Fridge buying guide
Essential Considerations When Choosing the Best Fridge
Before diving into various types of fridges, let’s first address the most important factors that should guide your decision:
- Fridge Size and Dimensions: Finding the right refrigerator size is crucial. You need to ensure that the fridge fits comfortably in your kitchen while also offering enough space for your family’s food needs. Fridge sizes are generally available in fridge dimensions in cm or litres, so understanding how to measure your kitchen and fridge is a key step.
- Energy Efficiency: A large part of your home’s energy bill comes from appliances like fridges. Opting for an energy-efficient fridge can significantly reduce electricity costs over time.
- Smart Features: Today’s fridges come with features that make life easier. From Wi-Fi connectivity to voice control, smart fridges offer innovative ways to interact with your appliance.
- Factory Seconds and Refurbished Fridges: If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, factory seconds and refurbished fridges can provide great savings without sacrificing performance. These fridges are inspected, repaired, and often come with a warranty.
Which Refrigerator Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
With so many fridge styles available, it’s essential to choose one that fits your household’s needs. At Lucky White Goods, we offer a variety of fridge models, each designed for different spaces, needs, and budgets.
Types of Fridges
Top Mount Refrigerators
Traditional and affordable, top mount fridges are characterised by their freezer section at the top. They are energy-efficient and ideal for smaller spaces.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, reliable, energy-efficient.
- Cons: Requires bending to access the fridge section.
- Best For: Smaller households or individuals.
Bottom Mount Refrigerators
Bottom mount fridges place the fridge at eye level, which makes it easier to access fresh food. The freezer compartment is at the bottom, offering convenience and a modern design.
- Pros: Easy access to fresh food, better ergonomics.
- Cons: The bottom freezer requires bending.
- Best For: Medium-sized families who frequently use fresh food.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side fridges have the fridge and freezer compartments next to each other. They offer ample storage space, making them ideal for larger families or those who entertain often.
- Pros: Easy access to both fridge and freezer, large capacity.
- Cons: Narrow compartments, ice/water dispensers take up freezer space.
- Best For: Larger families or kitchens with limited space.
French Door Refrigerators
French door fridges combine a spacious fridge section with a bottom freezer compartment. This model is perfect for those who entertain or need extra storage space for fresh food.
- Pros: Spacious, energy-efficient, ergonomic.
- Cons: Requires more kitchen space, higher price point.
- Best For: Large families or those who need a stylish and spacious fridge.
Bar Fridges
Bar fridges are compact, smaller refrigerators designed for storing beverages, snacks, or as secondary fridges for home offices or garages. These fridges typically don’t offer the same capacity as a full-size fridge.
- Pros: Compact, space-saving, energy-efficient.
- Cons: Limited storage capacity, no freezer compartment.
- Best For: Small kitchens or additional storage.
Wine Cabinets and Coolers
If you are a wine enthusiast, wine cabinets or coolers can offer specialised storage for your wine collection, keeping it at an optimal temperature for aging and serving.
- Pros: Temperature-controlled for wine storage.
- Cons: Limited to wine, not a general-purpose fridge.
- Best For: Wine lovers and collectors.
Refrigerators
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Refurbished fridges
How to Choose the Right Fridge Size
One of the first steps in choosing the right fridge is determining the size. The fridge must fit comfortably in your available space while offering enough capacity for your family’s needs. Here's a guide to help you choose based on the number of people in your household:
| Household Size | Recommended Fridge Capacity | Fridge Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 People | 200-400 Litres | Top Mount |
| 3-4 People | 520-600 Litres | Bottom Mount, Side-by-Side |
| 5+ People | 700 Liters+ | French Door, Quad Door |
Standard Fridge Sizes and Dimensions
Top Mount:
Typically 160-180 cm (Height) x 70-80 cm (Width) x 60-70 cm (Depth).
Bottom Mount:
Typically 170-180 cm (Height) x 70-80 cm (Width) x 70-80 cm (Depth).
Side-by-Side:
Typically 170-180 cm (Height) x 90-100 cm (Width) x 70-80 cm (Depth).
French Door:
Typically 170-180 cm (Height) x 90-100 cm (Width) x 70-80 cm (Depth).
Always measure the space where the fridge will go, and ensure the doors can open fully without obstruction.
Fridge Installation Tips for a Smooth Experience
When your new fridge arrives, proper installation is key to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Here are some tips for setting up your fridge:
- Measure the Space: Make sure there’s enough space around your fridge for proper airflow and ventilation. This is particularly important for fridge widths in Australia to ensure the fridge doesn’t overcrowd your kitchen.
- Level Your Fridge: Ensure that the fridge is standing upright and level to prevent door misalignment and to ensure efficient operation.
- Ventilation: Leave space behind the fridge for air circulation. The fridge needs to "breathe" to avoid overheating, so allow at least 10-15 cm from the back wall.
- Professional Help: If your fridge has built-in ice makers or water dispensers, it’s important to have a professional install it to avoid leaks and ensure proper plumbing.
