Sydney apartments are getting smaller. Whether you're in a studio in Parramatta, a one-bedroom in the CBD, or a compact unit out west — your fridge needs to fit your space and your lifestyle, not just your food.
At Oceania Appliances in Wetherill Park, we get asked about apartment fridges all the time. This guide covers everything: what sizes work, which brands hold up, and where to find one that won't break the bank.
What Size Fridge Do You Need for an Apartment?
The standard rule is 100L per adult in the household:
- Solo living: 150–250L is plenty. A top-mount or bar fridge works well.
- Couple: 250–320L. Most bottom-mount or top-mount models in this range are compact enough for small kitchens.
- Share house (2–3 people): 320–400L. Look for a slim French door or a standard top-mount with a wide body.
For a galley kitchen or narrow kitchen cavity, the width matters more than the volume. Most Australian fridges are 60–80cm wide. If your kitchen space is tight, look for models listed as 55–60cm wide.
Best Apartment Fridge Types
Top-Mount Fridges (Most Popular)
Top-mount fridges (freezer on top, fridge below) are the most common and easiest to fit into small kitchens. They're efficient, affordable, and widely available as refurbished units. Sizes from 220L to 350L hit the sweet spot for apartments.
Bottom-Mount Fridges
Bottom-mount fridges (freezer on the bottom) are more ergonomic — you access the fridge section at eye level, which is what you use 90% of the time. Great for apartments where you want convenience without sacrificing too much space.
Bar Fridges (60–120L)
Bar fridges are perfect for studio apartments, dorm rooms, or as a second fridge in a small home. At Oceania Appliances, we regularly have bar fridges from $89–$199, often in great condition.
Upright Fridge-Only
If you have a separate chest freezer (or don't need a freezer at all), a fridge-only unit can offer a lot more storage in a compact footprint. Great for people who don't freeze food often.
Best Apartment Fridge Brands
LG
LG's slim and compact models are very popular in Sydney apartments. The 235L and 300L top-mount models are perfect — quiet, efficient, and reliable. We regularly have refurbished LG fridges from $299.
Samsung
Samsung makes excellent compact bottom-mount fridges with smart storage features. Their digital inverter compressor runs quietly — important when your fridge is 3 metres from your bed.
Hisense
Hisense is the go-to for budget apartment fridges. Their 220–280L top-mount and bottom-mount models are affordable, stylish, and have improved dramatically in quality. From $249 at Oceania.
Westinghouse
Westinghouse makes some of Australia's best-selling apartment fridges. Their 310L and 340L models are slim, reliable, and common in rental properties. Easy to find as refurbished units.
Tips for Measuring Your Kitchen Space
Before buying, measure these three dimensions:
- Width of the cavity or space — leave at least 1–2cm clearance on each side for airflow
- Height including overhead clearance — most fridges need 5cm above them
- Depth including the door swing — a French door fridge needs less swing space than a single-door model
Also check: will the fridge fit through your front door? Standard Australian interior doors are 82cm wide. Most fridges are 60–70cm wide, but measure first.
Renting vs Owning Your Apartment?
If you're renting and the apartment doesn't come with a fridge (more common now), you need something you can take with you when you move. A compact 220–300L top-mount is ideal — they fit in almost any kitchen and are easy to transport.
If you're buying your apartment, you might want to invest in a larger, higher-end model. We have refurbished French door and 450L+ fridges in excellent condition.
Where to Buy Apartment Fridges in Sydney
At Oceania Appliances (2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park), we have a large selection of apartment-sized fridges — refurbished, factory seconds, and new — from $89 for a bar fridge to $499 for a large premium model.
We offer free delivery across Sydney and can usually deliver within 1–3 days. All fridges are tested, cleaned, and come with a 3–6 month warranty.
Call or WhatsApp us to check current stock — we're open 7 days, 10am–8pm.