Best Fridges for Apartments: What to Look For
Apartments and smaller homes require a different approach to fridge shopping. Space is at a premium, bench space may be limited, and you may be on a tighter budget. This guide covers what to look for when buying a fridge for an apartment in Sydney.
Size: Measure Before You Buy
Before anything else, measure your available space carefully:
- Height: Allow at least 50mm clearance above the fridge for ventilation
- Width: Standard apartment alcoves are often 600mm; measure yours
- Depth: Account for how far the door swings out when opening
- Door clearance: Can the door open fully, or will it hit a wall or bench?
Many apartments have space for a 400–500L fridge. Studios may be better suited to 200–300L models.
Fridge Capacity for Apartments
- 150–250L: Bar fridge / under-bench fridge. Suits studios or as a second fridge.
- 250–350L: Good for singles or couples in a one-bedroom apartment.
- 350–450L: Two-bedroom apartments, couples or small families.
- 450L+: Larger apartments with more than two people.
Fridge Styles That Suit Apartments
Top Mount (Freezer on Top)
The classic design. Narrow footprint options available. Very affordable. Good for tight spaces.
Bottom Mount (Freezer Below)
More ergonomic for fridge access. Available in compact sizes. Suits modern apartment kitchens aesthetically.
Bar / Under-Bench Fridge
Designed to fit under a bench or in a small space. No freezer compartment. Capacities from 50L to 150L. Great for studio apartments.
Noise Level in Apartments
In an apartment, your fridge is often in the main living/kitchen area rather than a separate kitchen. A quieter fridge matters. Look for models with noise ratings under 40dB, or choose an inverter compressor model which runs more quietly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Apartments often have higher electricity rates or are on meters where efficiency matters. A fridge with 4+ energy stars will cost less to run. The small annual saving compounds over a 10-year lifespan into a meaningful sum.
Recommended Brands for Apartment Fridges
Hisense
Hisense offers great value compact and mid-size fridges. Their 300–350L models are popular in Sydney apartments for being affordable, quiet and well-featured.
Samsung
Samsung's compact ranges include elegant-looking fridges that suit modern apartment kitchens. Good energy ratings and quiet inverter compressors.
Fisher and Paykel
Fisher & Paykel's E series includes excellent apartment-sized models with innovative design and strong reliability.
LG
LG makes solid apartment fridges with linear inverter compressors for quiet, efficient operation. Their compact 300–400L models are well-reviewed.
Delivery to Sydney Apartments
At Oceania Appliances, we regularly deliver fridges to Sydney apartment buildings. Our team is experienced with elevator deliveries and navigating tight corridors. Free delivery included on every purchase.
Visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm. Browse our full fridge range online at oceaniaappliances.com.au.