The Ultimate 2026 Australian Fridge Buying Guide
A quality fridge is a key component of any great kitchen. Choosing the right one for your household is a big deal. Today’s modern fridges and freezers can do everything from keeping your vegetables fresher for longer and dispensing filtered water to alerting you when your produce is about to expire, or even playing your favourite TV shows for you whilst you cook. With so many choices available, it can be difficult to narrow down your options but don’t worry - Retravision has got you covered! Our comprehensive refrigerator buying guide has all the information and advice you need to make an informed decision when buying a new fridge. Plus, you can always speak to our friendly team in-store and online for help finding the perfect fridge; we’re the experts in kitchen appliances!
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Types of fridges
Buying the perfect fridge starts with choosing the perfect configuration! Do you need a simple single door fridge or a space to store your frozen goods in a top or bottom mount fridge? Would you prefer side by side storage or are you after a small space solution like a bar fridge? At Retravision you’ll find a huge range of fridges from leading brands like Bosch, Beefeater, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, LG, Haier, Kelvinator, Miele, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Samsung, Westinghouse, Vintec and more - but with so many options, how do you choose? To help you compare your options, read our breakdown of the different types of refrigerators you’ll find available at Retravision below.
French Door Fridges
If you love entertaining, then a french door fridge is for you! French door fridges come with two side by side doors. Usually they’ll come with fridge storage at the top and a few freezer compartments or drawers at the bottom. This orientation makes it easy to access and find everything, making it simple to keep everything organised. They’re design also keeps all of your daily essentials at eye level and creates plenty of space for wide shelving, making them the perfect option for storing platters, drinks and groceries for the whole family. Some even come with a special narrow draw to chill your drinks or large platters at the perfect temperature.
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Quad Door Fridges
Quad door fridges are the perfect option for those who love to keep their fridge and freezer space super compartmentalised and organised. With four doors available, quad door fridges often feature multiple temperature zones like freezer, soft freeze and chill modes to give you more control over the freshness of the ingredients in your fridge. Often they will come with fridge shelves and drawers at eye-level, with freezer drawers down below. With large capacity options available, they’re great for families and larger households.
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Side By Side Fridges
If you can’t decide whether your fridge or your freezer should get top billing, then you may want to opt for a side by side fridge. Side by side fridges provide equal space for frozen goods, with the freezer on one side and the fridge space on the other. They often come in larger capacities, so they’re great for families but they can also be an excellent space saver for snug spaces and tight kitchens where a wide single door may get in the way.
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Top Mount Fridges
Most Australians will be familiar with top mount fridges. With a freezer up top and the fridge below, they offer a practical and easy to use configuration that works well for many households. They come in a range of sizes and are usually one of the most affordable options available when it comes to purchasing a fridge, but they’re not ideal for everyone. Whilst many families appreciate the ability to keep frozen items up high and out of reach of little ones, it’s not convenient for everyone. For those who use their fridges more regularly, bending down to access items can be an issue. If you don’t use your freezer quite frequently, then you may want to consider investing instead in a bottom mount configuration.
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Bottom Mount Fridges
Bottom mount fridges are a great choice for households who love to entertain! Keep ice and other frozen items close at hand, and all of your chilled ingredients within easy reach inside your fridge. For most people this is the orientation that makes the most sense as it allows for access into the fridge which is often used more frequently than the freezer.
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Single Door Fridges
Single door fridges or freezers are ideal for households that don’t require a fridge or freezer combo. If you want a fridge space devoted to chilling or freezing your products, then a single door fridge or freezer is your best option. They are also great if you already have a chest freezer and don’t require the additional freezer space in the kitchen. For single person households, or those tight on space, they’re a great compact option, but they’re also a great choice for homes that require a large fridge capacity.
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Bar Fridges
Bar fridges are the perfect option for those in need of a small and compact storage solution for keeping a steady supply of snacks and drinks on hand. They’re a popular option for dorms, small apartments and workplace lunch areas, but they’re also great for those who love to entertain. If you need extra capacity for drink and food storage, then a small bar fridge is the perfect option.
