Side-by-Side Refrigerators vs. Bottom Freezer: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?

Choosing the right refrigerator is all about making life easier. Between meal prepping for the week, stocking up on frozen pizza for busy nights, or making room for fresh produce, your fridge needs to work for you.

But if you’re shopping for a new refrigerator, you may be stuck between a side-by-side refrigerator or a bottom freezer refrigerator? Both are popular choices, but each have their own perks. Which one should you choose? Let’s break it down.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators: Balanced Storage

Side-by-side refrigerators split fresh and frozen storage right down the middle, making both sections equally accessible. If you store a lot of frozen food, this layout might be your best bet.

Pros of a Side-by-Side Refrigerator

✔ Easy access to both compartments: No more bending or digging through freezer drawers.
✔ Narrow door swing: Great for kitchens with limited space.
✔ More freezer organization: Shelves and bins make it easy to keep frozen food in order.
✔ Built-in water and ice dispensers: Many models offer in-door ice and water, a major convenience.

Cons of a Side-by-Side Refrigerator

✖ Smaller compartments: Narrow shelves can make it hard to store wide items like pizza boxes or party platters.
✖ Less fridge space: Since the fresh and frozen sections are equal in size, you might have less room for fresh groceries.
✖ More energy use: In-door ice and water dispensers can increase energy consumption.

Top Side-by-Side Refrigerators at DeWaard & Bode

Frigidaire 21.4 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator (Model: FRSG2115AV)

• Minimalist clean exterior with pocket handles

• Bright and energy-efficient LED lighting

• Fresh storage crispers

Café™ 21.9 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator (Model: CZS22MP2NS1)

• Offers a built-in look that fits flush with surrounding cabinetry

• Humidity-controlled drawers

• Quick Ice setting that functions 50% faster than the normal setting

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: Fresh Food First

Bottom freezer refrigerators are built with convenience in mind. Since most people open the fridge way more than the freezer, having fresh food at eye level just makes sense.

Pros of a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

✔ Easier access to fresh food: No more bending down to reach for your produce drawer.
✔ Spacious freezer storage: The pull-out drawer design makes it easy to store bulk items like frozen veggies and meats.
✔ More fridge space: The top fridge layout maximizes fresh food storage, great for families who cook a lot.

Cons of a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

✖ Bending for frozen items: If you use your freezer often, digging through a bottom drawer might get old.
✖ Less freezer organization: Some models come with baskets, but stacking items can get messy.
✖ Higher price point: Many bottom freezer models tend to cost more than top freezer refrigerators but are on par with side-by-side models.

Top Bottom Freezer Refrigerators at DeWaard & Bode

Whirlpool 22 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (Model: WRB322DMBM)

• Spacious capacity

• Humidity-controlled crispers for fresh produce

• Freezer drawer with smooth glide for easy access

GE 24.8 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (Model: GDE25EYKFS)

• Energy-efficient design to save on power bills

• Door alarm to make sure your refrigerator door is never left open

• Adjustable shelves for flexible storage

Tip: Looking for additional bottom-freezer fridge recommendations? Check out our top 5 best bottom freezer refrigerators for more.

Why Your Refrigerator Layout Matters

Refrigerators aren't one-size-fits-all. The way you cook, shop, and store food plays a huge role in which fridge is best for you.

• Do you reach for fresh ingredients more than frozen? A bottom freezer keeps fresh food at eye level, so you’re not bending down every time you grab a snack.

• Do you store a lot of frozen food? A side-by-side fridge gives equal access to both fresh and frozen items.

• Is space a concern? Narrow doors on side-by-side models are great for tight kitchens, while bottom freezers maximize fridge space.

• Want a built-in look without the price tag? A counter-depth refrigerator design offers a luxurious built-in refrigerator appearance while saving space and keeping your kitchen looking polished.

Thinking about how you use your fridge day-to-day can make all the difference.

Which Refrigerator is Right for You?

Are you still torn between a bottom freezer and a side-by-side? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Choose a Side-by-Side if...
✔ You store a lot of frozen food
✔ You want easy access to everything
✔ You need a fridge for a tight kitchen space

Choose a Bottom Freezer if...
✔ You prioritize fresh food storage
✔ You like a more traditional fridge layout
✔ You don’t mind bending down for frozen items

Both styles are great, but the best choice depends on your habits. If you’re still unsure, visit DeWaard & Bode and check out these models in person. Seeing them side by side (pun intended) might make your decision easier!

Explore Refrigerators at DeWaard & Bode

The best way to know which refrigerator is right for you? See them in action! At DeWaard & Bode, we carry a wide selection of bottom freezer and side-by-side refrigerators from top brands. 

Contact us or visit one of our appliance stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to speak with our appliance experts. We’ll help you choose a refrigerator that makes food storage easier and more efficient. 

👉 Discover high-quality refrigerators at DeWaard and Bode today!

Related readings from our blog:

• Top 5 Best French Door Refrigerators Of 2025

• The Best Freezers For Meal Preppers And Bulk Buyers

• Top 5 Sub-Zero Refrigerators For Modern Kitchens

FAQs: Common Refrigerator Questions

1. Which is better, side-by-side or bottom freezer?

It depends on how you use your fridge! Bottom freezers make fresh food more accessible, while side-by-side models offer balanced freezer space.

2. Why are bottom freezers more expensive?

They tend to have more advanced cooling technology and better storage layouts, making them slightly pricier.

3. Do bottom freezers leak?

Not usually, but like any fridge, poor maintenance can lead to drainage issues. Regular cleaning of the drain hole helps prevent leaks.

4. What is the life expectancy of a bottom freezer refrigerator?

Most models last 12-15 years with proper maintenance.

5. Are side-by-side refrigerators worth it?

Yes, if you need easy access to both fresh and frozen food, want an in-door ice and water dispenser, or have a narrow kitchen where traditional fridge doors take up too much space. However, if you need wider shelving for bulkier items, a French door refrigerator or bottom freezer model might be a better fit.