Are bottom mount fridges better?
For many households, yes: a bottom-mount refrigerator like the Amana AFD2535FES is often “better” because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so the items you use most (milk, produce, leftovers) are easier to reach while the freezer stays in a lower pull-out drawer.
What “better” usually means with a bottom-mount
- More ergonomic daily use: less bending for fresh-food items.
- Better organization for refrigerated foods: shelves and crispers are easier to see and access.
- Freezer storage is drawer-based: good for stacking frozen items, but you may dig more to find small items.
- Good fit for cooks: frequent access to refrigerator section is more convenient.
- Similar cooling performance: overall food preservation depends more on airflow, seals, and settings than door style.
Bottom-mount vs. top-freezer: quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount (like AFD2535FES) | Top-freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier, more ergonomic | More bending |
| Freezer access | Lower drawer, may require bending | Easier reach |
| Organization | Strong for fresh foods | Strong for freezer |
| Typical user preference | Fresh-food heavy households | Frozen-food heavy households |
How to get the best results from a bottom-mount
Even the best layout will feel “worse” if the refrigerator is installed or used in a way that hurts airflow and efficiency. We recommend:
- Leave clearance for air circulation (top and behind the machine compartment cover).
- Avoid installing near heat sources and avoid extreme room temperatures.
- Do not overcrowd shelves; airflow matters for even cooling.
- Keep door gaskets clean so the doors seal tightly.
For model-specific setup and clearances, follow the AFD2535FES owner's manual.
Why it matters
Most people open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. A bottom-mount design puts the most-used space where it is easiest to access, which can improve day-to-day convenience and help reduce door-open time.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is the bottom freezer refrigerator not popular?
Bottom-freezer refrigerators (like the Amana AFD2535FES) are often less popular mainly because they typically cost more than top-freezer models and many people prefer not to bend down to access frozen foods. They can also feel harder to organize because most freezer space is in deep baskets or drawers.
Common reasons shoppers choose other styles
- Higher upfront price compared with many top-freezer refrigerators.
- More bending and lifting to reach frozen items in lower baskets.
- Drawer organization can be inconvenient for flat or small items that get buried.
- More parts and features on many bottom-freezer designs can mean more maintenance over time.
- Space planning: the freezer drawer needs clearance to pull out fully.
Bottom freezer vs top freezer: quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom freezer | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food access | Easier (at eye level) | Requires more bending |
| Frozen food access | More bending | Easier |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
| Freezer organization | Baskets/drawers | Shelves/bins |
What matters for day-to-day performance
Even if a bottom-freezer style is not everyone’s favorite, your AFD2535FES can run efficiently when airflow and seals are in good shape. Our best practical tips come straight from the AFD2535FES owner's manual.
- Avoid overcrowding shelves so cold air can circulate.
- Do not add too much warm food at once (it forces longer run times).
- Keep the freezer about two-thirds full for efficient operation.
- Clean door gaskets regularly so doors seal tightly.
- Allow a few hours after control changes for temperatures to stabilize.
Why it matters
Popularity is mostly about comfort, cost, and storage habits, not food safety. If you like fresh food at eye level and use the freezer less often, a bottom-mount can be a great fit. If you use frozen foods daily, a top-freezer layout often feels simpler.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
A bottom-freezer refrigerator like the Amana AFD2535FES keeps fresh food at eye level, but the tradeoffs are mostly about freezer access and airflow management: you often bend more for frozen items, freezer drawers can be harder to organize, and frequent door openings can make the unit run longer.
Common disadvantages to expect
- More bending and lifting: frozen foods sit low, so heavy items (meat, bulk bags) take more effort to reach.
- Drawer organization challenges: stacked baskets can hide items; it is easy to forget what is at the bottom.
- Cold-air loss during access: wide freezer drawers can dump cold air quickly when opened.
- More sensitivity to loading: overloading reduces airflow and slows freezing.
- Door-open time matters more: longer openings can raise temps and increase run time.
How to reduce the downsides (practical tips)
We recommend using the storage and energy tips in the AFD2535FES owner's manual and applying these habits:
- Keep the freezer about two-thirds full for efficient operation.
- Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate.
- Avoid loading too much warm food at once (it slows freezing and can warm frozen items).
- Store “hard-to-freeze” items (like ice cream) away from the door area when possible.
- Organize foods so you can grab them fast and minimize door-open time.
Quick comparison: bottom freezer vs top freezer
| Feature | Bottom freezer | Top freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easier (eye level) | More bending |
| Frozen-food access | More bending, drawer digging | Easier reach |
| Organization | Baskets, can bury items | Shelves, easier visibility |
| Temp stability when opened | Can lose cold air quickly | Often steadier |
Why it matters
Most “disadvantages” show up as temperature swings, freezer burn, and higher run time when the freezer is overpacked or opened often. Good airflow and fast access help the AFD2535FES cool evenly and protect food quality.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the best bottom mount fridge?
The “best” bottom-mount refrigerator is the one that fits your kitchen opening, holds temperature steadily, and matches the features you will actually use (ice maker, water filtration, adjustable storage). For your Amana AFD2535FES, start by confirming clearances and installation requirements in the AFD2535FES owner's manual.
How we recommend choosing the best bottom-mount refrigerator
When you compare bottom-mount fridges (including Amana, Whirlpool, GE, LG, and Samsung), focus on these practical factors first:
- Fit and clearance: Measure the opening and allow airflow space; many installations need about 1/2 inch at the top and 1 inch behind for circulation.
- Temperature performance: Look for consistent fresh food temps around 37°F and freezer around 0°F.
- Door style and swing: Bottom-mount models can be French door or single-door fresh food; make sure doors clear walls and islands.
- Ice and water needs: If you want ice, confirm the model supports an ice maker and that your water line setup is realistic.
- Serviceability and parts support: A model with readily available parts can be the “best” long-term value.
Quick comparison checklist (what “best” usually means)
Use this as a simple scorecard when shopping or deciding whether to repair or replace.
| Priority | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Correct width, depth, height, and ventilation clearance | Prevents overheating and door clearance issues |
| Reliability | Stable temps, good door sealing | Protects food and reduces frost/ice issues |
| Features | Ice maker, water filter, storage flexibility | Avoid paying for features you will not use |
| Ownership cost | Energy use, repair history, parts availability | Lowers total cost over time |
Model-specific notes for Amana AFD2535FES owners
If you already own the Amana AFD2535FES, “best” often means keeping it running efficiently and sealing properly.
- Install it indoors and away from heat sources.
- Avoid locations below 55°F or above 110°F.
- Level it so the front is slightly higher than the back to help doors close correctly.
- If you have ice issues, the whirlpool refrigerator ice maker (D7824706Q) D7824706Q is a common replacement part for this model.
Why it matters
Bottom-mount refrigerators put fresh food at eye level, but they only perform well when airflow clearances, leveling, and door sealing are correct. Getting those basics right often matters more than brand or extra features.
Last updated: January 2026