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Wine Storage
If you’re a wine lover, then a wine fridge is a great option to consider. Wine fridges will keep your fine wines chilled to the exact temperature required for maximum enjoyment, and to prevent them from spoiling. They come in many different varieties from small and compact freestanding designs and integrated under bench wine fridges to large capacity chillers.
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Engel Portable Fridges & Freezers
Engel’s portable fridges and freezers are designed to help you get off the beaten path. Built to be rugged, durable and high performing, Engel’s fridges and freezers are the perfect choice for almost any setting. Keep your food cool or frozen for your next adventure. Purchase in-store or online at Retravision!
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What To Consider
When choosing the perfect fridge for your household, there are a few things you should consider in addition to the layout and configuration of your new fridge:
Capacity
When choosing a fridge, it’s important to think about how much space you’ll need inside your fridge. Single person households may only require a small top or bottom mount fridge, depending on how they prefer to shop for their groceries, but larger households may need storage space. If you’re wondering what fridge size to buy for your household then it’s generally best to follow the guidelines below:
- 1-2 people: 200-400 litres
- 3-4 people: 400-600 litres
- 5+ people: 600-800 litres
Size
Fridges come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them will be suitable for your kitchen. Before purchasing a fridge, you’ll want to check that dimensions will fit into the space you have available. The standard dimensions for a fridge cavity in most Australian homes is around 90 cm wide x 180 cm high x 60cm deep but this can vary widely depending on the home, so it’s important to measure the space yourself. You’ll also want to consider whether there are any obstacles either side of where the fridge will be placed that may prevent you from opening the fridge doors to full capacity.
Colours and finishes
Another thing to consider when choosing a fridge is what kind of colour or finish you would prefer. Standard white or stainless steel finishes have been popular for a long time, but matte black and brushed steel finishes have also come into style and may be a closer match to your existing cooking appliances.
Energy efficiency
When choosing a fridge, it’s a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating of the model you’re considering. Fridges are often run all the time and so can be a large contributor to household electricity bills, so opting for a more energy efficient appliance could save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
Smart features
Many fridges now come with smart features like in-built recipe functions, video or music streaming, in-door compartments for easy access to drinks and touch screen displays for grocery lists. Are you an entertainer? Some have quick-chill settings for drinks or compartments that can switch from fridge or freezer to suit your needs. Certain models also come with spill-proof shelves for easy cleaning or child-proof locks on temperature controls and water dispensers.
FAQs
Bar fridges can be energy efficient, but their efficiency varies by model. Generally, they consume less energy than full-sized refrigerators due to their smaller size. To ensure better energy efficiency, look for models with an Energy Star rating
Side by side refrigerators can be energy efficient, but it depends on the specific model and features. While they often have a larger capacity, which can lead to more energy consumption, many modern side by side refrigerators are designed with energy-saving technologies such as inverter compressors, LED lighting, and better insulation.
To determine energy efficiency, it's important to check the energy star rating and compare the annual energy consumption listed on the appliance's label.
Yes, you can use a bar fridge to store food. However, due to its smaller size, it may not be suitable for large quantities of food or items that require consistent, precise temperatures. It's best for storing snacks, beverages, and other small items.
Yes, a Side by Side fridge includes a freezer section. The freezer is typically located on one side of the appliance, while the fridge section is on the other side.
The difference between Quad Door, Side by Side, and French Door fridges lies in their design and storage layout. French Door fridges have a bottom freezer and two doors at the top while Side by Side fridges have two doors, split in the middle, with the fridge on one side and the freezer on the other.
Quad Door fridges are quite similar to French Door fridges but have an additional pair of doors just for the freezer section to provide increased organisation. Find the right fridge for you nn our handy Fridge Buying Guide.
