Tired of wrestling with an overstuffed fridge or a freezer that’s impossible to reach? Many of us face the same kitchen storage puzzle. Finding the perfect refrigerator, especially a smaller one with a bottom freezer, can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something that fits your space and your needs, but the choices can be overwhelming.
This is where a small bottom freezer refrigerator shines. It offers a smart solution for smaller kitchens, apartments, or even as a secondary fridge. But how do you pick the best one? You worry about size, features, and whether it will actually hold all your groceries without feeling cramped. It’s a common frustration for many homeowners and renters.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a great small bottom freezer refrigerator. We’ll look at the key features to consider, offer tips for measuring your space, and help you understand the different models available. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a refrigerator that makes your kitchen work for you, not against you.
Our Top 5 Small Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 8.9/10
The BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer in sleek black is designed for modern living, offering a smart solution for smaller spaces. This apartment-sized fridge boasts a practical bottom freezer and enough room for all your groceries.
What We Like:
- This fridge is compact, measuring only 21.3″ W x 20.7″ D x 56″H, making it perfect for apartments, bedrooms, or offices.
- It offers a generous 7.1 Cu.Ft. of storage, with 5.45 Cu.Ft. in the refrigerator and 1.65 Cu.Ft. in the bottom freezer.
- You can easily control the temperature with five settings, keeping your food at the ideal freshness.
- The interior is well-organized with removable glass shelves, a crisper drawer, and side door racks.
- The freezer has two drawers, keeping your frozen items neat and accessible.
- It’s energy-efficient and operates quietly at around 39 dB, so it won’t bother you.
- The reversible doors offer flexibility for your kitchen layout.
- A handy automatic night light helps you find things in the dark.
- The adjustable leveling legs ensure stability on any floor.
- It comes with helpful extras like an ice tray, defrost tool, and egg shelf.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer capacity (1.65 Cu.Ft.) might be a bit small for those who stock up on a lot of frozen goods.
- For optimal quiet operation and lifespan, the refrigerator needs to stand upright for 6-12 hours after transport before being plugged in.
This BANGSON refrigerator is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a stylish and functional appliance that saves space without sacrificing storage. It offers great value and thoughtful features for everyday use.
2. Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Rating: 9.2/10
The Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator is a smart choice for smaller kitchens. Its 24-inch width fits perfectly into tight spaces. This fridge offers 11.5 cubic feet of storage, giving you plenty of room for your groceries. The bottom freezer design makes it easy to grab your chilled items. It’s a great option for apartments or anyone looking for a compact, efficient refrigerator.
What We Like:
- The freezer is surprisingly spacious, offering 4.2 cubic feet of room for all your frozen treats.
- Multi Air Flow keeps your food fresh by circulating cold air evenly throughout both compartments.
- Vacation Mode is a helpful feature. It saves energy by turning off the refrigerator while keeping the freezer running.
- The removable wine rack is a nice touch. You can chill your wine or display it nicely.
- The Fresh Converter Drawer is versatile. It can be a chiller for meats and cheeses or a crisper for fruits and veggies.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some users, 11.5 cubic feet might be a bit small if they buy groceries in bulk.
- While counter-depth is great for space, it can sometimes limit the depth of items you can store.
Overall, the Sharp SJB1255GS is a well-designed refrigerator that offers smart features for its size. It’s a solid option for those needing efficiency and style in a compact unit.
3. Upstreman 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer
Rating: 9.0/10
The Upstreman 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer (BM71) is a smart choice for smaller living spaces. It cleverly combines a fridge and freezer into one compact unit, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or even as a secondary fridge in a busy kitchen. This fridge is designed to make your life easier with its thoughtful features and energy-saving capabilities.
What We Like:
- The 7.1 Cu.Ft capacity is surprisingly large for its size. It offers 5.45 Cu.Ft of fridge space and a 1.65 Cu.Ft freezer, all within a slim 21.46″ width.
- You can easily reach food in the fridge without bending, as it’s at eye level.
- The bottom freezer design lets you lift heavy frozen items from waist height, which is easier on your back.
- Removable shelves are a great feature. They let you store tall items like gallon jugs and wide platters.
- Precise temperature control keeps your food at the perfect temperature. You can set the fridge between 35°F and 50°F, and the freezer from -5.6°F to 15.1°F.
- It’s energy-efficient, using only about 1 kWh per day, which saves money on your electricity bill.
- The operation is very quiet at just 39dB, so it won’t disturb you.
- Bright LED lighting helps you find your food quickly.
- The reversible door offers flexibility for different kitchen layouts.
- Adjustable feet ensure the fridge stays stable even on uneven floors.
- The reinforced packaging protects the fridge during shipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer compartment, at 1.65 Cu.Ft, might be a bit small for those who store a lot of frozen goods.
- While it’s energy-efficient, the initial purchase price might be a consideration for some budgets.
Overall, this Upstreman refrigerator is a well-designed and practical appliance for anyone needing efficient and accessible storage in a compact space. Its thoughtful features make it a standout option for smaller homes.
4. Frigidaire RETRO 9.2 Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer
Rating: 8.8/10
Step back in time with the Frigidaire RETRO 9.2 Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer. This stylish black refrigerator brings a cool, vintage vibe to any space while offering modern functionality.
What We Like:
- The bottom freezer is a smart design. You can easily reach your fresh food without bending down.
- It’s not bulky. This fridge fits well in small places like dorm rooms or apartments.
- The black color with a retro look is very attractive. It adds a pop of style to your kitchen or office.
- Cleaning is simple. The glass shelves can be taken out easily and wiped clean.
- It keeps your drinks cold. The door has a special rack for cans and bottles.
- Your fruits and veggies stay fresh longer. The crisper drawer helps with that.
