Fridge buying guide: French door, side-by-side and plumbed

Answers to frequently asked questions about buying a fridge

Which type of fridge should I get?

There are several types of refrigerators, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you decide which style suits your kitchen and lifestyle best.

Top-mount refrigerators

Top-freezer or top-mount fridges are generally more affordable and reliable, with ample storage space. They do, however, require more bending to access the fridge, which is used more often than the freezer.

Bottom-mount refrigerators

Bottom-freezer or bottom-mount fridges ensure that fresh food is at eye level, making it easier to access. But the freezer bins will require bending to access. These fridges can also be slightly more expensive to run than top-mount fridges.

Side-by-side refrigerators

Side-by-side fridges place the fridge on one side and the freezer on the other, with both compartments stretching the full height of the fridge. Their narrow doors make them ideal for tight spaces. They often include features such as ice and water dispensers, but these features can further reduce freezer space. It might also be hard to fit larger items in the narrower compartments of a side-by-side fridge.

French door refrigerators

French door fridges have an attractive design, with double doors into the fridge and a large freezer on the bottom. Their wide shelves provide easy food storage and access. On the other hand, they tend to be more expensive and use more energy than other fridges, driving up both purchase and running costs. They're also typically quite wide, so make sure you have enough space before buying.

Quad door refrigerators

Four-door or quad door fridges are big, expensive fridges that offer lots of versatile storage space for large households. With two main fridge doors and two freezer doors below, they're ideal for platters, trays and cakes.

Pigeon pair refrigerators

A pigeon pair fridge is like a side-by-side fridge, but the freezer and fridge sizes aren't attached to each other. This means that you can put your matching upright fridge and freezer in different spaces around your kitchen.

Built-in refrigerators

Built-in fridges seamlessly integrate with kitchen cabinetry and offer a high-end look - but they can be very expensive and may require professional installation.

Bar fridges

A bar fridge is a compact refrigerator storing beer, cider and soft drinks that can be located anywhere in your home. They usually come with a glass door and internal lighting so you can see what's inside.

Wine fridges

A wine fridge allows you to store your wine in cellar-like conditions. They can control the temperature, humidity and UV light inside. Some feature multi-zoning so you can store wines at different temperatures.

What size and capacity fridge do I need?

Choosing the right size fridge is crucial. To work out what fridge capacity (literage) you need, consider your household size and food storage needs. In general:

• Households with 1-2 people require 250-380 litres
• Households with 3-4 people require 350-530 litres
• Households with 5+ people require 440+ litres.

If in doubt, go for the larger capacity. Smaller fridges tend to be less energy-efficient

Of course, the fridge has to fit in the space available in your kitchen. Measure the space where the fridge will go, including height, width and depth. Don’t forget to account for door clearance and how you’ll transport the fridge into your kitchen.

Ventilation space is also important. Fridges need some room around their edges to let heat dissipate efficiently and keep running costs lower. Aim for 5cm of space on each side, 5cm at the rear and 10cm on top of the fridge.

Which fridge features should I consider?

Modern refrigerators come with a variety of features that can enhance convenience and functionality. These include:

• Warning beep - if you leave the door open too long or forget to close it
• Adjustable shelves and drawers - for a customised interior layout to fit different types of food
• Ice and water dispensers - convenient for getting filtered water and ice on demand
• Hands-free opening - allows you to use your foot to open the fridge when your hands are full
• Smart technology - Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to control settings, receive alerts on your smartphone, and more
• Temperature controls - separate controls for different compartments to help keep food fresher for longer
• Door-in-door storage - provides easy access to frequently-used items without opening the entire fridge.

How do I choose an energy-efficient fridge?

Sustainability Victoria reports that fridges use 13 per cent of the average Victorian household's energy bill. Luckily, energy-efficient refrigerators need less electricity to run, meaning lower energy bills for your household.

When considering a new fridge, check its Energy Rating Label. It's mandatory to display Energy Rating Labels on refrigerators and freezers in retail stores, and the labels are regulated by the Australian Government.

The more stars on the label, the better the appliance’s energy performance. In general, fridges with up to six stars are considered adequately efficient, while those with seven to 10 stars are considered highly efficient. Energy stars are always out of 10.

In addition, the lower the energy consumption figure displayed on the label, the less power the appliance consumes. It estimates how much energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh) the fridge will use in one year.

More: Hidden energy users in your home

How do I calculate how much a fridge will cost to run?

You can easily calculate how much a fridge might cost you to run annually. Simply take the energy consumption figure displayed on the fridge's Energy Rating Label, and multiple it by your electricity tariff (which you can find on your energy bill).

The average Australian energy rate is 25 cents per kWh, so you can multiply the energy consumption figure by 0.25 for a quick in-store calculation.

To maximise your savings, make sure your thermostat is set correctly once your fridge is installed. Fridges should be set to 3°C, while freezers should be set to around -18°C. You should also avoid keeping fridges in hot spaces like next to the oven or in direct sunlight, since they will consume more energy to keep their contents cool.

How much do fridges cost?

Refrigerators come in a wide range of prices, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget before going shopping for a fridge and consider which features are most important to you. Remember that higher upfront costs for energy-efficient models can lead to savings in the long run.

Ensure that the retailer offers delivery and installation services. Some refrigerators may require professional installation, especially built-in models. Fridges with plumbed ice and water dispensers must be fitted by a licensed plumber.

How do I dispose of my old fridge?

When buying a new fridge, ask your retailer if they will take your old fridge away during delivery. If they can't, contact your local council to ask if they will collect your old fridge during a hard waste collection. Don't forget that fridges put out for hard rubbish collection must have their doors firmly taped shut or removed. 

If your fridge is in good condition, you could consider donating it to a charity such as GIVIT, that connects donors with charities and community organisations to ensure people and communities receive the specific items and services they need. You could also consider selling your fridge on an online marketplace such as Gumtree, eBay or Facebook Marketplace.