Fridge Buying Guide

Thinking about upgrading your fridge? Whether you’re looking for the best and biggest model for your new family home or are searching for something a little more compact, you’ll find a wide variety of fridges to choose from. With so many different fridge models out there, we’ve developed a fridge buying guide to help you choose which type of fridge would best suit your home, the capacity you’ll need and the features you should be keeping an eye out for.

Jump to

Four door fridges are very similar in style to French door fridges but feature a two door freezer compartment instead of a single drawer.

• This style of fridge offers storage flexibility, with some models allowing users to customise the shelf and drawer configuration within the freezer compartment.

• The fridge compartment is typically wider than those found in top and bottom mount fridges, offering greater storage space for bulky goods and platters.

• As with French door fridges, the fridge compartment is located at eye level.

• Good for larger families and spacious kitchens.

• Some models also have inbuilt water and ice dispensers.

Pigeon pair fridges are separate fridge and freezer units that share a matching design. They are not connected to each other in any way.

• Pigeon pairs offer a greater freezer capacity than other fridge designs.

• Can be used within different areas of the house if space is limited, but do tend to take up more space when the footprint of both appliances is combined.

• Can be a good option for larger families that require a greater amount of freezer space.

• As the units within a pigeon pair are separate, operating costs can be higher than a standard top or bottom mount fridge.

Popular pigeon pair fridge brands: Miele, Westinghouse, Haier

The smallest of the fridge types, bar fridges typically use less power than their larger counterparts and are best suited to storing drinks.

• Using less electricity than other types of fridges, bar fridges are typically cheaper to run than a standard fridge.

• They can be a good addition to a man cave, shed or garage as they often don’t take up a large amount of space.

• Thanks to their compact size, bar fridges are best suited to chilling drinks and other small items.

Popular bar fridge brands: Hisense, Inalto, Vintec, Husky

When purchasing a new fridge, there are a few key considerations that will help you determine which model is right for your needs. They include the size of your kitchen, the capacity that you require and your intended use of the appliance.

KITCHEN SIZE

Before you start looking at all the different fridge models available, it’s important to take the time to find out exactly how much room you have to work with. Pull out a tape measure and measure the height, width and depth of the space your fridge will sit in. You’ll need to leave some space either side of the fridge (approximately 5cm on each side) to allow heat to vent efficiently from the motor, as well as enough space to open each door, so be sure to take that into account too. While you have your tape measure handy, don’t forget to measure the doors of your house or apartment to ensure you’ll actually be able to get your new fridge into your kitchen.

CAPACITY

The volume of internal storage space within a fridge, otherwise known as its capacity, is measured in litres, with the amount required varying from household to household. If you live alone or with one other person, you’ll more than likely need a fridge with a smaller capacity than a family of five. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need around 100 to 150 litres per person.

USE

Another important factor to consider when shopping for a new fridge is how you plan to use your appliance. If you are looking for a fridge to keep just a few odds and ends cool, a smaller model may be better suited to your needs, while a larger fridge might be more practical if you love to entertain. If you like to prepare your meals in bulk and freeze them, you may want to look at fridge freezers with larger freezer compartments, but if you find yourself eating out more often than not, a smaller capacity fridge may be a better option.

• Door hinges. When buying a new fridge, it’s important to take note of which way the doors open. Some models are left-hinged, meaning that they only open from the right-hand side, while others are right-hinged and will open from the left-hand side only. While most fridges have fixed hinges, some have reversible doors that can be hinged on either side.

• Temperature controls. Look for fridge freezer models with separate temperature controls for both the main compartment and the freezer section. Being able to adjust the temperature of each compartment independently gives you greater control over the fridge’s settings, allowing you to tailor them to your needs. Some newer fridge models also have inbuilt humidity and temperature sensors that automatically adjust settings when needed.

• Adjustable shelving. From time to time, our fridge storage needs change, meaning that it’s important to have flexibility when it comes to internal fridge storage. Look for models with shelving that can be easily adjusted or removed, allowing you to store bulky goods, such as large cuts of meat, when needed. While considering your storage options, it’s also a good idea to look for shelving that’s easy to clean, helping to make maintenance a breeze.

• Lighting. Although it’s something that may not be at the top of your fridge feature wishlist, internal lighting is important for helping you find the items you need, when you need them. Look for models that provide adequate lighting throughout the main compartment, from the top shelf to the crisper drawer, and are lit by LED bulbs. LED bulbs produce less heat than other types of lighting, reducing the likelihood of internal temperature fluctuations.

