The best 28 bottom freezer refrigerator can elevate your kitchen with accessible fresh food storage and a spacious freezer below. These appliances are ideal for households prioritizing fresh produce at eye level and convenient freezer organization. When selecting, consider crucial factors like energy efficiency ratings, cooling technology, interior layout flexibility, and noise levels to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
A misstep in choosing can lead to higher utility bills, reduced food preservation, or inconvenient usability in the long run. This curated list presents 10 exceptional 28-inch bottom freezer refrigerators, meticulously chosen to highlight superior design and functionality for discerning homeowners.
The best 28 bottom freezer refrigerator offers a balance of storage capacity and energy efficiency, with models like the Whirlpool WRB329DMBW and WRB329DMBM providing 18.5 cu. ft. and ENERGY STAR certification.
Summit offers 28 wide, ENERGY STAR-certified options such as the FFBF283SS with 14 cu. ft.
capacity, and the FFBF279SSXIMLHD at 14.6 cu. ft. These refrigerators often feature SpillGuard glass shelves for easy cleanup and counter-depth designs for a seamless kitchen look.
Best 28 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: Top Picks
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | Whirlpool WRB329DMBW 18.5 Cu. Ft. White Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Best for: Classic kitchen staple | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | Whirlpool WRB329DMBM 18.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Best for: Modern kitchen staple | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Summit 28″ Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Refrigerator- Freezer, Energy Star, White Best for: Energy efficient choice | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Summit FFBF283SS 28″ Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, 14 cu.ft, Stainless Best for: Sleek compact option | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Summit Appliance FFBF279SSXIMLHD 28″ Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator; 14.6 cu.ft Best for: Slim profile upgrade | Check Price |
How We Picked
To determine the best 28 bottom freezer refrigerator, we meticulously evaluated key buyer priorities. We prioritized real-world performance and durability, looking for robust build quality and features like SpillGuard shelves on the Whirlpool models. Energy Star certifications on Summit and Whirlpool units were crucial for value.
Models with less capacity, like the Frigidaire Retro, or complex features like internal dispensers on the GE Profile, were considered less fitting for a straightforward bottom-freezer evaluation. We ruled out products that didn’t meet these core criteria for reliable, efficient, and practical refrigeration by 2026.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Navigating 28-Inch Depth for Tight Kitchens
When seeking a 28-inch wide bottom freezer refrigerator, depth is often the most critical measurement. Unlike standard refrigerators, these are designed for specific layouts. Look for models advertised as counter-depth like the GE Appliances 17.7 cu.
ft. model, which aims for a seamless fit with cabinetry.
Truly understanding how much clearance you have between your existing cabinets and the wall is paramount to avoid appliance overhangs. The Summit FFBF279SSXIMLHD, with its under 27-inch depth, exemplifies how manufacturers cater to these precise spatial constraints.
Bottom Freezer Ice Maker Accessibility
A key benefit of bottom freezer refrigerators is easier access to fresh and frozen goods. For models like the Kenmore 31 or the GE PROFILE, the ice maker placement within the freezer drawer is a critical consideration. Some models feature factory-installed ice makers, often with water filtration, as seen in the GE PROFILE 21.9 cu.
ft. French Door model, while others might offer it as an option.
Evaluate how the ice maker unit protrudes into the usable freezer space and whether it impedes your organization preferences.
1. Whirlpool WRB329DMBW 18.5 Cu. Ft. White Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Best for: Energy-conscious shoppers.
ENERGY STAR qualified and CEE Tier I rated, this 18.5 cu. ft. Whirlpool refrigerator conserves natural resources. Store fresh items in the 12.94 cu. ft. fresh food compartment, and frozen goods in its 5.73 cu. ft. freezer.
This model offers five glass shelves for flexible organization, including adjustable door bins and a stationary bottom shelf. Its 120-volt operation and automatic defrost system make it a practical choice for everyday use, fitting into standard kitchen footprints with its freezer-on-bottom configuration.
Pros
- ENERGY STAR qualified for energy efficiency
- 18.5 cu. ft. total capacity
- Adjustable door bins
- Automatic defrost system
Cons
- Door orientation is reversible, requiring manual adjustment.
Ideal for households prioritizing energy savings and ample storage. This Whirlpool unit offers a spacious fresh food section and a convenient bottom freezer for easy access to daily essentials.
2. Whirlpool WRB329DMBM 18.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Best for: Those seeking easy cleanup.
SpillGuard glass shelves on this 18.5 cu. ft. Whirlpool refrigerator contain leaks, preventing messes from dripping onto lower shelves. The transparent design also brightens the interior, aiding quick item identification.
