Difference Between Top Mount & Bottom Mount Fridge

Whether you reside alone or with a large family, a refrigerator is an important appliance in every household today. Yet, selecting the right one isn't always straightforward. Numerous factors matter, such as the refrigerator's shape, size, style, and finish, in addition to your individual needs and preferences. One major decision to make is opting between bottom mount refrigerator vs top mount. Each presents distinct advantages and drawbacks. Thus, selecting the right freezer location can improve your overall experience with the refrigerator.


What is a Top-Mount Refrigerator? 
A top-mount refrigerator is a style where the freezer is located above the main fridge compartment. This design often comes to mind when people think of a "fridge." It has remained a popular choice for many years due to its energy efficiency, among other reasons.

Benefits of Top-Mount Refrigeration

  • The condenser fan is less likely to pull in dust or debris from the floor, preventing the coils from clogging.

  • The heat from the system does not rise into the cooler, leading to more efficient operation.

  • With the condenser, compressor, and evaporator located together at the top, there is no need for refrigerant lines at the back of the unit. This design makes servicing easier and provides extra cold storage space.

  • The compressor's placement on top maximises internal space. Unlike bottom-mount refrigerators, which require insulation above the refrigeration system and make top shelves harder to reach and see, top-mount refrigerators have lower top shelves that are more accessible and easier to use.

    Drawbacks of Top-Mount Refrigeration

    • Top-mount refrigerators and freezers are not ideal for use in cooking line setups as they can attract grease-laden steam, leading to potential clogging of condenser coils.

    • Being positioned at the top of the commercial cooler, they are exposed to the warmest part of the kitchen due to heat rising, resulting in reduced efficiency.

    • Accessibility can be an issue with the compressor located at or above most individuals' head level in this type of commercial refrigeration unit. Cleaning and servicing may require two technicians and specialised equipment, potentially increasing expenses significantly.

    What is a Bottom-Mount Refrigerator?

    A bottom-mount refrigerator is a refrigerator configuration where the freezer compartment is situated beneath the main fridge compartment. 

    Benefits of Bottom Mount Refrigeration

    • The condenser operates closer to the floor where temperatures are cooler, potentially up to 15 degrees cooler compared to the top of the commercial refrigerator. This helps enhance overall cooling efficiency.

    • Servicing and cleaning the compressor are simpler with no need for ladders or supports. Moreover, service calls typically only require one person, reducing maintenance costs significantly.

    • By locating the main operating components away from rising grease-laden steam, the compressor is less susceptible to clogging, maintaining its efficiency and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

    • With the condenser positioned at the bottom of the commercial cooler's interior, users can access stored items without having to stoop down, providing convenient and ergonomic use.

      Drawbacks of Bottom Mount Refrigeration

      • Operating near the floor exposes the condenser to dust, debris, and potential spills, which can accumulate in the coils, potentially reducing efficiency. Additionally, spilled ingredients like flour may be drawn into the system.

      • Heat from the refrigeration system has the potential to rise into the cabinet, potentially decreasing the efficiency of this type of commercial refrigeration.

      • The transportation of cooled refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator and back necessitates running lines through the back of the cabinet, occupying a portion of cold storage space.

      • Bottom-mount refrigeration systems tend to be more costly to build due to the need for additional insulation to prevent heat from rising into the cabinet, longer refrigerant lines, and a larger motor to circulate the refrigerant through those lines.

        Differences Between a Bottom-Mount and Top-Mount Refrigerator

        The primary difference between a top mount vs a bottom mount fridge lies in the positioning of their compartments. In a bottom freezer refrigerator, the fresh food section is conveniently situated at eye level, whereas in a top-mounted fridge, it's the freezer that occupies the eye-level position.

        Another difference between these two refrigerator styles is their respective costs. Bottom freezer refrigerators generally come with a higher price tag compared to top freezer fridges, attributed to their contemporary designs and expansive capacity options.

         

        Conclusion

        Ultimately, the decision between bottom mount refrigerator vs top mount hinges on individual preferences and lifestyle requirements. While some may favour the energy efficiency and ease of use offered by top-mount refrigerators, others may lean towards the added storage capacity and organisational benefits of bottom-mount models. If you're in search of the ideal refrigerator, Appliance Giant offers diverse options for you to consider and explore.