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Five Helpful Tips for Choosing A Fridge

Gone are the days of refrigerators being simply "freezer at the top, fridge down the bottom." Today there's a huge range of refrigerator types and sizes on the market, from trusted brands at competitive prices. Fridges are available with features like frost-free freezers, adjustable shelving and anti-bacterial protection to suit any household. Here are five useful hints for selecting the right fridge - top-mount, bottom-mount, French Door or side-by-side -for your specific needs.

  • Tip 1: A Fridge Type that's Right for You

    Top-mounted refrigerators have the freezer at eye level, above the fridge compartment. With a wide internal compartment, they present the most storag e for their size. Generally, there's a bigger range to choose from, plus they're the least costly.

    Top-mounted refrigerator

    With bottom-mount (aka upside-down) fridges, the refrigerator sits atop the freezer. This is convenient - and ergonomic - because you don't have to bend to access the most-used section, when you want to get to the freezer, it often includes a slide-out basket for easier access.

    With bottom-mount refrigerator

    French Door refrigerators with it's large-capacity freezer on the bottom and a two-door fridge on top. They offer a space-saving, narrow door swing, plus the option of opening just one side, which means less cold air escapes, saving energy and increasing efficiency.

    Side-by-side fridges offer more internal space overall, with one side a fridge and the other a freezer. The compartments tend to be narrower than those of a typical top- or bottom-mount fridge. They're a smart option in small kitchens where space is tight.

    Side-by-side refrigerator
  • slide 2

    Tip 2: Capacity Is an Important Consideration

    Generally speaking, the bigger the fridge is, the better its efficiency per litre. When shopping for a new fridge, consider the following as a guide:

    1-2 people
    200-330L
    3-4 people
    330-499L

    5+ people
    500L+

  • Tip 3: Size Does Matter

    The physical dimensions of your fridge will be determined by how much room you have in your home. Measure kitchen space, as well as all the access points - doorways, hallways and stair cases - to be sure your new refrigerator fits your kitchen. And don't forget to allow 25mm-50mm of extra space around the back and sides of your fridge for ventilation.

    Tape measure
    Fridge
  • slide 4

    Tip 4: Take Note of the Energy Rating

    Like most major home appliances in Australia, fridges are sold with an Energy Rating sticker, which displays the product's energy efficiency as a score out of 10 stars. The sticker also gives the product's energy consumption expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. A refrigerator that displays more stars and lower kilowatt hours (kWh) will use less energy, be cheaper to run over time, and be kinder on the environment.

    Quick links:

  • Tip 5: A Few Features to Consider...

    Frost-free uses a fan to circulate dry, cold air throughout the freezer, preventing ice build-up and doing away with manual defrosting. It also improves food quality and energy efficiency by spreading cold air evenly.

    Frost-free

    Adjustable shelves are versatile and spill-proof ones have a small gutter to catch spills. Shelves made from moulded plastic or safety glass are easier to clean.

    Adjustable shelves

    Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal systems destroy bacteria on food and absorb unpleasant odours, preventing mould or mildew build-up.

    Anti-fungal

    Consider the direction the doors open (that is, open left-to-right or right-to-left) on some top- and bottom-mount refrigerators to suit your kitchen's layout.

    Door direction

    A warning buzzer (fitted to some fridges) sounds if you leave the door open too long.

    Warning buzzer

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Buying Guide

  • Fridges Buying Guide
    Fridges Buying Guide

    Fridges have come along since days of "freezer at the top, fridge down the bottom." Today, there's a refrigerator — like fridge freezers and bar fridge — to suit everyone. Our guide compares types and outlines what to consider.