This stainless steel refrigerator features a 115-volt compressor cooling system and four adjustable glass shelves. Its FreshFlow produce preserver actively absorbs ethylene gas, helping to extend the life of fruits and vegetables, ensuring less food waste.
Pros
- SpillGuard glass shelves for easy cleanup
- FreshFlow produce preserver extends freshness
- 18.5 cu. ft. capacity
- Adjustable shelves for flexible storage
Cons
- Not a smart home compatible model.
Perfect for busy families who want to minimize cleaning time and keep produce fresh longer. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of style to any kitchen.
3. Summit 28″ Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Refrigerator- Freezer, Energy Star, White
Best for: Space-saving kitchen designers.
With a 28-inch depth and 15.1 cu. ft. storage capacity, this Summit ENERGY STAR refrigerator optimizes space in smaller kitchens. Its digital temperature control panel, located inside, offers precise management without visual clutter.
This white, frost-free model features four cooling shelves and a full-width humidity-controlled crisper drawer, alongside three door shelves accommodating gallon containers. Operating on 115 volts, its compressor cooling method ensures efficient temperature maintenance for frozen and fresh goods.
Pros
- 28-inch depth for space optimization
- 15.1 cu. ft. capacity
- Internal digital temperature control
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawer
Cons
- Door orientation is fixed to right swing.
This Summit refrigerator is designed for kitchens where every inch counts, offering a generous capacity within a compact footprint. Its energy efficiency and easy-to-use controls make it a practical choice.
4. Summit FFBF283SS 28″ Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, 14 cu.ft, Stainless
Best for: Modern kitchen upgraders.
Featuring an innovative touch control system, this 28-inch Summit refrigerator lets you manage temperatures with an intuitive digital thermostat. LED lighting illuminates the interior, offering an efficient and attractive display of contents.
This stainless steel, counter-depth model boasts 14 cu. ft. of storage with frost-free operation and rotary compressor cooling on 115 volts. It includes three safety glass shelves and three door shelves for organizing perishables and frozen items.
Pros
- Intuitive touch control system
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
- 14 cu. ft. capacity
- Frost-free operation
Cons
- Only has 3 shelves in the refrigerator section.
This Summit bottom freezer refrigerator is ideal for those seeking a sleek, modern appliance with advanced temperature control. Its compact size and energy-efficient lighting fit perfectly into contemporary kitchen designs.
5. Summit Appliance FFBF279SSXIMLHD 28″ Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator; 14.6 cu.ft
Best for: Left-handed kitchen planners.
With a unique under 27-inch depth and 14.6 cu. ft. capacity, this Summit refrigerator provides full storage convenience for space-challenged kitchens. The LHD swing door offers specialized access for left-handed users or specific kitchen layouts.
This stainless steel refrigerator operates with a frost-free system and compressor cooling on 115 volts, featuring interior LED lighting. It includes three glass shelves and full-width door racks for flexible organization, plus a factory-installed icemaker for added convenience.
Pros
- Left-hand door swing (LHD)
- Under 27-inch depth
- 14.6 cu. ft. capacity
- Factory-installed icemaker
Cons
- Key lock type may not be ideal for all households.
This Summit Appliance is an excellent choice for kitchens with left-handed access requirements or tight footprints. Its ample capacity and no-frost operation ensure practicality and ease of use.
6. Frigidaire Retro 9.2 Cubic Foot Fridge with Bottom Mount Freezer,
Best for: Dorm rooms and small spaces.
This Frigidaire Retro refrigerator offers a unique bottom-mount freezer design for comfortable access, distinct from top-freezer models. Its large 9.2 cu. ft. capacity fits into minimal space, making it adaptable for dorm rooms, kitchens, or offices.
Operating on 110 volts, this upright refrigerator features manual defrost in its freezer section and three glass shelves in the fresh food compartment. With five door shelves, it provides adaptable storage options for smaller households or supplementary refrigeration needs.
Pros
- Bottom-mount freezer for easy access
- 9.2 cu. ft. capacity
- Sleek build for minimal space
- Adaptable for various locations
Cons
- Manual defrost requires periodic attention.
This Frigidaire Retro model is perfect for students or those needing a compact but functional refrigerator with convenient freezer access. Its retro styling adds a distinctive touch to compact living spaces.
7. GE Appliances 17.7 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Fingerprint
Best for: Seamless kitchen aesthetics seekers.
Designed for a built-in, counter-depth look, this GE Appliances refrigerator fits nearly flush with cabinets and countertops for a seamless kitchen aesthetic. Recessed handles conceal the hardware, contributing to its sleek and versatile style.
This 17.7 cu. ft. bottom freezer refrigerator operates on 120 volts with a frost-free system and compressor cooling. It features three recessed shelves and seven door shelves, offering ample space for groceries and a reversible door orientation for flexible placement.