While both Quad Door and French Door fridges offer convenient access to food storage compartments, they differ in their door configurations and layout. Quad Door fridges typically feature four separate doors—two for the refrigerator section and two for the freezer section—allowing for more precise temperature control and organisation.
In contrast, French Door fridges have two doors for the refrigerator section located on top, with a bottom freezer drawer. This design may offer larger storage capacities in the refrigerator section and easier access to frequently used items.
A Side by Side fridge has two vertical doors, with the fridge and freezer sections placed side by side. In contrast, a French Door fridge has two doors on the top for the fridge section and a bottom drawer for the freezer. The French Door design usually offers wider storage spaces and can be more convenient for storing large items.
The energy efficiency of Bottom Mount fridges can vary based on the specific model and manufacturer. Generally, most modern refrigerators, including Bottom Mount versions, are designed to be energy efficient. It's always a good idea to check the energy rating and look for models that are Energy Star certified for the best energy savings.
The energy efficiency of French Door fridges can vary from model to model. However, many are designed with advanced cooling systems and insulations to maintain stable temperatures, increasing their energy-efficiency.
Learn more in our Fridge Buying Guide.
For most fridge models, it’s generally best to allow around 50mm around the sides and rear of the fridge and around 100mm at the top to ensure the best performance of your fridge. Too tight a fit could cause overheating issues or the inability to take shelves and draws out for cleaning.
The preference between a Single Door and Double Door fridge depends on individual needs and preferences. Single Door fridges are generally simpler in design and may have fewer features, but they can be more energy efficient due to their size. On the other hand, Double Door fridges offer more storage options and organisation features, making them preferable for larger households or those who require more storage space.
Check out our Fridge Buying Guide to learn more.
Whether a Bottom Mount fridge is suitable for you depends on your specific needs. If you frequently use fresh food stored in the fridge more than frozen items, a Bottom Mount could be beneficial as it places the refrigerator at eye level for easy access.
Yes! A quad door fridge can be an excellent option for families due to its spacious design and customisable storage options. With separate compartments for fresh and frozen foods, as well as additional storage features. A quad door fridge can accommodate the diverse needs of a family's food storage requirements.
The advanced temperature and humidity control settings can help extend the shelf life of perishable items, making it a practical choice for homes with varying food preferences and storage demands.
Check out our Fridge Buying Guide to learn more.
The energy efficiency between Top Mount and Bottom Mount fridges can vary depending on the specific models. However, generally, there's not a significant difference in energy efficiency based on the design alone. Individual features like the type of cooling technology employed can have a bigger impact on the energy efficiency.
The advantages of a Top Mount fridge include affordability, as it's usually less expensive than other types; it also has more usable space due to simple shelf layouts, and the fact that it's a common model means there are more options available in sizes, models, and colours.
Browse our range of Top Mount fridges today.
The primary benefit of a Quad Door fridge is its organisational flexibility and ample storage space. With multiple compartments and adjustable shelving, users can efficiently organise their groceries and keep different types of food at optimal temperatures.
Single Door fridges are a simple a cost-effective option. They are often more affordable compared to larger, multi-door models and are suitable for individuals or smaller households with limited space.
The primary benefits of a French Door fridge include increased storage space, especially for wider items, the ability to open only half the fridge at a time conserves cold air while offering increased organisation with more shelves and compartments. French door fridges are often more ergonomically designed as the most used section, the fridge, is at eye level.
A Single Door fridge is characterised by having only one door for accessing both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This design provides a straightforward and compact layout, typically suitable for smaller kitchen spaces.
When buying a bar fridge, consider the following factors:
Size and Capacity: Ensure it fits in your desired space and meets your storage needs.
Energy Efficiency: Look for models with good energy ratings to save on electricity costs.
Temperature Control: Check if the fridge has adjustable temperature settings.
Design and Features: Consider additional features like glass doors, adjustable shelving, and specific beverage storage options.
Noise Level: Some bar fridges can be noisy, so consider the noise level if it will be placed in a living or sleeping area.
