How to Choose a Fridge: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying a new fridge is one of the bigger appliance decisions you'll make — it's something you'll use every day for the next 10–15 years. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Step 1: Choose the Right Size

Capacity

As a rough guide, allow 70–100 litres of fridge capacity per adult in the household. A single person might be fine with 180–250L, while a family of four typically needs 400–500L+.

Physical Dimensions

Measure your kitchen space carefully before buying. Measure the width, height and depth of the cavity or space where the fridge will go. Allow at least 2–5 cm on each side for ventilation. Check the door swing — will it clear nearby walls or appliances when fully open?

Step 2: Choose the Configuration

Top Mount

Fridge on the bottom, freezer on top. The most affordable configuration and very reliable. The fridge section is at mid-height — easy to access the most-used space. Good for smaller households.

Bottom Mount

Fridge on top, freezer on the bottom as a drawer or compartment. Very popular in Australia because the fridge section is at eye level, making it easy to see everything without bending. Generally costs more than top mount.

French Door

Two doors for the fridge at the top, freezer drawer at the bottom. Excellent for large households and wide kitchens. The wide fridge section is great for large platters and wide shelves. Premium pricing.

Side-by-Side

Fridge on one side, freezer on the other. Good if you want eye-level freezer access. Narrower doors are easier to open in tight spaces, but each section is narrower than a comparable French door model.

Step 3: Check the Energy Rating

The Australian Energy Rating star label tells you how efficient the fridge is. More stars means lower running costs. The fridge's annual energy consumption (in kWh) is printed on the label. At 30–40 cents per kWh, a fridge that uses 400 kWh per year costs about $120–$160 annually to run. A 5-star model might use only 300 kWh — saving $30–40 per year compared to a 2-star model.

Step 4: Consider Features

• Water and ice dispenser: Convenient but adds complexity and potential service needs. Requires a plumbed-in water connection.
• Smart/wifi connectivity: Allows temperature monitoring from your phone. Useful but not essential.
• Dual zone: Separate temperature zones for the fridge and deli/specialty compartments.
• Door-in-door: A section at the front for frequently accessed items to reduce cold air loss.

Step 5: Choose a Brand

Reliable brands available in Australia include Samsung, LG, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Hisense and Haier. Samsung and LG are strong on features; Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse are known for reliability; Hisense and Haier offer good value at lower price points.

Step 6: Set Your Budget

• Under $800: Smaller top mounts and entry-level 300L models
• $800–$1,200: Mid-size bottom mounts and good-value 400L models
• $1,200–$2,000: Large bottom mounts and entry-level French doors
• $2,000+: Premium French door, side-by-side and feature-rich models

Shop Fridges at Oceania Appliances

We carry a wide range of fridges across all configurations, brands and budgets. Free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every purchase. Browse online or visit our Wetherill Park showroom.