Are bottom mount fridges better?
Bottom-mount refrigerators like the Ikea IX5BBEXDS00 are better for many kitchens because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so everyday items are easier to reach while the freezer stays in a lower drawer. They are especially convenient if you use the refrigerator more often than the freezer.
What “better” usually means with a bottom-mount design
- Easier access to fresh foods (produce, milk, leftovers) without bending as much
- Freezer storage is organized in pull-out drawers, which can reduce digging through stacked items
- Often supports wider refrigerator shelving and crisper space for meal prep
- Good fit for cooks who use fresh ingredients frequently
- Can feel heavier to open when the freezer drawer is fully loaded
Quick comparison: bottom-mount vs top-freezer
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Most-used items | Easier to reach | Requires more bending |
| Freezer access | Drawer style, lower | Door style, upper |
| Organization | Strong for freezer bins/drawers | Simple, open cavity |
| Typical tradeoff | More moving parts (drawer slides) | Usually simpler layout |
Practical tips to get the most from a bottom-mount
- Keep heavier items on mid shelves to reduce lifting and spills
- Avoid overloading the freezer drawer; it helps the drawer glide and seal consistently
- Make sure doors and the freezer drawer close fully; proper leveling helps closure
- Clean and maintain airflow paths so temperatures stay stable
Why it matters
A bottom-mount layout improves day-to-day ergonomics and can help you keep fresh foods visible and organized, which reduces wasted food and makes meal prep faster. For the IX5BBEXDS00, correct door closing and alignment also supports consistent temperatures and moisture control.
For model-specific use and care details (controls, features, door closing, and alignment), follow the IX5BBEXDS00 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
Are all refrigerators 70 inches high?
No. Refrigerator height is not standardized at 70 inches; it varies by style and capacity. For the Ikea IX5BBEXDS00 bottom-mount refrigerator, use the exact cabinet opening and clearance guidance in the IX5BBEXDS00 owner's manual before you buy, move, or replace the unit.
Typical refrigerator height ranges (what you will see most often)
Heights vary by design, hinge style, and whether you include the hinges and top cover.
- Compact and undercounter models: often about 32 to 36 inches
- Many top-freezer models: often about 60 to 67 inches
- Many bottom-mount and French door models: often about 68 to 72 inches
- Built-in models: commonly around 80 to 84 inches
Measure the right way (so the fridge actually fits)
Use a tape measure and record three numbers: opening height, opening width, and opening depth.
- Measure height at the left and right side of the opening (floors can slope)
- Measure depth to the front edge of cabinets, then account for door swing and handles
- Confirm you have ventilation space; the manual calls for clearance at the sides/top and behind for airflow
- If the refrigerator has an ice maker, plan extra space behind for the water line connection
- Leave room next to a fixed wall so the door can swing fully open
Quick fit checklist
| What to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opening height | Prevents hinge or cabinet-top interference |
| Opening depth | Avoids doors sticking out too far |
| Side clearance | Supports proper ventilation and cooling |
| Wall-side swing space | Prevents door from binding or hitting the wall |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is too tall or too tight in the opening can restrict ventilation, make doors hard to open, and cause the compressor and fans to run longer than normal.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
Bottom-freezer refrigerators like the Ikea IX5BBEXDS00 make fresh food easier to reach, but the tradeoff is that frozen items sit lower in a pull-out drawer, so you bend more and can lose visibility and organization compared with a top-freezer design.
Common disadvantages to expect
- More bending for frozen foods: You typically squat or lean to reach items in the lower drawer.
- Heavier lifting from a drawer: Large bags, frozen turkeys, and bulk items can be awkward to lift up and out.
- Drawer organization can be tricky: Items stack and slide, so smaller packages get buried.
- Door and drawer alignment matters: If the unit is not level, doors and the freezer drawer may not close as smoothly.
- Can run longer in some homes: High-efficiency compressors and fans often run longer, especially with frequent door openings or warm room temperatures.
Quick comparison: bottom freezer vs top freezer
| Feature | Bottom freezer | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Access to fresh food | Easier (eye level) | More bending |
| Access to frozen food | More bending, drawer lifting | Easier reach |
| Freezer organization | Drawer stacks, can hide items | Shelves, easier visibility |
| Space needs | Drawer needs clearance to pull out | Door swing only |
Tips to reduce the downsides
- Level the refrigerator so the doors and freezer drawer close consistently (see IX5BBEXDS00 owner's manual).
- Keep frequently used frozen foods in the top basket or upper layer of the drawer.
- Use bins or dividers to separate meats, vegetables, and snacks.
- Minimize long door openings; warm air makes the refrigerator run longer.
- If odors build up from stored foods, replace the refrigerator air filter W10311524 on schedule.
Why it matters
Most “disadvantages” come down to ergonomics and airflow: frequent openings, poor leveling, and messy freezer storage can lead to more temperature swings, longer run times, and more day-to-day frustration.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the life expectancy of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
Most bottom-freezer (bottom-mount) refrigerators like the Ikea IX5BBEXDS00 typically last 15 to 20 years with normal household use. Regular cleaning, good airflow around the cabinet, and keeping door seals tight help you reach the upper end of that range.
Typical lifespan at a glance
| Refrigerator style | Typical life expectancy |
|---|---|
| Top-freezer | 10 to 15 years |
| Bottom-freezer (bottom-mount) | 15 to 20 years |
| Side-by-side | 15 to 20 years |
What most often shortens lifespan
- Dirty condenser area causing the compressor to run hotter and longer
- Door gasket leaks that let warm, moist air in (more run time, more frost)
- Overpacked shelves blocking airflow to the thermistor and vents
- Ice maker or water system leaks that create corrosion or ice buildup
- Skipped filter changes (water filter and air filter) that reduce performance
What we recommend to help your IX5BBEXDS00 last longer
- Follow the cleaning and care schedule in the IX5BBEXDS00 owner's manual.
- Keep doors closing and sealing properly; adjust leveling if doors do not self-close smoothly.
- Replace odor-control filtration on schedule; use the refrigerator air filter W10311524 when it is time.
- Maintain good temperatures: about 37°F in the fresh food section and 0°F in the freezer.
- Address unusual noises, warm temps, or moisture early; small airflow issues can turn into bigger repairs.
Why it matters
A bottom-freezer refrigerator has more airflow controls and components than simpler designs, so basic maintenance (cleaning, sealing, and keeping vents clear) directly reduces compressor run time and helps the refrigerator reach its full service life.
Last updated: January 2026





