When buying a fridge there are a few things you should consider. With an array of different products and sizes to choose from, it is important to choose the right style of fridge to suit your needs. Fridges and freezers are available as either separate appliances or as one combined unit.
One main thing you should do when purchasing a fridge is measure the space you intend the fridge to go in, if you are moving into a new home you should ask for the fridge space measurements before you start looking. There is no point looking at a fridge that may not fit in your kitchen fridge space.
Styles
Look carefully at all of the styles and decide which is best for you. There are quite a few different styles available to choose from.
Top Mount Fridges
Top mount fridges come in a large range of sizes from 180Ltrs – (height 1400mm, width 500mm, depth 580mm) approx up to 580Ltrs height 1800mm, width 850mm, depth 700mm) approx and are usually suited for a family of 1-4 people. The most common fridge, with the freezer on top and fridge below.
Bottom Mount Fridges
Bottom mount fridges come in a range of sizes from 370Ltrs – (height 1600mm, width 630mm, depth 600mm) approx up to 580Ltrs height 1800mm, width 850mm, depth 700mm) approx and are usually suited for a family of 1-4 people. Bottom mount fridges are basically the same as a top mount fridge flipped upside down. You will usually find that the ratio of fridge to freezer is less in a bottom mount than a top mount i.e. More freezer less fridge.
Side by Side Fridges
A disadvantage of a side by side fridge is that the fridge and freezer space is usually narrower making them not so good for large platters etc. Side by side fridges have different options depending on models such as, ice and water dispenser, home bar (drinks access from the front of the fridge door). Side by side fridges have a larger internal size which helps cater for families.
French Door Fridge
The difference being, these fridges are split horizontally, not vertically, giving them the same space as the equivalent side by side with more width in the fridge and freezer.
They are very similar to side by side fridges in size
Pigeon Pair (Vertical Fridge/Freezer)
The trade off with a pigeon pair vertical fridge/freezer is space, usually requiring over a metre of width for your kitchens fridge space. A pigeon pair fridge is a matching but separate fridge and freezer, designed to stand side by side with the advantage of a full size fridge and freezer.
Size and Capacity
With a wide range of sizes across most brands we should have a fridge and freezer to suit your requirements. It is important to work out what size fridge you need before you go out and buy one – do your research in the first instance.
Glossary
Frost Free
Frost free means the air is circulated around the appliance to prevent any build up of frost. Most fridges are frost free which refers to the freezer section only.
Energy Rating
The energy efficiency of each fridge and freezer can be compared by the energy label.
Energy Rating
Labels that display more stars and lower kilowatt hours (kWh) will cost less to run. Look out for the standard Energy Rating label on each fridge that rates the energy efficiency of each appliance, and tells you how much energy it is likely to consume in a year.
Frost Free Fridges
Frost-free fridges eliminate the need for defrosting by using a fan to circulate dry, cold air throughout the freezer compartment. Freezers need to be defrosted every so often. Generally, any ice build-up should be removed once it reaches a thickness of 5mm. This process can be noisy and requires energy; however, it also saves some energy by avoiding temperature fluctuations caused by icy patches in the freezer.
Adjustable Shelves
These shelves can easily be removed and replaced and will continually maximize the space in your refrigerator.
Beverage Rack
This rack is usually found on the door or connected to the bottom of a shelf. A Rack, designed for the storage and/or dispensing of canned drinks.
Bin
Many bins have separate temperature controls and can either be opaque or clear. A drawer that keeps specific foods fresh, such as vegetables and deli meats, away from the rest of the refrigerator.
Ice Maker
An icemaker is a standard feature on models with an ice/water dispenser. Many freezers allow for an automatic icemaker as an option, instead of ice trays, which have to be manually filled with water.
Ice Storage Bin
This is the area that stores ice which has either been made by an icemaker or by ice trays.
Ice/Water Dispenser
It is typically found in side-by-side models, but can be found in other models as well. This feature allows you to get ice and water through a dispenser in the freezer door without opening the refrigerator.
Insulation
Aids in maintaining cool temperatures and makes the refrigerator more energy efficient and many manufacturers put foam insulation in the refrigerator doors.
Meat Bins
Bins that do not have a separate temperature control are called deli bins and simply separate meat from the rest of the food in the refrigerator. Many refrigerators have a separate compartment for storing meats. These bins can be maintained at a different temperature from the rest of the refrigerator in order to store meat at an ideal temperature to keep it fresh for a longer period of time.
Pullout Shelves
They make it easier to reach items in the back of the refrigerator. Pullout shelves have the ability to slide out while fully loaded.
Refrigerator Door Shelves
Having fewer shelves can be beneficial in order to accommodate tall items and shelves on the door of the fresh food compartment can increase the number of items stored in the refrigerator and make them more accessible.
Refrigerator Shelves
To accommodate a wide variety of items as well as make these items accessible shelves can be adjustable, split, or can slide out. Shelves in the fresh food compartment are typically constructed of glass or wire and have a variety of features. Solid shelves are easier to clean, contain spills, and can come with spill guards.
Spill guard
A glass shelf that contains spills and makes them easier to clean up is known as raised edge spill guard.
Water Filter
A water filter will remove impurities from water before passing it through the refrigerators and into the icemaker.
Our Buying Tips
Below is a guide for selecting the right fridge size for you and relies on how many people live in your household.
Number of PeopleSize Fridge
2300
3330
4360
5400
6430
