The Ultimate Fridge Buying Guide
Fridges play an integral role in the kitchen. They’re one of the most expensive appliances that should last for years to come, that’s why it’s crucial you buy the right one. These days, fridges can do so much more than just keep your food fresh. They can play music, display online content, dispense water, combine a freezer, and so much more. But with such a variety of choices available, finding the ideal one for your household can be an overwhelming task. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re buying your first fridge or looking to upgrade to an improved model, our fridge buying guide can help you find the right refrigerator for your lifestyle.
The Right Fridge Capacity for Your Household
The first thing you need to think about when looking for a new fridge is your household and lifestyle. Fridges come in various sizes, litre capacities and with alternate features to suit different families. Your chosen choice should perfectly fit the amount of food your family consumes and work with your common eating habits.
If you enjoy takeaway or eat out regularly, you won’t need a large fridge. On the other hand, if you have a large family that appreciates fresh water ready all the time, you might prefer a double-door water dispenser fridge. Considering your lifestyle and household will help you eliminate the many possible fridge options.
Tip: On average, a two-person household will only need a 200-380 litre fridge, whereas a four-person family will require at least a 400 to 530-litre fridge. A household bigger than five will definitely benefit from fridges with a 450-litre storage space.
Measure Your Kitchen Space
Before you start looking at possible fridge models it’s absolutely vital you measure out it’s available space in the kitchen to ensure it fits correctly. Get a tape measure and jot down the width, depth, and height of the area, ensuring to measure twice for an accurate reading.
Tip: Ensure you have calculated for 30cm of free space around the fridge to prevent it from overheating.
Types Of Fridges
To find the right fridge, you need to consider what type will work best in your home.
Do you want a double door fridge with lots of space, one with easy access or a smart fridge? Below are the most common fridges choices.
Top-Mounted Fridges
Top-mounted fridges get their name from their design, a fridge with a freezer on top. They’re the traditional fridge choice available in various options and prices to suit every budget.
Although you have to hunch over to get clear access and view of the fridge’s content, they’re slim in design, perfect for small spaces and ecologically affordable to run. Top mount fridges are ideal for small families, university students, or couples.
Bottom Mount Fridges
As you might have guessed, bottom mount fridges are the exact opposite of top mount fridges – a fridge situated above a freezer. Unlike top mounted fridges, they offer great accessibility, view of its content and are the best choice for easy use.
They can fit in every space and are good for singles or small families. However, they are generally more expensive to run and buy.
Double Door Fridges or Side-by-Side Fridges
As the name suggests, a double door fridge is a side-by-side fridge and freezer combo which offers tons of quality room. Because of their compact design, double door fridges can fit in narrow spaces and offer easy access for all.
They commonly come with smart technology, including digital screens, ice & water dispenses for convenience. However, it’s important to note that these additional devices can take up valuable fridge and freezer space, so it might be best to avoid if you’re a big family. Side-by-side fridges are also known for not properly regulating temperature throughout their compartments.
French Fridges
French fridges and freezers are the perfect way to add a statement look into your kitchen. These massive fridges offer tons of quality space for all your produce. They’re designed with a double door fridge and a big freezer compartment beneath, making it the ideal choice for big families.
French fridges are also commonly designed with smart technology for practicality. With many models, you can see what’s in your fridge without opening it, access your weekly calendar and stream content and music.
Bar Fridges
Are you running out of room to store your favourite beers or drinks in your main fridge? Then you need a bar fridge. Designed especially for drinks, these compact fridges offer a quality amount of space to store your favourite sodas, beers, or cold drinks.
They generally have a clear glass front and LED lighting so you can view its contents easily and is capable of working in any room. They’re a must-have for a cocktail bar, hangout space or theatre.
Wine Fridges
Wine fridges are the perfect way to store your favourite wines at cellar grade temperatures. If you enjoy drinking wine and want to add a statement look to your kitchen area, then a wine fridge is a must-have! They control the temperature of your wine, whether that be white or red and keep them at the right angle for a professional look.
Advantages of Smart Fridges
Like all smart devices, smart fridges are designed to make your life simpler and more practical. With a smart fridge connected to Wi-fi, you can:
– Check the contents of your fridge via an app, so you never forget anything at the shops again.
– Make to-do lists as you go to stay organised.
– Stream content like cooking videos to help you correctly make delicious meals every time.
– Check and add notes to your weekly calendar.
– See what’s inside your fridge without opening it with the ‘knock, knock’ feature to reserve energy.
Choosing The Fridge Colour
Fridges are designed in many colours and materials including stainless steel, white, black, charcoal, green and much more. So, after you’ve decided on a type of fridge, it’s essential to work out what colour you’d like for your kitchen. You should consider your space’s existing style and size when you do this.
Stainless Steel Fridges
Stainless steel fridges are simply elegant and capable of making a space appear more prominent. However, because of their sleek design, they can be prone to showing finger-marks on their surface.
Black Fridges
Colours affect areas differently depending on the size of the room. Dark colours like black can make a room feel less expansive and offer a modern look to compliment any style.
Bright-Coloured Vintage Fridges
If you’d like to make a bold statement with your new fridge, you can opt for a brightly coloured vintage fridge. These come in a wide variety of vibrant colours including green, yellow, blue, and so much more. Bear in mind though you will most likely have your fridge for years, so make sure it’s a choice you’ll love well into the future.
White Fridges
White fridges are a more affordable fridge option with a simple yet elegant design. Unlike dark colours, white can give the illusion of more space, which makes it the perfect choice if you have a small room. It’s also effortless to keep clean.
Glass Fridges
Glass fridges have a design unlike any other. They’re perfect for drawing the eye and creating a statement look in your kitchen. However, because they’re see-through, you’ll need to keep the space inside clean and organised; otherwise, it can look unappealing.
Fridge Features To Consider
A Built-In Ice Maker
An ice maker is a must if you like creating cocktails, serving drinks on ice, or having a refreshingly cool beverage after work. Depending on the fridge type you buy, ice makers can come in regular small square shapes, spheres, and large squares
A Water Dispenser
Do you prefer your water fresh and cool? Then a water dispenser is an accessory you need. These practical additions to your fridge filter water and eliminate the need for jugs in your fridge. However, bear in mind they can take up valuable fridge space and might require a plumber to install.
Push Open Doors
So you can open your fridge even if your hands are full, you should consider a fridge with a push-open door.
Crispers
A crisper keeps your veggies fresher for longer, making them a necessity for your fridge. But before you buy, make sure they’re easy to clean, removable and capable of fitting different vegetable sizes.
The Angle of The Door
Fridges open in different directions, some are adjustable, and some are fixed in place. So ensure your chosen fridge door goes in the direction you need it to, to work in your kitchen.
Temperature Control
Your chosen fridge should feature adjustable temperature controls for both your fridge and freezer so you can alter it to suit your needs.
Moveable Feet
For convenience, it can be really beneficial to have a fridge with moveable feet, so it’s easy to change its location without putting extra strain on your body.
