jetgraphics writes:
I was wondering if anyone knows why the "old fashioned" back mounted
coil refrigerators were replaced with bottom mounted coils?

Back coil mounts didn't become as filthy nor did they need a fan to
blow air over them.

My theory: look at the volume occupied by a rear-mounted condenser with
the appropriate amount of air space behind the fridge (and above it as
well). That's a lot of volume that isn't storing anything cold. By
using a fan-cooled condenser, the refrigerator case can be about 3
inches deeper and a couple inches higher and still fit into the same
space without projecting any further into the room. That gives a
significant increase in inside room if the box insulation remains the
same thickness, or allows thicker insulation (for better efficiency)
while keeping the interior volume the same.

Dave