Must-Have Fridge Features You Should Consider
When buying a fridge, certain features make your appliance easier to use and more efficient. Some of the top features include:
- Adjustable Shelves: Makes it easier to store large or oddly shaped items.
- Ice Makers: Some fridges come with an automatic ice maker that produces crushed or cubed ice on demand.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows you to control the fridge remotely via an app, providing convenience when you're away from home.
- Energy-Efficient Technologies: Features like LED lights, which use less energy, or smart cooling systems that adjust based on the fridge contents, help reduce power consumption.
- Water Dispensers: Convenient for instant cold water without opening the fridge.
The Rise of Smart Fridges: What's New?
Smart fridges are revolutionising the kitchen appliance world. Smart fridges are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and advanced features like internal cameras, touchscreens, and voice assistants. These fridges allow you to track what’s inside, create grocery lists, and even control settings from your smartphone. They also integrate with smart home systems, adding an extra level of convenience.
AI Features in Modern Refrigerators
AI-powered fridges are the latest development in refrigerator technology. These fridges use artificial intelligence to suggest recipes, manage food inventories, and even optimise energy usage by adjusting temperatures based on usage patterns.
Some of the AI features you can expect include:
- Smart Temperature Control: Automatically adjusts the fridge’s temperature based on what’s inside, helping preserve the freshness of your food.
- Voice Control: You can now control your fridge’s settings using voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Inventory Management: AI helps keep track of your food, send reminders when items are running low, and even suggest meals based on the ingredients inside.
Energy-Efficient Fridges: Saving on Bills
An energy-efficient fridge will reduce your electricity usage, making it a cost-effective long-term investment. Look for Energy Star-certified models, which use less energy while maintaining optimal cooling. A modern fridge consumes less than half the energy of fridges from 20 years ago, making an upgrade a smart move.
More tips & advice
6 Top Energy-Efficient Refrigerators To Reduce Your Energy Bills
Energy-Efficient Refrigerators: A Smart Choice for Homeowners
The Comprehensive Guide to Factory Seconds and Brand New Products for Australian Homes
Cheap Fridges in Australia: Prices, Tips & Best Options (2026 Guide)
Australia's Best Side-by-Side Fridges: Features and Brands to Know
Your Guide to Buy a Budget-Friendly Factory Second Fridge Freezers in Sydney
Factory Seconds and Refurbished Fridges:
Affordable Options with Great Value
Factory seconds and refurbished fridges offer excellent value for money, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Factory Seconds
These are fridges that may have minor cosmetic imperfections like small dents or scratches, but are fully functional. Factory seconds are typically sold at a discounted price and often come with a warranty, ensuring peace of mind. They are ideal for those who want a reliable fridge without the full retail price.
Refurbished Fridges
Refurbished fridges are pre-owned units that have been restored to like-new condition. These fridges are thoroughly tested, repaired, and sometimes upgraded with new components, offering a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Look for fridges that come with a warranty, so you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.
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CHiQ 202L Top Mount Fridge Freezer CTM202NW3 – Brand New with 1 Year Warranty
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LG 655L Side by Side Frost Free Fridge Freezer (Refurbished) – GS-B655WL
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CHiQ 202L Top Mount Fridge Freezer CTM202NW3 – Brand New with 1 Year Warranty
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CHiQ 202L Top Mount Fridge Freezer CTM202NW3 – Brand New with 1 Year Warranty
Fridge Dimensions in Australia: What You Need to Know
Understanding fridge dimensions in Australia is essential when considering your available space. Whether you're searching for standard fridge sizes or looking for specific fridge widths in Australia, it's crucial to measure your kitchen before making a purchase. Here’s a quick summary of standard fridge sizes:
Top Mount Fridges
160-180 cm (Height) x 70-80 cm (Width) x 60-70 cm (Depth).
Side-by-Side Fridges:
170-180 cm (Height) x 90-100 cm (Width) x 70-80 cm (Depth).
French Door Fridges:
170-180 cm (Height) x 90-100 cm (Width) x 70-80 cm (Depth).
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, a fridge can last between 10 and 20 years, depending on the model and how well it is maintained.
While some fridges are easy to install, it’s always best to have a professional install complex models, especially those with built-in plumbing for ice and water dispensers.
In Australian homes, the ideal temperature inside a fridge should be between 3°C and 4°C to keep your food fresh and safe.
If you’re on a budget and want a high-quality fridge, refurbished fridges can be a great option. Just ensure the model has been properly inspected, tested, and comes with a warranty.
To defrost a fridge, unplug it, remove all food, and leave the door open to allow the ice to melt. You can speed up the process by placing towels to absorb the water or using a hairdryer on a low setting.
It’s not recommended to lay down a fridge, as doing so can damage the compressor or disturb the coolant. If you must transport it on its side, let it stand upright for several hours before plugging it in to allow the oil to settle.
A fridge can keep food cold for about 4 hours without power if the door remains closed. A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for 24 hours.
A refrigerator typically uses between 100 to 800 watts, depending on its size, model, and energy efficiency. On average, most modern fridges consume about 150-400 watts while running.
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