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The fridge is the most important appliance in the kitchen, but people don't always put too much thought into choosing one. Given their long lifespans, it makes sense to assess the type, functionality and size of fridge that would be best for you, so we've got some helpful information to help make your decision.
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The first consideration is size. Most kitchens have designated fridge cavities so you should measure this space since it can be the main limiting factor when purchasing. Don't buy a fridge that won't fit in your kitchen or through doorways when being installed. You will need 25mm of additional free space around the top, back and sides of the fridge to allow for excess heat to escape.
Finding the right fridge capacity for your household size or refrigerating needs is also crucial. Its harder to cool air than liquids/solids, and so it will be more energy efficient (and typically cheaper) to have a small fridge thats full, instead of a big fridge that you're only using half the space of. You're able to filter for household size, capacity and dimensions on the left of your screen. As a general guide: 1-2 people will use 200-400L, 3-4 will use 520-600L, and 5 or more people will use 700L.
Also consider the type of fridge that's best for you.
Top Mount Fridges are a popular and affordable type of fridge. Its freezer compartment sits above the fridge cavity, which increases the accessibility of frozen food while limiting the amount of freezer space available.
Bottom Mount Fridges have their freezer section at the base of the unit, and tend to be more expensive than Top Mount designs. It has less freezer space than other types of fridges, and will require some bending and crouching to access the slide-out freezer drawers. Everyday fridge items are very accessible.
French Door Fridges are wide, spacious and typically expensive types of fridge. The two fridge doors and large bottom mounted freezer drawer allow for huge storage space, and they often come with a range of modern design features and built-in water and ice dispensing.
An Upright or Fridge Only fridge has only one compartment. Its lack of freezer makes it cheaper than other models, and would be best used as a second unit or to fit a specific refrigeration-only need.
Side-by-Side Fridges have a dedicated fridge and dedicated freezer section that stand beside each other. They are a big, wide and expensive model of fridge, often fitted with modern design features and built-in water and ice dispensing. Though they have ample and accessible storage space, they may use more energy and make more noise than other fridges.
Think about what space you have to open the door, as cabinetry and walls can often get in the way. Some doors only open to the right or left, while others come with reversible fittings - and all of this information should be available when looking at a specific model.
The energy efficiency of your fridge will be clearly marked in the product's information. Typically, Top and Bottom Mount fridges are more efficient than French Door or Side-By-Side models.
Modern fridges come in a range of styles and finishes. Traditionally, the exterior material of your fridge get trendier and more expensive as they get darker - with white being the cheapest. You should be able to find a finish that fits your kitchen's aesthetic.
Finally, these are some popular and functional features to consider. Some fridges have adjustable shelving that can make a huge difference in your use of storage. Child proof features allow you to keep kids away from temperature controls and certain compartments. Many modern fridges come with an antibacterial wall and door coating to stop bacteria forming in your fridge. Water and ice dispensers are a common additional feature, and are able to be plumbed in or not depending on your preference. A good internal LED light can make all the difference, as can the right crisper. Some temperature controls are very advanced, and allow for quick cooling and automatic adjustments to save power. A few very expensive Smart fridges are also Wi-Fi connected, can play music, show what's inside the fridge when you're away, and show online recipes.
The above could be considered nice to have, and you should choose only the additions that make sense for your type of fridge and budget.
