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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 / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart 517L Top Freezer · includes 22 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality1.0 (1)
- Value for Money2.0 (1)
- Ease of Use3.0 (1)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (1)
- Noise Level2.0 (1)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass and Plastic
- Number of Shelves4 to 11
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 517 L
Side by Side Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse WSE6870SA (680L, Stainless Steel)
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.5 (2)
- Value for Money2.0 (3)
- Ease of Use4.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (2)
- Noise Level3.0 (2)
- Internal Layout3.5 (2)
- Dimensions 1787 x 1000 x 784 mm
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser, Water Dispenser and Wine Rack
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves5
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 677 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsLG 594L French Door · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.9 (9)
- Value for Money4.9 (9)
- Ease of Use5.0 (9)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.7 (9)
- Noise Level4.2 (9)
- Internal Layout4.8 (5)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel and Door Alarm
- Colour / Finish Matte Black and Stainless Steel
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 594 L
Upright Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel 451L Vertical (E450 Series) · includes 9 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality5.0 (1)
- Value for Money5.0 (1)
- Ease of Use5.0 (1)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (1)
- Noise Level5.0 (1)
- Internal Layout5.0 (1)
- Energy Rating2 star(s)
- Colour / Finish Iridium, Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4 to 7
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 451 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 605L French Door · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.3 (10)
- Value for Money3.4 (8)
- Ease of Use3.8 (10)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.2 (10)
- Noise Level3.7 (10)
- Internal Layout4.1 (10)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Frost Free, 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 2
- Total Capacity 605 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsSharp 581L Top Mount (SJXP580G) · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.0 (2)
- Value for Money2.5 (2)
- Ease of Use5.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (2)
- Noise Level2.5 (2)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Black and Silver
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 581 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsMitsubishi Electric 508L Top Mount · includes 5 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.0 (1)
- Value for Money4.0 (1)
- Ease of Use3.0 (1)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.0 (1)
- Noise Level5.0 (1)
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesFrost 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 508 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 370L Bottom Mount · includes 6 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.7 (3)
- Value for Money3.3 (3)
- Ease of Use5.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (3)
- Noise Level3.0 (3)
- Internal Layout5.0 (1)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s) and 3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Arctic Silver, Silver, 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 370 L
Upright Fridges / RefrigeratorsMiele K 12820 SD · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.4 (19)
- Value for Money2.4 (18)
- Ease of Use3.4 (18)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.6 (18)
- Noise Level3.8 (17)
- Internal Layout4.5 (10)
- Energy Rating2 star(s)
- FeaturesWine 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 405 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart 380L Top Freezer · includes 7 listings
Price (RRP) $1,149.00
- Specifications
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 380 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung Family Hub · includes 5 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.7 (7)
- Value for Money2.4 (7)
- Ease of Use3.7 (6)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.8 (6)
- Noise Level4.0 (6)
- Internal Layout4.6 (5)
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s) and 3 star(s)
- FeaturesConvertible Fridge/Freezer, Display Panel, Door Alarm, Foldable/Retractable Shelf, Frost Free, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Black Caviar, Black Layered Steel and Black Stainless (Black Caviar)
- Handle Type External and Recessed
- Smart Fridge Yes
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 468 L to 825 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsHaier 221L Top Mount · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.3 (4)
- Value for Money4.5 (4)
- Ease of Use4.8 (4)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.5 (4)
- Noise Level4.3 (4)
- Internal Layout3.7 (3)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesFoldable/Retractable Shelf and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 221 L
Upright Fridges / RefrigeratorsHisense HR6AFF355 (355L, Upright) · includes 2 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.3 (3)
- Value for Money3.0 (4)
- Ease of Use4.0 (4)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.5 (4)
- Noise Level4.3 (4)
- Internal Layout4.5 (4)
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door 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 355 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart 411L Top Freezer · includes 19 listings
Price (RRP) $1,249.00 to $1,799.00
- Specifications
- Energy Rating3 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass and Plastic
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 411 L
French Door Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung SRF533DLS
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.4 (9)
- Value for Money1.8 (8)
- Ease of Use3.4 (8)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 2.8 (8)
- Noise Level3.4 (7)
- Internal Layout3.4 (5)
- Dimensions 1798 x 817 x 775 mm
- Energy Rating2.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm, Frost Free and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 533 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsHisense HR6BMFF514SW (514L, Stainless Steel)
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality4.7 (6)
- Value for Money4.1 (7)
- Ease of Use4.4 (7)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.6 (7)
- Noise Level4.1 (7)
- Internal Layout5.0 (3)
- Dimensions 1756 x 842 x 735 mm
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Frost Free and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Stainless Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 514 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsWestinghouse 370L Top Mount · includes 4 listings
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality2.0 (2)
- Value for Money3.0 (2)
- Ease of Use2.0 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.0 (2)
- Noise Level1.0 (2)
- Internal Layout2.5 (2)
- Energy Rating3.5 star(s)
- FeaturesDoor Alarm and Frost Free
- Colour / Finish Arctic Silver, Pacific Silver and White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 370 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsSamsung SRL455DLS
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.3 (3)
- Value for Money2.7 (3)
- Ease of Use3.3 (3)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 2.3 (3)
- Noise Level2.7 (3)
- Internal Layout3.0 (3)
- Dimensions 1700 x 700 x 747 mm
- Energy Rating4 star(s)
- FeaturesDisplay Panel, Door Alarm, Ice Dispenser and Water Dispenser
- Colour / Finish Layered Steel
- Handle Type External
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves4
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Weight91 kg
- Total Capacity 455 L
Top Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsKelvinator KTB2302WA
- Review Summary
- Specifications
- Build Quality3.0 (2)
- Value for Money3.0 (2)
- Ease of Use2.5 (2)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.0 (2)
- Noise Level4.0 (1)
- Internal Layout4.0 (1)
- Dimensions 1405 x 540 x 615 mm
- Energy Rating2 star(s)
- FeaturesFrost Free
- Colour / Finish White
- Handle Type Recessed
- Smart Fridge No
- Shelf MaterialGlass
- Number of Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 1
- Total Capacity 231 L
Bottom Mount Fridges / RefrigeratorsMiele 339L Bottom Mount (KFN 12823 Series) · includes 2 listings
- Specifications
- Energy Rating2.5 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 Shelves3
- Number of Fruit & Vegetable Bins 2
- Total Capacity 339 L