A good fridge buying guide starts with three questions: how much food you store, how much space you have, and how you like to access it. Get those right and choosing between French door, side by side, quad door, bottom mount and top mount models becomes simple.
This guide covers every common fridge layout, a capacity chart in litres, how to measure your space properly and which features are worth having in an Australian kitchen.
Fridge types compared
| Type | Layout | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top mount | Freezer on top, fridge below | Smaller households, tighter budgets | Bending to reach the lower shelves |
| Bottom mount | Fridge on top, freezer drawer below | Everyday fridge use at eye level | Freezer drawer needs floor clearance |
| French door | Two fridge doors over a freezer drawer | Families, wide platters, entertaining | Needs width and door swing room |
| Side by side | Full-height fridge and freezer next to each other | Lots of freezer access, narrow door swing | Narrower shelves for big platters |
| Quad door | Two fridge doors over two freezer drawers | Big households, flexible zones | Usually the largest footprint |
Top mount
The classic layout. Top mount fridges are compact, efficient and usually the most affordable per litre. They suit singles, couples, rentals and a second fridge in the garage. See our top mount fridges.
Bottom mount
Bottom mount fridges put fresh food at eye level, which is where you open the door most often. The freezer becomes a pull-out drawer. A great choice for most households of two to four. Browse our bottom mount fridges.
French door
French door fridges combine two narrow fridge doors with a wide freezer drawer below. The full-width fridge compartment fits pizza boxes, cake trays and Christmas platters. Many include water dispensers, either plumbed or with a refillable tank. See our French door fridges.
Side by side
Side by side fridges split the cabinet vertically. Narrow doors suit galley kitchens where a large door would block the walkway, and the tall freezer side makes it easy to organise frozen food. Compare our side by side fridges.
Quad door
Quad door models add a second freezer drawer, and on some models one drawer can switch between freezer and fridge temperatures. Ideal for big families and keen entertainers. Explore our quad door fridges.
How many litres do you need?
Capacity is listed in litres and includes both fridge and freezer. Use this as a general guide:
| Household | Suggested total capacity |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | 200 to 350 L |
| 3 to 4 people | 350 to 500 L |
| 5 or more people | 500 L and up |
Adjust upwards if you buy in bulk, cook in batches or entertain often. If you shop several times a week, you can go a little smaller. Need more frozen storage? A separate upright or chest freezer from our freezer range is often more practical than oversizing the main fridge.
Measure twice, buy once
Fridge cavities in Australian kitchens vary a lot, so measure carefully:
- Width, height and depth of the cavity at several points, as walls and floors aren't always square.
- Ventilation gap: manufacturers specify clearance at the sides, top and back. Check the installation details for the model you like.
- Door swing: make sure doors can open far enough to pull out crisper drawers, especially if the fridge sits against a wall.
- Hinge side: many top and bottom mount fridges have reversible doors. French door and side by side models open from the centre.
- Access route: measure doorways, hallways and tight corners between the front door and the kitchen.
Features worth considering
Energy rating
Every fridge sold in Australia carries an Energy Rating label. More stars means lower running costs compared with a similar sized model. The label also shows estimated yearly energy use in kWh, which is the easiest number to compare.
Frost free
Frost-free (also called no frost) models stop ice building up in the freezer, so you won't need to defrost manually. Most mid-size and larger fridges are now frost free.
Water and ice
Plumbed dispensers connect to the water supply and usually need a plumber to install. Non-plumbed models use a tank you refill. Decide which suits your kitchen before you shortlist.
Flexible zones and crispers
Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruit and veg fresher for longer. Convertible zones let you switch a drawer between fridge, chill and freezer modes depending on what you're storing.
Inverter compressors
Inverter compressors adjust their speed rather than switching fully on and off, which can mean quieter running and steadier temperatures.
Brands in our range
We stock fridges from Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, LG, Hisense, Haier, Westinghouse, Electrolux, Liebherr, Hitachi, CHiQ and more. Compare them all in our main fridge collection, or see every brand on our brands page.
Related guides: Bar Fridge Buying Guide, Dishwasher Buying Guide, Kitchen Storage.
Frequently asked questions
What size fridge do I need for a family of four?
Most families of four are comfortable with a total capacity between about 400 and 500 litres. If you buy in bulk or entertain often, consider going larger or adding a separate freezer.
Is a French door fridge better than a side by side?
French door fridges have wider fridge shelves, which suits platters and large dishes. Side by side fridges offer more freezer access at eye level and narrower doors for tight kitchens. The better choice depends on how you use your fridge and your kitchen layout.
How much space should I leave around a fridge?
Each model specifies its own ventilation clearances, usually for the sides, top and back. Check the installation instructions for the specific fridge before buying, as too little space can affect performance.
Do I need a plumber for a fridge with a water dispenser?
Plumbed models need a connection to your water supply, which is usually done by a plumber. Non-plumbed models use a refillable tank inside the fridge and don't need a water connection.
