Top Mount Fridges

Fridges with a Top Mount configuration have the freezer above the fridge. They’re handy when reaching for frozen meals, fruits or a sauce for defrosting into a quick midweek spag bol and when you’re not so fussed about bending down to reach for fresh food.

Top Mount Fridges have some of the smallest usable capacities available, some as low as 202L like CHiQ and Hisense Top Mount Fridges for a 1-2 person household or as a secondary fridge for the garage. For greater space models around the 450L usable capacity mark like LG or Samsung Top Mount Fridges offer more room for fresh and frozen foods, many with removable twist ice makers to load the freezer without restriction.

For kitchens with a space limitation, Top Mount Fridges work particularly well as they are generally smaller in size compared to other types, great if you’re renting or working with an existing smaller fridge cavity.

Top Mount Fridges offer the right amount of room, both internally with their usable litre capacities for smaller households and physically with generally compact shapes to fill an existing space. Households that often eat out or order in can find these fridges ample.

If you stock your freezer full of meals and frozen fruits and veg for baking and cooking, Top Mount Fridges can help support efficient food prep with quick access to this space. Other than the door, Top Mount Freezers are often without storage compartments which is fine if you already have a method to stacking.

Top Mount Fridges are increasingly offering highly sought after features like water dispensers in some Hisense Fridges and flexible storage solutions like Westinghouse Fridges adjustable doors, or some Samsung Fridges with convertible freezer to fridge for extra fridge space and temperature controlled internal pantries for maximum freshness of meats and seafood.

Traditionally Top Mount Fridges were known to be more energy efficient when comparing models of a similar capacity. However more and more large usable capacity Bottom Mount Fridges are hitting the market with a 4.5 Star and never before seen 5 Star Energy Ratings across either category in Electrolux or LG Bottom Mount Fridges with efficient Inverter Compressors.

Keep in mind that fridge features, configuration (whether the freezer is at the top or bottom) and allowable kitchen space may be of more importance as the Energy Ratings of these two fridge types can be similar.

As always, remember to compare models of the same type and usable capacity to get a like for like understanding on the energy efficiency, and gauge what the average annual running cost will be by referring to the Australian Government’s Energy Rating site.

It all depends on whether you use the Fridge or Freezer more: if you rely on both equally then consider a Top Mount, but if you rarely open the freezer and kitchen space permits a Bottom Mount Fridge might be better for quick access with their fridge above freezer layout.

For some households, storage flexibility and organisation are a key consideration. As we’ve seen earlier, more and more Top Mount Fridges are offering greater flexibility however this is more commonly found in Bottom Nount Fridges. They can be a little more forgiving when needing to store unexpected items with flexible shelving and convertible freezer to fridge spaces.

Both fridge types have similar capacities on offer but if your kitchen depends on it, robust storage solutions can be found within Bottom Mount like Samsung Fridges foldable shelving or Haier Fridges with adjustable temperature drawers.

Choosing the right refrigeration brand is vital for food longevity and energy efficiency. From high-tech family hubs to budget-friendly secondary units, Australia's leading manufacturers offer specialised features to optimise your kitchen storage:

• Westinghouse: A trusted local favourite offering adjustable door hinges and reversible layouts to suit any kitchen floorplan.

• Samsung: Renowned for innovation, including convertible freezer zones and advanced temperature-controlled pantries for maximum flexibility.

• LG: Focuses on performance and sustainability with inverter linear compressors, high energy star ratings, and convenient removable ice makers.

• Hisense: Provides excellent value for money, featuring sleek external water dispensers and compact footprints for smaller households.

• CHiQ: Offers ultra-compact, reliable models that are a favourable choice for apartment living or as a dedicated drinks fridge.

To find the perfect fit for your household, our LG fridge range buying guide offers a deep dive into the latest cooling technologies. Additionally, you can browse the best fridge in Australia by customer review to see which models have earned the highest praise for reliability and performance.

• Ice makers: Removable twist trays versus automatic ice production

• Adjustable door hinges: Left or right opening to suit kitchen layout

• Temperature-controlled pantries: Dedicated zones for meats and seafood freshness

• Energy ratings: 3.5-5 star efficiency, compare like-for-like capacities

• Inverter compressors: Quieter operation, improved energy efficiency

• Interior lighting: LED versus incandescent for visibility

Frost-free technology prevents ice buildup requiring manual defrosting. Multi-airflow systems distribute cool air evenly across shelves. Learn what temperature should my fridge be for optimal food preservation.

Replacement water filters maintain clean, fresh-tasting water in models with dispensers. Additional ice trays supplement built-in ice makers during high-demand periods. Fridge deodorisers absorb odours in compact spaces where cross-contamination between foods occurs more readily.

Additional accessories:

• Egg holders: Dedicated storage trays for fragile items

• Bottle racks: Maximise door storage for beverages

• Shelf liners: Protect glass shelves from spills and scratches

• Organiser bins: Group similar items, improve visibility

• Door seals: Replacement gaskets maintain temperature efficiency

Thermometer monitors ensure consistent safe food storage temperatures between 3-5°C for fridge compartments and -18°C for freezers. Our guide on future proof your fridge covers maintenance accessories.

Top mount refrigerators are designed to maximise every centimetre of space, offering a classic layout that prioritises easy access to frozen goods. The freezer section generally provides an open cavity, giving you the flexibility to stack frozen meals and bulk buys efficiently. In the main fridge compartment, adjustable glass shelving allows you to customise the interior to fit everything from tall juice bottles to large platters.

To keep your groceries fresh and well-ordered, look for these essential organisation features:

• Humidity-Controlled Crispers: One or two dedicated drawers designed to extend the life of your fruit and vegetables by maintaining optimal moisture levels.

• Versatile Door Bins: Deep, sturdy shelves perfect for milk cartons and condiments, often featuring bottle guards to prevent items from shifting when the door is opened.

• Deli and Chill Compartments: Shallow, specialised drawers that keep sliced meats and cheeses at a slightly cooler temperature for better food safety.

• Adjustable Internal Shelving: Height-adjustable glass shelves that can be moved or removed to accommodate awkwardly shaped items or tall beverage containers.

Larger family models, typically around 450L and above, often include more advanced organisation like convertible spaces and extra-wide door storage. If you find yourself struggling for room, explore these four reasons to upgrade your fridge to discover how modern designs can better optimise your kitchen's food organisation.