What Size Fridge Do I Need? A Capacity Guide for Australian Households
Fridges come in a huge range of sizes — from 50L bar fridges to 800L+ French door monsters. Choosing the right capacity is key to keeping food fresh without wasting energy. Here's how to pick the right size.
Quick Capacity Guide
| Household | Fridge Capacity |
|---|---|
| Single person / apartment | 150–250L |
| Couple | 250–350L |
| Family of 3–4 | 350–500L |
| Family of 5+ | 500–650L |
| Entertaining / large family | 650L+ |
The 70L Per Person Rule
A good rule of thumb: allow approximately 70 litres per person in the household, then add an extra 70L if you shop in bulk, meal prep, or entertain regularly.
Consider Your Kitchen Space
Before buying on capacity alone, measure your kitchen space carefully:
- Measure the height, width, and depth of the space the fridge will occupy
- Allow 5–10 cm clearance on each side and above for ventilation
- Check the door swing radius — French doors need less swing space than single doors
- Consider whether the fridge needs to fit through a doorway during delivery
Fridge Layouts Explained
- Top mount: Freezer on top. Classic, affordable, reliable. Best for smaller households.
- Bottom mount: Freezer on bottom. Fresh food at eye level — more convenient. Great all-rounder.
- French door: Two-door fridge on top, drawer freezer below. Best for large families.
- Side-by-side: Fridge and freezer side by side, full height. Good for freezer-heavy users.
Efficiency Tip
Bigger isn't always better for running costs — a half-empty fridge runs less efficiently than a well-stocked one of the right size. Choose a fridge that matches your actual shopping habits.
Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or call (02) 9757 4888 to compare sizes in person.