Pros
- Counter-depth for seamless integration
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- 17.7 cu. ft. capacity
- Reversible door orientation
Cons
- Compressor type is rotary_scroll, which may vary in noise levels.
This GE Appliances refrigerator is ideal for homeowners aiming for a clean, integrated kitchen look. Its counter-depth design and fingerprint-resistant finish offer both style and practicality.
8. Kenmore 31″ Bottom Freezer Refrigerator – Ice Maker, Adjustable Shelving,
Best for: Large capacity seekers with quiet needs.
The Kenmore 31-inch bottom-freezer refrigerator provides a spacious 22.3 cu. ft. storage capacity within a standard-depth profile. Its Inverter Compressor maintains consistent temperatures efficiently while operating quietly.
This model offers flexible storage with full-width adjustable glass shelves and automatic defrost. Operating on 115 volts, its fingerprint-resistant finish and cubbed ice maker add convenience for busy households needing significant food storage.
Pros
- 22.3 cu. ft. large capacity
- Quiet Inverter Compressor
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Adjustable glass shelving
Cons
- Adjustable temperature control is not available.
This Kenmore refrigerator is perfect for large families or those who entertain frequently, offering substantial storage and quiet, efficient cooling. The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking neat with minimal effort.
9. GE PROFILE 21.9 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Best for: Integrated water dispenser users.
This GE PROFILE French door refrigerator includes an internal water dispenser that delivers filtered water with one-touch convenience. A factory-installed icemaker with water filtration system ensures you always have filtered ice ready.
This French door model operates on 120 volts with automatic defrost and compressor cooling. It features five shelves and four racks, plus five door shelves, providing 21.9 cu. ft. of storage for diverse needs, and offers adjustable temperature control for optimal food preservation.
Pros
- Internal filtered water dispenser
- Factory-installed icemaker with filtration
- 21.9 cu. ft. capacity
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- This is a French door model, not a bottom freezer.
This GE PROFILE refrigerator is for those who value convenient hydration and ice production within a stylish French door design. Its large capacity and advanced features suit modern, active households.
10. BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice
Best for: Style-conscious small kitchens.
Adding modern elegance, this BLACK+DECKER French door refrigerator features a bottom freezer design for stylish kitchen décor. Its full-width 11.15 cu. ft. fridge and 5.06 cu. ft. freezer offer ample storage options with full access to contents.
Operating on 120 volts and 470 watts, this refrigerator includes a built-in sensor ice maker that produces ice automatically. It features three shelves for organizational flexibility within its 16 cu. ft. total capacity, with a reversible door orientation.
Pros
- Modern French door with bottom freezer
- 16 cu. ft. total capacity
- Built-in ice maker with sensor
- Full access to contents
Cons
- Rated at 470 watts, which may impact energy bills more than lower wattage models.
This BLACK+DECKER refrigerator is perfect for adding a touch of modern style to kitchens needing a refrigerator with both a bottom freezer and French door configuration. Its included ice maker offers added convenience.
Space vs. Scale in Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
When evaluating a best 28 bottom freezer refrigerator, the primary consideration must be how well its interior volume aligns with your actual grocery habits, not merely its external dimensions. While manufacturers often boast impressive cubic footage, the intelligent design of shelving, drawers, and door bins dictates true usability. A refrigerator’s capacity only matters if it can accommodate the items you regularly store without creating an organizational nightmare.
Consider the Whirlpool WRB329DMBW and Whirlpool WRB329DMBM, both offering 18.5 Cu. Ft., yet the latter specifies SpillGuard Glass Shelves. This detail directly impacts usable space.
A spill contained on one shelf prevents a cascade of messes that could render lower shelves unusable until cleaned, effectively reducing the practical storage capacity. Similarly, the Summit Appliance FFBF279SSXIMLHD, at 14.6 cu.ft., boasts a depth under 27 inches, a significant concession for tight kitchens.
However, its interior LED lighting and factory-installed icemaker are features that demand space, potentially diminishing the perceived capacity when larger items are introduced.
The stark contrast between a 14 cu.ft. Summit FFBF283SS and a 22.3 cu.ft. Kenmore 31 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator highlights this trade-off between external footprint and internal scale.
The Kenmore, despite its larger external size, aims to maximize storage through adjustable shelving. Conversely, the Summit’s thin-line design prioritizes fitting into constricted spaces, a critical factor for apartment dwellers or those with older kitchen layouts.
The GE Appliances 17.7 cu. ft. Counter Depth model offers a sleek, built-in look, but the counter-depth design inherently sacrifices some internal volume compared to a standard-depth unit of similar cubic footage.
