes it easy to store tall items like drink pitchers or even a whole sheet cake.
- Gallon Door Storage: The refrigerator door has three clear bins that can hold gallon-sized milk jugs. The freezer also has two full-width bins to keep your frozen items neat.
- Keeps Produce Fresh: Two special crisper drawers help your fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer. A covered dairy compartment is perfect for butter and spreads.
- Energy Smart: This fridge is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it helps you save money on your electricity bills. The LED lights inside are bright and use less energy.
- Optional Icemaker: You can add an icemaker if you like, which can make up to 3 pounds of ice a day.
What Could Be Improved:
- The icemaker is an optional add-on, meaning it’s an extra purchase if you want it.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a practical and energy-efficient option for many households. It balances good storage with a size that works well in most kitchens.
2. Element 18.7 cu. ft. Refrigerator – Bottom Freezer
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Element 18.7 cu. ft. Refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This fridge is designed to keep your food fresh and organized with smart features. It offers plenty of space for all your groceries, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Efficient Cooling: The Multi AirFlow technology keeps temperatures steady and humidity just right. This means your fruits and vegetables stay crisp and your leftovers last longer.
- Spacious Interior: With 18.7 cubic feet of total space, including 13.1 cubic feet for fresh food, you have lots of room. It’s easy to store everything from milk jugs to large platters.
- No Frost Convenience: Forget about messy defrosting! The no-frost system in the bottom freezer prevents ice from building up. This saves you time and effort.
- Flexible Storage: You can easily adjust the two full-width glass shelves to fit your needs. The gallon-sized door bins are perfect for drinks and condiments, making it simple to organize your items.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exact dimensions and specific energy efficiency ratings are not provided, which can be important for some buyers.
- While the features are good, more details on the build materials or specific cooling zones could enhance the overall understanding of its quality.
The Element 18.7 cu. ft. Refrigerator is a practical choice for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen tidy. Its thoughtful design makes everyday food storage simple and efficient.
3. BLACK+DECKER 18 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice Maker
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER 18 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator. This stylish fridge brings modern elegance to your home. Its French door design makes it easy to see and reach all your food. The bottom freezer drawer offers plenty of space for your frozen items, and it even comes with a built-in ice maker. Plus, it’s ENERGY STAR certified, which means it saves you money on your electricity bills.
What We Like:
- The modern French door style looks great in any kitchen.
- It offers a generous 18 cu. ft. of total storage space, with 12.5 cu. ft. in the fridge and 5.4 cu. ft. in the freezer.
- The built-in ice maker can make up to 3.5 lbs. of ice per day.
- Digital temperature controls let you easily set the perfect temperature for both the fridge and freezer.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, so it’s good for your wallet and the environment.
- The frost-free feature means you won’t have to defrost it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stainless look might show fingerprints easily.
- The ice maker’s production rate depends on freezer temperature and other conditions.
This refrigerator is a smart choice for families looking for style and efficient cooling. It provides ample space and convenient features to keep your food fresh.
4. Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Rating: 8.8/10
The Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator is a 24-inch, 11.5 cubic foot appliance that offers smart storage for your kitchen. Its counter-depth design fits neatly into smaller spaces, making it a great choice for apartments or compact homes. This refrigerator focuses on keeping your food fresh and organized, with handy features for both your frozen and chilled items.
What We Like:
- The 4.2 cu.ft. freezer is surprisingly spacious and holds a lot of frozen food.
- Multi Air Flow keeps everything evenly cold in both the freezer and the fridge.
- Vacation Mode saves energy by only keeping the freezer running when you’re away.
- The removable wine rack is a nice touch for wine lovers.
- The Fresh Converter Drawer lets you choose between a chiller for meats or a crisper for fruits and veggies.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 11.5 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families.
- For some, a 24-inch width might require a bit of adjustment in kitchen layout.
This Sharp refrigerator is a solid option if you need a compact yet functional appliance. It offers useful features that help keep your food in good condition.
5. Commercial Cool 18 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Ice Maker
Rating: 9.1/10
The Commercial Cool 18 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Ice Maker is a great addition to any home or apartment kitchen. It offers plenty of space for all your groceries and comes with a handy ice maker. Its stainless steel look makes it stylish too.
What We Like:
- Generous 18 Cu. Ft. capacity means you can store lots of food.
- The top freezer includes an ice maker that can make up to 3.5 lbs of ice daily.
- You can set different temperatures for the fridge and freezer sections to keep food fresh.
- It’s frost-free, so you won’t have to defrost it yourself.