• Exterior finish. A variety of different exterior finishes are available, making it easy to find a fridge model to suit your kitchen decor. Classic white steel and stainless steel finishes are among the most common thanks to their versatility, while retro colours, black steel and glass finishes have increased in popularity in recent years.

• Energy rating. As your fridge typically runs all day, every day, it’s important to find a model that is energy efficient, helping to save you money in the long run. The amount of energy used by each fridge model will vary depending on their size and energy efficiency, but the star rating sticker on each will allow you to better compare similar models. As well as a star rating, most fridges also display the average annual energy consumption, which allows you to calculate the running costs based on the electricity rates in your location. Fridges that are more energy efficient may be more expensive to purchase, but the long term energy savings may be worth the initial investment.

• Noise. For some people, the amount of noise generated by a fridge can be an important consideration. Most fridges operate at around 35 decibels, which is similar to the amount of sound made durings a whispered conversation. In general, fridges are quite quiet when in operation, but you may notice sounds from internal fans, compressors and the contraction or expansion of materials from time to time.

• Child-proofing. If you have small children in your household, it’s a good idea to look for features that help to child-proof your fridge. If you’re thinking of purchasing a model with a water or ice dispenser, it’s important to check if it has child-proof settings, while lockable compartments help to ensure refrigerated medicines can be stored safely.

• Smart features. Although not essential, smart features can help you to get more out of your fridge. Some models connect to WiFi, allowing you to see what’s in your fridge when doing your weekly grocery shop, while others allow you to view recipes and play music and videos at the touch of a button.

• Water and ice dispensers. Most fridges with ice makers and water dispensers are connected to your home water supply. These features save you from having to open your fridge to access chilled water or ice. Additional costs are involved in having the fridge installed by a plumber and from the replacement of water filters over time. Non-plumbed models are also available.

• Air deodorisers. Helping to keep your fridge smelling fresh, air deodorisers are another good feature to look out for when shopping for a new fridge.

Q. What are the best fridge brands?

The top fridge brands renowned for their quality and reliability include LG, Mitsubishi Electric, Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux, and Samsung. These brands consistently offer innovative features, energy efficiency, and durability, making them popular choices among consumers seeking high-performance refrigeration solutions. Whether you prioritise smart technology, sleek design, or ample storage space, these brands deliver exceptional options to suit various needs and preferences.

Q. What is the temperature a fridge should be?

The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. This temperature range helps to keep food fresh and safe for consumption while minimising the risk of bacterial growth. It's essential to regularly monitor and adjust the fridge temperature to ensure it stays within this optimal range.

Q. How long does a fridge last & when to replace a fridge?

With the right maintenance and upkeep, a high-quality fridge can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. We recommend investing in a premium fridge like the Hisense French Door Fridge, Westinghouse Bottom Freezer Refrigerator or the LG Stainless Steel Fridge to get the most out of your fridge. However, we do recommend replacing your fridge when you notice it isn’t functioning well.

Q. How much space do you need around a fridge?

It is important to leave at least 2 to 3 inches of space around your fridge to ensure proper ventilation. This will allow air to circulate efficiently and will prevent the fridge from overheating, ensuring it is able to function correctly.

Q. How to organise a fridge?

Here are some helpful tips on effectively organising your fridge: 

• Top Shelf and Door: Store condiments

• Upper Shelves: Keep dairy, eggs, and spreads

• Middle Shelves: Store meats and milk

• Lower Shelf: Place raw meats for the coldest temperature

  • Raw vs. Cooked Foods: Keep raw foods separate, with raw meats at the bottom and cooked foods on top to prevent cross-contamination

• Crisper Drawers: Store fruits and vegetables

Q. How to dispose of an old fridge?

It is important that old appliances, especially fridges, are properly disposed of and recycled. It may be tempting to maintain an old appliance in a different room to continue its usage however, old fridges are far less energy efficient which can incur huge costs. You can choose to have your old appliance removed by us provided it is no greater in size or weight than the replacement product and has been disconnected from all services (power, water and gas) by an appropriately licensed person and clean and free of any ice, water, food or debris before our driver arrives. You can read more about our delivery services here.

Be the first to know about deals on our premium range of fridges, sign up now!