Fridges are one of the most important appliances in our home, if not the most important.
They run 24/7 and we rely on them to keep our food fresh and our drinks chilled – and (perhaps most importantly) our ice-cream perfectly scoopable in the freezer.
Whether you need a new-look fridge for a kitchen reno, or to replace your old Kelvinator that's given up the ghost, it's important to buy a fridge that suits your needs and budget.
Choosing the wrong size or type, or one that costs a bomb in electricity to run, can fill you with fridge regret later down the road.
Choosing the wrong size or type, or one that costs a bomb to run, will fill you with fridge regret later down the road
CHOICE experts spend hours in our appliance labs putting the latest fridges of all types and sizes through their paces to see which perform best.
And they know the ins and outs of the features you need, the ones you might not, and what's important to focus on when buying a new fridge – as well as the things manufacturers and fast-talking salespeople use to get you to spend more than you need to.
Here is their advice on some of the common mistakes you don't want to make when shopping for a new fridge, whether you're in store or online.
1. Splurging on features you don't need
Those old-school ice-cube trays are just so fiddly and time-consuming to use, aren't they?
Not really. A high-end fridge with an inbuilt ice-maker may seem like a desirable luxury at cocktail hour – but our experts say you should think twice before paying extra for one.
"Ice-makers and water dispensers can take up almost 30% of your freezer space," says CHOICE fridge expert Denis Gallagher.
"Plus, you may need to have your fridge connected to a water supply, so you'll have to pay for plumbing on top of the purchase price."
Ask yourself: is the extra money and loss of freezer space worth it just to have ice on demand?
CHOICE fridge expert Denis Gallagher
As Denis points out, the need for plumbing work would rule out an ice-making feature for most renters, although some models now have a refillable water receptacle inside the fridge so they don't need to be plumbed in.
Before buying a fridge based largely on this feature alone, Denis says "ask yourself: is the extra money and loss of freezer space worth it just to have ice on demand?"
An ice-maker (pictured middle left) can take up valuable space that you could put to better use.
And then there are 'smart' fridges. These connect to your Wi-Fi, letting you access features such as basic temperature and energy monitoring via an app on your smartphone, through to touch panel video screens and internal cameras so you can check what's in the fridge.
But are they a smart buy? Not exactly, says Denis.
Smart fridges aren't a smart buy just yet, so proceed with caution before paying a packet for the latest smart features
Smart fridge features may be convenient options for some, but our expert opinion is that smart fridges aren't a smart buy just yet. Denis recommends proceeding with caution before paying a packet for all the latest smart features.
You're better off putting that extra money into other features that'll make your fridge more flexible, such as chiller and multi-zone compartments, a 'hot freeze' zone, locked compartments and hybrid fridge-freezers.
CHOICE experts have been testing fridges for decades.
2. Buying on brand alone
If you're easily swayed by fancy international brands spruiking cutting-edge design and Euro-glam features, make sure you take a friend with a firm hand when you go shopping to stop you making a rash decision.
We've had many expensive fridges from international brands come through our labs that have unfortunately underwhelmed our experts.
Some European models just can't hack the Australian heat.
"Because they're designed for European conditions, they're just not up to handling the kind of temperatures we get here in Australia," says Denis.
"It's not that they're bad fridges; they're just not suited to our climate.
"You may find that a cheaper brand that's designed in countries with similar conditions will outperform the expensive European brands – so you'll save money and get better performance."
Some European models just can't hack the Australian heat
Buying on brand alone is never a good idea either, as performance, features and usability of specific products, even from the same brand, can vary significantly – we've seen fridges from the same brand perform wildly differently in our testing.
So, look for brands that have a long history in Australia and check our fridge reviews to see a product's test ratings before you buy.
Side-by-side fridges have some well-known problems and drawbacks.
3. Choosing the wrong type of fridge
When researching fridges, you'll come across a number of different types. These will include:
- side-by-side fridges (American-style models with two narrow, full-height cabinets beside each other)
- bottom-mount models (fridge on top and freezer on the bottom)
- top-mount models (freezer on top and fridge on the bottom)
- French-door fridges with two doors that meet in the middle and open out over a bottom-mount freezer.
Which fridge style is right for you depends on your specific needs and the size of the fridge you need.
For example, side-by-side fridges are a popular choice for narrow kitchens where you can't have a large swinging door, or when you want low and easy access to both fridge and freezer compartments.
It's important to consider the pros and cons of different styles before you buy
But design of side-by-side fridges have tall and narrow compartments, and they tend to have very poor temperature evenness. You're also likely to get cold and hot spots.
"They also can struggle to accommodate wide or long items, such as a bunch of celery or a large pizza box," says Denis.
French-door fridges combine the convenience of a bottom-mount fridge with good capacity and extra features, but they're often bulky and expensive, which means they're not suited to every budget or smaller kitchens.
It's important to consider the pros and cons of different styles before you buy – consult our fridge buying guide for helpful advice.