434 listings
- Award Winner 2020
- 2019
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsMitsubishi Electric L4 Glass Grande 710L French Door · includes 4 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.7 (6)
- Value for Money4.2 (6)
- Ease of Use4.7 (6)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.7 (6)
- Noise Level4.2 (6)
- Internal Layout4.8 (5)
- Energy Rating3 star(s) and 4 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Argent Silver, Brilliant Black, Glacier White and Diamond Black, Pearl White, Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 710 L
- Award Winner 2019
- 2018
- 2017
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung SRL457MW / SRL458ELS · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.4 (18)
- Value for Money3.5 (18)
- Ease of Use4.2 (17)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.9 (18)
- Noise Level3.9 (18)
- Internal Layout4.7 (9)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Silver and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 458 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsMitsubishi Electric L4 Glass Mini 650L French Door · includes 4 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.5 (10)
- Value for Money4.7 (10)
- Ease of Use4.6 (10)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.9 (9)
- Noise Level4.7 (10)
- Internal Layout4.5 (8)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Argent Silver, Brilliant Black and Glacier White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 650 L
- Award Winner 2018
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 668L Side by Side · includes 3 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.0 (16)
- Value for Money3.9 (16)
- Ease of Use4.4 (16)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.1 (16)
- Noise Level3.9 (16)
- Internal Layout4.8 (13)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Matte Black and Stainless Finish
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 668 L
- Award Winner 2018
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung SRF719DLS
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.6 (18)
- Value for Money2.4 (16)
- Ease of Use3.5 (17)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 2.6 (17)
- Noise Level3.3 (16)
- Internal Layout3.5 (13)
- Dimensions 1825 x 908 x 733 mm
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesConvertible Fridge/Freezer, Door Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves5
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Weight153 kg
- Total Capacity 719 L
- Award Winner 2019
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 620L Side by Side · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.9 (8)
- Value for Money3.9 (8)
- Ease of Use4.3 (8)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.3 (7)
- Noise Level4.1 (8)
- Internal Layout3.5 (6)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Frost Free and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves5
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 619 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 524L French Door · includes 6 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.7 (9)
- Value for Money2.7 (9)
- Ease of Use3.3 (9)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.8 (9)
- Noise Level3.8 (8)
- Internal Layout4.0 (7)
- Energy Rating3 star(s) and 3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser, Water Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 524 L
- Award Winner 2019
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 687L Side by Side · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.5 (8)
- Value for Money4.1 (7)
- Ease of Use4.5 (8)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.9 (8)
- Noise Level3.9 (8)
- Internal Layout4.2 (6)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s) and 3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 687 L
- Award Winner 2020
- 2018
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 441L Top Mount · includes 6 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.3 (13)
- Value for Money4.5 (13)
- Ease of Use4.6 (13)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.5 (13)
- Noise Level4.5 (13)
- Internal Layout4.7 (9)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm
- Colour / Finish Stainless and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 441 L
- Award Winner 2020
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart 519L Bottom Freezer (RF522B Series) · includes 9 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.2 (9)
- Value for Money3.8 (9)
- Ease of Use4.1 (9)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.7 (9)
- Noise Level3.7 (9)
- Internal Layout4.5 (8)
- Energy Rating3 star(s) and 3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Black, EZKleen Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External and Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 519 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart 519L Bottom Freezer (E522 FD Series) · includes 16 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.7 (3)
- Value for Money3.0 (3)
- Ease of Use4.7 (3)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.7 (3)
- Noise Level4.3 (3)
- Internal Layout4.7 (3)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Frost Free, Hatch Door, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish EZKleen Stainless Steel and Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 519 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung 400L Top Mount · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.8 (14)
- Value for Money3.0 (15)
- Ease of Use3.7 (14)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.4 (14)
- Noise Level3.2 (15)
- Internal Layout3.4 (8)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Easy Clean Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 400 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsElectrolux 529L Bottom Mount · includes 5 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.9 (9)
- Value for Money4.0 (8)
- Ease of Use3.9 (8)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.9 (7)
- Noise Level3.9 (8)
- Internal Layout4.5 (6)
- Energy Rating4.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser, Water Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Dark Stainless Steel and Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge Either
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3 to 4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 529 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 460L Top Mount · includes 8 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.6 (7)
- Value for Money2.9 (7)
- Ease of Use3.0 (7)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.7 (7)
- Noise Level3.5 (6)
- Internal Layout3.8 (5)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s) and 4 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 460 L to 536 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart 614L French Door (RF610 Series) · includes 12 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.3 (7)
- Value for Money3.1 (7)
- Ease of Use3.9 (7)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.4 (7)
- Noise Level3.9 (7)
- Internal Layout3.6 (5)
- Energy Rating2 star(s) and 3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free, Water Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Black, EZKleen Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 614 L
- Award Winner 2020
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsMitsubishi Electric LX 630L French Door · includes 3 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.2 (19)
- Value for Money4.2 (20)
- Ease of Use4.6 (20)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.6 (19)
- Noise Level4.9 (19)
- Internal Layout4.8 (17)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free and Ice Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Argent Silver, Brilliant Black and Glacier White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 630 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 310L Bottom Mount · includes 4 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.7 (3)
- Value for Money5.0 (3)
- Ease of Use3.5 (4)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.7 (3)
- Noise Level4.8 (4)
- Internal Layout4.0 (5)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm
- Colour / Finish Shiny Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 310 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsHaier 450L Bottom Mount · includes 3 listings
- Specifications
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Silver and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Shelf MaterialPlastic
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 450 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsHisense 350L Top Mount · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.0 (5)
- Value for Money4.6 (5)
- Ease of Use4.4 (5)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.2 (5)
- Noise Level4.5 (4)
- Internal Layout4.3 (3)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesFrost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 350 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 453L Bottom Mount · includes 9 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.0 (14)
- Value for Money3.4 (13)
- Ease of Use4.0 (14)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.2 (13)
- Noise Level3.5 (14)
- Internal Layout3.2 (10)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Dark Stainless, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External and Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 453 L