- Being Energy Star Certified means it saves energy and money.
- The stainless steel look fits well in most kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ice maker’s daily ice production can vary based on freezer temperature and other conditions.
This refrigerator is a practical and energy-efficient choice for keeping your food perfectly chilled and frozen. It’s designed to make your life easier with its smart features.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect 18 Cu Ft Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Choosing a new refrigerator is a big deal. It’s a centerpiece in your kitchen, and you want it to work well for years. An 18 cubic foot bottom freezer refrigerator is a popular choice for many households. It offers a good balance of space and size. Let’s dive into what makes a great one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for your ideal fridge, keep these important features in mind:
- Adjustable Shelving: This lets you move shelves around. You can make space for tall bottles or big platters. It makes organizing much easier.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Look for ones with humidity controls.
- Door Bins: Good door bins can hold gallons of milk or large condiment bottles. Some have special spots for eggs.
- Ice Maker: Many bottom freezer models come with a built-in ice maker. Some are in the freezer, and others are in the door. Think about how much ice you use.
- Water Dispenser: If you like filtered water and ice on demand, a dispenser is a great feature. Some are inside, and some are on the outside of the door.
- LED Lighting: Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside your fridge. They also use less energy.
- Energy Star Certified: This means the refrigerator is designed to save energy. It can lower your electricity bills.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. It resists fingerprints on some models.
- Tempered Glass Shelves: These shelves are strong and can hold heavy items. They are also easy to wipe clean if something spills.
- Plastic Drawers and Bins: The plastic used should feel sturdy. Good quality plastic won’t crack easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a refrigerator great or not so great.
- Build Quality: Check how well the doors close and how sturdy the drawers feel. A well-built fridge will last longer.
- Temperature Control: The refrigerator should keep food at a consistent, safe temperature. Look for models with digital temperature controls for better accuracy.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be noisy. If you prefer a quiet kitchen, look for reviews that mention noise.
- Energy Efficiency: As mentioned, Energy Star certification is a big plus. It means less waste and lower costs.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Doing a little research on brands can help.
User Experience and Use Cases
An 18 cubic foot bottom freezer refrigerator is great for:
- Small to Medium Families: It offers enough space for groceries for a few people.
- Apartment Dwellers: The 18 cubic foot size often fits well in apartment kitchens.
- Those Who Prefer Freezer Organization: The bottom freezer puts your refrigerator items at eye level. This makes it easy to grab what you need. You can keep your frozen goods neatly stacked.
- People Who Cook Often: Plenty of fresh food storage space is available. The adjustable shelves help with meal prep ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What is the typical capacity of an 18 cu Ft refrigerator bottom freezer?
A: An 18 cubic foot refrigerator offers a good amount of space. It’s enough for the groceries of a small to medium-sized family. The freezer section is usually around 5-6 cubic feet, and the refrigerator section is about 12-13 cubic feet.
Q: Are bottom freezer refrigerators more energy-efficient?
A: Many bottom freezer models are designed to be energy efficient. Look for the Energy Star label. This ensures it meets strict energy-saving standards.
Q: How do I organize my bottom freezer?
A: Use bins or dividers to keep items separated. Store frequently used items at the front. This helps you find things quickly and prevents items from getting lost in the back.
Q: What should I do if my refrigerator is not cooling properly?
A: First, check if the temperature is set correctly. Make sure the doors are closing all the way. Also, ensure the vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food.
Q: How often should I clean my refrigerator coils?
A: It’s a good idea to clean the refrigerator coils at least twice a year. Dirty coils make the refrigerator work harder, using more energy and potentially reducing its lifespan.
Q: Can I install an ice maker if my refrigerator doesn’t come with one?
A: Some refrigerators are designed to have an ice maker kit added later. Check your model’s specifications or the manufacturer’s website to see if this is an option.
Q: What is the best way to clean the exterior of a stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild detergent or a cleaner specifically made for stainless steel. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
Q: How much space should I leave around the refrigerator for ventilation?
A: Generally, you should leave about 1 inch of space on the sides and top, and 2 inches in the back. This allows for proper air circulation, which helps the refrigerator run efficiently.
Q: What does “humidity control” on crisper drawers mean?
A: Humidity control lets you adjust the moisture level in the crisper drawers. High humidity is good for leafy greens, while low humidity is better for fruits that can rot easily.
Q: Is an 18 cu Ft refrigerator too small for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, an 18 cubic foot refrigerator can work well, especially if you shop frequently or have good pantry organization. However, if your family eats a lot at home or you buy in bulk, you might consider a slightly larger model.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!