Are bottom mount fridges good?
Yes. For the Ikea IX5BBEXDS01 bottom-mount refrigerator, a bottom-freezer design is typically a great choice because it keeps everyday fresh-food items at eye level and puts frozen storage in a pull-out drawer, which improves access and organization.
What you’ll like about a bottom-mount refrigerator
- Fresh-food section is higher up, so you bend less for milk, produce, and leftovers.
- Freezer drawers make it easier to sort frozen foods than a deep top-freezer shelf.
- Wide shelves and bins usually support better day-to-day organization.
- Better visibility helps reduce food waste because items are easier to see.
- Many bottom-mount designs support add-ons like an ice maker and water filtration.
Trade-offs to consider
Bottom-mount fridges are “good” for most kitchens, but these are the common downsides:
- Freezer access can be slower if you frequently grab frozen items all day.
- Drawer rails and baskets can wear over time if overloaded.
- Some models have more components (fans, dampers, controls), which can mean more repair points.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Best (eye level) | Good (lower shelves require bending) |
| Freezer organization | Best (drawers/baskets) | Basic (shelves) |
| Typical cost | Higher | Lower |
| Common wear items | Drawer rails, door seals | Door seals, hinges |
Why it matters
Most households use the refrigerator compartment far more than the freezer. A bottom-mount layout prioritizes the space you open most, which improves convenience and helps keep temperatures stable by reducing “door-open time.”
Helpful parts and DIY guidance
If you’re trying to keep performance and freshness high on the IX5BBEXDS01, these are common maintenance and upgrade areas:
- Replace the air filter on schedule using the refrigerator air filter W10311524.
- If your unit has a water filter, follow how to replace the water filter in an Ikea refrigerator for a clean swap and proper flushing.
- Keep door seals clean and sealing evenly to prevent warm air leaks.
Last updated: January 2026
What is a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom called?
A refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom is called a bottom-mount (also commonly called a bottom-freezer) refrigerator. Your Ikea IX5BBEXDS01 is this style; the fresh-food section is on top and the freezer is below, usually as a pull-out drawer.
What “bottom-mount” means in everyday use
In a bottom-mount refrigerator, we design and service the unit assuming you will access refrigerated foods most often, so they sit at eye and waist level.
Common bottom-mount layouts include:
- Pull-out freezer drawer (most common)
- Single freezer door that swings open (less common)
- French door fresh-food section with a bottom freezer drawer (common on larger units)
Why it matters
Knowing the style helps you find the right parts and troubleshooting steps for airflow, door sealing, and ice maker or filter systems that are typical for bottom-mount designs.
Quick comparison of common refrigerator styles
| Style name | Fresh-food location | Freezer location | Typical benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom-mount (bottom-freezer) | Top | Bottom | Easier access to everyday foods |
| Top-freezer | Bottom | Top | Simple layout, often lower cost |
| Side-by-side | Left or right | Left or right | Narrow door swing, easy freezer access |
Helpful next steps for owners of IX5BBEXDS01
If you are shopping parts or solving a performance issue, these are the most common “starting points” we see on bottom-mount refrigerators:
- Replace the air filter on schedule to help control odors
- Keep door seals clean and closing tightly to prevent frost and warm spots
- Make sure the evaporator fan is running to move cold air through the compartments
- If ice production is slow, check water supply and the ice maker assembly
For odor control parts used on this model, see the refrigerator air filter W10311524.
If you are working on water and ice maintenance, follow how to replace the water filter in an Ikea refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the bottom shelf of a fridge for?
In an Ikea bottom-mount refrigerator model IX5BBEXDS01, the bottom shelf is typically the best spot for foods that need the coldest, most stable temperatures and extra leak protection. We recommend using it for raw meat and seafood (sealed) and other highly perishable items.
Best uses for the bottom shelf
- Store raw meat, poultry, and fish in a leak-proof container to prevent drips onto ready-to-eat foods.
- Keep deli meats and dairy that you use quickly (they stay colder and more consistent here).
- Place large, heavy items (like a gallon of milk) where they are less likely to tip.
- Use it for meal prep containers you want to keep very cold.
- Avoid storing produce here if it tends to freeze in your refrigerator.
Food safety and organization tips
The bottom shelf helps reduce cross-contamination because any accidental leaks stay low and are easier to contain.
| Item type | Bottom shelf? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Raw meat/seafood (sealed) | Yes | Coldest zone; contains leaks |
| Leftovers (covered) | Yes | Stays cold; slows spoilage |
| Produce | Sometimes | Can be too cold; may freeze |
| Eggs | Usually no | Better on a middle shelf for steadier temps |
Why it matters
Using the bottom shelf correctly helps keep your refrigerator cleaner, reduces odor risk, and supports safer storage by keeping raw proteins below ready-to-eat foods.
Related parts and upkeep
If odors linger even with good organization, replacing the air filter can help on many refrigerators. For this model, check the refrigerator air filter W10311524.
Last updated: January 2026





