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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
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 536L Top Mount · includes 5 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality5.0 (2)
- Value for Money5.0 (2)
- Ease of Use5.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 5.0 (2)
- Noise Level4.5 (2)
- Internal Layout5.0 (2)
- 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
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsKelvinator KTM4602 (460L, Top Mount) · includes 3 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality5.0 (2)
- Value for Money5.0 (2)
- Ease of Use5.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 5.0 (2)
- Noise Level5.0 (2)
- Internal Layout5.0 (2)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Silver and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 460 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsSharp 676L French Door · includes 5 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.5 (2)
- Value for Money2.0 (1)
- Ease of Use5.0 (1)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.0 (1)
- Noise Level2.0 (1)
- Internal Layout5.0 (1)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf and Ice Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Glass Black, Glass Silver and Glass White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1 to 2
- Total Capacity 676 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsHisense 435L Bottom Mount · includes 2 listings
Price (RRP) $1,099.00 to $1,199.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.7 (3)
- Value for Money1.5 (2)
- Ease of Use4.5 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 5.0 (2)
- Noise Level4.5 (2)
- Internal Layout5.0 (2)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Total Capacity 435 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 279L Top Mount · includes 4 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.5 (2)
- Value for Money4.5 (2)
- Ease of Use5.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 5.0 (2)
- Noise Level4.5 (2)
- Internal Layout5.0 (1)
- Energy Rating3 star(s) and 3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Dark Graphite, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 279 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsMitsubishi Electric 420L Top Mount · includes 8 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.8 (4)
- Value for Money4.5 (4)
- Ease of Use4.5 (4)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.5 (4)
- Noise Level4.8 (4)
- Internal Layout4.3 (3)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Shiny Black, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 420 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung 628L Top Mount · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.5 (6)
- Value for Money4.3 (7)
- Ease of Use4.1 (7)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.2 (5)
- Noise Level3.7 (6)
- Internal Layout4.0 (7)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Black and Stainless Steel
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 625 L to 628 L
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 665L Side by Side · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.8 (4)
- Value for Money4.8 (4)
- Ease of Use5.0 (4)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.8 (4)
- Noise Level4.5 (4)
- Internal Layout5.0 (4)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Ice Dispenser, Water Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Black Stainless Steel and Stainless Finish
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4 to 8
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1 to 2
- Total Capacity 665 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 708L French Door · includes 5 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.4 (18)
- Value for Money3.3 (18)
- Ease of Use3.8 (18)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.9 (18)
- Noise Level4.1 (18)
- Internal Layout3.8 (15)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free, Hatch Door, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Black Stainless Steel, Brushed Steel and Matte Black Stainless Steel
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 708 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsHisense 436L Top Mount · includes 2 listings
Price (RRP) $999.00 to $1,099.00
- Specifications
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3 to 5
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 436 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsHisense HR6FDFF701SW
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.6 (8)
- Value for Money4.1 (8)
- Ease of Use4.5 (8)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.6 (8)
- Noise Level4.1 (7)
- Internal Layout4.8 (4)
- Dimensions 1776 x 914 x 845 mm
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesConvertible Fridge/Freezer, Display Panel, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser, Water Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Weight137 kg
- Total Capacity 701 L
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 690L Side by Side · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.5 (6)
- Value for Money2.7 (6)
- Ease of Use3.5 (6)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.2 (6)
- Noise Level3.3 (6)
- Internal Layout3.2 (5)
- 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 689 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung SRF717CDBLS
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.7 (11)
- Value for Money2.3 (10)
- Ease of Use2.9 (9)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 2.6 (10)
- Noise Level3.1 (10)
- Internal Layout3.4 (7)
- Dimensions 1825 x 908 x 733 mm
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Black layered steel
- Handle Type Recessed
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves5
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 719 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsKelvinator KTM5402 (536L, Top Mount) · includes 3 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.3 (3)
- Value for Money4.0 (3)
- Ease of Use4.3 (3)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.3 (3)
- Noise Level3.3 (3)
- Internal Layout4.0 (2)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Arctic Silver and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 536 L
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel 628L Side by Side · includes 2 listings
Price (RRP) $2,599.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.2 (5)
- Value for Money3.2 (5)
- Ease of Use3.6 (5)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 2.6 (5)
- Noise Level3.8 (5)
- Internal Layout4.3 (3)
- Energy Rating2 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 3
- Total Capacity 628 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsBushman DC-L Series · includes 5 listings
Price (RRP) $1,895.00 to $2,475.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.6 (8)
- Value for Money4.6 (8)
- Ease of Use4.6 (8)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.6 (8)
- Noise Level4.3 (7)
- Internal Layout4.8 (4)
- Colour / Finish Black, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3 to 4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 190 L to 285 L
Upright Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 501L Upright · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality5.0 (2)
- Value for Money4.0 (2)
- Ease of Use3.7 (3)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (2)
- Noise Level5.0 (2)
- Internal Layout5.0 (1)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves5
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 501 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsMitsubishi Electric 500L Multi Drawer (MR-WX500C Series) · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality5.0 (7)
- Value for Money4.1 (7)
- Ease of Use4.1 (7)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.9 (7)
- Noise Level4.9 (7)
- Internal Layout4.3 (6)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Argent Silver and Diamond White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 500 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung 471L Top Mount · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.3 (7)
- Value for Money2.3 (7)
- Ease of Use3.1 (7)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.0 (7)
- Noise Level3.1 (7)
- Internal Layout3.0 (7)
- FeaturesFrost Free
- Colour / Finish Snow White and Stainless Steel
- Handle Type Recessed
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 471 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG GF-L613PL
Price (RRP) $2,699.00
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.0 (1)
- Value for Money3.0 (1)
- Ease of Use4.0 (1)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 5.0 (1)
- Noise Level4.0 (1)
- Internal Layout4.0 (1)
- Dimensions 1780 x 745 x 915 mm
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Weight142 kg
- Total Capacity 613 L