If you’re wondering how big a fridge do I need, then it’s generally best to allow around 200 litres of capacity per person. So for a 1-2 person household, 200-400 litres, for a 3-4 person household 400-600 litres and for 5 or more people, between 600 and 800 litres.
If you’re trying to figure out what fridge size to buy, then the best thing to do is firstly measure the dimensions of your space, and then take into account the size of your household and your habits. If you like to entertain, have kids at home, or like to shop in bulk, then it’s usually best to opt for a larger sized fridge.
A bar fridge is a compact refrigerator designed primarily for storing drinks and small snacks. It typically fits under counters or in small spaces, making it ideal for home bars or offices. A beverage centre, while similar, is specifically optimised for storing a variety of beverages and often includes specialised shelving for bottles and cans. Beverage centres may also feature glass doors and temperature controls tailored to drinks.
A Quad Door fridge features four separate doors, providing easy access to different compartments for storing various types of food and beverages. These compartments typically include separate sections for the refrigerator, freezer, and specialised storage areas.
A Side by Side fridge features two vertical compartments, with the fridge on one side and the freezer on the other. This design allows for easy access to both fresh and frozen foods.
It's suitable for those who like to keep their items organized and easily accessible, but it may have narrower storage space, which could be a consideration for those who store wide items.
A Top Mount fridge is a type of refrigerator where the freezer compartment is located at the top and the fridge compartment at the bottom. It's a classic design seen in many homes due to its affordability and efficient use of space.
The choice between a French Door and a Side by Side fridge largely depends on personal preference and needs. French Door fridges typically offer more refrigerator storage space, especially for wider items, and are more energy efficient. Side by Side fridges offer better access to the freezer, which is useful if you freeze a lot of food, and often come with an integrated water and ice dispenser.
The lifespan of a Single Door fridge can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the quality of the appliance. On average, a well-maintained Single Door fridge can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Regular cleaning, proper temperature maintenance, and timely repairs can help prolong its lifespan.
The best fridge for your home depends on your specific needs and the layout of your kitchen. For instance, a small or medium-sized family could do well with a Single Door or Double door fridge. If you have a large family, consider Side by Side, French, or Quad Door fridges due to their larger capacity.
When buying a fridge, consider features like size, energy efficiency, features like adjustable shelves or the presence of a freezer compartment and the overall design that complements your kitchen's style. Also, take into account brand reliability and customer reviews. At Retravision, we stock a range of trusted fridge brands including, Samsung, Panasonic and Fisher & Paykel.
For transporting your fridge it's recommended to hire professional movers as they have the necessary equipment and knowledge to prevent any damage. However, if you're planning to do it yourself, secure all loose components, defrost before moving and keep the fridge in an upright position.
The right size of the fridge will largely depend on the size of your family and available space in your home. For a small family, a Top Mount fridge of 200-300 litres might suffice. For larger families, a fridge of 550+ litres might be necessary.
Bottom Mount fridges are unique in their design featuring the freezer compartment at the bottom and the fridge compartment at the top. This design makes it easier to access the fridge section—where most frequently used items are stored—without bending.
A French Door fridge is a type of refrigerator with a two-door system on top for the refrigerator compartment and a freezer drawer at the bottom. This design provides a wider space for storing large items and reduces the amount of cold air that escapes when the fridge is opened.
The choice between a Top Mount and Bottom Mount fridge depends on your personal needs and habits. If you use the freezer often, you might find a Top Mount more convenient, as you won't need to bend down often. Conversely, if you use the refrigerator section more, you might prefer a Bottom Mount as it puts the refrigerator compartment at eye-level.
The better choice between Top Mount and Bottom Mount refrigerators largely depends on your usage pattern. If you frequently use frozen foods, a Top Mount fridge might be more suitable as it places the freezer at eye level. However, if you primarily use fresh foods from the fridge, a Bottom Mount model would be more ergonomic as it raises the refrigerator portion of the unit to a more accessible level.
Check out our Fridge Buying Guide to learn more.
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