- The freezer has different sections. This makes it easy to sort and find your frozen items.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s 9.2 cubic feet, it might feel a little small for a large family’s main refrigerator.
- The retro design, while charming, might not match every modern kitchen’s style.
This Frigidaire fridge is a fantastic option for anyone looking for style and convenience in a compact size. It’s a great addition for secondary kitchens or smaller living spaces.
5. 2.9 Cu.Ft Compact Double Door Mini Fridge – Top Freezer & Bottom Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the 2.9 Cu.Ft Compact Double Door Mini Fridge, a smart solution for keeping your food and drinks cool. This fridge is designed to fit anywhere, from your dorm room to your office. It has a freezer on top and a refrigerator on the bottom, giving you two spaces for your snacks and meals.
What We Like:
- Space Saver: Its compact body fits into small spaces but still offers a good amount of storage. It gives you more room than other mini fridges.
- Quiet and Energy Efficient: This fridge runs very quietly, so it won’t bother you while you sleep or work. It also uses very little electricity, saving you money on your power bill.
- Precise Temperature Control: You can set the exact temperature you want for both the fridge and freezer. The freezer makes ice quickly.
- Flexible Design: The door can open from either side, and it has wheels to move easily. The inside light is bright but not glaring.
- Quality and Warranty: It’s built with good quality and comes with a full warranty and support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer capacity is smaller than the refrigerator capacity.
- While quiet, the <35dB rating is an ideal and actual noise levels might vary slightly.
This mini fridge is a fantastic choice for anyone needing cool storage in a small space. It’s practical, quiet, and energy-saving, making it a smart addition to any room.
Your Guide to a Small Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
So, you’re looking for a new refrigerator! Maybe your old one is on its last legs, or perhaps you’re setting up a new kitchen in a smaller space. A small bottom freezer refrigerator can be a fantastic choice. They offer a good balance of fresh food space and freezer convenience. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Why Choose a Small Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?
These refrigerators are great for apartments, dorm rooms, or even as a secondary fridge for your garage or basement. They keep your most-used items (fresh foods) at eye level, so you don’t have to bend down as much. The freezer is at the bottom, giving you more organized storage for frozen goods.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Measure your space carefully! Small bottom freezer refrigerators usually range from 10 to 18 cubic feet. Think about how much food you typically store. A 12-cubic-foot model might be perfect for one or two people.
2. Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the refrigerator uses less energy. It saves you money on your electricity bill and is better for the environment. Some models have advanced features that help them run even more efficiently.
3. Adjustable Shelving
Flexible shelves let you move them around. This is super helpful for storing tall items like milk jugs or large pots. You can customize the inside to fit your needs.
4. Crisper Drawers
These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer. They control humidity, which is key for keeping produce crisp. Some have adjustable humidity settings.
5. Freezer Organization
Check out the freezer section. Does it have a divider? Are there baskets or shelves? Good organization makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. Some freezers have an ice maker, which is a nice bonus.
6. Reversible Doors
This feature lets you change which way the refrigerator door opens. It’s useful if your kitchen layout is a bit tricky. You can make sure the door opens in the most convenient direction for your space.
Important Materials
Most refrigerators are made with durable materials. The exterior is usually stainless steel or a coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean, but it can show fingerprints. Coated metal is often more budget-friendly. The interior is typically made of strong plastic. High-quality plastic won’t crack easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Improves Quality:
- Build Quality: A well-built refrigerator feels solid. The doors should close smoothly, and the drawers should slide out easily.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better parts and have better quality control.
- Customer Reviews: Reading what other people say about a refrigerator can tell you a lot about its reliability.
What Reduces Quality:
- Cheap Parts: If a refrigerator feels flimsy, it might not last long.
- Poor Sealing: Gaps in the door seals let cold air escape. This makes the refrigerator work harder and use more energy.
- Noisy Operation: A refrigerator that makes a lot of loud noises might have less durable components.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is it for?
Small bottom freezer refrigerators are perfect for:
- Apartment dwellers: They fit well in smaller kitchens.
- Students: Ideal for dorm rooms or shared student housing.
- Singles or Couples: If you don’t cook huge meals often, this size is usually enough.
- Second Fridge: Great for extra storage in a home bar or craft room.
Everyday Use:
You’ll love having your fresh foods easily accessible. The freezer at the bottom means you can stock up on frozen meals or ice cream without straining your back. It’s a practical choice for everyday living.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much food can a small bottom freezer refrigerator hold?
A: Small bottom freezer refrigerators typically hold between 10 and 18 cubic feet of food. This is usually enough for one or two people.
Q: Are small bottom freezer refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many are! Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This shows they use less electricity, saving you money.
Q: Can I put a small bottom freezer refrigerator anywhere?
A: You need to make sure there’s enough space around it for air to circulate. Also, it needs to be near an electrical outlet.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Most modern refrigerators are pretty quiet. However, some models might be a little noisier than others. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter model.
Q: Do they have an ice maker?
A: Some do, but not all. If an ice maker is important to you, check the product details before you buy.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my refrigerator?
A: Use a mild soap and water solution. Make sure to unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.
Q: Can I put magnets on a stainless steel refrigerator?
A: Most stainless steel refrigerators are magnetic. However, some have a special coating that might not be magnetic. It’s best to check the product description or test a magnet on a small area.
Q: What is the warranty typically like?
A: Warranties vary by brand and model. Most refrigerators come with at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Q: How long do small bottom freezer refrigerators usually last?
A: With good care, a small bottom freezer refrigerator can last 10 to 15 years.
Q: Is it hard to assemble or install?
A: Installation is usually simple. You just need to plug it in and let it cool down before filling it. Some may require leveling.
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!