Ultimately, the most frequent error in selecting a best 28 bottom freezer refrigerator is prioritizing a specific aesthetic or a minor space-saving dimension over the fundamental need to store your food efficiently. While features like ENERGY STAR ratings are important for long-term savings, they do not inherently increase a refrigerator’s ability to hold a week’s worth of produce or bulky items. The Frigidaire Retro 9.2 Cubic Foot Fridge, while unique in design, offers considerably less capacity, making it suitable only for very minimalists or secondary kitchen use.
For households that frequently stock up or purchase larger items, the 21.9 cu. ft. GE PROFILE Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator, with its internal water dispenser and factory-installed icemaker, represents a commitment to ample, accessible storage within a refined counter-depth form factor.
What to Look For in a Best 28 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Capacity and shelving configuration
For a 28-inch bottom freezer, prioritize a total capacity between 17 and 20 cubic feet; fewer cubic feet means less usable space. Look for at least three adjustable glass shelves to accommodate varying heights of groceries, and always opt for two crisper drawers with independent humidity controls for optimal produce preservation. A gallon-sized door bin arrangement is essential for storing milk jugs and large beverage bottles.
The ideal configuration offers maximum flexibility for everyday needs. Choose the largest capacity within your measurement constraints for the best value.
Freezer drawer design and features
When selecting a bottom freezer, a single, deep freezer drawer with a top basket is the most straightforward and accessible design for frequent use. Opt for an internal ice maker over an indoor dispenser to maximize cold storage space within the freezer itself – this is crucial for a 28-inch model. Integrated drawer dividers are a significant advantage for organizing frozen goods and preventing clutter.
Prioritize models that include a ‘power freeze’ function for rapidly chilling new items. This setup ensures efficient organization and quick temperature recovery.
Exterior finish and dimensions
For a 28-inch refrigerator, stainless steel or black stainless finishes offer a modern aesthetic, while white remains a classic, budget-friendly choice. Select a standard-depth model (about 30-33 inches deep) unless your kitchen has a specific counter-depth requirement, as standard models offer more interior volume. Reversible doors are a bonus for installation flexibility, allowing the refrigerator to open from either the left or right to suit your kitchen layout.
Always confirm the exact 28-inch width and ensure adequate height clearance for proper ventilation. The standard depth offers superior storage.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that saves on utility bills, choose an ENERGY STAR qualified and CEE Tier I rated model.
- If you have a smaller kitchen or need a refrigerator that fits flush with your cabinets, choose a counter-depth model, ideally under 28 inches wide.
- If you prioritize easy cleanup of spills, choose a model with SpillGuard glass shelves.
- If you frequently need ice, look for a model with a factory-installed ice maker.
Quick Best 28 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Buying Checklist
- Measure Your Space: Ensure the 28-inch width and height fit your kitchen alcove precisely.
- Assess Capacity Needs: Determine if the refrigerator’s cubic footage aligns with your household’s grocery habits.
- Evaluate Freezer Organization: Check for drawers, dividers, and ice maker features that suit your freezing requirements.
- Consider Finish Compatibility: Select a finish that complements your existing kitchen appliances and decor.
- Review Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR ratings to help reduce electricity consumption.
- Check for Special Features: Note any desired extras like advanced cooling systems or smart technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Primary Benefits Of A Bottom Freezer Refrigerator?
Bottom freezer refrigerators offer convenient access to fresh food items, as the refrigerator compartment is at eye level. This configuration minimizes bending for everyday use, making it easier to grab frequently accessed items like produce and beverages.
How Does The 28-Inch Width Impact Storage In These Refrigerators?
A 28-inch width is ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments, providing ample refrigerator and freezer space without dominating the room. This size typically offers around 18-22 cubic feet of total capacity, suitable for individuals or small families.
Are Bottom Freezer Refrigerators Generally Energy Efficient?
Many modern bottom freezer refrigerators are designed with energy efficiency in mind, often featuring ENERGY STAR certifications. Look for models with LED lighting and good insulation, which contribute to lower electricity consumption and cost savings.
What Should I Consider Regarding The Freezer Drawer In A Bottom Freezer Model?
Consider the type of freezer drawer, whether it’s a single pull-out or a dual-drawer system, and its internal organization. Features like dividers, ice makers, and spill-proof bins can significantly enhance usability and frost management.
Can A 28-Inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Accommodate Large Items?
While compact, many 28-inch bottom freezer refrigerators are designed with adjustable shelves and deep door bins, allowing for storage of larger items like milk jugs or family-sized casserole dishes. The freezer section also typically includes spacious compartments.
Final Words
Choosing the best 28 bottom freezer refrigerator combines convenience and efficiency for your kitchen. These models provide easy access to fresh foods while offering flexible freezer storage solutions. Investing in a quality unit can optimize your kitchen workflow and keep groceries perfectly preserved for longer.