Smeg's retro fridges definitely don't get the tick of approval from CHOICE expert tester David.
4. Falling for a sleek finish
Are your eyes looking past the boring white fridges and towards a sleek, shiny model or a glossy retro number in bright red? Buyer beware, warns Denis.
"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and it's the same for fridges," says Denis.
"Fancy finishes cost more but won't make any difference to a fridge's performance."
Fancy finishes cost more but won't make any difference to a fridge's performance
Denis Gallagher, CHOICE appliance expert
Plus, some retro-styled fridges are incredibly expensive, and their performance can be about as old-fashioned as their aesthetic.
That's the case with Smeg's $4000 fridge that flunked our testing. It scored a lukewarm CHOICE Expert Rating of 43%, but a truly chilling 0% for temperature stability, which measures how consistent the temperature is over time.
This means that the temperature fluctuates a lot in the fridge and freezer, which is bad news for your groceries and will likely contribute to food spoiling faster or even being unsafe to eat.
5. Choosing function over form
Buying on looks alone isn't a great idea, but don't completely discount a fridge's appearance, especially if you're having your kitchen renovated or there's a particular aesthetic you want to achieve or retain.
A fridge is a very large appliance so it naturally draws the eye when you enter the kitchen. Plus, you'll be using your fridge every day, multiple times a day, so there's no avoiding it!
A stark white fridge in a dramatic, dark-coloured kitchen will stand out (and maybe not in a good way). Similarly, a slick modern fridge might be at odds with a more homely or retro kitchen style.
A fridge should last you around 10 years – will you still love that funky finish or racy red colour in a decade's time?
And what's on the outside matters – not only in terms of appearance. Some stainless steel exteriors are prone to marks from fingerprints and other smudges. They may look great, but is that really worth the time you'll spend constantly cleaning it?
Look for a matte or 'fingerprint-resistant' finish if you're going the stainless steel route.
Whatever you choose, remember that a fridge should last you around 10 years (or hopefully more!). Will you still love that funky finish or racy red colour in a decade's time?
Of course, aesthetics aren't on everyone's radar, but it's something to consider if looks are important to you.
6. Choosing the wrong size
When it comes to fridges, size obviously matters. But biggest isn't always best.
First, measure up. There's no sense in buying a massive double-door fridge if it won't suit the size and layout of your kitchen, or squeeze through your doors.
Read more about fridge sizes and how to check if a fridge will fit into your kitchen.
CHOICE tip: When you measure your fridge space, allow at least 5cm on all sides so the heat from the motor can escape and the fridge can keep cool, keeping your energy bills down.
What size fridge do you need?
Based on the number of people using the fridge, you can use the following as a rule of thumb when choosing fridge capacity.
| Household size | Recommended volume | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 250–380L* | $429–2399 |
| 3–4 people | 350–530L | $699–4799 |
| 5 or more | 440L+** | $1079–5500+ |
* We don't recommend smaller fridges as they tend to be less energy-efficient and cost you more in the long run. **Add 28.5L for each additional family member, plus freezer space. If in doubt, get the bigger fridge.
"If you choose too big a fridge, it'll cost you more to buy but also more to run," says Denis.
"Buying a huge 525L fridge for a household of two or three is a waste of your money."
Equally, if you buy a fridge that's too small for your large family, for example, you'll be left constantly exasperated when it comes to unpacking your groceries.
"If you're not sure what size you need, you're better off going slightly bigger – but don't go too big," says Denis.
7. Not checking running costs
If you're budgeting for a new fridge, you'll need to look beyond just the purchase price: don't forget to factor in how much you'll be paying in power over the years.
Since your fridge never turns off, it's one of the most power-hungry appliances in your home, making up about eight percent of your energy bill all on its own. So choosing a more efficient one will save you money in the long run.
Running costs range from $1236 to a frightening $1976 over 10 years
"Based on our tests, if you buy a large fridge (450–525L capacity), you'll be up for anywhere from $1200 to nearly $2000 over 10 years," says Denis.
"And if power prices go up, you'll be paying even more.
"Wouldn't you rather have that extra money in your pocket than in the power company's coffers?"
Check the energy ratings on products and CHOICE reviews. We include a 10-year running cost for each fridge, so you can compare the long-term costs of each model and avoid bill shock later down the road.
8. Shopping before doing your research
Your fridge will hopefully last you the next 10 years or so, so this is an important purchase. Doing research before you buy is the best way to ensure you don't end up with a dud, and that you buy the appliance that best suits your needs.
Our fridge buying guide can help you make decisions on everything from size, to finish, to the features you need.
And then, for CHOICE members, our fridge reviews give you the lowdown on how well models from all the big brands perform.
CHOICE experts have independently tested and reviewed hundreds of fridges, so you can trust we'll help you find the fridge that best suits you.
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For more than 60 years, we've been making a difference for Australian consumers. In that time, we've never taken ads or sponsorship.
Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family.
And you'll never be alone when something goes wrong or a business treats you unfairly.
Learn more about CHOICE membership today
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
