When shopping for a refrigerator, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a top mount or bottom mount model. Both designs have their distinct advantages, and the ultimate choice comes down to your individual needs. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare top mount vs. bottom mount refrigerators, delving into how they each perform under different situations.
Top Mount Refrigerators
Top mount refrigerators are one of the most widely used designs. They are, as the name suggests, refrigerators with the freezer compartment at the top and the fresh food section placed at the bottom.
Benefits
Freezer Accessibility
If you frequently access frozen items, top-mount refrigerators, by virtue of having the freezer at eye level, make it easier to grab frozen food without the need for bending down. A convenience that elderly or those with back problems will very much appreciate.
Easier to Clean Fridge
Given that top-mount refrigerators have freezers located at the top, cleaning is much easier as it eliminates the need to bend or kneel. This feature, as mentioned earlier, may be ideal for elderly individuals or those with back problems. This convenience can also come in handy for people who frequently rely on their freezer for daily use.
Affordability
One of the biggest advantages of top mount fridges is their affordability. They are typically more budget-friendly compared to bottom mount models, making them an ideal option for those looking for a cost-effective yet reliable refrigerator.
Some Aspects to Consider with Top Mounts
Fridge Section is Positioned Lower
It goes without saying that with the fridge compartment located at the bottom, bending is (generally) necessary to access stored items. If this is not an issue, then a bottom-mount fridge could be a practical choice, particularly for those who prioritise easy access to the freezer compartment.
Limited Storage for Large Times
More often than not, top-mounted fridges tend to have smaller fridge compartments, which might not be ideal for individuals who store a lot of frozen foods. That being said, there are a number of top-mounted refrigerators—such as the MMFT400G refrigerator or the MMFT350MG—that provide ample space to store frozen items.
Bottom Mount Refrigerators
As you might have guessed, bottom mount refrigerators, unlike, their counterparts have the freezer compartment placed at the bottom. This configuration is far less common but does have potential benefits that make it attractive to many.
Benefits
Fridge Accessibility
One of the primary advantages of bottom mount refrigerators is having the fridge accessible at eye-level. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently need to access fresh ingredients or those that only occasionally access the freezer.
Better Organisation
Bottom mount fridges tend to have slightly better storage organisation in the freezer compartment to allow for easy access and better visibility of frozen foods. They often feature pull-out shelves and lift-out baskets that make it easy to organise and retrieve stored items.
Easier to Clean the Fridge
Top-mounted refrigerators make it easier to clean the freezer due to its accessible height. The converse is also true with bottom-mount refrigerators: cleaning the fridge compartment (being located at the top) is easier which can be handy in certain situations. For example, families with children might appreciate the ease of quickly wiping down spills. Or shared living spaces with multiple users; the convenient placement of the fridge compartment can help make the fridge clean and organised with minimal effort.
Some Aspects to Consider with Bottom Mounts
Cost
Despite their functional benefits, bottom mount refrigerators tend to be more expensive than top-mount refrigerators. For budget-conscious buyers, this may be one aspect to consider during the decision-making process.
Freezer Access
A notable limitation of bottom mount fridges is that accessing the freezer requires bending down. For users with mobility issues or back problems, it’s worth thinking about this accessibility issue while you’re weighing between the two different refrigerator types.
Top Mount vs. Bottom Mount Refrigerators: Which is Better?
Both top mount and bottom mount refrigerators each offer unique advantages, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, daily habits, budget and needs.
We recommend the MMFT350MG or the MMFT400MG refrigerator, for those looking for an all-round reliable refrigerator.
MMFT350MG
The MMFT350MG top-mount refrigerator offers a 334L total capacity, with 257L for fresh food and 77L for the freezer. Designed in metal grey, it features a Dual Tech Inverter for efficient energy use, an anti-bacterial and odour filter to keep food fresh, and All-Zone Cooling for consistent temperature. The model includes a crisper drawer for vegetables, a fresh zone compartment, LED lighting, and a twisted ice maker, making it a reliable choice for everyday use
MMFT400MG
The MMFT400MG top-mount refrigerator provides a larger 415L total capacity, with 321L for the fridge and 94L for the freezer. Also in metal grey, this model includes all the features of the MMFT350MG, such as the Dual Tech Inverter, anti-bacterial and odour filter, and All-Zone Cooling. Additionally, it includes a Power Cool mode for faster chilling, and an external LED display for convenient control.
Final Thoughts
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